Education and technology are intertwined to transform the educational landscape. The integration of technology across all educational operations is rapidly changing the way educators work. With accelerated growth in innovation and information technology, better administrative requirements are put forth. The effective development of software is promoting efficient administrative management across educational institutions. The pandemic-driven technological shift in the education sector has expedited the demand for web-based software solutions for the administrative workflows of educators.
In order to keep pace with the digitalization of education, educators must utilize advanced tech-based software to work efficiently and effectively. The demand for such tech-based solutions has given birth to Edulink Solutions.
Edulink Solutions has designed innovative software to ease the administrative management for educators across school systems. Dr. Reed Hankinson and Dr. David Myers have co-founded Edulink. In response to the gaps in tech-based solutions in schools, Edulink committed itself to optimizing school administrative systems.
With a tapestry of experience as an educator, Reed has enriched Edulink’s growth by redefining the realm of education administration. We are delighted to interact with Dr. Hankinson for a detailed insight into the business and its value propositions to rise above market competition.
What inspired you to develop the idea of your business? What was your mission at the outset?
A passion for helping improve school systems was the inspiration behind developing EduLink. Dr. David Myers and I both worked in schools for approximately a decade before we decided to start the company. We saw the need for improvement and the opportunity to use software to help schools.
Could you perhaps elaborate on your educational and professional background and how your knowledge and experience help serve clients?
I have a doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master’s in School Psychology, and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. I worked as a classroom teacher for years and have learned how difficult it can be to operate a successful school. I understand the pain points that school administrators and teachers have. This experience is invaluable when developing tools to help with administrative workflows.
Please give a brief overview of the company and its primary focus in the industry.
Edulink specializes in web-based software solutions for school districts, intermediate units, charter schools, cyber schools, and CTCs. Our mission is to help educators throughout Pennsylvania succeed in bringing efficiency and compliance to their administrative workflows. We have collaborated with educators across the state and the PA Department of Education (PDE) to build evaluation, data management, and compliance tools that are 100%-aligned with state mandates.
The journey to entrepreneurship might not have been easy for you. What are the biggest challenges you have faced?
Gaining the trust of your clients takes time and an unending commitment to quality. The time and effort put in to build credibility can be daunting. Many entrepreneurs run out of gas during this period. Rejection happens early and often. You have to maintain focus and believe in your product and yourself.
Could you perhaps elaborate on the services that your company offers?
PA-ETEP is a software solution comprising a comprehensive suite of teacher evaluation tools that are fully compliant with the PA Department of Education Policy. It allows school districts, charter schools, intermediate units, and private schools to conduct thorough online assessments that align with educator effectiveness guidelines in Pennsylvania. Customized forms also enable educational institutions to evaluate administrative assistants, maintenance workers, paraprofessionals, and other support staff within a unified system.
Comply is an easy-to-use platform to consolidate and track clearances, mandated trainings, Act 48 continuing education hours, policies, maintenance inspections, form requests, para-educator hours, and much more, all in one place, alleviating the administrative burden on school districts.
One of Comply’s integral features, Requests, digitally transforms approval chains for school districts. For example, traditionally, obtaining permission for a field trip involves a paper-based form that is manually circulated throughout the district to specific people for approval. Comply effectively transitions conventional processes like this into streamlined, electronic workflows and boosts efficiency in alignment with contemporary administrative practices.
In an environment of competition, what distinguishes Edulink Solutions from other brands in the market? What are your value propositions to win a competitive edge?
Our goal is to provide our clients with tools that are 100% aligned with their needs and the needs of the PA Department of Education. In order to do this, we spend an enormous amount of time listening to the people who will be using our software. We want to know exactly what they need our tools to do for them. Bulk production of software tools that may meet some of the client’s needs is not what we are interested in. This tends to separate us from our competition. It can be a long and arduous process, but delivering a product to a school that they can’t live without makes it all worth it.
In what ways has the company adjusted to the dynamic market demands, changing preferences, technology breakthroughs, and other industry changes?
Staying on top of changing legislation in education is another way that Edulink distinguishes itself from other brands. As changes are made in Pennsylvania, we update our software solutions accordingly.
Give an overview of the company’s corporate culture. Being an innovator yourself, how do you foster a culture of innovation?
A company culture is more than just a mission statement on a wall or a holiday party (although both are important). Like most things that matter, it takes time and energy to develop. Leading with kindness and professionalism every day is the first place to start. This begins to have an impact on the whole company, which then starts to influence the way that we interact with our clients and the people who are using our software. This professional kindness is where we begin.
What trends do you see in the industry in the next decade? What future plans do you have for your company?
AI will begin to play a larger role in future software development. Leveraging this technology to ultimately assist schools is something that we are very excited about.
