The IDEA Northern Suburbs Chapter MiniCon is happening tomorrow, Saturday, April 18, and if you forgot to register, we've got you covered. Register now or at the event and spend your morning learning with other innovative and creative educators.
https://ideail.org/MiniCon2026
#IDEAil #EduSky
Missed last week's issue of the Big IDEAs Newsletter? Find brain breaks for middle schoolers, why reading whole novels with students is beneficial, resources for social studies teachers through the Bill of Rights Institute, and more.
https://ideail.org/BigIDEAs4226
#IDEAil #EduSky
Join Don Sturm is 🤔 and Stefanie Crawford as they sit down with Dr. Sawsan Jaber, NBCT for a powerful conversation about student voice, identity, and what it truly means to create human-centered classrooms.
Listen now at https://ideail.org/ThatsTheIdeaPodcast
#IDEAil #EduSky
Scribble Workshop on AI writing scheduled for April 10, free in-person event in Arlington Heights with lunch and PDHs for Illinois educators.
See how teachers can partner with Scrible to support the writing process, keeping the productive struggle, sparking curiosity, supporting research, and deepening learning while also helping enable responsible AI use in schools.
https://ideail.org/ScriblePopUp41026
#IDEAil #EduSky
Northern Suburbs MiniCon event details with date April 18, 2026, location Lake County ROE Building, and time 9 AM to 12 PM.
The IDEA Northern Suburbs Chapter MiniCon is back and happening in person in Lake Forest, IL on April 18 from 9AM - 12:00PM. Open to all educators, it will be a morning of connection and cultivating new ideas.
Register today at https://ideail.org/MiniCon2026
#IDEAil #EduSky
Last Friday, March 27, was National AI Literacy Day, and if you missed last week's issue of the IDEA newsletter, you missed out on some resources for educators working to teach their students AI literacy, not AI tools.
Access the issue now at https://ideail.org/BigIDEAs32626
#IDEAil #EduSky
Blue-themed promotional graphic from Illinois Digital Educators Alliance highlighting a new post titled 'Can Everyone Hear Me?'
IDEA Executive Director Stefanie Crawford explores why we need to do better with accessibility around voice amplification in education spaces in the newest IDEA blog.
Read it now at http://www.ideaillinois.org/caneveryonehearmeblog
#IDEAil #accessibility #EduSky
Illinois Digital Educators Alliance presents Central IL K12 Education Showcase with Forte and Vivo collaboration.
Administrators and school IT professionals, join IDEA for a free, open-house style event where several K12 technology solution providers will showcase their newest offerings with space for meaningful 1:1 conversations.
https://ideail.org/Showcase41726
#IDEAil #EduSky
Northern Suburbs MiniCon event details with a lightbulb graphic, scheduled for April 18, 2026, at Lake County ROE Building, Lake Forest, IL, from 9 AM to 12 PM.
Don't miss out on the chance for three hours of in-person connections and learning with other educators at the IDEA Northern Suburbs MiniCon.
Find more information and register today at https://ideail.org/MiniCon2026
#IDEAil #EduSky
Announcement of a new partner blog titled 'Giving Your Dreams Life' with a colorful rainbow and smiling face illustration from MrDearybury.com.
Making your dreams a reality in a world that feels very heavy can seem out of reach. Educator, author, and illustrator Jed Dearybury gives some advice on how to take those dreams and give them life. http://www.ideaillinois.org/givingdreamslifeblog
#IDEAil #EduSky
Bringing a group of students to participate in Students for Innovation: Advocacy Day leaves a lasting impact, but don't take our word for it.
Sign up to showcase your students' voices today at https://ideail.org/Students4Innovation2026
#IDEAil #EduSky #Innovation #Education
Announcement of a new partner blog titled 'The Classroom Shift: From Behavior Management to Meaningful Engagement' by The Connecting Link.
In our latest partner blog, The Connecting Link looks at the questions educators should be asking to have more meaningfully engaged students. These questions go beyond behavior management and look more deeply at the students. http://www.ideaillinois.org/theclassroomshiftblog
#IDEAil #EduSky
Illinois Digital Educators Alliance presents IDEA Coaching Summit, a one-day event for instructional coaches on March 9, 2026, in Arlington Heights.
There's still time to join us for a 1-day, in-person Coaching Summit on Monday, 3/9 in Arlington Heights. Attend morning sessions followed by lunch sponsored by MagicSchool.ai and an afternoon of Edcamp-style sessions where attendees choose the learning.
https://ideail.org/Coaching3926
#IDEAil
Don Sturm is 🤔 and Stefanie Crawford talk with Stefanie Pitzer, 2025 IDEA Admin EOY, about building a culture of readers with practical takeaways, relationship-driven leadership, and the importance of embracing what makes you “extra."
https://ideail.org/ThatsTheIdeaPodcast
#IDEAil #EduSky
Students engaging in discussions and presentations during the Students for Innovation Advocacy Day event.
Sign up now to bring your innovative students to the Capitol Building in Springfield on Thursday, April 30. IDEA's Students for Innovation: Advocacy Day gives K–12 students a powerful platform to shine.
Find more info at https://ideail.org/Students4Innovation2026
#IDEAil #EduSky
Common Sense Education workshop on digital literacy and well-being for K-8 students, free and in-person in Arlington Heights on March 10 from 9 AM to 2 PM.
Register now for IDEA's free Pop-Up Workshop with Common Sense Education's Sr. Education Manager, Jennifer Ehehalt. This in-person workshop takes place on March 10 in Arlington Heights, IL from 9:00-2:00.
Register now at https://ideail.org/CommonSense31026
#IDEAil #EduSky
Illinois Digital Educators Alliance presents IDEA Coaching Summit, a one-day event for instructional coaches on March 9, 2026, in Arlington Heights.
Join us March 9 in Arlington Heights for IDEA’s one‑day Coaching Summit. This is a space for coaches and aspiring coaches to connect, learn, and grow. Breakouts, Edcamp-style sessions, and lunch from MagicSchool AI included.
Register now at https://ideail.org/Coaching3926
#IDEAil #EduSky
Poster for Northern Suburbs MiniCon on April 18, 2026, at Lake County ROE Building, Lake Forest, IL, from 9 AM to 12 PM.
The IDEA Northern Suburbs Chapter MiniCon is coming back! It's a great opportunity to learn with and from peers, but it's also the perfect place to try out presenting a new session or to present for the first time.
Submit your proposal today at https://ideail.org/2026MiniConCFP
#IDEAil #EduSky
Desiree Alexander and Marcus Stein leading a session at IDEAcon.
“If you have a seat at the table but you don’t have any power, you don’t have a seat at the table.” - @educatoralexander.bsky.social
#IDEAcon #IDEAil #EduSky
#IDEAcon welcome reception on Monday has drone soccer, board games, and Mario Kart time trials thanks to IHSEA where the winner receives a free IHSEA membership. Discover how play fits in for everyone.
Not registered for IDEAcon? Register today at https://ideail.org/go2IDEAcon26
#IDEAil #EduSky
Don Sturm is 🤔 and Stefanie Crawford talk with English teacher Marcus Luther Luther about what student‑centered learning looks like. They dig into reflection, community, tech choices, and the joy that keeps this work meaningful.
https://ideail.org/ThatsTheIdeaPodcast
#IDEAil #IDEAcon #EduSky
Common Sense Education workshop on digital literacy and well-being for K-8, free, in-person in Arlington Heights on March 10, 9 AM to 2 PM. Brought to you by Illinois Digital Educators Alliance.
Join us March 10 in Arlington Heights for an in‑person workshop with Common Sense Education’s Jennifer Ehehalt. Explore the refreshed Digital Literacy & Well‑Being curriculum with lessons, activities, and tools you can use right away.
https://ideail.org/CommonSense31026
#IDEAil #EduSky
We’re so excited to be learning with you!
There’s still time to join us at IDEAcon 2026. A space to learn, lead, and transform together. A place to create, connect, and innovate with educators, leaders, and partners who believe in joyful, impactful learning.
Register now at https://ideail.org/go2IDEAcon26
#IDEAcon #EduSky
Newsletter cover for The Big Ideas Newsletter Volume 4.21 dated January 22, 2026, featuring upcoming events and instructional insights.
Get caught up on The Big IDEAs Newsletter and see how Snorkl can help with student feedback, other factors impacting literacy, how to use Google Vids, and an IDEA podcast episode with Kunal Dalal!
Catch up now at https://ideail.org/BigIDEAs012226
#IDEAil #IDEAcon #ProfessionalDevelopment #EduSky
Podcast episode cover for 'That's The Idea!' featuring Ted Neitzke in Season 2, Episode 11 with a blue dotted background.
🚨New episode alert! Tuesday's #IDEAcon keynote speaker Ted Neitzke, a former social studies teacher turned superintendent and mayor, who brings big energy and a clear message about making improvement actually stick.
Listen now at https://ideail.org/ThatsTheIdeaPodcast
#IDEAil #EduSky
We’re looking forward to learning with you!
Connected, Supported, Empowered: Women Leading in Tech with panelist Jenn Brown, Senior Program Manager at Google for Education, Maria Stavropoulos, Director of Technology at Northbrook SD 28, and MJ Warden, Chief Technology Officer at CCSD 15. The panel is happening on February 10, 2026 at 1:45 PM in Utopia C.
Learn with Jenn Brown, Senior Program Manager at Google for Education, Maria Stavropoulos, Dir. of Tech at Northbrook SD 28, and MJ Warden, CTO at CCSD 15 as they share how they’ve forged their paths, built networks of support, and partnered with allies to create change.
#IDEAil #IDEAcon #EduSky
Our latest episode features #IDEAcon Keynote, Kunal Dalal, former teacher and principal turned AI thinker and builder. He shares how his work with AI began and grew, and challenges how we think about learning, creativity, and responsibility.
https://ideail.org/ThatsTheIdeaPodcast
#IDEAil #EduSky
Thank you message featuring logos of SchoolAI, True IP Solutions, and Vivacity as IDEAcon 2026 Create Sponsors with a green and blue background.
One of the things we love about #IDEAcon is how our exhibitors are truly an essential part of the conference experience. Many thanks to SchoolAI, true IP solutions, and Vivacity for each providing a scholarship to IDEAcon 2026 for an IDEA member. We're all better together!
#IDEAil #EduSKy
