FY24 A.I. Are You Doing All That You Can to Protect Your Student Information?

Ramah Hawley is a dedicated professional with a passion for safeguarding student data privacy in the ever-evolving digital landscape. As the Director of The Education Cooperative's (TEC) Student Data Privacy Alliance (SDPA), she plays a crucial role in securing student data privacy agreements for school districts across five states: Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. TEC SDPA has flourished into a prominent force in the education community, earning a reputation for its commitment to upholding the confidentiality and security of student information, and ensuring that school districts have access to the resources and support needed to comply with data privacy laws effectively. TEC, an approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 1968 and continues to fulfill its mission of developing and coordinating educational and organizational programs that empower member communities, their students and educators, while reducing districts' operating costs.

Cynthia Tougas, The Education Cooperative’s SDPA Support Coordinator, is an EdTech Consultant and a former MA Professional Development Director, Technology Director, Technology Integration Specialist, and classroom teacher who has worked for urban and suburban school districts. Highlights of her K12 career were championing STEM education, student data privacy, and information literacy. This included leading the development of a K-12 Computer Science program and forging a path toward safeguarding student data. Working for The Education Cooperative’s SDPA, she provides ongoing training and support to Alliance members as they embark on their own data privacy initiatives. She has presented on the national, state, and local levels.