2023 LTC Award Winners
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, Nov. 2, 2023 – The Learning Technology Center (LTC) announced the winners of the 2023 LTC Awards at the annual Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC). Developed to celebrate Illinois’ edtech innovators, the LTC Awards recognize PK-12 initiatives and organizations for their outstanding contributions to empowering educational change through technology.
This year’s winners lead initiatives and projects that transform learning experiences by developing new resources and partnering in professional learning and support. These projects also reflect a broad focus on improving learning by intentionally embracing technology, both as a solution and as a goal. “Our judges were very impressed and delighted with all of the submissions for the 2023 awards,” said Mindy Fiscus, LTC Award chairperson. “It was a difficult process to narrow it down to the winners. We are thrilled to share their successes with districts across our state.”
2023 LTC Award Winners
Vision Award: Barrington CUSD 220
Barrington CUSD 220 has been selected as the 2023 LTC Vision Award winner for their Elementary Social Global Studies Digital Curriculum. By incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion into the digital K-5 social global studies curriculum, Barrington CUSD220 provided its educators with innovative resources and strategies to recognize and value students’ cultural backgrounds, experiences, and identities.
The Elementary Social Global Studies Digital Curriculum was also selected based on its use of a combination of digital tools, inquiry-based learning, and opportunities for creativity, that equipped students with the skills necessary to navigate an interconnected world, think critically about complex global issues, and become engaged and responsible global citizens. Approximately 3,200 kindergarten through fifth grade students have been impacted by this program.
The LTC Vision Award recognizes innovative or exemplary projects that empower the use of technology and/or digital learning within the classroom. These projects demonstrate a clear vision of technology in education, a strong impact within their target populations, and serve as examples for other districts and teams.
Collaboration Award: DOT Foods & Western Illinois STEM Ambassador Cohort
DOT Foods has been selected as the 2023 LTC Collaboration Award winner for their STEM Cohort program. Entitled “Focus on STEM,” the multi-district cohort includes 35-50 participants from 13 different sized districts in west central Illinois. The program provides professional learning in a hands-on environment where participants actively learn about the devices and software to implement in the classroom, as well as grant support to help fund the development.
Many of the participating districts, which contain students from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds, would not have had access to these tools without a program like this. It is expected that 700+ students will be impacted by the program this year.
The LTC Collaboration Award recognizes innovative or exemplary projects that impact multiple districts, schools, educators, and students throughout the state. These projects leverage partnerships and demonstrate a commitment to helping others beyond a single district.
Alliance Award: Trafera
Trafera has been selected as the 2023 LTC Alliance Award winner for their support of East St. Louis School District 189. Trafera (an ILTPP Vendor Partner) offers a breadth of knowledge across a wide variety of fields within technology education, which has proven to be invaluable. Their solutions are not only comprehensive and innovative but also tailored to fit the unique needs of the East St. Louis school district.
According to Kurt Warner, director of technology for East St. Louis School District 189, “Their team ensures that their solutions not only meet our current needs but also align with our future goals. By doing so, they’ve demonstrated a rare blend of technical expertise and customer-centric approach that positions them as more than just a vendor – they’re a partner committed to our success.”
The LTC Alliance Award recognizes private sector partners who uniquely support and impact school districts through collaborations, partnerships, and alignment with student learning.
Recognition
The 2023 LTC Awards were presented during a special ceremony at the 2023 Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC).
Each winner received a physical award, on-stage recognition, and the chance to participate in a Q&A panel, while Vision Award and Collaboration Award winners additionally received four complimentary IETC registration vouchers and one day of free training from the Learning Technology Center.
About the Learning Technology Center
The Learning Technology Center is an Illinois State Board of Education program that supports all public K-12 districts, schools, and educators through technology initiatives, services, and professional learning opportunities. To learn more, visit ltcillinois.org or follow us on social media (@ltcillinois on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube).
Mindy provides leadership, expertise, and support related to broadband connectivity, equipment and device access, and funding sources, including E-Rate.
Kristi leads the Communications team and works to propel the LTC's image through consistent messaging, strategy, and community engagement.