I began my career as a classroom English teacher. Like many teachers, I often worked through new ideas on my own. When I tried a new technology tool, there were few colleagues nearby experimenting in the same way. The most useful ideas I brought into my classroom came from other teachers who had already faced the same challenge and were willing to share what worked. Over time, I found a professional community of my own, and we learned from both our successes and our missteps.
My role has changed considerably since then, but my belief in the value of professional community has not. Illinois has deep expertise in its classrooms, district offices, and technology departments. Much of that expertise goes unshared simply because the right people have not yet met.
That is why the Illinois Education and Technology Conference (IETC) matters to me. IETC 2026 takes place November 11–13 at the BOS Center in Springfield and will bring together more than 700 teachers, instructional coaches, librarians, administrators, and technology staff. Most of the 150+ sessions are led by Illinois educators, which means the presenters are colleagues you can continue learning from long after the conference ends.
The most lasting value of IETC is often not a single presentation. It is the coach from a neighboring county who has already solved a problem you are working through, or the technology director you can call months later for advice.
Keynotes on AI in Education
This year’s keynote speakers both address artificial intelligence, and both bring classroom experience to the conversation.
Amanda Bickerstaff opens the conference Wednesday morning. A former high school biology teacher and co-founder of AI for Education, she works with schools to develop responsible AI policy and build AI literacy. Her keynote will be especially valuable for district teams still defining their approach to AI.
Ken Shelton speaks Thursday afternoon. He taught in the Los Angeles Unified School District for more than 20 years and is the author of The Promises and Perils of AI in Education. His work focuses on equity, transparency, and ensuring that a broad range of voices shape how these tools are used.
We encourage attendees to continue these conversations after each keynote. Some of the most productive discussions begin when colleagues compare how their districts are responding to the same questions.
Opportunities to Connect by Role
Many educators, particularly coaches and technology leaders, are the only person in their building or district in their role. Several IETC events are designed specifically to connect them with peers:
- Coaches Corner (Room B4, throughout the conference): A dedicated space for instructional and technology coaches to share strategies, discuss challenges, and build a network of colleagues.
- Women in Technology Breakfast (Thursday, 7:30 a.m., DoubleTree Hotel; complimentary): Women in educational technology share their professional paths, challenges, and strategies for growth, with time for networking and mentorship.
- Tech Leader Summit (Thursday morning, Room B11): Technology directors and coordinators discuss cybersecurity and how to make the most of existing technology investments.
- Student Panel (Friday late morning, Room B11): Eighth-grade students from Rochester Junior High share how they use technology today, offering valuable perspective on the learners at the center of this work.
The breakout sessions offer the same opportunity. More than 150 sessions cover artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computer science, and instructional practice. When a session resonates with you, we encourage you to connect with the presenter afterward.
Networking Beyond the Sessions
The IETC Social on Wednesday afternoon in the exhibit hall offers refreshments, games, and time to connect with colleagues. Trivia Night on Thursday evening in Room B11 brings teams of six to eight together for five rounds of friendly competition. Attendees are welcome to join with their district team or form a new team with colleagues they meet at the conference.
The exhibit hall features more than 90 education technology companies. It also hosts the Computational Playground throughout the conference, a hands-on space with robotics, unplugged activities, and introductory coding designed for K–5 classrooms. No prior computer science experience is required.
Join Us in Springfield
Whether you are a first-time attendee or returning after some time away, we hope you will join us. Consider bringing a colleague who has not attended before, and take the opportunity to attend at least one session outside your usual role.
I will be at IETC all three days, along with the LTC team. If we have corresponded but not yet met in person, I hope you will introduce yourself. I look forward to hearing about the work happening in your district.
You can register for IETC, review the full schedule, and find hotel information on the IETC website.
As you prepare for the conference, consider the challenge you most hope to learn about from colleagues. If you share it with me, I will do my best to connect you with someone who can help.
