Our staff talk to thousands of educators every year. We’re at the same conferences. We’re in your classrooms. We’re on your Zoom calls at 3pm on a Thursday. And everywhere we go, we hear the same thing:
Teachers and school leaders across Illinois are doing genuinely great work with technology.
We just can’t be everywhere at once (although we try) and neither can you. Illinois is a big state. A great idea in Rockford doesn’t always make its way down to Carbondale.
So this year, we’re trying something new – a new way to share edtech successes and expertise from every corner of our state.
Meet our Digital Content Partners.
A fresh perspective. A tailored recommendation. A breakthrough that shines a focused light on how you use tech in your classroom.
They all start in conversations between educators, and are charged with the keen, commiserative insights of someone who understands what it’s like to stand in your shoes
Our Digital Content Partners add a face to those conversations, connecting you with practical ideas and student-centered solutions that make edtech “a-ha” moments possible.
These learning partners join us through our inaugural Digital Content Partnership program, a yearly cohort of instructional coaches and technology leaders from schools across Illinois.
They join forces with us to lead a slate of can’t-miss webinars — picking the topics, building the content, and sharing their enthusiasm for edtech innovation. They bring the ideas, the energy, and the real classroom experience; we bring the virtual stage and microphone.
Each quarter, we all sit down together and brainstorm what Illinois educators and school leaders need to know about education and technology – and what they’re eager to learn more about next. The result: webinars that feel less like a 60-minute slog and more like a quick call with your smartest edtech friend.
Get to know our 2026-27 Partners, coming soon to your school-issued device →
North to south, urban to rural, our inaugural cohort brings together edtech ingenuity from across our diverse, statewide K-12 community.
And like you, they’re more than a passionate educator. They’re runners, readers, and aspiring backup dancers, too:
Coordinator of Instructional Technology
Westchester SD 92½
Since 2007, Kumar has served in a variety of roles, including middle school ELA teacher, computer aide, STEAM facilitator, coding instructor, instructional coach, and technology leader.
Currently, he supports Westchester School District 92½ as their Coordinator of Instructional Technology, leading initiatives in digital transformation, instructional design, and professional learning.
Outside of school, he’d love to chat about the last mystery or sci-fi novel he’s read. But if you want to talk shop, ask him about:
Kumar’s Upcoming Webinars
📅 September 15 | Flip the Script on Screen Time and Transform Learning with Technology
📅 November 5 | Less Friction, More Learning: Streamlining Digital Resources for Everyone
Assistant Principal
George O. Barr Elementary School (Silvis SD 34)
Emilie is an assistant principal at George O. Barr Elementary School, and a former high school instructional technology coach in the Quad Cities. Before moving into administration, she taught Spanish for 11 years in California and Illinois, then served as an instructional technology coach for five years.
Even though her title has changed, coaching is still at the heart of how she leads: listening first, building trust, and helping educators find practical ways to support students.
Her ultimate goal? Becoming a backup dancer for Pitbull, aka. Mr. Worldwide. If you can catch her between sets, she’d love to talk about:
Emilie’s Upcoming Webinars
📅 September 22 | Mission Impossible: How to Organize a Building-Wide Tech Challenge
Instructional Technology Coach
PORTA Community SD 202
Nate is an instructional technology coach at PORTA Community School District 202, near Springfield, who is dedicated to empowering educators and transforming classrooms through meaningful and purposeful tech integration.
With 15 years of experience in education, Nate specializes in breaking down digital tools into actionable, student-centered strategies that amplify student voice.
He’d love to talk edtech, but you’ll have to catch him on the sidelines of the New York City Marathon, which he has run twice! Bring him a water bottle and ask him about:
Nate’s Upcoming Webinars
📅 October 22 | Think Like a Coder, Without the Computers
Library, Literacy, & Edtech Coordinator
Troy CCSD 30C
Carrie is the Library, Literacy, and Educational Technology Coordinator for Troy CCSD 30C in Illinois’ Metro East region where she leads edtech, AI, digital literacy, library services, and professional development initiatives.
Drawing on a wide range of experiences – including as a band director, middle school ELA teacher, reading specialist,and librarian – Carrie brings a well-rounded perspective to supporting educators toward impactful technology use.
Between crafting Halloween costumes and finishing her 401th book, she’d love to talk edtech! When she takes a reading break, ask her about:
Carrie’s Upcoming Webinars
📅 Coming soon!
Want to see what our Partners have planned?
Our Partner-led webinars kick off in September and continue throughout the 2026-27 school year. Tune in each month to meet Kumar, Emilie, Nate, and Carrie, and learn how to:
Grab your spot at the front of the class today! Great ideas are heading your way, no matter where “your way” is.
Linda designs, develops, and evaluates the LTC’s digital professional learning, including working with subject matter experts to create learning objectives, conduct needs assessments, and deliver interactive online PD opportunities.
New year, new goals! Get a fresh start on your commitment to read more, get organized, or build better tech boundaries with resolution-worthy online courses.
Already thinking back-to-school? Don’t wait until the bell rings to start learning. Start collaborating digitally, optimizing your Calendar settings, and sending templated emails now with these new online courses.
