To Matt Scully, the annual Pillar Awards have always honored his heroes - people he strove to be and collaborate with within the world of technology.
The Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools, or ATLIS, recognizes those “unsung heroes'' who empower schools to thrive through technology leadership every year.
Now, Mr. Scully, Providence Day’s Director of Digital Integration and Innovation, is among those heroes - ATLIS honored him with a Pillar Award at its annual conference, along with two other leaders.
“This year’s winners have contributed through their thought leadership, volunteerism, mentorship, and support of the ATLIS community,” according to the ATLIS website. “Each winner's body of work has made a significant impact on ATLIS and the entire community of technology leaders in independent schools.”
When Mr. Scully started teaching, he says he quickly learned to pay attention to what motivated students and figured out how to leverage their interests. Technology became a resource that allowed him to customize lessons and a tool students were excited to use.
Early in his tenure, he and another tech director decided to create a version of the Hippocratic Oath for tech leaders.
“We started thinking about how we could design integrations for tech in the classroom where we could ensure that we are adding value and workflow gains without causing harm,” he says. “Over the years, this focus has been an essential element of designing solutions, and honestly, it is a vastly more complex challenge each year.”
He continues: “Whether it is common everyday tools like Google Workspace or VR headsets, our goal remains the same,” he says. “How do we help teachers create learning opportunities that invite students to reach their potential, prepare for their future, and obtain the skills and content necessary for success.”
Gene Bratek, who led Providence Day from 1986 through his retirement in 2007, told Mr. Scully when he hired him his vision was for the school to be a leader in technology.
“My team and I continue to try to ensure Providence Day's commitment to excellence,” Mr. Scully says. “This award is a recognition of not only the great work we do on campus but also our willingness to share and support others in the Independent School world.”
Denise Musselwhite, ATLIS board chair and founder of Tech & Thrive, a leadership consulting firm, says technology leaders often work quietly in the background of schools.
“Recognizing a few of these standout individuals each year with a Pillar Award is among the most impactful things we can do at ATLIS to elevate the role of technology leaders,” Musselwhite said in a news release. “This year’s class of honorees is the epitome of what we aim to recognize; these three individuals have contributed selflessly to our community.”
Elizabeth Helfant, dean of curriculum and instruction at Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School, and Shandor Simon, director of technology at Beaver Country Day School in Massachusetts, also took home Pillar Awards.
“I could never have won this award on my own,” Mr. Scully says. “This community shares this award with me. Every teacher, every student, and every staff member and school leader has their fingerprints on this award.”