That's the IDEA!

About That's the IDEA!

That’s the Idea! is the official podcast of the Illinois Digital Educators Alliance. In each episode, we dive into fresh perspectives and innovative ideas with guests who challenge conventional thinking. Whether you're an educator, leader, or lifelong learner, our conversations will inspire you to explore new approaches and take bold steps in your practice. Tune in, get curious, and discover the next great idea that could transform the way you think and work!

Publisher

Don Sturm and Stefanie crawford

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Mar 2025

Latest episode

22 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

21 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Apr 2026

   Don and Stefanie on Connection, Community, and Showing Up

   In this special episode of That’s the IDEA, Don and Stefanie take time to reflect as they record their final episode together. Along the way, they dive into a conversation that feels simple on the surface but runs much deeper: the value of in person learning. From the lasting impact of Edcamps and conferences to the reality of time, energy, and funding challenges, they explore what actually motivates educators to show up, connect, and grow. You’ll hear honest reflections on professional learning, the power of relationships, and why sometimes even one meaningful conversation can make all the difference. It’s a thoughtful, real, and at times lighthearted conversation about connection, change, and what comes next. So whether you’re thinking about your next professional learning experience or just reflecting on your own journey, this episode is one to sit with. After all, sometimes the best ideas start with simply showing up.

2. 

   8 Apr 2026

   Sitting Down with Dr. Sawsan Jaber

   Join Don and Stefanie as they sit down with Dr. Sawsan Jaber for a powerful conversation about student voice, identity, and what it truly means to create human-centered classrooms. From her journey in education to the ideas behind Pedagogies of Voice, she challenges us to rethink how we build community, honor lived experiences, and use inquiry to transform learning. This is one of those conversations that stays with you.

3. 

   4 Mar 2026

   Sitting Down with Stefanie Pitzer

   In this episode, Don Sturm and Stefanie Crawford talk with Stefanie Pitzer, 2025 IDEA Administrator Educator of the Year, about building a culture of readers through simple, powerful moves like lunch read alouds and a virtual family book club. Expect practical takeaways, relationship-driven leadership, the importance of embracing what makes you “extra,” and a few laughs along the way because learning should come with some joy.

Who has been a guest on That's the IDEA!

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Kunal Dalal
• Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason
• Dr Matthew Farber
• Marcus Stein
• Lisa Moe

Podcast Authority Score: 3 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

6

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact That's the IDEA!

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about That's the IDEA!