Get to know CSA Education’s Director of Learning Solutions, Scottie Altland, with our updated staff Q&A!
Interviewer: What is your name and role at CSA?
Scottie: Scottie Altland; Director of Learning Solutions, focusing on our Alignment Services
Interviewer: What is a common misconception about your role that you would love to clear up?
Scottie: A misconception is that standards alignment is just a dry, administrative checklist—like a ‘control+F’ keyword matching game. People think if a lesson mentions a topic, you just tag it to the standard and move on.
In reality, it’s about skills and cognitive demand. SMEs have to analyze the exact skill, context, and level of rigor the standard expects, and ensure the content actually teaches students how to apply that skill at that grade level. When done right, this work is a form of advocacy. If the alignment is off, teachers waste hours modifying lessons or students get assessed on things they weren’t taught. Doing this accurately is what bridges the gap between state mandates and actual classroom success.
Interviewer: What’s the most helpful piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
Scottie: The best advice I ever received was simple: ‘Clear is kind.’ Whether it’s sharing feedback, setting expectations, or navigating a tough conversation, being open and transparent means everyone knows where they stand. It eliminates guesswork, saves time, and builds genuine trust.
Interviewer: When you aren’t at your desk, where are we most likely to find you?
Scottie: You’ll probably find me outside—either hiking a trail or bribing my dog with treats to behave on a walk. I find that getting away from screens and into nature is the best way for me to reset.
Interviewer: What was your first-ever job, and what did it teach you?
Scottie: My first real job was being a lifeguard, and it actually taught me a lot about teamwork. Even though you’re sitting or standing by yourself, you really operate as a unit. You have to trust your team to watch the zones you can’t see, and know that if something happens, everyone moves in sync. It really gave me a strong foundation in trust and communication.
Interviewer: What is one thing—big or small— that you’re currently learning?
Scottie: Right now, I am learning how to navigate parenting adult kids. It’s a completely new chapter that requires a lot of listening and a lot of letting go. I’m really focusing on learning the balance between staying connected and giving them the space to figure things out on their own. It’s an incredible milestone, and a rewarding shift in our relationship.
Click here to learn more about Scottie!
Page last updated July 2026
