Dan Rader named as new Director of Technology

The Ames Community School District is excited to announce Dan Rader as the new Director of Technology. He is currently the Technology Coordinator for Roland-Story Schools, a position he has held for over 20 years.

Rader obtained his Master of Educational Technology degree with a certificate in Instructional Design from Iowa State University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate degree in the same field. 

In his current role at Roland-Story Schools, Rader is responsible for the district’s technology infrastructure including the maintenance of all wireless networks and servers. He coordinates and implements the district’s student information system, manages E-rate materials, and is responsible for all student data reports for the school district to the state of Iowa. He also maintains an annual technology budget and researches, evaluates, and recommends all hardware and software purchases for the school district.

In his cover letter for the position, Rader noted that “the most important thing that I have learned is that it is more about the people than the technology.” He emphasized that his role is to not only support the district through technology infrastructure but to support learning in the classroom. Technology should be seamlessly integrated. Whether he is maintaining the district’s 1:1 computer inventory or helping manage the Web Help Desk to track and communicate the progress of technology updates, the focus should always be on how technology can support the district and student learning. Before his current role as Technology Coordinator, Rader was a math and technology teacher.

Rader is a highly engaged professional who has participated in various professional development opportunities over his career. He is an active member, as well as current board member, of Iowa Technology & Education Connection (ITEC), which is the Iowa affiliate of the International Society for Technology in Education. He has also been a mentor for the Iowa Google Certified Coaching Cohort.

As a District, we are excited to work with Mr. Rader and look forward to his leadership within the Ames Community School District. His new position will begin on July 1, 2022.