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

View all upcoming events

Latest news from IDEA:


Nominations for the 2026-2027 IDEA Board now open

We are currently seeking members who see the value of what IDEA provides, and who want to help the organization grow and build deeper connections between educators.


We have Governing Board and Executive Board positions open for the 2026-2027 school year. If interested, click below to learn more.


Nominations close April 13, 2026.

Join the IDEA Board!

Save the Date: IDEA's Central IL K12 Education Showcase on April 17, 2026

Calling all Tech Directors, CTOs, and Administrators: Mark your calendars for the Central Illinois K12 Education Showcase taking place on April 17, 2026 in Goodfield, IL.


This FREE, open-house style event offers a hands-on experience with the latest technology for education where several K12 technology solution providers will showcase their newest offerings in a more intimate setting.

Learn more!

Join us in showing Legislators what innovation in the classroom looks like at our 2026 Students for Innovation: Advocacy Day

Illinois educators and students are doing amazing, innovative things in the classroom every single day. At IDEA, our hope is to give these students and educators a platform to exemplify the importance of this innovative learning.


This is event is open to the public and we encourage district leadership, parents, and innovation advocates to join us at the Capitol to support student Presenters.


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THE IDEA BLOG

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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.
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.

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