2025 LTC Awards Announced
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, Dec. 3, 2025 –The Learning Technology Center (LTC) today announced the 2025 LTC Award winners at the annual Illinois Education & Technology Conference.
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 award winners raised the bar for edtech excellence, with recognition for educator-led projects supporting equitable computer science learning and AI-focused professional development, and a private sector partnership with outstanding attention to full device life cycles.
“We had more nominations this year than ever before, and many stood out from the pack,” praised Mindy Fiscus, Director of Government Affairs and LTC Awards chairperson. “Every year, I’m endlessly impressed at the ingenuity that our state’s educators are bringing to the technology table. If you need inspiration, look no further than their exemplary work.”
Vision Award: Marion CUSD 2
Wildcat CSI: Computer Science Integrations
Marion CUSD 2 has been selected as the 2025 LTC Vision Award winner for their creative use of state grant funding to support computer science professional development and instruction.
Their “Wildcat CSI: Computer Science Integrations” program tackled several significant barriers to equitable CS learning across multiple grade levels, starting with limited staff availability and capacity for developing relevant technology instruction. Empowered by CS Equity funding (a competitive grant from ISBE), a selected team of teachers was able to expand their instructional capacity, including by attending CS PD Week last summer.
Back in their district, Marion’s CS teachers were able to put the Illinois CS Equity grant to further use through these breakthrough projects:
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- Creation of several esports teams (with 29 students competing during year one)
- CS integration into Grades 3–6 and multiple content areas using Ozobots, LEGO kits, and micro:bits
- Rollout of a three-phase implementation model that develops capacity for independent CS instruction within core subjects
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These integrations reduced barriers to participation for all underrepresented students, and fostered a culture where CS learning pathways are not limited to those who self-select into electives.
About this Award: 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: East Moline SD 37
AI Unites Summit 2025
East Moline School District 37 have been selected as the 2025 LTC Collaboration Award winner for their creation and facilitation of their AI Unites Summit. This innovative professional learning addressed an unbalanced approach to AI adoption in the region by creating a shared learning experience for area districts and fostering a collaborative professional network that encouraged ongoing problem-solving on this front.
In total, over 100 attendees from 12 districts, as well as two community partners and two colleges, took part in the summit. Interactive sessions led by LTC staff offered hands-on opportunities to explore sophisticated uses for AI in the classroom that support both digital literacy and metacognitive skills.
Thanks to East Moline’s collaborative efforts, students from many districts in northwest Illinois will have access to AI-empowered learning opportunities on a regular and consistent basis.
This is East Moline School District 37’s second LTC Award, having also won the 2024 Collaboration Award. The district used their benefit from that award – complimentary LTC-led professional development – to create this event’s core session offerings, as well as ensure participants could attend at no cost.
About this Award: 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: CTL
Nominated by an Anonymous West Illinois School District
CTL has been selected as the 2025 LTC Alliance Award winner for their dedicated support of several Illinois school districts.
An ILTPP Vendor Partner since 2018, CTL exemplified their commitment to great service through their in-depth approach to device lifecycles.
“CTL is a true ally to our students, teachers, and IT staff” said one anonymous nominee from an Illinois school district. “They stuck with us through procurement and repair, even offering buyback for depreciated devices. They’re always friendly, affordable, and honest. I’m excited to continue working with them in the future.”
CTL also prides itself on outstanding Chromebook support, with another nominee elevating them as their go-to choice for these devices and associated supports.
About this Award: 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 2025 LTC Awards were presented during a special ceremony at the annual 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.
Vision Award and Collaboration Award winners additionally received four complimentary IETC registration vouchers and one day of free professional development led by a Learning Technology Center trainer.
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 Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube).
Tim directs the Learning Technology Center, providing strategic leadership, expertise, and operational management for statewide technology and digital learning initiatives.