Gone are the times, when education was seen as a distinct medium of attaining a degree and securing a well-paid job. Today, it is a powerful tool to mark an impact and evoke a transformation that will change lives forever. For every child and learner, education acts as a catalyst to create new opportunities for holistic growth. And, empowering and enlightening the young minds of tomorrow are none other than Ed-Tech leaders and entrepreneurs with their strategic acumen and leadership approach.
Understanding the need of the hour and solving real-time challenges, Erin Cockrell is a powerhouse of performance, revamping education with value-driven resources and leaving a legacy of innovation and inclusion. In her esteemed career of two decades, Erin has successfully navigated a landscape of challenges and gained the title of National K-12 Sales and Partnership Director and Dynamic Ed-Tech Leader.
A Path-breaking Journey
Erin’s career path was inspired by a fervent desire to bridge gaps in education, ensuring every educator and student has access to tools that foster growth, curiosity, and lifelong learning. From her early days developing SAT/ACT prep materials to leading initiatives in educational technology, she has sought roles where innovation and impact intersect. Each step—whether creating content, managing teams, or designing solutions—has honed her ability to listen deeply, adapt creatively, and deliver value.
Erin’s breakthrough career journey has shaped her professional approach into one of relentless empathy and action. She doesn’t work on behalf of schools; she works alongside them, seeking to understand their unique challenges and crafting solutions that resonate. Her approach is collaborative and strategic, rooted in the belief that meaningful change is a partnership, not a product. Adding a note on success, Erin states, “Success is impact—measured not by accolades but by the lives I’ve touched. In my career, it’s the student who discovers a new passion, the teacher who feels empowered, and the district that achieves its goals. In my personal life, it’s the relationships I’ve built, the values I’ve instilled in my children, and the joy I bring to my community.”
Marking a Footprint in Educational Technology
Erin’s journey into educational technology was born from a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education. In her multiple roles in the K-12 industry, from after-school support to curriculum, and EdTech, she understood how different elements within Education rely on each other for success. While in academic content creation for SAT/ACT prep, she was searching for ways to make learning more engaging, accessible, and relevant. EdTech became her canvas—a way to fuse pedagogy with innovation.
Over the years, Erin has witnessed firsthand, how technology can ignite curiosity, break down barriers, and inspire students to dream bigger. Her career evolved from crafting instructional content to leading impactful partnerships for tools like National Geographic Learning & Big Ideas Math technology and Hats and Ladders, where she saw how thoughtful implementation of technology transforms classrooms into collaborative, future-focused ecosystems. Today, as an Education Technology Manager at Extron, she feels like she has come full circle—equipped with the tools, relationships, and passion to support schools in making meaningful, sustainable advances in teaching and learning.
Empowering Relationship-building in the K-12 Education Space
Relationship-building is the cornerstone of everything Erin does. Trust and respect aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential currencies in the K-12 education space. Her approach is simple yet powerful. She adds, “I listen more than I talk. I ask thoughtful questions to uncover not only the challenges districts face but also their unspoken hopes and aspirations.
From there, I ensure every interaction adds value. Whether it’s guiding a superintendent through the nuances of compliance reporting or introducing a federal programs director to cutting-edge AV solutions, I position myself as a partner, not just a vendor.” She takes pride in building relationships that stand the test of time by being authentic, responsive, and deeply invested in the success of the schools she serves.
A Project, A Mission, and A Moment Worth Reminiscing
One of Erin’s most rewarding projects involved a struggling district looking to improve math engagement through Larson Texts: Big Ideas Math & National Geographic Learning solutions. The administrators and teachers felt overwhelmed, and the students disengaged. Recognizing the prevailing problem, Erin took on the challenge to act upon the need of the hour, not just as a consultant but as an advocate for these educators and students. She provided tailored training, unpacked complex standards into actionable steps, and shared stories to inspire educators.
When Erin returned a year later, their classrooms were transformed—students were thriving, and teachers felt re-energized. Knowing she had a hand in creating a ripple effect of success reaffirmed her passion for this work. It wasn’t just a project; it was a mission that aligned deeply with her values. This experience reinforced a valuable lesson: when one invests in people and prioritizes their success, the results often exceed even the loftiest expectations.
Additionally, when COVID-19 disrupted in-person learning, Erin’s experience as an educator and advocate guided her professional decisions. She understood firsthand the frustration and exhaustion many felt, and it shaped how she supported schools. Instead of simply promoting products, she offered solutions prioritizing ease of use and real-world impact. She leaned on empathy, speaking to the needs of educators as people first. That personal insight deepened her connections and helped schools navigate one of the most challenging periods in modern education.
Striking the Yin and Yang Balance between Personal and Professional Life
Erin believes balancing personal growth and professional demands requires a commitment to perspective and prioritization. She embraces the belief that growth in one area fuels the other. When challenges arise, she seeks moments of reflection—whether through teaching aqua fitness, practicing yoga, or diving into personal development books—to recharge and refocus. She has also learned to delegate, empower others, and seek collaboration over competition. This dual focus ensures she continuously evolves without sacrificing the excellence she brings to her work. High-pressure environments don’t intimidate her; they invigorate her, sharpening her resilience and capacity for growth.
As a leader, educator, and advocate, Erin is guided by her values and core principles. At work, the values of integrity, empathy, and collaboration manifest in how she builds relationships, delivers on promises, and ensures her actions create genuine value for the schools she serves.
Outside the office, the same values guide how she leads in her community, from volunteering to teaching fitness classes that prioritize inclusivity and wellness. Her professional and personal worlds aren’t separate—they’re seamlessly aligned by a commitment to lifting others up and fostering positive change.
Learning the Art of Well-being and Wellness
Well-being starts with boundaries and self-awareness. Through aqua fitness and yoga, Erin maintains both her mind and body. She also carves out time for moments that feed her soul—like social dinners, books that inspire, or simply sitting quietly with her thoughts. By honoring these rituals, she ensures managing expectations and thriving under them. Well-being isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation that allows her to excel in all areas of life.
As a water fitness instructor, Erin has learned the importance of adaptability and inclusion. No two classes are the same, much like no two schools or classrooms are the same. When working with a district facing resistance to change, she channeled adaptability—breaking down solutions into approachable steps and ensuring every stakeholder feels heard and supported. That mindset transformed resistance into buy-in, proving that lessons from personal passions can translate into professional triumphs.
Motivation: A Constant Driving Fuel for Holistic Growth and Success
Erin reckons challenges are the ultimate fuel for transformation, and what motivates her to tackle them is a deep sense of purpose. In her career, it’s the knowledge that her work has a direct impact on teachers’ and students’ futures that keeps her going and growing. In her personal life, the desire to lead by example shows her community that perseverance paves the path to success.
Erin finds motivation in the potential hidden within each obstacle. A challenge isn’t a wall; it’s a door waiting to be opened. This perspective, combined with an unwavering commitment to growth, propels her forward no matter how daunting the road ahead. She fondly adds, “My life journey has taught me patience, perspective, and the power of collaboration. These lessons inform my leadership style—emphasizing team unity, celebrating diverse strengths, and approaching challenges with a solutions-first mindset. Whether leading a project or mentoring a colleague, I draw on these personal insights to foster trust, resilience and shared success.”
Trends and Technology Reshaping the Future of K-12 Education
K-12 Education is at a fascinating crossroads where technology is not just supporting education but reshaping its very fabric. One trend Erin is particularly excited about is the rise of personalized learning pathways. Tools like AI-driven analytics enable educators to meet students exactly where they are, tailoring instruction to individual strengths and challenges.
Another transformative trend is the integration of immersive technologies like augmented and virtual reality. Imagine history lessons that transport students to ancient civilizations or biology classes that let them explore the human body at a molecular level. These tools are no longer far-fetched—they’re becoming staples of forward-thinking classrooms.
Finally, she sees an increasing emphasis on equity. Technology is helping bridge gaps in access to resources, making quality education attainable for students in even the most underfunded districts. It’s a privilege to be part of this movement, ensuring the promise of EdTech reaches every corner of the K-12 landscape.
Erin pens Pearls of Wisdom for Aspiring Professionals in the K-12 EdTech Industry
“Stay curious, and compassionate, and always remember your “why.” The K-12 EdTech industry is as dynamic as it is rewarding, but it can also be complex. To succeed, you need to understand not just the technology but the humans behind it—educators, administrators, students, and parents.
Be a problem-solver, not just a product-pusher. Schools aren’t looking for more bells and whistles; they’re looking for tools that solve real problems and create real value. And don’t shy away from collaboration. The most successful EdTech professionals I’ve seen are the ones who build bridges—between tech and pedagogy, vision and execution, innovation and practicality.
Finally, remember that patience is part of the process. Change in education can be slow, but it’s always worth it when you see the lights go on in a student’s eyes or hear the excitement in a teacher’s voice as they discover a new way to inspire their classroom.”
