Winter 2023

5 Tips for Growing your PLN 

Now that we’re a full step into the new year, it’s time to start making good on our New Year’s resolutions. For many educators, that includes forging new connections and implementing new strategies for making professional learning sustainable all year long.

One way you can do both at once is through a professional learning network or PLN. A robust PLN is your ticket to ongoing professional development that’s tailored to your individualized learning goals. 

Here are five strategies for growing your PLN that I recommend to all K-12 teachers and administrators.

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Insights from Illinois’ Newest FAA Certified Drone Pilots 

Drones are becoming increasingly popular – so much so that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun issuing licenses for commercial and recreational drone operation. In turn, some K-12 school districts have begun implementing drone programs with the goal of fostering more hands-on STEM learning.

Two of the LTC’s Regional Educational Technology Coordinators, Eric Santos and Ben Sondgeroth, recently completed this licensing process. Learn from their experiences in this exclusive interview and Q & A on starting a drone program in your district.

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Makerspace Tour | Oak Park and River Forest High School

Makerspaces are all about space, opportunity, and collaborative learning – three components clearly embodies at Oak Park and River Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois. Their space, which fully launched at the start of the 2022-23 school year, is a dedicated area where students can explore and experiment with modern design and production technology alongside traditional arts and crafts.

See pictures, including spaces for 3D printing, video recording, podcasting, and collaboration, in this exclusive tour!

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State & Local Cybersecurity Grant Program: What it Means for K-12 Schools

Cybercrime is on the rise, and year after year, K-12 education has become an increasingly large target. Fortunately, this threat hasn’t gone unnoticed. As part of a recent spending
package, the US federal government has recently appropriated over $1 billion for states to spend on improving cybersecurity in the public sector.

K-12 school districts stand to benefit from this program. Here’s what K-12 district leaders need to know about this funding opportunity, including steps you can take now to better protect mission-critical networks and data.

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FREE LevelEDup Resources

Coding for Littles

Coding for Littles is a great resource for helping identify fun, hands-on ways to introduce basic computer science concepts to K-2 students. Each poster in this collection includes a summary of key CS vocabulary in kid-friendly language, as well as example activities teachers can use to bring those concepts to life through play.