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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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 […]

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

Creating with Canva in All Grade Levels and Content Areas

Tue. June 24, 2025 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm | $40
Illinois Valley Community College 815 N Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby, IL, United States

Have you heard of Canva but not taken the time to dive into its robust features? Canva provides lots of exciting content creation opportunities, both for students and educators like you. Join us as we explore several practical classroom applications of Canva across all content areas and grade levels.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, 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!

Computer Science Series: Strawbees (K-12)

Tue. July 15, 2025 | 8:30 am - 11:30 am | $50
U of I Extension Office, Carmi 1715 College Ave, Carmi, IL, United States

Discover the engaging world of Strawbees! This workshop offers educators a hands-on introduction to this innovative building system designed to foster STEM and STEAM learning through play.

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

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

Computer Science Series: Finch Robot 2.0 (K-12)

Tue. July 15, 2025 | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm | $50
U of I Extension Office, Carmi 1715 College Ave, Carmi, IL, United States

Bring computer science to life with the Finch Robot 2.0 powered by micro:bit! This hands-on workshop will guide you through the exciting possibilities of this robot, designed for learners of all ages, from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Emily Flach
Emily Flach
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Southern 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

A Beginner’s Guide to Canva

Tue. July 29, 2025 | 10:00 am - 12:30 pm | Free
Online IL, United States

Are you new to Canva and ready to try it out? In this virtual session, you will learn how to search for and then create amazing designs in minutes with Canva’s templates and tools.

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

Reclaim Your Time: Discover Brisk AI

Wed. July 30, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am | Free
Online IL, United States

Empower your teaching with Brisk AI! This Zoom session will introduce you to this powerful Chrome extension tool that will help with curriculum, feedback, differentiation, and more right from the apps and websites you already use. Learn how to perform many teaching tasks with ease with Brisk AI.

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

Learn about the Magic in MagicSchool AI

Thu. July 31, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am | Free
Online IL, United States

Join us for this virtual workshop exploring MagicSchool, a leading AI platform, that allows educators to save time in creating lesson plans, differentiating instruction, writing assessments, creating IEP goals, communicating, and more.

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

Using Canva’s Magic Studio

Mon. August 4, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am | Free
Online IL, United States

Unleash the power of Canva’s Magic Studio and transform your teaching materials with AI! This workshop dives into Magic Studio’s 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

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

Applying Canva in Your Classroom

Tue. August 5, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am | Free
Online IL, United States

Are you familiar with the basics of Canva and want to learn more? Discover how Canva can transform your teaching and engage your students! This hands-on session will guide you through using Canva’s Presentation tool, the Whiteboard, and Docs for lesson plans and student collaboration.

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

A Case for AI Literacy

Tue. September 9, 2025 | 8:30 am - 11:30 am | $15
I-KAN ROE 1 Stuart Dr, Kankakee, IL, United States

Artificial Intelligence, with all its benefits and drawbacks, is integrating more and more into life as we know it, and our classrooms are no exception. Whether we like it or not, AI is here, and it's not going away. In this session, we will examine the concerns around AI and why those concerns are the exact reason we can’t ignore this increasingly prevalent technology! Additionally, we will explore the potential benefits this technology can have for education and how we can push towards making AI a “net positive” for ourselves and our students. Join us as well delve into the complexities of AI, examining its potential impact on education and the foundational principles needed to enable educators and students to navigate this new landscape safely, responsibly, and ethically.

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

Computer Science Series: Finch Robot 2.0 (K-12)

Tue. September 9, 2025 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am | $50
U of I Extension Office, Carmi 1715 College Ave, Carmi, IL, United States

Bring computer science to life with the Finch Robot 2.0 powered by micro:bit! This hands-on workshop will guide you through the exciting possibilities of this robot, designed for learners of all ages, from kindergarten to 12th grade.

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

Computer Science Series: Strawbees (K-12)

Tue. September 9, 2025 | 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm | $50
U of I Extension Office, Carmi 1715 College Ave, Carmi, IL, United States

Discover the engaging world of Strawbees! This workshop offers educators a hands-on introduction to this innovative building system designed to foster STEM and STEAM learning through play.

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

AI Playbook: Crafting Guidelines and Procedures for Staff and Students

Tue. September 9, 2025 | 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm | $15
I-KAN ROE 1 Stuart Dr, Kankakee, IL, United States

This workshop provides school/district leaders with practical tips and resources to create tailored AI guidelines 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

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

ROE 56 Tech Networking Meeting

Thu. September 25, 2025 | 9:30 am - 11:00 am | Free
ROE 56: Will 116 N. Chicago St, Joliet, IL, United States

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 voice and network with colleagues at our open discussion!

Matt Sherrill
Matt Sherrill
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central 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

TeachGPT: Making AI your TA

Tue. October 7, 2025 | 8:30 am - 11:30 am | $15
I-KAN ROE 1 Stuart Dr, Kankakee, IL, United States

Beat the dreaded “teacher burnout” by exploring how you can use AI as your personal teaching assistant! This workshop will demonstrate how educators can leverage chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, as well as education-specific AI-powered platforms to enhance efficiency, access resources, and personalize student learning.

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

AI-Savvy Students: Equipping Today’s Learners for Tomorrow’s Reality

Thu. November 6, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | $15
I-KAN ROE 1 Stuart Dr, Kankakee, IL, United States

You understand the benefits of AI in education and the importance of preparing our students for the increasingly AI-influenced world, but now what? In this session, we will explore the “Why, What, and How?” of integrating AI literacy into the classroom. We will cover practical strategies and resources, including pre-made lesson plans aligned with AI Literacy skills, activities that simultaneously support class content and AI literacy, engaging student-facing tools, and quick discussion starters that make introducing AI concepts simple and effective at any grade level and in any classroom.

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

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

ROE 56 Tech Networking Meeting

Thu. December 4, 2025 | 9:30 am - 11:00 am | Free
ROE 56: Will 116 N. Chicago St, Joliet, IL, United States

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 voice and network with colleagues at our open discussion!

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

ROE 56 Tech Networking Meeting

Thu. February 19, 2026 | 9:30 am - 11:00 am | Free
ROE 56: Will 116 N. Chicago St, Joliet, IL, United States

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 voice and network with colleagues at our open discussion!

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

ROE 56 Tech Networking Meeting

Thu. April 30, 2026 | 9:30 am - 11:00 am | Free
ROE 56: Will 116 N. Chicago St, Joliet, IL, United States

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 voice and network with colleagues at our open discussion!

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