Duane Shaffer

Duane Shaffer

Director of Technology Services

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About Duane Shaffer

Duane Shaffer, CETL, serves as the LTC’s Director of Technology Services. With over 20 years in public education, Duane is a dedicated instructional technology and IT infrastructure leader. He spent 13 years as a special education teacher, working with students of all grade levels and a wide range of disabilities, before transitioning into educational technology leadership.

Before joining the LTC in 2023, Duane spent seven years as a technology director in a school district, leading efforts to strengthen digital learning, cybersecurity, and IT operations. Now, in his role at LTC, he collaborates with school districts across Illinois to enhance all aspects of their technology programs—from infrastructure and security to classroom integration and operational procedures. His expertise helps districts achieve their technology goals, ensuring that digital tools and systems effectively support student learning and staff efficiency.

Committed to empowering educators and administrators, Duane continues to bridge the gap between technology and education, fostering environments where technology is a powerful asset for all.

Certifications

Certified Education Technology Leader
Google Certified Trainer
Google Workspace Amplified Admin Certification

Contact Information

Explore Duane's Work

See how Duane strengthens technology services and IT leadership across Illinois, and explore opportunities to learn, collaborate, and connect with him.
All
Blog Post
“We need to act. Now.” 4 Takeaways from SecurED Schools 2025

“We need to act. Now.” 4 Takeaways from SecurED Schools 2025

January’s conference was packed with actionable cybersecurity insights. Here's what we learned from this year's conversation leaders – including K-12 tech leaders and national experts.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
12 Cybersecurity Practices your District Should Already Have in Place

12 Cybersecurity Practices your District Should Already Have in Place

Resilient cybersecurity is not a set-it-and-forget-it pursuit. Re-check your district's procedures with these best practices in mind to stay on top of account management and data governance.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event

2027 SecurED Schools

Feb 2–3, 2027 Online $60

Increased reliance on technology to empower learning means increased risk. At SecurED Schools, you can prepare your institution to face that risk head on. At this online summit, join technology […]

Service

Be Connected Networking Series

A weekly webinar series hosted by the LTC’s Technology Services Team.

Event
Be Connected: Introducing the “New” LTC Purchasing Program

Be Connected: Introducing the “New” LTC Purchasing Program

Sep 30, 2026 Online Free

ILTPP has a new name. But they're still focused on saving your district time, money, and effort through every step of procurement. Learn how you can become a member for free and gain access to…

Technology Planning, Procurement, and Evaluation
Event
Be Connected: Welcome Back!

Be Connected: Welcome Back!

Sep 16, 2026 Online Free

Let's talk about what your team worked on over the summer months. What goals did you accomplish? What projects hit unexpected snags? Tune in to share your team's summer 2026 experience and learn about how…

Leadership & Capacity Building
Resource

Cyber Incident Readiness & Recovery Framework & Assessment

Assess your K-12 district's cybersecurity preparedness with a free self-evaluation. Get scores, gap analysis, and a clear roadmap in under an hour.

Website
Resource

Cyber Incident Response & Recovery Framework for Schools

This framework for K-12 technology leaders and district stakeholders defines the structured lifecycle for responding to and recovering from cyber incidents within an educational environment.

Best Practices · Standards
Resource

CyberGuide

Strengthen your district's cybersecurity posture with this free guide for technology leaders, which includes step-by-step instructions on how to implement auditing, professional development, incident response and disaster recovery planning, and much more.

Guidance
Service

Cybersecurity Audits & Assessments

Free district cybersecurity assessments for Illinois public school districts.

Blog Post
Cybersecurity Crisis Response Groups: How They Can Keep your District Secure

Cybersecurity Crisis Response Groups: How They Can Keep your District Secure

In the event of a cyber incident, who ya gonna call? Unfortunately, the Ghostbusters can't help you here. But your friends and peers sure can. See how a cybersecurity crisis…

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Service

Endpoint Security & Managed Detection

Protect your district’s devices, servers, and data with enterprise-grade endpoint security and 24/7 threat monitoring. The Learning Technology Center helps Illinois school districts detect, contain, and respond to cyber threats using advanced cybersecurity tools and…

Blog Post
Extra Student Data Privacy Support with TEC

Extra Student Data Privacy Support with TEC

Protecting student data and achieving SOPPA compliance requires extra effort. We’re partnering with TEC to offe access to legal and negotiation support + over 2,000 pre-negotiated vendor agreements.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
How LTC Mentorship is Shaping Tech Leadership

How LTC Mentorship is Shaping Tech Leadership

In its first year, the LTC Technology Leader Mentor Program connected new and veteran tech leaders across Illinois, turning challenges into opportunities and colleagues into trusted partners. The result? Stronger…

Leadership & Capacity Building
Event
Managed Detection and Response with LTC & SentinelOne

Managed Detection and Response with LTC & SentinelOne

Apr 1, 2026 Online Free

MDR is a proven strategy for staying ahead emerging cyber threats. See it in action with a live demo and learn how our new partnership makes this cybersecurity strategy more accessible to Illinois school districts.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event
Managed Detection and Response with LTC & SentinelOne

Managed Detection and Response with LTC & SentinelOne

Apr 10, 2026 Online Free

MDR is a proven strategy for staying ahead emerging cyber threats. See it in action with a live demo and learn how our new partnership makes this cybersecurity strategy more accessible to Illinois school districts.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
Partnering with K12TechPro to Elevate Illinois’ K-12 Technology Support System

Partnering with K12TechPro to Elevate Illinois’ K-12 Technology Support System

Our new partnership will help large and small technology departments across the state stay up-to-date on the latest issues, trends, and best practices in K-12 educational technology.

Network & Systems Management
Service

Phishing Awareness Program

Free phishing campaigns to public school districts in Illinois.

Service

SDPC Add-On Service

Strengthen student data privacy compliance in your district with our SDPC add-on service, providing Illinois schools expert support, streamlined NDPA processing, and vendor negotiations.

Event

SDPC Regional School District Training

Dec 10, 2025 Online Free

Join us for the A4L Regional School District Training, a focused and interactive event designed for school districts across Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event
SDPC Status Report: Registry Updates, NDPA 2.3 & More

SDPC Status Report: Registry Updates, NDPA 2.3 & More

Apr 8, 2026 Online Free

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 on the forthcoming NDPA 2.3 and Registry 2.0.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event
SecurED Schools

SecurED Schools

Feb 2–3, 2027 Online $75

Increased reliance on educational technology means increased risk. Prepare your institution to face that risk head during this online summit packed with cybersecurity strategies, tools, and best practices – all tailored to the unique needs…

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event
SecurED Schools

SecurED Schools

Jan 27–28, 2026 Online $75

Join K–12 technology leaders at SecurED Schools (Jan. 27–28, 2026) for hands-on sessions with national experts and practical strategies to strengthen your district’s cybersecurity and data privacy.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event
SentinelOne + LTC Platform for Illinois Schools

SentinelOne + LTC Platform for Illinois Schools

Oct 27, 2026 Online Free

Learn how this partnership can empower your team to autonomously defend against the most sophisticated threats, including a a live demo of Singularity Complete.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event

SOC vs. The Clock!

Mar 4, 2026 Wheaton, IL Free

Sophos and Twotrees, in partnership with the Regional Offices of Education and the Learning Technology Centers, invite Illinois K-12 Technology Directors and Cybersecurity staff to an immersive, live cybersecurity experience unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event
SOPPA/SDPC Back-to-School Updates

SOPPA/SDPC Back-to-School Updates

Sep 23, 2026 Online Free

Data privacy didn't take the summer off. Join the LTC's Technology Services team for timely updates on SOPPA and using SDPC, including NDPA v2.3 status, Resource Registry 2.0, error reports for districts, and a platform…

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
Strengthening Student Data Privacy with CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment Program

Strengthening Student Data Privacy with CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment Program

Starting now, Illinois school districts can get free data privacy guidance through CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal program.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Service

Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC)

Join SDPC to manage data privacy agreements in accordance with SOPPA.

Event
SummIT

SummIT

Jun 16–17, 2026 Urbana, IL $150

Gain valuable insights and practical strategies for tackling the toughest IT challenges facing your school district while connecting with fellow tech directors and IT staff in a collaborative environment.

Network & Systems Management
Service

Technology Audits & Assessments

Free district technology assessments to Illinois public school districts.

Service

Technology Consulting

Free IT consulting and technical assistance to district leadership and technology teams.

Service

Technology Support Services

Affordable technology support for districts and ROEs through a flexible shared-services model.

Service

Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Program

Show your commitment to student data privacy with free access to CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Program, empowering Illinois K-12 schools to build trust, improve data privacy practices, and demonstrate leadership through this exclusive…

Services
Service

Technology Support Services

Affordable technology support for districts and ROEs through a flexible shared-services model.

Service

Endpoint Security & Managed Detection

Protect your district’s devices, servers, and data with enterprise-grade endpoint security and 24/7 threat monitoring. The Learning Technology Center helps Illinois school districts detect, contain, and respond to cyber threats using advanced cybersecurity tools and…

Service

Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Program

Show your commitment to student data privacy with free access to CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Program, empowering Illinois K-12 schools to build trust, improve data privacy practices, and demonstrate leadership through this exclusive…

Service

SDPC Add-On Service

Strengthen student data privacy compliance in your district with our SDPC add-on service, providing Illinois schools expert support, streamlined NDPA processing, and vendor negotiations.

Service

Cybersecurity Audits & Assessments

Free district cybersecurity assessments for Illinois public school districts.

Service

Technology Audits & Assessments

Free district technology assessments to Illinois public school districts.

Service

Phishing Awareness Program

Free phishing campaigns to public school districts in Illinois.

Service

Technology Consulting

Free IT consulting and technical assistance to district leadership and technology teams.

Service

Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC)

Join SDPC to manage data privacy agreements in accordance with SOPPA.

Service

Be Connected Networking Series

A weekly webinar series hosted by the LTC’s Technology Services Team.

Resources
Events
Event

2027 SecurED Schools

Feb 2–3, 2027 Online $60

Increased reliance on technology to empower learning means increased risk. At SecurED Schools, you can prepare your institution to face that risk head on. At this online summit, join technology […]

Event
SentinelOne + LTC Platform for Illinois Schools

SentinelOne + LTC Platform for Illinois Schools

Oct 27, 2026 Online Free

Learn how this partnership can empower your team to autonomously defend against the most sophisticated threats, including a a live demo of Singularity Complete.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event
Be Connected: Welcome Back!

Be Connected: Welcome Back!

Sep 16, 2026 Online Free

Let's talk about what your team worked on over the summer months. What goals did you accomplish? What projects hit unexpected snags? Tune in to share your team's summer 2026 experience and learn about how…

Leadership & Capacity Building
Event
SOPPA/SDPC Back-to-School Updates

SOPPA/SDPC Back-to-School Updates

Sep 23, 2026 Online Free

Data privacy didn't take the summer off. Join the LTC's Technology Services team for timely updates on SOPPA and using SDPC, including NDPA v2.3 status, Resource Registry 2.0, error reports for districts, and a platform…

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event
Be Connected: Introducing the “New” LTC Purchasing Program

Be Connected: Introducing the “New” LTC Purchasing Program

Sep 30, 2026 Online Free

ILTPP has a new name. But they're still focused on saving your district time, money, and effort through every step of procurement. Learn how you can become a member for free and gain access to…

Technology Planning, Procurement, and Evaluation
Event
SecurED Schools

SecurED Schools

Feb 2–3, 2027 Online $75

Increased reliance on educational technology means increased risk. Prepare your institution to face that risk head during this online summit packed with cybersecurity strategies, tools, and best practices – all tailored to the unique needs…

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event
SDPC Status Report: Registry Updates, NDPA 2.3 & More

SDPC Status Report: Registry Updates, NDPA 2.3 & More

Apr 8, 2026 Online Free

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 on the forthcoming NDPA 2.3 and Registry 2.0.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event
Managed Detection and Response with LTC & SentinelOne

Managed Detection and Response with LTC & SentinelOne

Apr 10, 2026 Online Free

MDR is a proven strategy for staying ahead emerging cyber threats. See it in action with a live demo and learn how our new partnership makes this cybersecurity strategy more accessible to Illinois school districts.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event
Managed Detection and Response with LTC & SentinelOne

Managed Detection and Response with LTC & SentinelOne

Apr 1, 2026 Online Free

MDR is a proven strategy for staying ahead emerging cyber threats. See it in action with a live demo and learn how our new partnership makes this cybersecurity strategy more accessible to Illinois school districts.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event
SummIT

SummIT

Jun 16–17, 2026 Urbana, IL $150

Gain valuable insights and practical strategies for tackling the toughest IT challenges facing your school district while connecting with fellow tech directors and IT staff in a collaborative environment.

Network & Systems Management
Event

SOC vs. The Clock!

Mar 4, 2026 Wheaton, IL Free

Sophos and Twotrees, in partnership with the Regional Offices of Education and the Learning Technology Centers, invite Illinois K-12 Technology Directors and Cybersecurity staff to an immersive, live cybersecurity experience unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event

SDPC Regional School District Training

Dec 10, 2025 Online Free

Join us for the A4L Regional School District Training, a focused and interactive event designed for school districts across Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event
SecurED Schools

SecurED Schools

Jan 27–28, 2026 Online $75

Join K–12 technology leaders at SecurED Schools (Jan. 27–28, 2026) for hands-on sessions with national experts and practical strategies to strengthen your district’s cybersecurity and data privacy.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Articles
Blog Post
12 Cybersecurity Practices your District Should Already Have in Place

12 Cybersecurity Practices your District Should Already Have in Place

Resilient cybersecurity is not a set-it-and-forget-it pursuit. Re-check your district's procedures with these best practices in mind to stay on top of account management and data governance.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
How LTC Mentorship is Shaping Tech Leadership

How LTC Mentorship is Shaping Tech Leadership

In its first year, the LTC Technology Leader Mentor Program connected new and veteran tech leaders across Illinois, turning challenges into opportunities and colleagues into trusted partners. The result? Stronger…

Leadership & Capacity Building
Blog Post
Partnering with K12TechPro to Elevate Illinois’ K-12 Technology Support System

Partnering with K12TechPro to Elevate Illinois’ K-12 Technology Support System

Our new partnership will help large and small technology departments across the state stay up-to-date on the latest issues, trends, and best practices in K-12 educational technology.

Network & Systems Management
Blog Post
“We need to act. Now.” 4 Takeaways from SecurED Schools 2025

“We need to act. Now.” 4 Takeaways from SecurED Schools 2025

January’s conference was packed with actionable cybersecurity insights. Here's what we learned from this year's conversation leaders – including K-12 tech leaders and national experts.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
Extra Student Data Privacy Support with TEC

Extra Student Data Privacy Support with TEC

Protecting student data and achieving SOPPA compliance requires extra effort. We’re partnering with TEC to offe access to legal and negotiation support + over 2,000 pre-negotiated vendor agreements.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
Strengthening Student Data Privacy with CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment Program

Strengthening Student Data Privacy with CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment Program

Starting now, Illinois school districts can get free data privacy guidance through CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal program.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
Cybersecurity Crisis Response Groups: How They Can Keep your District Secure

Cybersecurity Crisis Response Groups: How They Can Keep your District Secure

In the event of a cyber incident, who ya gonna call? Unfortunately, the Ghostbusters can't help you here. But your friends and peers sure can. See how a cybersecurity crisis…

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity