Meet CETPA Director Aaron Barnett

By Lisa Kopochinski

What are your responsibilities as a CETPA director?

I’m currently serving as technology chair in my role as CETPA director. I am responsible for bringing all the technology to the annual conference. This includes the Internet, wireless access, and audio visual for all the sessions and conference facility. I am also responsible for putting together and bringing the Hands-On-Labs, Shootouts and Technology Playground to the Annual Conference. I am also involved with the membership team where we are working with the development and expansion of the CETPA regional groups.

What are your responsibilities as director, information systems/technology for the Moreno Valley Unified School District?

I have been the director of information systems/technology for the Moreno Valley Unified School District for 14 years where I have been responsible for the vision, implementation and the management of all technology and telecommunications systems. I believe that my role is to ensure we have effective use of educational technology that will help promote lifelong learning and foster academic excellence while preparing students for a collaborative global environment. My main goal is to increase student achievement and foster academic excellence through the use of technology.

How long have you been in the computer industry?

I have been in the computer industry for over 20 years.

What drew you to the industry and what do you like most about it?

I have always loved technology and gadgets. The main thing that drew me into the computer industry was my love for video games as a kid. I went to school to become a computer programmer with the goal of programming video games. As I was going through college, I was doing a lot of side work with telecommunications systems. I fell in love with building and securing networks and eventually ended up in the K12 environment. Through the years of deploying and implementing technology for my schools, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and genuine passion in bringing 21^st-century tools to educators and students.

When did you join CETPA and why? 

I was elected to the CETPA board in 2010. I wanted to serve on the CETPA board of directors and help steer the direction of educational technology in the California. I wanted to continue my growth as an educational leader and strive to become an important member of the CETPA team. In my role, I wanted to pledge my dedication to stay in the forefront of the exponentially growing world of technology and work closely with all CETPA members to help bring technology to all our schools. I believe that our role as educational leaders is more critical than ever in these challenging times where our schools are faced with economic difficulties and the implementation of the new Common Core State Standards.

What past roles have you held within CETPA?

I was responsible for helping form the first CETPA regional group CETPA Inland Area Technology Group (CIATG).  CIATG was the catalyst of the CETPA regional groups. Previously, CETPA members would only meet once a year at the CETPA annual conference.  The regional groups created a new avenue which allowed K20 Educational Technology Leaders to learn, collaborate and share with one another. The regional groups are becoming the grass-roots of CETPA. We now have eight regional groups. Steve Thornton was also a key contributor in the growing success of the CETPA regional groups. I am also an instructor in the CETPA CTO mentor program where I facilitate the Network Security Essentials class. I have also been a mentor in the program.

Where does CETPA need to grow?

CETPA needs to increase participation in higher education. We must grow our membership and increase our connection with junior colleges and Universities. Creating collaboration between all educational institutions is key in bringing technology to our students and helping us prepare them for college and career readiness. We have so much in common and a lot we can learn from each other. I would love to see an increase of CTO’s, network engineers, system administrators, and educational technology leaders from all K20 institutions sharing ideas and creating those vital connections.

What is the greatest challenge facing the industry and how can it be overcome?

I believe one of the greatest challenges in our industry is the lack of sufficient resources. California schools have suffered incredible economic difficulties during the state budget crisis. The lack of resources has made it difficult for us to meet the educational needs of our students and bring 21^st-century technology tools into our classrooms. I believe the economy is improving and we will see an increase of funding for schools. Common Core State Standards and Smarter Balanced are going to support a renewed focus on technology and will hopefully help bring the necessary resources to our schools.

What do you like to do in your limited spare time?

In my limited spare time, I love to spend time with my wife and nine-year-old daughter. My daughter and I love to play video games on the weekend. I am a member of Rotary International and the Optimist Club where I participate in a lot of community service activities. I also enjoy teaching where I am an adjunct professor for ITT Technical Institute and facilitate classes for the School of Information Technology in the cyber security program. Since I grew up in Europe, I am also an avid soccer fan where I love to watch or play the game. You will find me at every LA Galaxy home game.

About the Author

Lisa Kopochinski has been the editor of DataBus magazine for more than 10 years. She works closely with Steve Thornton, CETPA’s managing editor and President-Elect. She can be reached at 916-481-0265 or at lisakop@sbcglobal.net.