Dr. Sarah Phelps

Dr. Sarah Phelps

Director, Computer Science and STEM

About Dr. Sarah Phelps

Dr. Sarah Phelps is the LTC’s Director of Computer Science and STEM. A passionate advocate for hands-on, inclusive, and forward-thinking learning, Sarah takes great joy in helping students learn expansively through technology—and in partnering with educators who create those daily “eureka” moments in classrooms across Illinois.

With over a decade of experience as an instructional coach and elementary computer science teacher, Sarah has been widely recognized for her contributions to CS and STEM education. Her honors include the Emerson Excellence in Education Award and the Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel Award of Merit.

Sarah holds a wide range of degrees and credentials, including a Doctorate in Education, an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Teaching. Her expertise and leadership continue to shape how districts approach curriculum design, instructional coaching, and the integration of emerging technologies.

Certifications

CS Fundamentals Facilitator
Google Certified Educator Level 1 (Fundamentals)
Google Certified Educator Level 2 (Advanced)
Kami Certified Educator, Level 1
Ozobot Certified Educator

Explore Sarah's Work

See how Sarah advances computer science and STEM education across Illinois, and explore opportunities to learn, collaborate, and connect with her.
All
Blog Post
“Pushing Our Work Beyond the Classroom” A Conversation with a Student AI Innovator

“Pushing Our Work Beyond the Classroom” A Conversation with a Student AI Innovator

Winners of the inaugural Illinois AI Challenge share what inspired their project, what they learned from their experience, and how AI is impacting their educational life.

Artificial Intelligence
Blog Post
2024 State of CS Education in Illinois

2024 State of CS Education in Illinois

This past year, Illinois has taken significant steps toward expanding K-12 student access to engaging CS education – statewide standards, funding, and professional learning opportunities.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

AA 4229: AI Vision & Strategy: A Leader’s Guide

Jun 18, 2026 Springfield, IL $100

This Administrator Academy (#4229) is for leaders ready to move beyond isolated AI tools and develop a cohesive, long-term vision for artificial intelligence in their school or district.

Artificial Intelligence
Event
Bringing Code to Life with micro:bit (Code.org CS Integration Series)

Bringing Code to Life with micro:bit (Code.org CS Integration Series)

Mar 17, 2026 Online Free

It's time to get physical with coding! Come explore how Code.org’s Maker course and the micro:bit work together to transform abstract computer science concepts into concrete, tactile learning experiences.

Computer Science & STEM
Blog Post
Chicago Students’ Healthcare Solution Wins Illinois AI Challenge

Chicago Students’ Healthcare Solution Wins Illinois AI Challenge

Students from Walter Payton College Preparatory High School earned recognition for their AI-powered solution for optimizing patient triage at local health clinics.

Artificial Intelligence
Event
Closing the Loop: Human-Centered Feedback, Accessibility, and Final Polish

Closing the Loop: Human-Centered Feedback, Accessibility, and Final Polish

Nov 9, 2026 Online Free

Great projects aren't finished on the first try; they grow stronger through iteration. Learn how to refine your Illinois AI Challenge project using Human-Centered Design, with a focus on user testing, incorporating feedback, and making…

Artificial Intelligence
Event

Code.org AI Foundations

Jun 8–12, 2026 Online $1,000

This multi-day cohort for Missouri educators will introduce Code.org's new high school curriculum, including its modular units, adaptable lesson plans, and project-based learning experiences.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
Coding in the Content Areas with CS Connections (Code.org CS Integration Series)

Coding in the Content Areas with CS Connections (Code.org CS Integration Series)

Mar 12, 2026 Online Free

CS Connections is your ticket to uncovering coding's potential in science, math, ELA, and social studies classrooms. Learn how to use this project-based curriculum to unlock studnets' critical-thinking and creativity, regardless of subject.

Computer Science & STEM
Service

Computer Science Professional Learning

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

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

Computer Science Virtual Roundtable

Dec 12, 2025 Online Free

Join Sarah Phelps for a virtual event focused on integrating computer science into your curriculum.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Dec 9, 2025 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

Nov 10, 2025 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 14, 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

Feb 19, 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

Apr 23, 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

Mar 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

Oct 16, 2025 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 + AI PD Week 2026

CS + AI PD Week 2026

Jun 15–18, 2026 Springfield, IL $100

Join fellow K-12 CS educators for a 4-day learning experience centered on building prosperous computer science programs in every Illinois school district.

Computer Science & STEM
Resource

Drones in the Classroom – Q&A for Curricular Integration and Funding

Why should drones be part of your school's curriculum? What classes can drones be used in? Find answers to these questions and more (including funding and safety recommendations) in this handy guide produced by the…

Guidance
Event

Exploring Computer Science in the Content Areas-Science

Jun 26, 2026 Online Free

Are you looking for new tools to help engage students in science? Would you like to see students creating with technology instead of just passively consuming it? Join us for our third event in a…

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Exploring Computer Science in the Content Areas-Social Studies

Jun 30, 2026 Online Free

Are you looking for new tools to help engage students in science? Would you like to see students creating with technology instead of just passively consuming it? Join us for our third event in a…

Computer Science & STEM
Event

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

Jun 12, 2026 Oglesby, IL $30

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

Getting Started with Code.org!

Feb 5, 2026 Vandalia, IL Free

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

Computer Science & STEM
Blog Post
How Do I Start Teaching CS? Your CS Questions Answered

How Do I Start Teaching CS? Your CS Questions Answered

What are the best starter resources for teaching coding? How can I build my CS teaching confidence? How do you sustainably build a CS program in a rural district? Cody…

Computer Science & STEM
Event

ROE 35 Computer Science Virtual Roundtable

Jun 29, 2026 Online Free

Join Sarah Phelps for a virtual event focused on integrating computer science into your curriculum.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

ROE 35 Computer Science Virtual Roundtable

Mar 19, 2026 Online Free

Join Sarah Phelps for a virtual event focused on integrating computer science into your curriculum.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Seasons of CS- ELA and CS

Feb 27, 2026 Oglesby, IL $30

Ready to ignite student curiosity in K-8? Explore how computer science and coding (think sequencing and algorithms) can blend beautifully with English Language Arts topics.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Seasons of CS- Math/Science and CS

Jan 29, 2026 Dixon, IL $25

Transform your math and science lessons with computer science integration!

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Seasons of CS: Social Studies and Specials (PE, Music, and Art)

Apr 24, 2026 Oglesby, IL $30

Ready to expand computer science beyond the core? This workshop invites K-8 educators to explore innovative ways to blend CS with social studies, art, music, and physical education 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
Blog Post
Will AI Replace Coding? More CS Questions Answered

Will AI Replace Coding? More CS Questions Answered

Cody is back with more answers! Can coding still help students become workforce ready? How can I make my coding club more inclusive? And am I even qualified to teach…

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.

Resources
Events
Event
Closing the Loop: Human-Centered Feedback, Accessibility, and Final Polish

Closing the Loop: Human-Centered Feedback, Accessibility, and Final Polish

Nov 9, 2026 Online Free

Great projects aren't finished on the first try; they grow stronger through iteration. Learn how to refine your Illinois AI Challenge project using Human-Centered Design, with a focus on user testing, incorporating feedback, and making…

Artificial Intelligence
Event

Exploring Computer Science in the Content Areas-Social Studies

Jun 30, 2026 Online Free

Are you looking for new tools to help engage students in science? Would you like to see students creating with technology instead of just passively consuming it? Join us for our third event in a…

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Exploring Computer Science in the Content Areas-Science

Jun 26, 2026 Online Free

Are you looking for new tools to help engage students in science? Would you like to see students creating with technology instead of just passively consuming it? Join us for our third event in a…

Computer Science & STEM
Event

AA 4229: AI Vision & Strategy: A Leader’s Guide

Jun 18, 2026 Springfield, IL $100

This Administrator Academy (#4229) is for leaders ready to move beyond isolated AI tools and develop a cohesive, long-term vision for artificial intelligence in their school or district.

Artificial Intelligence
Event

ROE 35 Computer Science Virtual Roundtable

Jun 29, 2026 Online Free

Join Sarah Phelps for a virtual event focused on integrating computer science into your curriculum.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

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

Jun 12, 2026 Oglesby, IL $30

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

Seasons of CS: Social Studies and Specials (PE, Music, and Art)

Apr 24, 2026 Oglesby, IL $30

Ready to expand computer science beyond the core? This workshop invites K-8 educators to explore innovative ways to blend CS with social studies, art, music, and physical education classrooms.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
CS + AI PD Week 2026

CS + AI PD Week 2026

Jun 15–18, 2026 Springfield, IL $100

Join fellow K-12 CS educators for a 4-day learning experience centered on building prosperous computer science programs in every Illinois school district.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Code.org AI Foundations

Jun 8–12, 2026 Online $1,000

This multi-day cohort for Missouri educators will introduce Code.org's new high school curriculum, including its modular units, adaptable lesson plans, and project-based learning experiences.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

ROE 35 Computer Science Virtual Roundtable

Mar 19, 2026 Online Free

Join Sarah Phelps for a virtual event focused on integrating computer science into your curriculum.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
Bringing Code to Life with micro:bit (Code.org CS Integration Series)

Bringing Code to Life with micro:bit (Code.org CS Integration Series)

Mar 17, 2026 Online Free

It's time to get physical with coding! Come explore how Code.org’s Maker course and the micro:bit work together to transform abstract computer science concepts into concrete, tactile learning experiences.

Computer Science & STEM
Event
Coding in the Content Areas with CS Connections (Code.org CS Integration Series)

Coding in the Content Areas with CS Connections (Code.org CS Integration Series)

Mar 12, 2026 Online Free

CS Connections is your ticket to uncovering coding's potential in science, math, ELA, and social studies classrooms. Learn how to use this project-based curriculum to unlock studnets' critical-thinking and creativity, regardless of subject.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Getting Started with Code.org!

Feb 5, 2026 Vandalia, IL Free

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

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Seasons of CS- Math/Science and CS

Jan 29, 2026 Dixon, IL $25

Transform your math and science lessons with computer science integration!

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Computer Science Virtual Roundtable

Dec 12, 2025 Online Free

Join Sarah Phelps for a virtual event focused on integrating computer science into your curriculum.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

Seasons of CS- ELA and CS

Feb 27, 2026 Oglesby, IL $30

Ready to ignite student curiosity in K-8? Explore how computer science and coding (think sequencing and algorithms) can blend beautifully with English Language Arts topics.

Computer Science & STEM
Event

CS & STEM Networking Meeting

Mar 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

Apr 23, 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

Feb 19, 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

Jan 14, 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, 2025 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

Nov 10, 2025 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

Oct 16, 2025 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 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