MackinVision: A Guided Tour
2026-03-25 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-25 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | IL
Discover MackinVision, a cloud-based library and resource management system built for today’s schools. It unifies print, digital, and multimedia materials in one easy-to-use interface, with powerful tools like STAR for visual search and Teacher’s Library Portal for classroom circulation. See how MackinVision streamlines management, supports teachers, and enhances the student experience.
Please sign up using your school email address. A recording will be made available for a limited time for those who are unable to attend the live event.

Coach Training for Code.org
2026-03-27 08:00 - 12:00 | Online, IL, United States
Explore the new Code.org Coach materials in this virtual, interactive 4-hour training designed to help your teachers, school, or district succeed with Code.org‘s curriculum. You’ll learn about the Code.org facilitation model and effective strategies for working with teachers. We will guide you through the materials, providing “make-n-take” resources you can use to present in your own school or district.
Explore all that Code.org has to offer and be amazed at what you can do to help teachers and students learn more with code. Even if you don’t have dedicated time for Computer Science, this training gives you support for all different schedules and learning structures grades K-8.

Declutter & Enhance your Google Digital Life
2026-03-31 09:00 - 12:00 | ROE 12 Olney Location, 407 S Whittle Ave, Olney, 62450, United States
There’s a better way to work! This workshop for daily Google Workspace users will help you develop a workflow that improves efficiency, cuts down on digital clutter, and helps you get stuff done everyday. Throughout this session, we’ll practice strategies that help you prioritize tasks, organize files, manage emails, collect and analyze data, and run efficient classrooms or meetings- all utilizing the Google apps you’re already familiar with. In particular, we’ll focus on innovative ways to harness Google Chrome, Drive, Gmail, Calendar, and more. Join us to discover a tech-forward way to work smarter and increase your efficiency – no matter what your day throws at you!

Enhancing school safety by optimizing SVPP grants
2026-03-31 11:00 - 12:00 | IL
Join SHI on Tuesday, March 31st at 11:00am CT for our Funding Actualized webinar, where we’ll break down the School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) grant—an essential funding resource designed to strengthen safety and security across K–12 schools. We’ll explain how SVPP can cover up to 75% of your school safety costs, including:

Collaboration and training with law enforcement to prevent student violence
Physical deterrents such as metal detectors, locks, and improved lighting
Communication tools that enhance coordination with local law enforcement during emergencies
Additional security improvements eligible under the grant

We’ll also outline the equipment and technology that qualify for SVPP funding, such as entry control systems, alarms, lighting, communication tools, emergency alerts, identification technology, tracking systems, video surveillance, and GIS software for mapping campuses and bus routes.
Whether you’re a school administrator, local government official, public safety leader, or Tribal representative, this session will equip you with the knowledge needed to effectively leverage SVPP funding and enhance school safety.
Click the link below to register today!

Be Connected: Physical Inventory
2026-04-01 13:00 - 13:45 | Online, IL, United States
You cannot protect what you don’t know you have. So grab your inventory list and tune into this week’s Be Connected, where we’re discussing why a comprehensive physical inventory is a critical security tool, rather than just an accounting requirement.
We will break down what to include beyond the basics—such as end-of-life dates, physical locations, and specific server roles—and explore strategies for keeping this “living document” accurate in the face of constant hardware moves and additions.
Join us to share your workflows for automating asset tracking and your tips for ensuring the inventory remains a reliable, real-time resource, instead of a static spreadsheet that gathers digital dust.
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Be Connected is a virtual networking series designed to spark meaningful conversations and collaboration within Illinois’ K–12 technology community.
Hosted by the LTC’s Technology Services team, each free session centers around a different relevant topic, ranging from infrastructure planning and cybersecurity to emerging tools, networking strategies, and day-to-day IT challenges. These informal yet purposeful sessions offer a relaxed and supportive environment where participants can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Explore upcoming session topics: https://www.ltcillinois.org/services/beconnected/

Managed Detection and Response with LTC & SentinelOne
2026-04-01 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Online, IL, United States
Cyber threats targeting schools continue to grow, and many districts are being asked to protect increasingly complex technology environments with limited staff and resources.
Managed detection and response (MDR) is one way to stay ahead emerging threats – and the LTC is partnering up to make it more accessible to Illinois school districts.
The session will begin with a brief overview of the multistate cybersecurity collaboration with SentinelOne, including how their shared intelligence and coordinated defense strategies help strengthen school’s cyber defenses.
From there, we’ll focus in on a live demonstration of the SentinelOne security platform and its bundled capabilities available to participating districts. During the demo, we’ll walk through how districts can use the platform to detect threats, contain attacks, monitor vulnerabilities, and gain visibility across their technology environments.
We’ll also review how the managed detection and response services provide 24/7 monitoring and support for district IT teams.
Participants will see how the platform works in practice and learn what implementation looks like for Illinois school districts.
What You’ll See

A brief overview of the multistate cybersecurity partnership
How SentinelOne detects and automatically responds to threats
Vulnerability management and asset discovery across district devices
24/7 managed detection and response monitoring
What the bundled offering includes for participating districts
How districts can get started

Who Should Attend

Technology directors
IT managers and network administrators
K-12 school district leadership interested in strengthening cybersecurity

Learn more about our partnered endpoint security and managed response services →

SDPC Status Report: Registry Updates, NDPA 2.3 & More
2026-04-08 13:00 - 14:30 | Online, IL, United States
Critical updates to the way Illinois school’s manage student data privacy are just around the corner. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve, with a synopsis of:

The current state of the Illinois Student Privacy Alliance and the SDPC database
New features and functions in the forthcoming NDPA 2.3 and Registry 2.0

All Illinois SDPC users should plan on attending for critical information regarding the next phase of the cleanup process and the plan for transitioning to the registry’s next version.
This webinar will be recorded.

ROE 26 and ROE 33 Tech Leadership Meeting
2026-04-09 09:00 - 11:30 | Galesburg Board of Education, 940 W Freemont, Galesburg, 61401, United States
This is a unique networking opportunity for all ed-tech professionals—from technology directors to instructional coaches and everyone in between—to connect and discuss the evolving landscape of technology in our schools.
While a brief presentation may kick things off, the heart of this meeting will be a participant-led discussion. Come prepared to share your experiences, tackle common challenges, and gain valuable insights from your peers.
We look forward to seeing you there!

911 HALO for K-12 Emergency Response & School Safety
2026-04-09 15:00 - 15:45 | Online, IL, United States
You’re invited to a live statewide webinar introducing 911 HALO — SAS HALO’s Next-Generation School Security Hub, built to unify emergency response communications across your schools and strengthen coordination with public safety.
What you’ll see in the demo:

Be the first to know when and where a 911 call happens on campus — especially from mobile phones
Unified emergency response view across phones, PA/intercom, video, access control, and 911 visibility
Rapid staff notification and role-based response workflows
Supports modern emergency response planning and incident documentation
Designed for scalable deployment across district campuses and multi-site environments
Reducing response times from minutes to seconds

Why this matters for Illinois districts:
Whether you’re updating emergency protocols, improving interoperability with first responders, or strengthening districtwide response readiness, 911 HALO provides a practical path to reduce confusion and speed of action during critical incidents.

ROE 11 Tech Networking Meeting
2026-04-10 09:30 - 11:30 | ROE 11: Clark/Coles/Cumberland/Douglas/Edgar/Moultrie/Shelby, 730 7th St, Charleston, Illinois, 61920 2101, USA
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!
This networking session welcomes all technology professionals – technology directors, technology support staff, coaches, and IT specialists/leaders. We may kick things off with a brief presentation, but the real magic happens when we open the floor. Share your experiences, challenges, and ideas in a supportive space, and learn from peers!

ROE 48 and ROE 53 Tech Leadership Meeting
2026-04-10 09:30 - 11:30 | Limestone SD, 4201 Airport Road, Peoria, IL, 61607, United States
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 connect and discuss the evolving landscape of technology in our schools.
While a brief presentation may kick things off, the heart of this meeting will be a participant-led discussion. Come prepared to share your experiences, tackle common challenges, and gain valuable insights from your peers.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Career Spark: STEAM Expo
2026-04-14 09:00 - 2026-04-15 14:00 | Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL, 62702, United States
Join us for the CareerSpark – STEAM Expo in Springfield, an engaging and interactive experience designed to ignite students’ interest in the dynamic fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). This event is specifically tailored for 8th-grade students, providing them with hands-on activities and insights into exciting career opportunities within the STEAM disciplines and coordinated by JA, DoIT, and the LTC.
Participants will have the chance to explore various career paths, interact with professionals, and engage in innovative projects that highlight the importance of STEAM education. This expo aims to inspire the next generation of thinkers and creators, fostering a curiosity and passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom. The LTC will have a booth where students will explore machine learning with the BBC micro:bit.
Educators are encouraged to attend alongside their students to facilitate discussions and enhance the learning experience. The Career Spark – STEAM Expo promises to be a memorable event that empowers young minds to envision their futures in STEAM careers. Join us for a day of exploration and inspiration!

Tech Treks: Using Sandbox Mode in Padlet
2026-04-14 15:30 - 16:30 | Online, IL, United States
Padlet Sandbox is Padlet’s newest interactive whiteboard space, a flexible, visual canvas perfect for brainstorming, mapping ideas, sorting concepts, and building interactive lessons. With tools for drawing, text, shapes, and multimedia, Sandbox gives teachers a dynamic alternative to Jamboard and an easy way to spark creativity and collaboration.
Join and play as a Padlet expert guides you through this hands-on session perfect for educators with some Padlet experience! You’ll learn how to start a Sandbox board, customize its layout, apply templates, and use tools like drawing, shapes, sticky notes, and media attachments.
By the end of the trek, you’ll create a classroom-ready Sandbox activity using a template of your choice.
💡 What You’ll Experience:

Get started with Padlet’s new Sandbox whiteboard format and explore its key features.
Customize your Sandbox using tools for drawing, text, shapes, images, and embedded media.
Browse and apply built-in templates to guide student thinking, structure lessons, or support group work.
Share your Sandbox with students and discover best practices for real-time or asynchronous participation.
Build and take home a ready-to-use Sandbox whiteboard activity to launch in your classroom.

This isn’t your typical sit-and-watch session. You’ll actively build, customize, and test your Padlet board in real time. We recommend using two devices for this webinar: one to view the session and another (like a laptop or tablet) to explore Padlet as you go.
Illinois educators who register here and attend live through Zoom can earn 1.0 PD credit.

Canva Power-Up: 10 Hacks for Speed and Style
2026-04-14 15:30 - 17:00 | Online, IL, United States
You’ve mastered the basics in Canva, so now it’s time for the greatest hits! In this lightning-fast, power-packed session, we’re counting down the top 10 techniques that will truly elevate your designs. We’re skipping the fundamentals and diving straight into a treasure trove of powerful shortcuts, design secrets, and insider tips that will transform your Canva creations. Get ready to unleash your inner creator and build stunning classroom designs and projects with both speed and style!

More Than School Supplies: Supporting Everyday Needs and Larger Projects
2026-04-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Online, IL, United States
While many know Quill for competitive paper pricing and core office and school supplies, schools and municipalities often don’t realize the broader support available for both everyday operations and larger initiatives. In this session, we’ll highlight how organizations are sourcing beyond the basics, including health and wellness essentials, facilities and technology needs, and furniture solutions for larger projects, with cooperative contract options available to eligible organizations.

Be Connected: Patch Management
2026-04-15 13:00 - 13:45 | Online, IL, United States
There’s a better way to patch, and believe it or not – it can have a greater impact without adding extra compliance hassle.
Come see how your district can enhance patch management on this week’s Be Connected, where we’ll discuss the shift from reactive clicking to a structured lifecycle of testing and deploying updates across servers, workstations, and network firmware.
In particular, we will explore how to balance the criticality of zero-day vulnerabilities with the risk of breaking essential instructional software, focusing on automated tools and the importance of tiered deployment groups.
Join us to share your strategies for managing the Patch Tuesday workload and how you handle those legacy systems that simply cannot be updated.
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Be Connected is a virtual networking series designed to spark meaningful conversations and collaboration within Illinois’ K–12 technology community.
Hosted by the LTC’s Technology Services team, each free session centers around a different relevant topic, ranging from infrastructure planning and cybersecurity to emerging tools, networking strategies, and day-to-day IT challenges. These informal yet purposeful sessions offer a relaxed and supportive environment where participants can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Explore upcoming session topics: https://www.ltcillinois.org/services/beconnected/

Library Media Specialist Networking Meeting
2026-04-15 15:00 - 16:00 | Online, IL, United States
Looking to connect with fellow library media specialists and grow your professional learning network?
Join Neha Thakkar and Emily Flach for a monthly virtual networking meeting explicitly geared to the needs of today’s library media specialists. These meetings will allow attendees to connect and discuss shared experiences, ask questions, and share ideas with other library media specialists from around the state.
This is an excellent opportunity to grow professionally while collaborating with your peers to solve today’s most pressing school library challenges.

ROE 9 & ROE 54 Tech Networking Meeting
2026-04-16 09:00 - 11:00 | ROE 9: Champaign/Ford, 3358 Big Pine Trail, Champaign, Illinois, 61822 1406, USA
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!
This networking session welcomes all technology professionals – technology directors, technology support staff, coaches, and IT specialists/leaders. We may kick things off with a brief presentation, but the real magic happens when we open the floor. Share your experiences, challenges, and ideas in a supportive space, and learn from your peers!

AI Networking Call for Administrators
2026-04-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Online, IL, United States
Join fellow school administrators for an open, virtual networking series focused on exploring practical ways artificial intelligence can support your work and your teachers’ success. These sessions are not designed to “sell” AI or promote specific tools – instead, they offer a collaborative space to share ideas, examples, and experiences from the field.
Together, with Lisa’s facilitation, we’ll discuss how AI might streamline administrative tasks, enhance communication, personalize learning, and support instructional planning, while also considering challenges, ethics, and policy implications. Whether you’re experimenting with AI or simply curious, these conversations are designed to help you learn from peers, exchange insights, and take away actionable ideas that make sense for your context.

ROE 13 Technology Roundtable
2026-04-16 13:00 - 15:00 | ROE 13: Clinton/Jefferson/Marion/Washington, 1710 Broadway St, Mount Vernon, IL, 62864 2930
Join us for an open discussion on the current state of technology in our schools. This networking meeting is designed for technology directors, instructional technology coaches, and anyone interested in the intersection of education and IT. We’ll tackle challenges, share successes, and explore the evolving edtech landscape. Come brainstorm, ask questions, and connect with colleagues. Whether you’re seeking solutions, want to stay ahead of trends, or need a supportive space, this meeting is for you!

ROE 28 Technology Roundtable
2026-04-20 12:30 - 14:30 | ROE 28: Bureau/Henry/Stark, 107 S State St, Atkinson, Illinois, 61235 9788, USA
Join us for an open discussion on current educational technology topics and trends. This networking meeting is open to all educational technology positions including technology directors, instructional technology coaches, and any other positions interested in discussing the current state of technology in our schools. While a short presentation may lead off our time together, the majority of the meeting will be open for participants to share their experiences and challenges with the group.

ROE 51 Tech Leadership Meeting
2026-04-21 10:00 - 12:00 | ROE 51: Menard/Sangamon, 2201 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL, 62703 4564

Summer Success: Retaining Literacy Skills Beyond the School Year
2026-04-22 15:30 - 16:30 | IL
Join Just Right Reader for an engaging webinar designed to help educators maximize the impact of their phonics instruction and retain learning throughout the summer. Learn how to use progress monitoring tools effectively, interpret data to inform your teaching, and adjust instruction to strengthen decodable skills. Whether you’re looking to refine your current strategies or discover new techniques, this session will provide practical insights to drive student growth and confidence in reading.
What You’ll Learn:

How to track student progress efficiently with phonics monitoring tools
Strategies for adjusting instruction based on data
Tips for reinforcing decodable skills to support reading success throughout the summer

Who Should Attend:
Principals, teachers, literacy coaches, and instructional leaders who want to ensure every phonics minute counts in the classroom!
Presenter:
Dr. Lucy Hart Paulson
Co-author of LETRS and Professor of Education at Stanford University

Seasons of CS: Social Studies and Specials (PE, Music, and Art)
2026-04-23 08:30 - 14:30 | Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL Rt 2, Dixon, IL, 61021, United States
Ready to expand computer science beyond the core? This workshop invites K-8 educators to explore innovative ways to blend CS with social studies, art, music, and physical education classrooms.
Learn how coding, algorithms, and data can enhance historical thinking, creative expression, musical composition, and movement. Through hands-on activities and adaptable lesson ideas, you’ll sldo discover how computational thinking supports student creativity, engagement, and interdisciplinary learning in powerful new ways.

STEM Connects
2026-04-23 09:00 - 13:00 | STEM Center- SIUE, Science East Building, Room 1276, Edwardsville, IL, 62026, United States
Join us for STEM Connects, designed specifically for PreK-8 educators, instructional coaches, and curriculum leaders. This event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a collaborative learning environment focused on enhancing STEM education. Participants will share insights and strategies to support effective teaching in science, math, and integrated STEM experiences.
Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities with fellow educators and engaging in breakout sessions covering a variety of STEM topics. This is an excellent chance to expand your knowledge and discover new methods to inspire your students.
STEM Connects is hosted by the Learning Technology Center (LTC) in collaboration with the Center for STEM Research, Education, & Outreach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and the Regional Offices of Education #40 and #41. Be part of a community dedicated to fostering strong STEM teaching and learning. Your participation is valuable as we work together to shape the future of education in these critical fields.
STEM Connects Draft Program

Canva in the Classroom: Dynamic Lessons, Assignments & Student Design
2026-04-23 09:00 - 15:00 | ROE 21 Training Center, 502 West Jackson Street, Marion, IL, 62959, United States
Looking to transform your classroom into a hub of creativity and collaboration? If you’ve already found Canva to be a valuable tool for your own teaching, this workshop is designed to help you leverage its power with your students. We’ll explore Canva’s extensive library of lesson and assignment templates, providing ready-to-use resources that spark student interest. Discover how to effectively set up and manage your virtual classrooms. Dive into the Assignments + Classwork Hub, which allows you to assign work, track student progress, and provide targeted feedback.We’ll also highlight Canva’s Design School training resources specifically curated for students, fostering their independent learning and design skills, and cover best practices for student collaboration on projects and whiteboards.

ROE 24 Tech Networking Meeting
2026-04-23 09:30 - 11:00 | ROE 24: Grundy/Kendall, 1320 Union St, Morris, IL, 60450 2426

Successfully Navigating your Chrome Device Refresh in 2026
2026-04-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Online, IL, United States
With current component constraints, cost increases, and budget challenges, join us as CDW provides the current state of the Chrome device market with insights into inventory availability and comments on pricing stability, procurement options, and insights into how to best protect your device investments for their planned lifecycle once deployed.
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Partner Webinar: This webinar is hosted in partnership with CDW, an ILTPP Vendor Partner.
Learn more about how our partnerships expand educators’ access to quality professional learning →
