How LTC Mentorship is Shaping Tech Leadership

Last fall, the Learning Technology Center (LTC) of Illinois kicked off something brand new: the Technology Leader Mentor Program, a statewide initiative designed to support and empower K-12 technology leaders through guided mentorship and professional networking. Whether a participant was navigating their first few months as a district technology director or simply looking for a fresh perspective in a familiar role, this program offered a chance to work one-on-one with seasoned edtech leaders from across Illinois.

The outcome of this first year was clear – authentic conversations, practical planning, and professional relationships that will last well beyond the program. This kind of result isn’t surprising; mentorship is a powerful force in education, known to fuel career growth, boost confidence, and develop deep professional friendships.

Real Connections, Real Impact

In its inaugural year, the Technology Leader Mentor Program matched new public school technology leaders with experienced professionals, offering each mentee a personalized coach for growth during their critical first or second year in a tech leadership role. Mentor-mentee pairs collaborated over 15, 20, or 40 hours of contracted one-on-one mentoring, depending on the mentee’s goals. These weren’t casual check-ins – they were targeted, goal-driven engagements. Each mentorship pair benefited from a rich framework of support that went beyond just scheduled calls:

• In-person kickoff and ongoing check-ins: Each pair met face-to-face at least once and kept in touch through regular virtual meetings, phone calls, and even text messages. This ensured continuous support and a strong personal connection from day one.
• Peer networking sessions: Beyond the one-on-one work, the program offered optional peer-led virtual group sessions. These periodic meet-ups allowed new tech leaders and their mentors from across the state to discuss common challenges, share ideas, and learn from guest experts in a supportive group setting.
• Strategic planning guidance: Mentors provided hands-on guidance with strategic planning and goal setting. Many pairs worked on creating 90-day entry plans for new roles, drafting or refining district technology plans, and setting achievable goals for the school year . This planning support gave mentees a concrete roadmap and greater confidence in their decisions.

The mentorship sessions were deeply engaging and impactful. Instead of perfunctory updates, mentors and mentees dove into collaborative problem-solving – addressing immediate issues and long-term strategy alike. “These weren’t scripted meetings,” said Justin Morgan, IT Strategy Manager for the LTC. “We rolled up our sleeves, tackled real problems, and built the kind of confidence and leadership skills you only get from doing the work together.”

Mentees grew more confident with each challenge overcome and each plan put into action, while mentors found it rewarding to share hard-earned knowledge with a new colleague. This kind of reciprocal growth is a known benefit of mentorship programs: mentors often enhance their own coaching and leadership skills while mentees gain guidance and support.

“You can’t build strong schools on isolated leadership,” said Tim McIlvain, Executive Director of the LTC. “Pairing new tech directors with experienced guides transforms challenges into opportunities — for both mentees and mentors.”

New tech leaders gained clarity and confidence with a strong support network, while veteran mentors found renewed purpose in guiding the next generation. Many of these partnerships have grown into lasting professional relationships that will continue well beyond the program.

Ready to Lead? Join the 2025-26 Cohort

“Do it, and don’t be afraid to ask questions,” says Jordan Harrison, a 2024 mentee and current Director of Technology at ISU Lab Schools. “I would ask what I thought were super basic questions, and from there we’d spend the whole time talking about different things we could improve, getting down to specifics. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel — every place works differently!”

Registration is now open for the 2025-26 cohort of the Technology Leader Mentor Program . Space is limited, so interested individuals are encouraged to apply soon. Mentor-mentee matches will be made based on experience, focus areas, and regional alignment to ensure each pairing is a great fit.

Superintendents and district administrators: Set your new or rising tech leader up for success and encourage them to join. A mentored tech director brings stronger strategy, fewer missteps, and faster progress on priorities like cybersecurity, data privacy, and innovation. Several Illinois superintendents have noted that having their tech director in a mentorship program gave the district a stronger technology vision and fewer “rookie” missteps in that first year.

After a successful first year, the Technology Leader Mentor Program is building a stronger, more connected community of K-12 tech leaders across Illinois. Whether you’re a new leader ready to grow or a mentor ready to inspire, now’s the time to join and ensure every tech leader has the support they need to thrive.