A Day in the Life of a SPOC - One Story, One School, One SPOC
By Anonymous
A SPOC is also known as a Single Point Of Contact - They are usually in charge of all the technology in the building. There is no formal training and limited amount of help and places to outreach for help. I am looking to create more visibility around SPOCs and Tech Coordinators in schools. Message if you want to share your story.
While I am technically the SPOC (Single Point of Contact) for my school, much of the day-to-day management of equipment—especially the distribution of technology—is handled by a paraprofessional. This setup allows me to focus more on teaching while still keeping an eye on the school’s tech needs.
In previous years, I had designated “Data” periods built into my schedule about three times a week, which I used for tasks like managing STARS and handling tech requests. However, this year, my schedule is fully packed with teaching, and the administration has taken steps to shield me from much of the extra workload. I’m not entirely sure why, but I’m also not complaining. My assistant principal, who I believe was a data specialist in the past, seems to have taken on some of these responsibilities.
What My Day Looks Like
Right now, my days are spent teaching an eight-period schedule, working with students from 3K to Grade 5. Any tech-related work I do at the moment is primarily for my own program rather than school-wide support. This is a change from previous years.
Do I Get Time for SPOC Duties?
Not this year. In the past, I had dedicated periods for these responsibilities, but with my full teaching load, there’s no built-in time for SPOC work. During the pandemic, I had more tech-ready schedule but that has changed little by little through the years.
Is There Per Session Work?
I haven’t been asked to take on per-session work. If I were, I assume I would be paid, but I can’t say for sure. Per-session opportunities tend to pop up when the school has an urgent need, so it’s always a bit unpredictable. It can happen quickly, but hasn’t this year, so far.
What’s the Workload Like?
Honestly, it’s minimal this year. I just hope we’re not overlooking anything major! I am not sure exactly what is needed to do, but now as I write this, I am worried that I may be missing something. There isn’t any real communication that comes in.
Would I Benefit from Training?
I’m not sure. I’ve been in this role for about ten years, so I feel fairly confident in what I’m doing. That said, if something new comes up, additional training could be useful. In the beginning I wish there were more chances for training, the learning curve was tough but I am pretty savvy and I googled things I didn’t know.
A Major Fix for SPOCs
A major improvement would be clear, city-wide expectations that are streamlined across schools. Also, having mandated time within the school day—time that can’t be taken up by coverages—would make a huge difference. Right now, it feels like an extra responsibility that doesn’t always have the necessary structure or time allocation to be done effectively. No school has any set protocols.