Professional Learning

Events Calendar

Come learn with us at an upcoming workshop, webinar, networking event, or conference.

Both in-person and online, every event is an opportunity to discover new resources, embrace best practices, and grow your impact as an edtech innovator.

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

Tue. May 20, 2025 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

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.

Be Connected: Building a 5-year Tech Plan

Wed. May 21, 2025 | 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

Where do you see your school's technology in 5 years? Come chart a course toward a strong, realistic 5-year technology plan on this week's Be Connected. From aligning with district goals to planning for infrastructure, devices, and cybersecurity, we’ll cover what it takes to future-proof your tech roadmap.

Eric Muckensturm
Eric Muckensturm
IT Strategy Manager, Cybersecurity, Learning Technology Center

The Day the Internet Died: A Teacher’s Toolkit for Cyberattacks

Thu. May 29, 2025 | 9:00 am - 11:30 am | $20
ROE 21 Training Center 502 West Jackson Street, Marion

This immersive workshop plunges you into the heart of a cyberattack, where carefully crafted digital lesson plans become useless, administrators scramble to communicate, and anxiety ripples through the school community.

Emily Flach
Emily Flach
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Southern Region, Learning Technology Center

The Day the Internet Died: A Teacher’s Toolkit for Cyberattacks

Thu. May 29, 2025 | 9:00 am - 11:30 am | $20
ROE 21 Training Center 502 West Jackson Street, Marion

This immersive workshop plunges you into the heart of a cyberattack, where carefully crafted digital lesson plans become useless, administrators scramble to communicate, and anxiety ripples through the school community. But amidst the chaos, resilience emerges. Teachers tap into their creativity, communities rally together, and IT professionals fight back against the unseen enemy. Learn to identify threats, implement robust security, teach creatively without tech, and foster cyber awareness. Turn crisis into opportunity and become a cyber-savvy educator ready for any digital challenge.

Emily Flach
Emily Flach
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Southern Region, Learning Technology Center

Roll into the Future: Sphero Bolt+ and the Power of Play

Thu. May 29, 2025 | 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm | $20
ROE 21 Training Center 502 West Jackson Street, Marion

Get ready to roll into the future of education with Sphero Bolt+! This workshop invites you to unlock the power of play and explore the endless possibilities of this cutting-edge robotic ball.

Emily Flach
Emily Flach
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Southern Region, Learning Technology Center

What is AI and How Do We Use It in Education?

Wed. June 4, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | $10
ROE 49: Rock Island 3430 Avenue of The Cities, Moline, Illinois, USA

This hands-on workshop is designed for teachers of all grade levels who are interested in exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. Participants will learn about the basics of AI, including its different types and applications. They will also explore how AI can be used to support teaching and learning, such as for personalized learning, adaptive assessments, and content creation.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

3D Printing: Design, Slice, and Create with Tinkercad & 3D Slicers

Thu. June 5, 2025 | 8:30 am - 2:00 pm | $40
ROE 47: Lee/Ogle/Whiteside 1001 W 23rd St, Sterling, Illinois, USA

Explore the exciting world of 3D printing in this hands-on workshop, designed for both beginners and intermediate users. We'll start by mastering the basics of 3D design using Tinkercad, and then move on to slicing with common slicing software. Discover the essential steps to prepare your digital designs for physical creation. For those with some experience, we’ll dive a little deeper into design techniques and slicing strategies to optimize your prints, without overwhelming you with advanced technicalities. Learn how to translate your digital designs into tangible objects, gaining practical experience and confidence. This interactive session will equip you with the knowledge to bring your creative projects to life, regardless of your 3D printer.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

3D Printing: Design, Slice, and Create with Tinkercad & 3D Slicers

Thu. June 5, 2025 | 8:30 am - 2:00 pm | $40
ROE 47: Lee/Ogle/Whiteside 1001 W 23rd St, Sterling, Illinois, USA

Explore the exciting world of 3D printing in this hands-on workshop, designed for both beginners and intermediate users. We'll start by mastering the basics of 3D design using Tinkercad, and then move on to slicing with common slicing software.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

Leveraging AI for Continuous School Improvement

Fri. June 6, 2025 | 9:00 am - 3:30 pm | Free
ROE 17: DeWitt/Livingston/Logan/McLean 201 E. Grove Street, Suite 300, Bloomington, IL

This interactive workshop is designed specifically for school principals looking to streamline their processes and maximize their impact in their school improvement planning. Grounded in the Illinois State Board of Education's "Continuous School Improvement Model," this session offers a unique blend of best practices and cutting-edge AI tools.

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

An Administrators Guide to AI

Mon. June 9, 2025 | 9:30 am - 11:30 am | Free
Prairieview Golf Club 6734 N German Church Rd, Byron, IL, United States

This workshop equips school administrators with the knowledge and confidence to lead engaging conversations about artificial intelligence with their communities.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

Drones in the Classroom: Coding, STEM, and Preparing for the Future

Tue. June 10, 2025 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | $233
Peoria Park District's Franciscan Recreation Complex 908 North Sterling Avenue, West Peoria, IL, United States

The use of drones is rapidly expanding across various industries, presenting new and exciting opportunities for students to engage in STEM learning and develop skills relevant to the future workforce. This hands-on workshop will explore how codeable drones can be seamlessly integrated into the classroom to foster coding skills, spark an interest in STEM, and prepare students for future tech-powered work opportunities.

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

One Small Step for AI, One Giant Leap for Educators

Wed. June 11, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
Bismarck-Henning High School 17268 E 2750 North Rd, Bismarck, IL, United States

Join us for an engaging session that will take you through a brief history of AI, highlighting its evolution and current advancements, particularly in generative AI. We'll delve into the concept of AI literacy, providing foundational knowledge and practical strategies for integrating AI into your educational practice. Discover the implications of AI for education, and embark on this exciting journey to understand and leverage AI, making a significant leap in your educational approach.

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

Level-Up Your AI Game

Wed. June 11, 2025 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Free
Bismarck-Henning High School 17268 E 2750 North Rd, Bismarck, IL, United States

Ready to get hands-on with the power of Artificial Intelligence in your classroom? In this session, we will embark on a journey through a series of increasingly powerful AI tools. Designed for teachers of all tech comfort levels, this session demystifies AI and provides valuable hands-on experience.

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

Code.org CS Fundamentals

Thu. June 12, 2025 | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm | Free
Microsoft Cortex 4220 Duncan Ave #501, St. Louis, MO, United States

CS Fundamentals is an introductory workshop designed for elementary educators new to teaching computer science who want to explore how to begin teaching Code.org's CS Fundamentals curriculum. Over 85,000 teachers have participated in this original workshop already, allowing their schools to grow their in-district capacity for teaching robust CS courses!

Join your peers and experienced facilitators to get a hands-on intro to computer science, pedagogy, overviews of the online curriculum, and Code.org's teacher dashboard, as well as strategies for teaching “unplugged” classroom activities.

Sarah Phelps
Sarah Phelps
Program Manager, Computer Science and STEM, Learning Technology Center

AI in Action: A Leader’s Guide to Implementation

Thu. June 12, 2025 | 8:30 am - 3:30 pm | Free
New Trier High School - Winnetka Campus 385 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka, IL, United States

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 advancements.

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

AI 2.0: Master AI Teacher Tools and Image Creation

Thu. June 12, 2025 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | $40
ROE 47: Lee/Ogle/Whiteside 1001 W 23rd St, Sterling, Illinois, USA

Dive into the world of AI-driven education with this hands-on workshop. Explore cutting-edge tools like Brisk Teaching and Magic School, designed to streamline your teaching workflow and enhance student engagement. Discover how to leverage AI for tasks like generating personalized learning materials and providing instant feedback. Additionally, learn the fundamentals of AI image creation, enabling you to produce visually stimulating content for your lessons.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

AI Playbook: Crafting Guidelines and Policy for Staff and Students

Fri. June 13, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | $25
ROE 17: DeWitt/Livingston/Logan/McLean 201 E. Grove Street, Suite 300, Bloomington, IL

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 that align with district goals, as well as built-in work time to begin collaborating and crafting district-specific plans.

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

AI Playbook: Crafting Guidelines and Policy for Staff and Students

Fri. June 13, 2025 | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm | $25
ROE 17: DeWitt/Livingston/Logan/McLean 201 E. Grove Street, Suite 300, Bloomington, IL

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 that align with district goals, as well as built-in work time to begin collaborating and crafting district-specific plans.

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

AA: Literacies of the Digital World

Wed. June 18, 2025 | 8:30 am - 2:30 pm | $25
Sauk Valley Community College 173 IL Rt 2, Dixon, IL, United States

This workshop is designed to help participants understand the importance of computer literacy, digital literacy, AI Literacy, and digital citizenship and how these skills are necessary for all students to be successful in the classroom, their careers, and for the rest of their lives. Participants will learn the differences between computer literacy, digital literacy, AI […]

Sarah Phelps
Sarah Phelps
Program Manager, Computer Science and STEM, Learning Technology Center

AI for Administrators: Boosting Efficiency and Streamlining your Workday

Wed. June 18, 2025 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am | Free
ROE 4: Boone/Winnebago 300 Heart Blvd, Loves Park, Illinois, USA

This workshop is designed for district-level administrators who are eager to learn how to leverage the power of AI for increased efficiency and productivity. We'll move beyond the theoretical and dive into practical applications of AI tools that can be implemented immediately.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

Physical and Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure (SummIT Pre-Conference)

Mon. June 23, 2025 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Free
ROE 9: Champaign/Ford 3358 Big Pine Trail, Champaign, Illinois, USA

Open to SummIT attendees and all K-12 technology leaders, this course lays the groundwork for collaboration among individuals and organizations responsible for both physical and cybersecurity - including K-12 schools, law enforcement, and more.

Duane Shaffer
Duane Shaffer
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center

CS PD Week 2025

Mon. June 23, 2025 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | $400 – $1200

Join fellow K-12 CS educators for a 5-day learning experience centered on building prosperous computer science programs in every Illinois school district.

Sarah Phelps
Sarah Phelps
Program Manager, Computer Science and STEM, Learning Technology Center

SummIT

Tue. June 24, 2025 | 9:30 am - 2:30 pm | $100
University of Illinois- Campus Instructional Facility 1405 W Springfield, Urbana, IL, United States

Gain valuable insights and practical strategies for tackling the toughest IT issues facing your school district while connecting with fellow tech directors and IT staff in a collaborative environment.

Duane Shaffer
Duane Shaffer
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center
Eric Muckensturm
Eric Muckensturm
IT Strategy Manager, Cybersecurity, Learning Technology Center

Area 6 AI Summit

Wed. June 25, 2025 | 9:00 am - 2:30 pm | $100
Rend Lake College Event Center 468 North Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL, United States

Come discover AI's current and future role in education during the Area 6 AI Summit, hosted by the Learning Technology Center, ROE 12, ROE 13, ROE 20, ROE 21, and ROE 30.

Brian Bates
Brian Bates
Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning, Learning Technology Center
Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

AA 4054: Designing a Comprehensive CS Program for School Leaders

Thu. June 26, 2025 | 8:30 am - 4:00 pm | $125
Capital Area Career Center 2201 Toronto Road, Springfield, IL, United States

K-12 school leaders: discover how to successfully meet Illinois' computer science learning mandates by following research-informed practices for creating an implementation plan.

Charity Freeman
Charity Freeman
Principal Consultant, CS for Success

Getting Started with The Science of Reading

Tue. July 8, 2025 | 8:00 am - 10:00 am | $30
Online IL, United States

Are you ready to learn more about the science of reading? In this series of professional development, we’ll discuss elements that are critical for understanding the science of reading. Learn about topics like phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency, just to name a few. Your trainer will take you through pedagogical considerations, essential concepts, and screening/assessment tools you can start using to help as you teach and remediate reading. Whether you’ve never been instructed on the science of reading philosophy or are looking for a refresher, we’ve got you covered!

AI 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Future-Proofing your Classroom

Wed. July 9, 2025 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | $35
ROE 24: Grundy/Kendall 1320 Union St, Morris, Illinois, USA

AI isn’t making our current classrooms obsolete. But if we harness this new tool for learning now, we can future-proof our classrooms and better prepare our students for many evolving learning paths ahead.

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

Getting Started with The Science of Reading

Tue. July 15, 2025 | 8:00 am - 10:00 am | $30
Online IL, United States

Are you ready to learn more about the science of reading? In this series of professional development, we’ll discuss elements that are critical for understanding the science of reading. Learn about topics like phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency, just to name a few. Your trainer will take you through pedagogical considerations, essential concepts, and screening/assessment tools you can start using to help as you teach and remediate reading. Whether you’ve never been instructed on the science of reading philosophy or are looking for a refresher, we’ve got you covered!

Working Smarter with AI

Tue. July 15, 2025 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | Free
ROE 48: Peoria 2116 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL, United States

Join us for a hands-on workshop for educators ready to advance their AI journey. We'll cover the basics of AI, its impact on education, and practical classroom applications. Through group discussions and activities, you'll explore AI tools and create prompts to boost productivity. We'll focus on integrating AI into teaching strategies while addressing ethical and responsible use. By the end, you'll leave with practical strategies to confidently use AI tools, innovate curriculum design, and adapt teaching practices to meet diverse learners' needs.

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

An Educator’s Guide to Canva

Wed. July 16, 2025 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | Free
ROE 48: Peoria 2116 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL, United States

This hands-on session will guide you through using Canva’s templates presentation tool, the whiteboard, and docs for lesson plans and student collaboration. Through group discussions and activities, we will explore Canva's Magic Studio tools like Magic Write, Design, Edit, and Eraser to help you effortlessly generate creative text, design captivating visuals, and enhance images.

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

Getting Started with The Science of Reading

Tue. July 22, 2025 | 8:00 am - 10:00 am | $30
Online IL, United States

Are you ready to learn more about the science of reading? In this series of professional development, we’ll discuss elements that are critical for understanding the science of reading. Learn about topics like phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency, just to name a few. Your trainer will take you through pedagogical considerations, essential concepts, and screening/assessment tools you can start using to help as you teach and remediate reading. Whether you’ve never been instructed on the science of reading philosophy or are looking for a refresher, we’ve got you covered!

Unleash Student Creativity with Digital Storytelling in Canva

Tue. July 22, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
ROE 45: Monroe/Randolph 107 E Mill St, Waterloo, Illinois, USA

What if you could tap into the captivating world of TikTok and YouTube to bring your lessons to life? This workshop explores the art of digital storytelling in the classroom. Learn how to guide your students in creating their own content using Canva, connecting your curriculum to the digital narratives they love. Join us and discover the power of student-created stories!

Emily Flach
Emily Flach
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Southern Region, Learning Technology Center

Tinkercad & Other Tech Tools to Engage Students with STEM Concepts

Mon. July 28, 2025 | 9:00 am - 3:30 pm | Free
ROE 40 Carlinville Office 225 E Nicholas St, Carlinville, IL, United States

Teachers (4th-12th grade) will explore how to incorporate Tinkercad into the math, science, or computer classroom. Teachers will design their own object with TinkerCad which will be printed using a 3D printer. Teachers will learn about Spheros and also discover free tech tools (pattern blocks, sweethome3d, flipanim, Phet.Colorado.EDU, Physlets.org/tracker, GIS, Desmos) that add in the teaching, learning, and application of STEM topics.

Kelly Remijan
Kelly Remijan
Director of STEM Initiatives, ROE 40
Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center

FarmBeats for Students: Hands-On Precision Agriculture with micro:bit

Tue. July 29, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free
Lincoln Land Community College 1 Lincoln Land Dr, Litchfield, IL, United States

This program enables students to explore modern farming technology, data-driven decision-making, and real-world applications of STEM. With a flexible, web-based platform, it’s also accessible on any device, making it easy for educators to integrate into their teaching.

Sarah Phelps
Sarah Phelps
Program Manager, Computer Science and STEM, Learning Technology Center

Hey Google! Help Me Design Creative Lessons

Wed. July 30, 2025 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | $40
Illinois Valley Community College 815 N Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby, IL, United States

In this session, we'll focus on how you can create interactive assignments and collaborative projects using Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drawings. Along the way, we'll also highlight practical strategies you can use to elevate technology use in your classroom, starting within the familiar Google ecosystem.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

What’s New with AI in Education?

Tue. August 5, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | $10
ROE 4: Boone/Winnebago 300 Heart Blvd, Loves Park, Illinois, USA

Discover how artificial intelligence is influencing today's classrooms and learn practical ways to integrate it into your teaching. This workshop offers a clear look at key AI trends, from tools that personalize learning and support students, to those that can assist with everyday tasks.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center

AI Playbook: Crafting Guidelines and Policy for Staff and Students

Wed. August 6, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | $100
Manhattan Junior High School 15414 Smith Rd, Manhattan, IL, United States

This workshop provides school/district leaders with practical tips and resources to create tailored AI policies that align with district goals, as well as built-in work time to begin collaborating and crafting district-specific plans.

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

Empower your Learning Journey with Certiport Certifications!

Wed. August 6, 2025 | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm | Free
Jacksonville School District 117 211 W State St, Jacksonville, IL, United States

Are you interested in learning more skills to support tech-powered learning? Join us for a productive day dedicated to certification preparation geared toward K-12 tech staff and educators.

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

Elevate Your AI Skills | Special Education Edition

Tue. September 16, 2025 | 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

This workshop is designed for special education teachers seeking to elevate their foundational AI skills. We'll explore advanced prompting and expanded AI toolsets, empowering you to create deeply personalized learning experiences. Master AI's ability to develop data-driven IEP goals, implement progress monitoring, and craft targeted behavior plans. Learn to effectively employ AI for advanced differentiation and tailored accommodations, ensuring every student thrives.

Emily Flach
Emily Flach
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Southern Region, Learning Technology Center

Power-Up Book Study: EdTech Essentials in the Age of AI by Monica Burns

Mon. September 29, 2025 | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm | $20
Online IL, United States

Designed like a video game, this self-paced experience lets you level up by reading and completing hands-on challenges. Join in to earn up to 9 PD credits + learn directly from author during a capstone Q&A.

Linda DeYounge
Linda DeYounge
Program Manager of Online Learning, Learning Technology Center

Q&A with Monica Burns: Tips for the Age of AI

Wed. October 29, 2025 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

Hear insights from a leading edtech voice on how AI is reshaping teaching and learning, as well as answers to your questions about technology's evolving role in the classroom.

Monica Burns
Monica Burns
Author, Speaker, and Ed Tech Consultant, Class Tech Tips

Illinois Education and Technology Conference 2025 (IETC)

Wed. November 12, 2025 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | $250
Bank of Springfield Center, Springfield, IL 1, Convention Center Plaza,, Springfield, Illinois, United States

Learn, collaborate, and connect with fellow edtech enthusiasts and leaders during a multi-day professional learning experience ideal for collaborating one-on-one with peers and forging meaningful connections.

Tim McIlvain
Tim McIlvain
Executive Director, Learning Technology Center