Why We Exist

IDEA exists to bring educators together in a welcoming community where they can build meaningful relationships, learn from one another, exchange practical ideas, and confidently explore the future of teaching and learning.

Every student is learning in a digital age. Technology, innovation, and emerging technologies influence every subject, role, and learning environment—and educators must have a voice in shaping what comes next.

You don’t have to be a technology expert to belong. IDEA needs the perspective of every educator.

Our History

• IDEA’s story began in 1985, when approximately 30 educators formed Illinois Computing Educators, or ICE. The organization was created to support Illinois teachers who were beginning to use computers in their classrooms.
• As technology became increasingly connected to every part of education, the organization evolved. Membership grew to include classroom teachers across all content areas, instructional coaches, technology coordinators, library media specialists, administrators, higher-education representatives, school support professionals, and other education stakeholders.
• At the end of 2019, ICE became the Illinois Digital Educators Alliance, or IDEA. The new name reflected both the organization’s expanded community and its broader commitment to digital-age learning, innovation, and emerging technologies.
• Our name has changed, but the value at the heart of the organization remains the same: educators learning with and from one another.

Check out more of IDEA's Historical Archive

What We Do

IDEA connects educators through three pathways:

• Professional Learning — Meaningful learning experiences that encourage continuous professional and personal growth.
• IDEAcon — An annual gathering where educators discover new ideas, build relationships, and learn alongside colleagues.
• Resources — Practical ideas, tools, experiences, and best practices educators can apply and share.

Together, these opportunities help educators advance effective digital-age learning, foster innovation, and confidently explore emerging technologies.

A Nonprofit Serving Educators

• Since 1986, IDEA has operated as a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization. Today, our community includes members across the United States and in 23 countries.
• IDEA is also an approved provider of professional-development hours for educator licensure through the Illinois State Board of Education. With support from our partners, we provide educators with a variety of meaningful professional-learning opportunities.
• IDEA membership is free and open to educators across subjects, roles, and learning environments.

IDEA Logo

• It was created collaboratively with input from our stakeholders and our volunteer Governing Board. Drafts were created, feedback was given, and then the work on our logo began.
• The final draft was created "live" with lots of passion, love and belief in the work we do.
• It’s an image that embodies who we are as an organization - always thinking and coming up with new "ideas."
• It evokes what we want our members (learners) to feel every time we work with them - having that "light bulb" moment.
• It exemplifies what we want educators to create with their students - unique learning moments that allow creativity and more "light bulb" moments.
• It represents what we want to be for educators, a bright light -  enlightenment, inspiration, creativity, illumination.