Focus Area

Leadership & Capacity Building

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
Professional Learning

Be Connected Networking Series

Monthly
Free

A weekly webinar series hosted by the LTC’s Technology Services Team.

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

Illinois Education and Technology Conference

November
$175+

At IETC, you’re at the center of Illinois’ edtech conversation. A must-attend event for educators inspired to lead and foster transformative, tech-powered learning experiences.

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
Database

Legal Reference Guide & Database

An introduction to the statutes, regulations, and rules that may apply to the use of technology in a school district.

Service
Network

LTC Online Community

Free

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

Service
Professional Learning

Microsoft Professional Learning

Customizable

Hands-on, problem-based learning through our Microsoft Partnership.

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

Online Courses

Free and Paid

Self-guided professional learning that supports educators’ use of digital tools for teaching and learning.

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
Podcast

One-to-One Podcast

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

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
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
Resource Collections

Resources for Careers in EdTech

This resource delivers concise information on specific certifications and endorsements, guiding individuals in their pursuit of professional development.

Resource
Guidance

Instructional Technology Coach Funding

Despite their growing popularity and research to back their efficacy, funding for coaching programs can be sparse in many districts. These funding sources can help your district start and sustain a productive coaching program using state and

Events

ROE 51 Tech Leadership Meeting

Jan 27, 2026
Free

You’re invited to an open forum to explore the latest topics and trends in educational technology. This is a unique networking opportunity for all ed-tech professionals—from technology directors to instructional coaches and everyone in between—to

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

Technology Leaders Collaborative

Feb 4, 2026
Free

We bring together K–12 technology leaders from across the region for two hours of conversation and collaboration.

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

ROE 24 Tech Networking Meeting

Feb 5, 2026
Free

Curious about how other district technology leaders are tackling challenges and initiatives in their districts? Do you have new technology projects/upgrades going on in your district that others might want to hear about?

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

ROE 56 Tech Networking Meeting

Feb 19, 2026
Free

Curious about how other district technology leaders are tackling challenges and initiatives in their districts? Do you have new technology projects/upgrades going on in your district that others might want to hear about? Share your

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Region, Learning Technology Center
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Instructional Technology Coaching

AI for Everyone: Empowering AI through Instructional Technology Coaching

Feb 19, 2026
Free

Curious about AI but not sure how it fits into your school? This beginner-friendly session for teachers and administrators illuminates AI’s potential uses in teaching and learning + how instructional coaching can support safe, guided

Elizabeth Radunz
Elizabeth Radunz
Lead Instructional Technology Coach, Learning Technology Center

ROE 9 & ROE 54 Tech Networking Meeting

Feb 20, 2026
Free

Curious about how other district technology leaders are tackling challenges and initiatives in their districts?

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

ROE 51 Tech Leadership Meeting

Feb 24, 2026
Free

You’re invited to an open forum to explore the latest topics and trends in educational technology. This is a unique networking opportunity for all ed-tech professionals—from technology directors to instructional coaches and everyone in between—to

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

ROE 11 Tech Networking Meeting

Feb 26, 2026
Free

Curious about how other district technology leaders are tackling challenges and initiatives in their districts? Do you have new technology projects/upgrades going on in your district that others might want to hear about? Share your

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

ROE 17 Tech Networking Meeting

Mar 6, 2026
Free

Curious about how other district technology leaders are tackling challenges and initiatives in their districts? Do you have new technology projects/upgrades going on in your district that others might want to hear about? Share your

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

ROE 51 Tech Leadership Meeting

Mar 24, 2026
Free

You’re invited to an open forum to explore the latest topics and trends in educational technology. This is a unique networking opportunity for all ed-tech professionals—from technology directors to instructional coaches and everyone in between—to

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

ROE 11 Tech Networking Meeting

Apr 17, 2026
Free

Curious about how other district technology leaders are tackling challenges and initiatives in their districts? Do you have new technology projects/upgrades going on in your district that others might want to hear about? Share your

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

ROE 51 Tech Leadership Meeting

Apr 21, 2026
Free

You’re invited to an open forum to explore the latest topics and trends in educational technology. This is a unique networking opportunity for all ed-tech professionals—from technology directors to instructional coaches and everyone in between—to

Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West 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,

Classroom Integration & Pedagogy

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

Classroom Integration & Pedagogy
Nicole Zumpano
Nicole Zumpano
Director of Instructional Technology Coaching, 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

Leadership & Capacity Building
Mindy Fiscus
Mindy Fiscus
Director of Government Affairs and Purchasing, Learning Technology Center

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

Leadership & Capacity Building
LTC Staff
LTC Staff
Statewide Team, Learning Technology Center

3 Ways You Can Add Digital Accessibility to Your Classroom Today

As it stands, some digital learning tools and communications are not effectively accessible by default. Fortunately, there are numerous ways that teachers like you can make their classroom’s digital content

Digital Equity
Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center

5 Instructional Technology Coaching Strategies that Support Continuous Teacher Growth

From responsive goal-setting to collaborative problem-solving, here’s how coaches make ongoing growth achievable for teachers and districts.

Leadership & Capacity Building
Elizabeth Radunz
Elizabeth Radunz
Lead Instructional Technology Coach, Learning Technology Center
Contracts
Contracts are facilitated by ILTPP, the LTC’s cooperative that leverages the collective buying power of Illinois K-12 schools to provide affordable, high-quality technology and digital learning resources through trusted vendor partnerships.

ManagedMethods

Cybersecurity & Training

ILTPP-25MM02 |

End Date: 07-31-2026

Senso.cloud

K12 Education Software, Networking & Security

ILTPP-25SC02 |

End Date: 07-31-2026

Kajeet

Mobile & Cellular Connectivity

AEPA 025.5-D |

End Date: 05-31-2026

Xpel: Cybersecurity & Training

Cybersecurity & Training

AEPA 025-F |

End Date: 02-28-2026

CTL

Chromebooks, Computer Equipment, Peripherals, & Related Services

ILTPP-CTL2504 |

End Date: 05-14-2026

Caetra.io: Cybersecurity & Training

Cybersecurity & Training

AEPA 025-F |

End Date: 02-28-2026

Bluebird: Security Solutions

Security Solutions

AEPA 025-E |

End Date: 02-28-2026

ActZero: Cybersecurity & Training

Cybersecurity & Training

AEPA 025-F |

End Date: 02-28-2026

Bluum: Digital Resources & Instructional Materials

Digital Resources & Instructional Materials, Instructional/Classroom Content, STEM/STEAM

AEPA 024-C |

End Date: 02-28-2026

Deledao

Security Solutions

ILTPP 025DLD01 |

End Date: 03-31-2026

Trafera

Technology Catalog

ILTPP-025TRA04 |

End Date: 02-04-2026

CENTEGIX™

Security Solutions

AEPA 025-E |

End Date: 02-28-2026