Administrator Spotlight

Bailey Cotton

Director of Technology & Safety, Huntsville School District

Bailey Cotton, Director of Technology & Safety for the Huntsville School District, started out as an intern for the Huntsville School District’s Technology Department the day after he graduated high school in May of 2009. He says, "To be honest, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I graduated high school. After graduation, I started interning in the technology department because I have always been handy with electronics and technology." He initially worked for a third-party tech company that HSD contracted with before being hired by the district full-time as Lead Computer Tech on July 1, 2011. Following this, he then became Systems Administrator in October of 2016 and later the Director of Technology in 2017. "At some point over the years, I also picked up the hat of Director of Safety due to the natural fit of many of the safety solutions involving the use of technology."

Bailey says his favorite part of the job is seeing how technology can enhance student learning and create a more engaging school experience. "It's amazing to watch how excited the students become about interactive tools and personalized learning experiences. I also love working with teachers and staff to find tech solutions that make their jobs less challenging, more efficient, and their classrooms more dynamic." He says staying updated on the latest technology trends allows for things to continue to be fresh and exciting, and knowing that his efforts help ensure all students have access to technology and the skills they need for the future is incredibly rewarding. "I have always loved being able to work in the same community and institution that shaped and molded me into the person I am today, and now have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the next generation."

He finds he is amazed at how quickly technology has evolved since he first started in the field. "Back then," he says, "we only had computers for staff and one lab per campus with those big, bulky CRT monitors and dot-matrix printers. WiFi wasn’t even a thought, and showing a presentation meant rolling out the single projector cart shared by the whole building." Now, 15 years later, he says every staff member and student has a device, wireless networks are fast and everywhere, and every classroom has an interactive instructional device. "Technology touches every part of our lives now, from teaching and safety to even controlling our thermostats."

One of the best pieces of advice Bailey says he received from a previous mentor is to "accept that you'll mess up and make mistakes, but what's important is how you respond to them. Learn from your errors and strive to do better next time. When you know better, do better. This mindset helps you grow and improve continuously." Bailey believes those considering the career will find it is very rewarding. " Through the strategic use of technology, you have opportunities to make a positive impact on student learning and school communities. What you do makes a difference, even if you don’t always believe it."

? Q&A ! with Bailey Cotton

How would your co-workers describe you?

I let one of my co-workers answer this one, they are probably too generous: “Bailey goes above and beyond. He is trustworthy, responsible, hardworking, dependable, and loyal—traits that make him an exceptional colleague and team player.”

What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

After COVID, I got my CDL to try to help out with the bus driver shortage we experienced. My initial thought was that I would fill in here and there, but I have found myself driving more days than I don’t. I will, hands down, say that it is probably the single best decision I have ever made to create positive relationships with the students, and it has cultivated a lot of great interactions with them throughout my days.

What do you feel is your greatest professional accomplishment?

This past January, I was humbled and honored to receive the inaugural Arkansas Technology Director of the Year award from TEL-AR (Technology Educational Leaders of Arkansas).

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

When I am able to get away from the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, serving in my church, and being outside. My place of relaxation is out in the yard on the lawn mower or on a tractor in the hayfield somewhere, just the rumble of the machine to drown out my thoughts and breathe in the fresh air.

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”

I am not super adventurous but I would say going on a cruise, flying an airplane, and touring the United Kingdom would be a few things I hope to do some day.

What are the goals you are still working toward?

I am always striving to grow professionally and to continue to build on my skill-set. I believe that you never want to be complacent, you need to have goals and visions to work towards to help be the best you can be for yourself and others. One goal that I do have for myself personally, is to finish obtaining my bachelor's degree and see where I go from there.

What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?

The biggest benefit of AAEA membership is the strong support network it provides for administrators across the state. This network allows us to share best practices, collaborate on common challenges, and advocate for educational issues together. The sense of community and shared purpose helps us implement effective strategies and policies. Plus, AAEA offers great professional development, networking opportunities, and access to important resources, all of which empower us to be better leaders.