Amy Zock: Tech Plays for Progress, NASA Labs, and Future-Ready Leadership

What does it take to navigate the post-ESSER funding cliff, eliminate software bloat, and build world-class STEM opportunities in a rural school district? In this episode of GaETC: The Podcast, host Dr. Lee Green sits down with Amy Zock, Director of Instructional and Innovative Technology for Decatur County Schools and member of CoSN's Early Career K-12 CTO Academy. Amy shares her unique path from bilingual education to district technology leadership, revealing why tenacity and worthy pursuits are the ultimate drivers of educational change. She details Decatur County's innovative work as a Woz ED K-12 STEM district, including their groundbreaking NASA HUNCH Academy labs where elementary students tackle real-world aerospace challenges using zSpace AR/VR, Kai's Clan robotics, and 3D printing. Amy also discusses launching an AI fellowship that brings instructional staff, operational leaders, and students together to govern artificial intelligence collaboratively. Looking ahead to GaETC 2026, Amy previews her double-header sessions: Scouting for the Future on Wednesday and Tech Plays for Progress: Funding, Refresh Cycles, and Roster Strategies on Friday. She breaks down how districts can establish sustainable refresh cycles, leverage accidental damage protection fees to fund innovative licenses, and lead honest software audits without alienating teachers. Plus, she takes on our game, How Well Does Gemini Know You?, scoring high on leadership philosophy and pinpointing her favorite local spots in Bainbridge like Southern Philosophy and Jalisco's. Catch Amy Zock live at GaETC 2026 on Wednesday, November 4 at 11:00 AM for Scouting for the Future, and Friday, November 6 at 9:45 AM for Tech Plays for Progress. Check the official GaETC conference app to bookmark her sessions!