Typically, high schools are broken down into smaller departments...English, math, science, social studies, the arts, etc. Yet with the Common Core State Standards, it is imperative that schools also adopt and incorporate a technology department. Forget about maintenance and even funding for now, which will be a huge part of the job no doubt, but rather, focus on the implementation of using the technology that is available to foster different learning styles, enhance learning, and get students used to the tools that they will be using more and more in an educational setting, and, of course with a goal for college and career readiness.
One focus that will be a certain requirement for an AP of Technology will be professional development. That's a huge factor. Case in point: although younger teachers certainly feel more comfortable using technology, they may have a hard time incorporating it into the more rigorous curriculum. Furthermore, younger, more inexperienced teachers or rookie teachers may benefit from technology PD simply to help them understand the limitations that technology may have; every student in every class doesn't have a computer or tablet with them at their disposal during every minute of the day. Teachers will need to understand how to manage their classrooms with some sort of a shared system until the days where either BYOD is a mainstay or state and/or federal funding can cover the cost of the 1:1 technology ratio that will eventually be a given and not so much a far-fetched wishful fantasy. Also, keep in mind that the available technology will most certainly change and teachers of all ages and abilities will have to adapt. After all, we all know that the students of the future will always be a step ahead of us.
The burning question is whether or not an AP of Technology is limited to high schools or if that is something that will ultimately be considered in the middle and elementary school levels as well. With technology budgeting and allocation, available grants, constant maintenance and upkeep, software updates, professional development and ongoing training that is aligned with the Common Core, an AP of Technology of the future may be as synonymous with all levels of education as math and reading is to us now. In addition, take a look down the road...not too far down that road you will also have a flipped curriculum in place to some degree in many, if not all schools. How will teachers be rated when they are recording and posting lessons without their class physically with them at the time that the main lesson is given? Now, factor in the technology that hasn't even been invented yet, and that is the point where a regular technology teacher or coordinator and regular assistant principal may not cut it any longer.
As with any technology, you always have to be thinking several steps ahead - especially with technology in education. What's good for today's student will most certainly be antiquated and a non-factor with tomorrow's student. Technology in education must morph and adapt with the times and as a result, so must the way our schools are run - from administration to teachers to students alike.
Think about how your school may adds future issues with technology on all levels and if an AP of Technology is something that may be in your future.
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