IDEA is turning 40! 🥳

Share Your IDEA Story

Whether you’ve been with us since our early days as ICE or joined along the way, your voice is part of our story. We invite you to share your favorite memories or reflections on what makes this community meaningful to you. Your stories will help us celebrate our past, illuminate our present, and inspire our future.

Join Idea

IDEA aims to inspire, connect, and provide the educational community with opportunities that transform teaching and learning through innovation.


When you join IDEA, you’ll have a multitude of resources at your fingertips to support and promote innovative education for all.


Whether you are looking for certifications, needing professional development hours, or simply want to be a life-long learner, IDEA is here to help.

LEARN MORE ABOUT IDEA

Upcoming Events

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Latest news from IDEA:


Personal IDEAcon Scholarship Program

Do you have a community business or even family or friends who would like to provide a personal scholarship for you to attend IDEAcon?


Fill out this application, and use this template to help with your request. The business or individual providing your funding will need to submit the funding information via this form.

Submit Application

IDEAcon 2026 Schedule Live!

It's time to make your plans to celebrate, connect, innovate, and learn at IDEAcon 2026! We firmly believe that IDEAcon is more than just a conference; it’s an experience that celebrates learning, community, and impact.


Join us as we mark IDEA’s 40th anniversary with four days of energizing experiences designed for every kind of educator.

Learn more!

IDEA launches our official podcast: That's the IDEA!

In each episode, Don Sturm and Stefanie Crawford will dive into fresh perspectives and innovative ideas with guests who challenge conventional thinking.



Tune in, get curious, and discover the next great idea that could transform the way you think and work!

Listen on Spotify!
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THE IDEA BLOG

Illinois Digital Educators Alliance blog:
By Stefanie Crawford December 18, 2025
IDEA Executive Director, Stefanie Crawford, reflects on a session from Dr. Adam Phyall regarding the power of 1:1 and the importance of returning to our 1:1 roots.
 Woman smiles in front of a blue background with text:
By Heather McCarthy November 19, 2025
This blog post from an IDEA Mini-Grant winner details how grant funds were used to create a student-driven Aviation Club with VR technology in middle school.
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By Don Sturm November 5, 2025
Don Sturm reflects on finding a balance with tech in schools where the goal should be to use tech with purpose while teaching responsible use, not eliminating it.

Partner with IDEA

IDEA relies on partners to be able to achieve its mission: To inspire, connect and provide the educational community with opportunities that transform teaching and learning through technology.

Learn More About IDEA Partners