Leadership Spotlight: Matt Scully on Innovation and Collaboration

Talking Technology with ATLIS

In the world of education technology, Matt Scully stands as a seasoned director, leading the charge at Providence Day School. In this episode, he unfolds his journey of 24 years at the institution, from a novice teacher to the Director of Digital Integration and Innovation.

Matt's role encompasses both the IT and educational technology facets, and he takes pride in overseeing a team that is not just about fixing technical glitches but is deeply invested in crafting innovative learning environments. His origin story is a blend of happenstance and seizing opportunities, including a surprising leap into the role of district-level Ed Tech coordinator early in his career.

The podcast delves into the evolving landscape of educational technology, highlighting the drastic shifts from the days of file servers and labyrinthine logins to the current era of cloud-based solutions and virtual reality integration. Matt shares anecdotes from the early 2000s, where troubleshooting involved creating acronyms to disguise the simplicity of turning devices off and on again—a practice that, amusingly, earned him the reputation of the "power cycle guy."

As the conversation unfolds, Christina Lewellen, one of the podcast hosts, steers it towards Matt's personal philosophy and connection with students. Matt reveals his passion for teaching, emphasizing the importance of understanding how learning works and creating optimal learning environments. He teaches a class called the "Art Science of Teaching" for juniors and seniors exploring education as a career path.

The podcast hosts note Matt's unwavering energy for student engagement and inquire about his unique approach to technology, which seems to place a strong emphasis on student needs and wellness. Matt shares insights into the intersections of technology and students' lives, especially during the rise of social media, drawing from his experiences raising his own children through this transformative period.

Bill Stites, podcast co-host, delves into the delicate balance between being a tech director and staying connected with students. Matt emphasizes his innate curiosity about both technology and pedagogy, a balance that has allowed him to navigate the ever-evolving ed tech landscape while staying true to the core principles of effective teaching.

The conversation takes an intriguing turn towards the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies like AI. Matt discusses Providence Day's cautious yet proactive approach to AI, highlighting the importance of learning from experiences, avoiding fear-driven policies, and fostering open communication with teachers. The school's strategy involves building experiences, learning from them, and collaboratively developing guidelines by spring.

As the discussion shifts towards Matt's role as a leader, the podcast explores how he supports his team. Matt articulates a leadership style that revolves around trust, delegation, and setting overarching principles. He acknowledges the diverse expertise within his team and believes in empowering them to make decisions within the framework of the school's mission and values. Matt discusses his leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of learning from others and fostering a positive team dynamic through humor. The episode also delves into the unique and diverse team Matt works with, highlighting the role of humor in building camaraderie.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as Christina Lewellen discusses the challenges of coaching both up and down in a school setting. Matt, along with fellow educators Bill Stites and Hiram Cuevas, emphasizes the importance of being both a learner and a listener, meeting people where they are, and understanding their primary stories about tools and technology.

The episode concludes with a glimpse into Matt's vision for the future of education. He expresses curiosity about virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, particularly in streamlining processes for teachers. Matt envisions leveraging technology to empower educators and students, ultimately enhancing the teaching and learning experience. Matt stresses the importance of connecting team members with the right resources, whether it's external experts or collaborative opportunities within the school community. The goal is to ensure that the team is proficient and confident in handling diverse challenges, allowing Matt to step back and let them shine.

In embodying a leadership style that prioritizes collaboration, perpetual learning, and a profound grasp of the symbiosis between technology and impactful pedagogy, Matt Scully stands as an exemplary figure. At Providence Day School, an active member of ATLIS, the institution mirrors Matt's philosophy, presenting itself as a dynamic educational space. Here, the relentless pursuit of innovation harmoniously coexists with an unwavering dedication to student well-being, ensuring an environment where optimal learning experiences flourish.