Emily Pool

Emily Pool

CS & STEM Professional Learning Specialist

About Emily Pool

Emily Pool is a CS & STEM Professional Learning Specialist. In this role, Emily strives to help teachers get excited about, engaged with, and enriched by educational technology – especially when it comes to bridging the gap between potential and implementation.

While serving as a 3rd grade teacher in the Quincy Public School system, Emily was recognized as a 2015 Golden Apple recipient for her outstanding commitment to education. Emily is also a proud graduate of Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL (BA in Elementary Education & Spanish) and Williams Woods University in Fulton, MO (Masters in Education Administration).

Certifications

CS Fundamentals Facilitator
Edpuzzle Coach
Google Certified Coach
Google Certified Educator Level 1 (Fundamentals)
Google Certified Educator Level 2 (Advanced)
Google Certified Trainer
ISTE Certified Educator
Kami Certified Educator, Level 1
Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE)
Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer
Screencastify Master Screencaster
Seesaw Certified Educator
Wakelet Ambassador
Wakelet Certified

Contact Information

Explore Emilys Work

See how Emily helps educators bring computer science, STEM, and technology to life in the classroom, and explore opportunities to learn, collaborate, and connect with her.
All
Blog Post
5 Keys to Cooking Up Collaboration in the Classroom
October 14, 2021 7 min read

5 Keys to Cooking Up Collaboration in the Classroom

LTC Coach Emily Pool recently learned a thing or two about collaboration while overhearing a conversation between her daughter and her friends. As it turns out, there’s only one way…

Classroom Integration & Pedagogy
Event
AI Illinois Challenge: Getting Started

AI Illinois Challenge: Getting Started

Sep 14, 2026 Online Free

Join us for an informational webinar about the LTC's statewide competition that puts students' creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking to the test as they design AI-based solutions that address real challenges in their communities.

Artificial Intelligence
Resource

Back-to-School CS Integration Activities

Sprinkle CS effortlessly into your back-to-school routines with simplified vocabulary, unplugged activities, and digital activities that promote strong problem-solving habits.

Activity · Collection
Event

Celebrating CS Ed Week with Code.org’s Hour of AI

Dec 2, 2025 Online Free

For over a decade, we've celebrated CS Ed Week with an Hour of Code. This year, we're adding to our annual celebration with a new Code.org hour for students – Hour of AI!

Artificial Intelligence
Event
Coach Training for Code.org

Coach Training for Code.org

Mar 27, 2026 Online $50

Eager to bring Code.org to your district? This in-depth training sets up educators for success using facilitation models and strategies aligned with developing computer science teaching competency.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Coach Training for Code.org

Nov 7, 2025 Online $50

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.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Computational Thinking: The Power Code for Great Thinkers

Sep 30, 2026 Online Free

What is computational thinking? Why is it important? If you are wishing your students could be better thinkers, then you are ready to explore computational thinking. These four pillars are […]
Service

Computer Science Professional Learning

Grow as a CS educator through workshops and immersive programs focused on building community and elevating comprehensive teaching resources.

Summer Varies
Resource

Computer Science Resource Database

Vetted computer science and STEM resources for Illinois K-12 educators — curriculum, activities, tools, and standards spanning every grade level — to help schools build, grow, and sustain their CS programs.

Collection
Event
Creating and Demystifying AI with micro:bits (CS Spring Series)

Creating and Demystifying AI with micro:bits (CS Spring Series)

May 12, 2026 Online Free

AI feels like magic, but it’s actually a science your students can master. Shake off spring fever and join us to see how the new micro:bit Create AI tool turns complex concepts into hands-on play.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
CS & STEM Networking Meeting

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Sep 10, 2026 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
CS & STEM Networking Meeting

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Oct 13, 2026 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
CS & STEM Networking Meeting

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Nov 16, 2026 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Dec 9, 2026 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
CS & STEM Networking Meeting

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Jan 12, 2027 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
CS & STEM Networking Meeting

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Feb 10, 2027 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
CS & STEM Networking Meeting

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Mar 9, 2027 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
CS & STEM Networking Meeting

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Apr 15, 2027 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

FarmBeats for Students: Hands-On Precision Agriculture with micro:bit

Jun 30, 2026 Sterling, Illinois $25

Discover how to grow an organic interest in computer science FarmBeats for Students, a program that combines an affordable micro:bit-based hardware kit with a free, curated curriculum and hands-on activities.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
From Consumers to Creators: Learning with Code.org! (CS Spring Series)

From Consumers to Creators: Learning with Code.org! (CS Spring Series)

May 7, 2026 Online Free

From high-energy activities to brain-bending puzzles, we're digging into Code.org activities so engaging that students won’t even realize they’re learning (and building real persistence along the way).

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Getting Started with Code.org

Sep 23, 2025 Online Free

Come explore the FREE introductory resources Code.org has to offer for K-12 classrooms!

Computer Science & STEM
Blog Post
How a Special Ed Class Built an AI Solution
September 18, 2025

How a Special Ed Class Built an AI Solution

Special education students, guided by teacher Sarah Bird and coach Patricia Ferris, built an AI tool to support OT exercises—showcasing how risk-taking, collaboration, and strong networks can turn real-world challenges…

Artificial Intelligence
Event
How AI Makes Decisions (Code.org CS Integration Series)

How AI Makes Decisions (Code.org CS Integration Series)

Feb 26, 2026 Online Free

Discover how to demystifying machine learning for your upper elementary or middle school classroom using Code.org's interactive activities and lesson guidance support.

Artificial Intelligence
Event

Illinois AI Challenge- Informational Webinar

Sep 18, 2025 Online Free

Join us for an informational webinar about the LTC's newest student challenge opportunity.

Artificial Intelligence
Event

Literacy – the Original Code: Cracking the K-8 Curriculum

Jun 10, 2026 Sterling, Illinois $25

What if the secret to mastering Computer Science (CS) wasn’t hidden in a screen or behind fancy terminology—but was already living inside your favorite classroom read-aloud?

Computer Science & STEM
Event
micro:bit 101 (CS Spring Series)

micro:bit 101 (CS Spring Series)

Apr 29, 2026 Online Free

Eager to try out a micro:bit in your classroom? Learn the basics + discover how these little tools are perfect for re-engaging students with hands-on puzzles, just as that "spring fever" starts to kick in.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
New to You! Welcome to CS & STEM Bootcamp (K-8)

New to You! Welcome to CS & STEM Bootcamp (K-8)

Aug 4, 2026 Online Free

This intensive workshop bridges the gap to formal training by providing first-time CS educators and media specialists with actionable resources, research-backed pedagogy, and an ongoing digital support network – everything they need to hit the…

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Online AI Camp for Educators

Jun 8, 2026 Online $100

Learn with the LTC team at hands-on camp focused on using AI to design impactful lessons, create meaningful assessments, differentiate instruction with ease, and deliver timely, personalized feedback.

Artificial Intelligence
Event
Spring into Action! Projects with micro:bits (CS Spring Series)

Spring into Action! Projects with micro:bits (CS Spring Series)

Apr 30, 2026 Online Free

Looking for a way to keep your students focused as the weather warms up? Join us for this "make-n-take" session where we’ll dive into hands-on micro:bit projects that bridge the gap between core content and…

Computer Science & STEM
Event
Tech Treks: Code Like a Pro in Canva

Tech Treks: Code Like a Pro in Canva

Sep 17, 2026 Online Free

No coding experience needed! Build, test, and refine your own classroom-ready project while discovering practical ways to create custom learning experiences – all through Canva's beginner-friendly coding environment.

Classroom Integration & Pedagogy
Event
The AI Toolbox: Creating, Designing, and Prototyping your Challenge Project

The AI Toolbox: Creating, Designing, and Prototyping your Challenge Project

Nov 2, 2026 Online Free

Explore how to combine Google Gemini, Google AI Studio, Copilot, Canva, and MagicSchool to research, design, and prototype your Illinois AI Challenge competition submission. See how these tools work together to take your team's concept…

Artificial Intelligence
Event
The Thinker’s Toolkit: Computational Thinking & CS for Every Classroom

The Thinker’s Toolkit: Computational Thinking & CS for Every Classroom

Oct 15, 2025 Online Free

Computational thinking has a place in every content area. Tune in for strategies that help students break down problems, spot patterns, and approach new challenges with greater confidence.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

The Triple-Threat Toolkit: Powering ELA and Math with Computer Science (ROE 35)

Jun 11, 2026 Oglesby, IL $30

Through unplugged activities and creative endeavors, learn how to differentiate instruction so learners can access high-level thinking.

Computer Science & STEM
Blog Post
Turning Tech Purchases into Impact
September 11, 2025

Turning Tech Purchases into Impact

Smart technology planning is about building sustainable processes that connect people, goals, and collaboration to turn purchases into lasting impact.

Technology Planning, Procurement, and Evaluation
Event
What’s New in CS? Unpacking the Updated CSTA Standards

What’s New in CS? Unpacking the Updated CSTA Standards

Aug 27, 2026 Online Free

Join us for an interactive overview of new support for AI, cybersecurity, data science, and quantum computing + a guided exploration of how these standards complement (and enhance) your IL State CS Standards.

Computer Science & STEM
Services
Service

Computer Science Professional Learning

Grow as a CS educator through workshops and immersive programs focused on building community and elevating comprehensive teaching resources.

Summer Varies
Resources
Resource

Back-to-School CS Integration Activities

Sprinkle CS effortlessly into your back-to-school routines with simplified vocabulary, unplugged activities, and digital activities that promote strong problem-solving habits.

Activity · Collection
Resource

Computer Science Resource Database

Vetted computer science and STEM resources for Illinois K-12 educators — curriculum, activities, tools, and standards spanning every grade level — to help schools build, grow, and sustain their CS programs.

Collection
Events
Event

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Dec 9, 2026 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
CS & STEM Networking Meeting

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Nov 16, 2026 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
The AI Toolbox: Creating, Designing, and Prototyping your Challenge Project

The AI Toolbox: Creating, Designing, and Prototyping your Challenge Project

Nov 2, 2026 Online Free

Explore how to combine Google Gemini, Google AI Studio, Copilot, Canva, and MagicSchool to research, design, and prototype your Illinois AI Challenge competition submission. See how these tools work together to take your team's concept…

Artificial Intelligence
Event

Computational Thinking: The Power Code for Great Thinkers

Sep 30, 2026 Online Free

What is computational thinking? Why is it important? If you are wishing your students could be better thinkers, then you are ready to explore computational thinking. These four pillars are […]

 Event
AI Illinois Challenge: Getting Started

AI Illinois Challenge: Getting Started

Sep 14, 2026 Online Free

Join us for an informational webinar about the LTC's statewide competition that puts students' creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking to the test as they design AI-based solutions that address real challenges in their communities.

Artificial Intelligence
Event

What’s New in CS? Unpacking the Updated CSTA Standards

Aug 27, 2026 Online Free

Join us for an interactive overview of new support for AI, cybersecurity, data science, and quantum computing + a guided exploration of how these standards complement (and enhance) your IL State CS Standards.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
CS & STEM Networking Meeting

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Apr 15, 2027 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Mar 9, 2027 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
CS & STEM Networking Meeting

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Feb 10, 2027 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Jan 12, 2027 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
CS & STEM Networking Meeting

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Oct 13, 2026 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Sep 10, 2026 Online Free

Calling all K-12 computer science and STEM educators! Join your peers from across the state each month for an informative, engagement-rich networking meeting centered on topics that matter most to you.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
Tech Treks: Code Like a Pro in Canva

Tech Treks: Code Like a Pro in Canva

Sep 17, 2026 Online Free

No coding experience needed! Build, test, and refine your own classroom-ready project while discovering practical ways to create custom learning experiences – all through Canva's beginner-friendly coding environment.

Classroom Integration & Pedagogy
Event

New to You! Welcome to CS & STEM Bootcamp (K-8)

Aug 4, 2026 Online Free

This intensive workshop bridges the gap to formal training by providing first-time CS educators and media specialists with actionable resources, research-backed pedagogy, and an ongoing digital support network – everything they need to hit the…

Computer Science & STEM
Event

FarmBeats for Students: Hands-On Precision Agriculture with micro:bit

Jun 30, 2026 Sterling, Illinois $25

Discover how to grow an organic interest in computer science FarmBeats for Students, a program that combines an affordable micro:bit-based hardware kit with a free, curated curriculum and hands-on activities.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Literacy – the Original Code: Cracking the K-8 Curriculum

Jun 10, 2026 Sterling, Illinois $25

What if the secret to mastering Computer Science (CS) wasn’t hidden in a screen or behind fancy terminology—but was already living inside your favorite classroom read-aloud?

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Online AI Camp for Educators

Jun 8, 2026 Online $100

Learn with the LTC team at hands-on camp focused on using AI to design impactful lessons, create meaningful assessments, differentiate instruction with ease, and deliver timely, personalized feedback.

Artificial Intelligence
Event
Creating and Demystifying AI with micro:bits (CS Spring Series)

Creating and Demystifying AI with micro:bits (CS Spring Series)

May 12, 2026 Online Free

AI feels like magic, but it’s actually a science your students can master. Shake off spring fever and join us to see how the new micro:bit Create AI tool turns complex concepts into hands-on play.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

From Consumers to Creators: Learning with Code.org! (CS Spring Series)

May 7, 2026 Online Free

From high-energy activities to brain-bending puzzles, we're digging into Code.org activities so engaging that students won’t even realize they’re learning (and building real persistence along the way).

Computer Science & STEM
Event
Spring into Action! Projects with micro:bits (CS Spring Series)

Spring into Action! Projects with micro:bits (CS Spring Series)

Apr 30, 2026 Online Free

Looking for a way to keep your students focused as the weather warms up? Join us for this "make-n-take" session where we’ll dive into hands-on micro:bit projects that bridge the gap between core content and…

Computer Science & STEM
Event

micro:bit 101 (CS Spring Series)

Apr 29, 2026 Online Free

Eager to try out a micro:bit in your classroom? Learn the basics + discover how these little tools are perfect for re-engaging students with hands-on puzzles, just as that "spring fever" starts to kick in.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

The Triple-Threat Toolkit: Powering ELA and Math with Computer Science (ROE 35)

Jun 11, 2026 Oglesby, IL $30

Through unplugged activities and creative endeavors, learn how to differentiate instruction so learners can access high-level thinking.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
How AI Makes Decisions (Code.org CS Integration Series)

How AI Makes Decisions (Code.org CS Integration Series)

Feb 26, 2026 Online Free

Discover how to demystifying machine learning for your upper elementary or middle school classroom using Code.org's interactive activities and lesson guidance support.

Artificial Intelligence
Event
Coach Training for Code.org

Coach Training for Code.org

Mar 27, 2026 Online $50

Eager to bring Code.org to your district? This in-depth training sets up educators for success using facilitation models and strategies aligned with developing computer science teaching competency.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Celebrating CS Ed Week with Code.org’s Hour of AI

Dec 2, 2025 Online Free

For over a decade, we've celebrated CS Ed Week with an Hour of Code. This year, we're adding to our annual celebration with a new Code.org hour for students – Hour of AI!

Artificial Intelligence
Event

Coach Training for Code.org

Nov 7, 2025 Online $50

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.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Illinois AI Challenge- Informational Webinar

Sep 18, 2025 Online Free

Join us for an informational webinar about the LTC's newest student challenge opportunity.

Artificial Intelligence
Event

Getting Started with Code.org

Sep 23, 2025 Online Free

Come explore the FREE introductory resources Code.org has to offer for K-12 classrooms!

Computer Science & STEM
Event
The Thinker’s Toolkit: Computational Thinking & CS for Every Classroom

The Thinker’s Toolkit: Computational Thinking & CS for Every Classroom

Oct 15, 2025 Online Free

Computational thinking has a place in every content area. Tune in for strategies that help students break down problems, spot patterns, and approach new challenges with greater confidence.

Computer Science & STEM
Articles
Blog Post
How a Special Ed Class Built an AI Solution
September 18, 2025

How a Special Ed Class Built an AI Solution

Special education students, guided by teacher Sarah Bird and coach Patricia Ferris, built an AI tool to support OT exercises—showcasing how risk-taking, collaboration, and strong networks can turn real-world challenges…

Artificial Intelligence
Blog Post
Turning Tech Purchases into Impact
September 11, 2025

Turning Tech Purchases into Impact

Smart technology planning is about building sustainable processes that connect people, goals, and collaboration to turn purchases into lasting impact.

Technology Planning, Procurement, and Evaluation
Blog Post
5 Keys to Cooking Up Collaboration in the Classroom
October 14, 2021 7 min read

5 Keys to Cooking Up Collaboration in the Classroom

LTC Coach Emily Pool recently learned a thing or two about collaboration while overhearing a conversation between her daughter and her friends. As it turns out, there’s only one way…

Classroom Integration & Pedagogy