Membership Benefits

 

Professional development

We are proud to be an Illinois State Board of Education approved provider for educator licensure professional development hours (PDHs). This allows us, with the help of our dedicated partners, to provide educators with a plethora of professional learning opportunities.  As an IDEA member, you will have access to all these opportunities, including member-only events. 

View PD Opportunities

MINI-GRANTS


The purpose of the Mini-Grant Program is to provide IDEA members throughout the state with funding for educational technology projects that showcase innovation and creativity and directly benefit students in PreK-12 classrooms. Apply for an IDEA mini-grant!

Learn More

SCHOLARSHIPS


Scholarships are available up to $1,000 for members to pursue an advanced degree, take additional for-credit college courses, or attend professional development workshops and conferences. Children of IDEA members may apply for a scholarship to pursue a degree in Education. Scholarship applications open in early April and are announced each year in mid-May.


REGIONAL CHAPTERS


There are 21 local chapters  of Illinois Digital Educators Alliance covering all counties in the state. The members of each chapter hold  meetings and events that provide an opportunity for networking and professional development on a local level.


Find Your Local Chapter

RECENT IDEA BLOGS

A professional post from Illinois Digital Educators Alliance titled
By Stefanie Crawford April 1, 2026
Accessibility means more than addressing visible disabilities. While awareness of audiological needs isn't new, true inclusion requires active, equitable solutions.
A
By Jed Dearybury March 25, 2026
Have you ever had a dream that you dared to dream? With his second book releasing soon, Jed shares his journey to encourage you to make your own dreams a reality.
By Alicia Sullivan, The Connecting Link March 11, 2026
The Connecting Link is seeing a shift in Educators looking for strategies that prioritize regulation, connection, and executive functioning alongside academics.