What is an EdTech Leadership Circle?

A small, confidential group of K-12 edtech leaders who meet regularly to help each other become better leaders — “to lead the important instead of drowning in the urgent”. Through peer support and mentorship, members work smarter, not harder, by leaning on the experience of peers who genuinely understand the job.

Why does it exist?

Being an EdTech leader is a constant race against the urgent, with never enough time, budget, or expertise. Working harder isn't sustainable and leads to burnout and poor work-life balance. Arkable Leadership exists to change that — a place to shift your time to the important, build better systems, develop your staff, grow your career, and reduce stress, with the support of peers.

Who is it for?

K-12 technology leaders — directors, coordinators, and others who carry real responsibility for technology and cybersecurity decisions in their districts. It's built for people who want to grow as leaders, focus on important priorities, and respond proactively and strategically to challenges, not just manage the day-to-day reactively.

How often do you meet, and for how long?

About eight times during the school year — roughly every five to six weeks — for about two hours each, with the same trusted group all year. We are unlikely to meet in the summer.

How much time is involved?

Meaningful but light. Beyond the meetings themselves, expect roughly eight to ten hours across the whole year. In most cycles your only between-meeting task is one ~15-minute check-in; the heavier work (writing an Ask, or helping with someone else's) is occasional and rotates.

What if I can't make every meeting?

The schedule is set for the full year in advance so you can plan around it, and the format is designed to stay valuable even with an occasional absence. Consistent participation is expected, but perfect attendance isn't required.

What does it cost?

For the pilot group, $99 annually per member if paid by the discount deadline, $199 afterwards. The annual cost for future groups will be more, but hasn't been determined.

How do I join?

Complete this form. Tell us why you'd like to become a better leader, and what topics or areas of interest you'd like presented at meetings for discussion and professional development.

How big is a Circle?

Six to ten members(ideally eight), curated so everyone faces similar realities — sufficient enough to bond and speak openly, while benefiting from a variety of perspectives and experiences.

What happens during meetings?

Each meeting follows a consistent rhythm:

An accountability round — members report the results of the commitment they made at the last meeting.
"The Ask" — one member presents a real, current challenge; after group questions and feedback, two or three members work together to bring concrete recommendations to the next meeting.
A rotating theme or topic — cybersecurity, funding, staffing, vendor decisions, and more.
A close — each member sets one commitment for the next cycle.

How does accountability work?

At each meeting you commit to one concrete step. Between meetings you do one short (~15-minute) check-in with an Accountability Partner, and at the next meeting you report whether you completed it. A miss is treated as information, not failure — the point is sustained progress and honesty, not a perfect record.

What is "the Ask"?

The heart of each meeting. One member presents a real challenge they want help with (prepared and written write-up beforehand). The group asks questions and gives feedback, then two or three members take it away and return with concrete ideas and recommendations at the next meeting. Each member presents their own Ask about once a year.

What is a "North Star"?

One or two important goals you're working toward all year. It's the through-line for your between meeting commitments — every step you commit to moves you toward your North Star, so progress compounds instead of scattering.

What am I required to do?

Come prepared — read the presenting member's written Ask ahead of time.
Contribute generously, participate actively, no spectators - by design.
Follow through between meetings — complete your committed step and do your ~15-minute Accountability Partner check-in.
About once a year, present your own Ask; a handful of times, help someone else with theirs.

In person or virtual?

Most of the meetings will be virtual. We hope to have one or two meetings a year in person.