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:


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.

Submit Application

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.


If you are interested in submitting a project for consideration, please fill out the form below. Submissions are due by the end of the day March 13, 2026.

Submit your project!

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