CIO: Chief Innovation Officer Program
Q: Are there information sessions for those interested in applying to the CIO Program?
Information Sessions for Applicants
Interested teachers and educators are invited to attend a Google Hangout on Air to learn more about the CIO program and application process on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. Please feel free to email us beforehand if you have any questions .
Q: What is CIO?
Take at our Welcome! page to learn more about the CIO program.
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
The CIO program is for California teachers, educators, administrators, teachers on special assignment (TOSAs), technology coordinators, media specialists, etc., who work in public, charter, or private K-12 schools, or community colleges. Participants must have have a contract in an educational institution for the following academic year.
Q: What is the typical profile of a CIO candidate?
Successful applicants will have experience in both teaching and leading in a school or district. We expect applications from a diverse cross section of educators, who have served in a variety of roles, including teacher, instructional coach, TOSA, vice principal, principal or other school or district leadership position.
Q: Do I have to be a classroom teacher, a TOSA or an administrator?
We require that applicants have experience as a classroom teacher, but they are not required to currently be employed as a classroom teacher. Many applicants will be classroom teachers in addition to technology coordinators, TOSA's, media specialists, administrators, etc. community college instructors are also welcome to apply. The program is designed for educational leaders andt is focused on the process of leading a school/district through strategic planning and implementation of best practices in relation to educational technology.
Q: Do I have to have teaching experience in a certain subject area, grade level or other area?
The KCI seeks applicants for the CIO program from all schools and districts, and follows a strict non-discrimination policy (see the "Non-Discrimination" section of this page).
Q: What are the benefits of participating in the CIO program?
We believe the primary benefits of the CIO program will be to enhance your professional skill set in dynamic ways and to develop your professional learning network. Those who complete the program also will earn 27 units of continuing education units. In some schools/districts participants will be able to use these units to advance on the salary schedule.
Additionally, the program is underwritten by KCI, CUE and CETPA, three statewide organizations dedicated to supporting the use of digital tools and technologies to enhance teaching and learning. Upon completion of the CIO Program, participants will present and at a national conference.
Q: What will CIO cost me, really?
The 27 quarter unit program costs $2,200 and this amounts to less than $100 per unit. Participants can pay for the program in its entirety, or over 3 installments in August, November and January. For those candidates supported by a school or district, we can accept purchase orders from your school or district to cover your tuition. Credit cards are also accepted for payments.
Q: What classes do I need to take for the CIO program?
The CIO program is a series of professional development courses, 27 units in total, taught by individuals who have school leadership experience. The courses and monthly meetings will help you develop leadership skills, . Continuing education units earned can help teachers move up the salary scale in some districts. Check with your district for specific requirements.
Here are the courses required in the CIO program:
Month 1: August 2018
Month 2: September 2018
Month 3: October 2018
Month 4: November 2018
Month 5: January 2019
Month 6: February 2019
Month 7: March 2019
Q: How do I apply?
Q: How are the applications scored?
Applications are scored using a common rubric developed by a variety of people working in the field of educational technology. Your personal information is not included in any part of the scoring in order to assure anonymity and objectivity. Note that applicants who accurately follow the directions and adhere to set word limits on open-ended questions will score higher on this rubric.
Q: I am applying with one or more colleagues from my school. How do I inform KCI?
You will put the name(s) of anyone with whom you are applying in the appropriate text box in the online application. Note that you will each need to apply separately (and with UNIQUE application information. Do not use the same answers as your colleague or colleagues. It is possible that not all members of a group will be selected to participate.
Q: Will it be possible to create partnerships during the program?
Yes. We are confident you will be able to collaborate with one or more of the other participant If the opportunity arises.
Q: When is the application deadline?
We will continue to accept applications for the waiting list until the start of the program. The first deadline is MAY 13, 2018 by 11:59 p.m. Neither Foothill College nor the KCI will be responsible for any technical problems you have when submitting the form. We encourage all interested teachers to submit their applications as early as possible.
Q: Can I still participate in the program if I am not accepted?
No, but a waiting list is automatically created for those applicants who scored near the threshold for acceptance. If a spot opens up, it is possible you will be offered the chance to participate as a member of the cohort. We will notify all individuals on the waiting list.
Q: What is required regarding the monthly face to face sessions?
If you live outside of the San Francisco Bay Area and will be staying near Foothill College for the monthly face to face sessions, we recommend you arrive no later than 3PM Friday afternoon before the start of the monthly face to face session and leave no earlier than 4 p.m. Saturday.
Q:I'm ready! How do I start?
Go to our application page and follow the posted instructions. Make sure your administrator does his or her part by submitting the letter supporting your application. Good luck!
Q:I applied for CIO, but have not received any confirmation from KCI that it has been received.
Please contact us at ldelapo@krauseinnovationcenter.org for inquiries about your application.
Q: I have applied for the CIO program. When do you expect the first round of decisions to be made?
We expect to have identified applicants and a waiting list for this year's cohort by June 1, 2018.. If you have not heard from us by June 10, feel free to Lisa DeLapo at: ldelapo@krauseinnovationcenter.org We will continue to accept applications for the waiting list until the beginning of the program.