Key Insights
- Leaders are the biggest driver of adoption success.
- Culture and buy-in matter as much as setup.
- Leaders modeling expectations for teachers creates consistency for students.
Change is hard, but so is enduring and consistent use of an LMS over time. District and school leaders across the country faced common hurdles of mixed buy-in, uneven use, or uncertainty about rollout. The Canvas Leadership Institute equipped them with the skills to shift mindsets and turn adoption challenges into an actionable roadmap for success.
The Challenge
Rolling out a new LMS requires more than turning it on and training teachers. Without engaged and equipped leaders, adoption can stall. Beyond how to use Canvas well, leaders need to know how to build enthusiasm, foster consistent use, and align the platform to their school culture. Too often, district and building leaders don’t have the tools or time to understand and communicate the "why" behind a new technology, resulting in low engagement and missed opportunities for impact.
We were able to revisit our purpose behind using Canvas and the things we think are really important about students and their learning and how we can support teachers through that.
Casey Rimmer
Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Union County Public Schools
The Canvas Leadership Institute changes that by focusing on leader readiness–for both veteran and new Canvas users. It prepares school and district leaders to model best practices, support teachers, and build momentum. As Terese Toth, Instructional Technology Specialist & Canvas Admin, Norfolk Public Schools, put it: “I'm pretty confident in my abilities with Canvas, but I still walked away learning and rethinking things. I have a brand new filter to look at how we use Canvas and make sure I'm putting it out there in the way that gets the results we want.”
The Solution
The Institute blends hands-on Canvas exploration with proven leadership strategies. Sessions focus on communication, consistency, and making learning personal, so each leader leaves with a “Plan for Canvas” built for their school or district goals.
A Cornerstone of Collaboration
Attendees share challenges, swap strategies, and leave with solutions they can implement right away.
“Having the right people in the conversation is super important. We don't have protected time to brainstorm, think, and plan for the future, specifically around Canvas. So this was time really well spent this week,” shared Rimmer.
And leaders from Mishawaka School District in Indiana saw perceptions shift: “I was not a huge fan of Canvas coming in today, but I am excited to utilize it moving forward and support my people.”
With new skills, a clear plan, and renewed confidence, leaders return ready to model Canvas use, support staff, and sustain engagement.
A Mindset Shift in 48 Hours
Over two days, leaders explore Canvas through the lenses of a student, teacher, and administrator. They develop a framework to ensure students have a consistent learning experience across classes and buildings. Leaders build strategies to sustain usage beyond launch by better understanding Canvas from every perspective.
By combining practical Canvas training with leadership strategy, the Institute prepares leaders to guide adoption from both a technical and cultural standpoint. Leaders leave confident, with a plan tailored to their school’s or district’s needs and the skills to build momentum and long-term engagement.
I thought I was an expert Canvas user. Time after time today, I found myself learning new features and skills that I will be using daily.
Jeff Halicki
English Department Chair and Instructional Coach, School City of Mishawaka
The Results
From accessibility features to reestablishing enthusiasm after years of usage, attendees left the Institute with renewed confidence, ideas for improved implementation, and a clear plan for better supporting a consistent Canvas experience for educators and learners.
Leaders reported finding features to implement immediately, gaining confidence to lead, and seeing attitudes shift from skepticism to excitement. "This training was so engaging and informative,” shared Data/Technology Coach Devany Schumaker from Muskegon Public Schools. “I would recommend that leadership teams attend this training as soon as they purchase Canvas!"