Focus Area

Digital Leadership

Supporting leadership in technology and digital learning through coaching, resources, events, and other capacity-building initiatives.

Building leadership capacity

 

Digital leadership in K-12 education involves strategically implementing technology to enhance teaching and learning while fostering a culture of innovation. Leaders prioritize equitable access to digital resources, promote digital citizenship, and support teachers in effective technology integration. They make data-driven decisions, stay informed about emerging technologies, and develop sustainable tech plans aligned with educational goals. Crucially, digital leaders balance innovation with practical implementation to prepare students for success in a technology-driven world.

The Learning Technology Center (LTC) supports K-12 districts and educators in developing digital leadership skills. We offer professional development, resources, and personalized coaching to help leaders implement effective technology strategies, promote digital citizenship, and make informed decisions about tech integration. The LTC also provides guidance on creating sustainable technology plans, ensuring data privacy, and leveraging community partnerships to support digital initiatives. Our goal is to empower educators and administrators to confidently lead their schools into the digital future.

Services
Service
Database

Badge & Certification Directory

Database of education and edtech certifications.

Service
Professional Learning

Custom PD for Districts and Schools

Customizable

Customized edtech professional learning to meet the needs of districts and schools.

Service
Consulting

Education Consulting

Free

Consulting on all tech-related teaching and learning topics.

Service
Professional Learning

Google Professional Learning

Customizable

Earn Google certification, participate in Google professional development, and receive support from the LTC, Googe’s top Illinois’ partner.

Service
Professional Learning

IETC Conference

November
$175+

The Illinois Education and Technology Conference, held annually in Springfield, brings together educators and tech experts to explore innovative teaching methods and leverage technology for enhanced learning statewide.

Service
Service

ILTPP Purchasing Cooperative

Free

Save money and time through ILTPP cooperative purchasing contracts.

Service
Service

Instructional Technology Coaching Program

Year-Long
Customizable

High-quality and embedded instructional technology coaching throughout the entire year.

Service
Network

LTC Online Community

Free

A free online community for educators, admin, and technology leaders.

Service
Network

Networking Meetings

Free

Connect, learn, and share with your colleagues from around the state at both in-person and virtual networking events.

Service
Professional Learning

Regional Workshops and Events

Variable

Over 650 regional events and conferences on educational technology topics.

Service
Service

ROE, ISC, and Education Association Services

Variable

Services designed for ROEs, ISCs, and Illinois education associations.

Service
Consulting

SEL+Tech Consulting & Support

Varies

Consulting on all tech-related teaching and learning topics.

Resources
Resource
Report

2025 Illinois K-12 Technology Workforce Report

This report offers a detailed look at relevant K-12 workforce trends as well as the professionals who keep school technology operations running smoothly—from managing networks and cybersecurity to leading district technology teams.

Resource
Guidance

Legislative Brief: Student Data Privacy Laws to Know

Under state and federal law, Illinois schools are legally required to keep student data secure and safe. 

This legislative brief provides a summary of several relevant privacy laws, including how they may impact school operations.

Resource
GuidanceHandout/Worksheet

Laws Effecting Technology Use in Schools

Updated annually, this free guide provides an introduction to the statutes, regulations, and rules that may apply to the use of technology in primary and secondary school districts in Illinois.

Resource
Guidance

Connecting Strategic Goals to Instructional Technology Coaching

Embracing technology isn’t a choice; it’s a necessity. See how an instructional technology coach can help bring your district’s technology utilization goals to life.

Resource
Video

LTC Community Orientation Videos

Video tutorials on navigating the LTC Community, the LTC’s free professional learning community.

Resource
Podcast

One-to-One Podcast

Conversations from the heart of education and technology with Brian and Matt.

Resource
Handout/Worksheet

District Website Checklist

The District Website Checklist is a component of the more extensive Legal Reference Guide published by the Learning Technology Center and is designed to assist school districts in navigating the landscape of legal obligations.

Resource
Report

Instructional Technology Coaching to Enhance Professional Practice

Instructional Technology Coaching to Enhance Professional Practice details the rationale and need for instructional technology coaches in school districts across Illinois. This report highlights the role of an instructional technology coach and the Learning Technology

Resource

Conferences

Conference Date Location Description EdTech Next August 2023 Galena, IL Designed for teachers, principals, instructional coaches, and technology integrationists, EdTech Next offers a one-of-a-kind professional learning experience to help attendees take technology integration to the

Resource
Video

Professional Sharing Tricks – URL Swaps in Google Docs | LTC Monthly Tech Tip

Resource
Best Practices

Accessibility for K12 Schools

The design of websites and digital media should avoid creating barriers for people with physical and cognitive disabilities. Every student, staff member, and parent should be able to utilize digital content fully.

Resource
Best Practices

Instructional Coaching Group by Jim Knight

Events

AI in Action: A Leader’s Guide to Implementation

Apr 11, 2025
$200

Explore real-world examples of how schools are currently using AI to enhance educational outcomes and streamline operations. Learn to strategically integrate AI solutions, address ethical and privacy concerns, and nurture a culture that embraces technological

Eric Santos
Eric Santos
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Chicagoland, Learning Technology Center

LTC EdTech Coaches Meeting

Apr 11, 2025
Free

Join our monthly virtual networking group and connect with Illinois’ growing instructional technology coaching community.

Amy Graham
Amy Graham
Instructional Technology Coach, Learning Technology Center

AI in Action: A Leader’s Guide to Implementation

Apr 24, 2025
$225

Explore real-world examples of how schools are currently using AI to enhance educational outcomes and streamline operations. Learn to strategically integrate AI solutions, address ethical and privacy concerns, and nurture a culture that embraces technological

Eric Santos
Eric Santos
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Chicagoland, Learning Technology Center

ROE 54 Tech Networking Meeting

Apr 25, 2025
Free

This networking session welcomes all technology professionals – technology directors, technology support staff, coaches, and IT specialists/leaders. We may kick things off with a brief presentation, but the real magic happens when we open the

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

ROE 17 Tech Networking Meeting

May 1, 2025
Free

This networking session welcomes all technology professionals – technology directors, technology support staff, coaches, and IT specialists/leaders. We may kick things off with a brief presentation, but the real magic happens when we open the

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

ROE 9 Tech Networking Meeting

May 1, 2025
Free

This networking session welcomes all technology professionals – technology directors, technology support staff, coaches, and IT specialists/leaders. We may kick things off with a brief presentation, but the real magic happens when we open the

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

ROE 56 Tech Networking Meeting

May 2, 2025
Free

This networking session welcomes all technology professionals – technology directors, technology support staff, coaches, and IT specialists/leaders. We may kick things off with a brief presentation, but the real magic happens when we open the

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

SOPPA Sanity: Mastering DPAs and SOPPA Compliance

May 12, 2025
Free

Safeguarding student data is crucial, yet managing DPAs and complying with SOPPA can be daunting for tech directors. This workshop offers practical strategies and collaborative opportunities for all those tasked with maintaining their district’s data

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

LTC EdTech Coaches Meeting

May 12, 2025
Free

Join our monthly virtual networking group and connect with Illinois’ growing instructional technology coaching community.

Amy Graham
Amy Graham
Instructional Technology Coach, Learning Technology Center

ROE 24 Tech Networking Meeting

May 16, 2025
Free

This networking session welcomes all technology professionals – technology directors, technology support staff, coaches, and IT specialists/leaders. We may kick things off with a brief presentation, but the real magic happens when we open the

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center

School Law Update: Edtech during the 2025-26 School Year

May 20, 2025
Free

School leaders – get up to speed on the latest state and federal school law developments so that you can confidently plan for the school year ahead.

Brandon Wright
Brandon Wright
Attorney, Miller, Tracy, Braun, Funk & Miller Ltd.

AI Playbook: Crafting Guidelines and Policy for Staff and Students

Jun 13, 2025
$25

As AI becomes a key player in education, establishing clear policies and guidelines is essential for responsible use in schools. This workshop provides school/district leaders with practical tips and resources to create tailored AI policies

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center
Articles

“That’s a wrap!” – Highlights from IETC 2020

The 27th annual Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC) wrapped up on Saturday, November 21. This year marked the conference’s first venture into the virtual realm, with all sessions, workshops, and networking held online. Read

AR/VRNetworkingProfessional LearningRobotics

“Keeping it real with real educators” – Takeaways from IETC 2021

The 28th annual Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC) wrapped up on November 19 after three days packed with exploring edtech’s latest integration strategies and best practices. Read up on highlights from this year’s conference,

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center

10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Virtual PD Event

With this new style of virtual professional development, there is a clear learning curve. Here are the top 10 tips to help you make the most of your next virtual conference.

Nicole Zumpano
Nicole Zumpano
Director of Instructional Technology Coaching, Learning Technology Center
NetworkingProfessional Learning

2023 Education Conferences for Teachers, Administrators & Coaches

No matter your role in education and technology, conferences remain one of the best places to explore new strategies, discover new resources, and connect with peers. Check out all of these note-worthy edtech conferences coming

Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center

2023 LTC Award Winners

The Learning Technology Center is proud to announce the 2023 LTC Award winners, each recognized for their broad focus on improving learning by intentionally embracing technology, both as a solution and as a goal.

Mindy Fiscus
Mindy Fiscus
Director of Government Affairs and Purchasing, Learning Technology Center
New TeacherSocial Emotional Learning (SEL)

3 Ways to Relieve Tech Fatigue for Teachers

Feeling fed up with your classroom’s Chromebooks? Growing tired at the prospect of learning another new app or platform? You may be experiencing tech fatigue, a real condition that can put a serious strain on

LTC Staff
LTC Staff
Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center