LEARN WITH IDEA:
Upcoming Events
Register for an upcoming IDEA event:
ideaU | Data-Driven Instruction
1/1/2026 - 1/31/2026 Online via Edpuzzle
Rekindle (or help ignite) your spark for data-driven instruction with our January ideaU series. This month, we’ll learn to use data to guide decisions and personalize learning.
Illinois educators can earn 2-3 PDHs for completing this on-demand series by January 31.
IDEA Member Pricing - $29.00
Non-Member Pricing - $39.00
IDEA Northern Suburbs Chapter | Screen-Free STEAM
1/22/2026 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM In-Person in Lake Forest, IL
Join the IDEA Northern Suburbs Chapter for our Screen-Free STEAM event! Attendees will learn to use various tools, including Makedo cardboard construction tools, sewing machines, simple circuitry, and screen-free robots, which teachers can bring back to their classrooms across different content and grade levels. This free, in-person event will be held at Lake Forest Country Day School in Lake Forest, Illinois. Illinois educators can earn 1.5 PDHs for attending this event in-person.
IDEAcon 2026
2/9/2026 - 2/11/2026
Join IDEA for three days where educators can be immersed in a community of leaders and learners. Attendees enjoy a welcoming environment as they create their own journey full of breakout sessions, exhibit hall demos, hands-on activities, thought leader talks, networking opportunities and more. Go at your own pace, take the time to discover, and relish the opportunity to learn, share, and play. IDEAcon is where you'll find your next learning adventure.
IDEAcon 2026 | An Administrator's Guide to Your District's Technology Department (AA #3838)
2/10/2026 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM in Schaumburg, IL
This Academy is perfect for administrators and new tech directors needing a clear understanding of the day-to-day life of their district's technology department. Since this is taking place during IDEAcon, Academy registration will include access to our exhibit hall event, Connections & Confections happening from 3:00-5:00 where attendees can talk with 100 exhibitors about the latest in school solutions.
Please Note - Registration will run through IDEAcon's registration site. You will select your admission item (Lite - Tuesday if just attending the Admin Academy) and then add the Admin Academy session before completing the registration.
Academy Registration = $300.00
Wednesday Webinar | What Are Parasocial Relationships? What Every Kid Needs to Know to Have Healthy Relationships in an Online World
2/25/2026 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM CT via Zoom
Join Jennifer Ehehalt, Sr. Regional Manager at Common Sense Media, to explore why parasocial relationships matter now more than ever. You’ll discover how these online dynamics shape kids’ social and emotional growth and leave with ready-to-use lessons, discussion prompts, and classroom activities that you can implement tomorrow to support healthy, balanced relationships.
Illinois educators can earn 1 PDH for attending this webinar live.
ideaU | SEL & Well-being
3/1/2026 - 3/31/2026 Online via Edpuzzle
Rekindle (or help ignite) your spark for SEL with our March ideaU series. This month we'll talk about supporting student AND educator mental health and emotional growth.
Illinois educators can earn 2-3 PDHs for completing this on-demand series by March 31.
IDEA Member Pricing - $29.00
Non-Member Pricing - $39.00
IDEA Coaching Summit
March 9, 2026 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM in Arlington Heights, IL
Whether you're a veteran coach looking for fresh ideas, a new coach ready to jump into the job, a school leader supporting coaching programs, or a teacher who coaches others without the title, this Summit is for you. Join us to connect with other coaches and aspiring coaches for a day of learning and networking. Walk away with strategies you can use tomorrow and resources to help you maximize your coaching efficacy throughout the year.
Early Bird Pricing - $89.00
Regular Pricing - $99.00
Registration coming soon!
Pop-Up Workshop | Common Sense Media's Digital Literacy and Well Being for K-8
March 10, 2026 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM in Arlington Heights, IL
Join Jennifer Ehehalt, Sr. Education Manager at Common Sense Media for an exciting IN-PERSON workshop on March 10, 2026 in Arlington Heights, IL. Attendees will discover the refreshed Digital Literacy and Well-Being curriculum designed to help K–8 students build resilience, think critically about media, and develop healthy, intentional tech habits.
Illinois educators can earn 4 PDHs for attending this in-person workshop.
Registration coming soon!
Wednesday Webinar with SMART
3/11/2026 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM CT via Zoom
Join us for an exciting webinar with our friends at SMART Technologies! Details and registration coming soon.
Illinois educators can earn 1 PDH for attending this webinar live.
Spring 2026 | Central IL K12 Education Showcase
3/12/206 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM CT in Goodfield, IL
IDEA is excited to offer an Education Showcase in collaboration with IDEA partners Forté and VIVO. This free, open-house style event is a hands-on experience with the latest technology for education where several K12 technology solution providers will showcase their newest offerings.
The showcase will take place between 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the VIVO headquarters outside of Bloomington, IL. Additional information and registration coming soon!
Wednesday Webinar | Cross-Curricular Connections
3/18/2026 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM CT via Zoom
Join CS for Success for an engaging hour where educators discover how computational thinking transforms teaching across every content area. Experience hands-on problem-solving demonstrations, engage with practical questioning strategies, and collaborate with colleagues as you unlock the natural connections between computer science concepts and your existing curriculum.
Illinois educators can earn 1 PDH for attending this webinar live.
ideaU | Project-Based Learning
4/1/2026 - 4/30/2026 Online via Edpuzzle
Rekindle (or help ignite) your spark for project-based learning (PBL) with our April ideaU series. This month is about authentic, cross-curricular, student-centered learning.
Illinois educators can earn 2-3 PDHs for completing this on-demand series by April 30.
IDEA Member Pricing - $29.00
Non-Member Pricing - $39.00
Wednesday Webinar with Jed Dearybury
4/15/2026 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM CT Online via Zoom
Join us for an exciting webinar with Jed Dearybury! Details and registration coming soon.
Illinois educators can earn 1 PDH for attending this webinar live.
Northern Suburbs MiniCon 2026
4/18/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM in Lake Forest, IL
Join the IDEA Northern Suburbs for the 2026 MiniCon!
This MiniCon is a half-day mini-conference featuring some of the best local EdTech talent in the Northern Suburbs.
Registration coming soon!
ideaU | Reflect & Celebrate
5/1/2026 - 5/31/2026 Online via Edpuzzle
Rekindle (or help ignite) your spark for reflection with our May ideaU series. As the school year is winding down, let's talk about end-of-year reflections, showcasing growth, and planning forward.
Illinois educators can earn 2-3 PDHs for completing this on-demand series by May 31.
IDEA Member Pricing - $29.00
Non-Member Pricing - $39.00
Wednesday Webinar with TeachersFirst
5/6/2026 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM CT Online via Zoom
Join us for an exciting webinar with our friends at The Source for Learning! Details and registration coming soon.
Illinois educators can earn 1 PDH for attending this webinar live.
ideaU | Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
6/1/2026 - 6/30/2026 Online via Edpuzzle
Rekindle (or help ignite) your spark for digital citizenship and media literacy in June. We are wrapping up the 2025-2026 ideaU series with strategies for teaching students to think critically and act responsibly online.
Illinois educators can earn 2-3 PDHs for completing this on-demand series by June 30.
IDEA Member Pricing - $29.00
Non-Member Pricing - $39.00
