Craig Anderson is a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience in Saint Paul Public Schools. Throughout his career, he has worn many hats—from teacher to curriculum coordinator, assistant principal, principal, and now Executive Director of the Office of Teaching and Learning. His deep commitment to the development of teachers and students is evident in every role he has held. Anderson is particularly passionate about the relationship between teachers and students, recognizing that fostering this connection whether in physical or virtual spaces are the cornerstone of successful education.
A strong advocate for educational technology, Anderson's foresight in integrating tech into learning has had a lasting impact on the district. In 2012, as principal of Hancock Hamline University Collaborative Magnet School, he launched a groundbreaking one-to-one iPad program with a Verizon learning grant. This initiative set the stage for St. Paul Public Schools to become a one-to-one iPad district, a move that proved invaluable when the pandemic hit. While many districts struggled to provide devices, St. Paul was able to pivot quickly, thanks to the groundwork Anderson had laid.
A New Era of Customized Educator Development
In my current role, I’m leading the charge in modernizing professional development for our district’s 3,000+ teachers. I recognize the challenges of connecting with such a large group of educators, so I’ve implemented a hybrid approach to professional learning. This model blends in-person and online courses, allowing teachers to engage at their own pace and on their own time. The goal is to create a more personalized and adaptable learning environment that meets the diverse needs of our staff.
With a career that spans over thirty years, I’m still passionate about pushing for innovation and growth in our district. My commitment to improving educational practices and empowering teachers is at the core of my work. While continuously enhancing the learning experience for educators and students, I am focused on positioning St. Paul Public Schools as a leader in delivering effective, sustainable education.
Navigating the Complexities of E-Learning Integration
Managing a district of over 34,000 students with a blend of digital tools and systems presents significant challenges, particularly when integrating various platforms. One of the most pressing issues is ensuring that the student information system, which holds essential data like grades and attendance, works seamlessly with other learning and curriculum management systems. For example, the adoption of a new K-12 math curriculum two years ago faced delays in fully realizing the potential of embedded tech tools. The systems faced communication challenges, which caused frustration for teachers and students. As AI-driven platforms are increasingly used to personalize learning, these systems must integrate the teaching tools with student and parent communication systems. Aligning these diverse platforms remains a complex and ongoing challenge.
"When integrated thoughtfully, technology can create a dynamic and well-rounded educational environment that supports the growth of students and teachers."
Another challenge faced is the growing concern around screen time and its impact on students' attention spans. The shift to digital learning tools has often led to an overemphasis on consumption—such as watching videos and reading content—without enough emphasis on active creation and application of knowledge. To address this, the focus of the one-to-one iPad program has been shifted from consumption to creation. Students are encouraged to use digital tools to demonstrate their understanding through projects, presentations, and multimedia displays. This shift boosts engagement while offering teachers and parents a clearer view of student progress.
At the same time, traditional methods continue to play a valuable role. Teachers combine digital resources with hands-on activities, such as manipulatives and workbooks, to differentiate instruction and keep students engaged in a more holistic learning experience. When integrated thoughtfully, technology can create a dynamic and well-rounded educational environment that supports the growth of students and teachers.
AI, Innovation, and the Future of Education
One of the key trends shaping the future of e-learning is the increasing use of AI in student learning and professional development. AI-powered tools are becoming highly effective at personalizing education, particularly in literacy and math. For example, AI tutors for early-grade literacy assess students’ skills and provide tailored lessons, phonics practice, decodable passages, and even real-time feedback on mistakes made while reading. This technology is particularly beneficial in districts like St. Paul Public Schools, where over 30 percent of students are English language learners and may not have proficient English-speaking adults at home to assist with learning. AI tools can fill this gap, offering personalized support and reinforcing lessons at home.
Another major trend is the use of digital professional development for teachers. In response to the Minnesota Read Act, which mandates that K-5 teachers and all English language learner educators complete science of reading courses, St. Paul Public Schools has leveraged digital platforms to deliver asynchronous and synchronous training. The hybrid model offers a flexible, cost-effective approach to professional learning that enables more than 1,000 teachers to participate simultaneously. Technology integration has allowed for faster, scalable implementation of new knowledge, with frequent checkpoints and live sessions to reinforce learning. This blend of digital learning for students and teachers is transforming how education is delivered and managed, offering more personalized, flexible, and scalable solutions for all.
Key Strategies for Aspiring Education Leaders
Start with a comprehensive needs assessment to stay ahead in education while tackling challenges. Understand where your system stands and what the next steps should be, keeping your priorities focused. While there are countless new tools and technologies, it's easy to be distracted by the latest trends. The key is to select solutions that align with your vision and goals, avoiding unnecessary complexity. Collaboration across departments is essential—working in silos can overtax the system and confuse teachers and families. A unified approach ensures resources are effectively managed and aligned with your priorities.
Lastly, relationships are crucial. While digital tools and virtual meetings are helpful, face-to-face interactions with teachers, students, and families remain invaluable. Personal connections build trust and foster collaboration. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but by working together, staying focused and adapting to changing needs, education leaders can successfully navigate the evolving landscape.
