The Illinois Learning Technology Purchasing Program (ILTPP) is proud to announce its new Ambassador program and its first class of ILTPP Ambassadors.
Representing districts from across Illinois, the Ambassador program will generate insights and advocacy that’ll help connect more K-12 districts with cooperative purchasing’s full power.
“It’s a natural step forward,” says Amanda Burns, ILTPP Member Engagement Manager. “As we work to connect with new districts and deepen our relationship with current members, we need enthusiastic voices to share how cooperative purchasing has impacted their students. Our Ambassadors will be that voice, and we can’t wait to hear what they have to say.”
Bringing Innovative Edtech Minds Together
The ILTPP Ambassador program is focused on bringing together edtech pacemakers from around the state and putting their shared wisdom into action. In turn, it empowers K-12 educators and technology leaders to play a central role in influencing the edtech landscape, both in and beyond their district.
In addition to championing the program’s benefits, Ambassadors contribute their insights to ILTPP publications, collaborate with fellow tech leaders, and provide valuable feedback that shapes ILTPP’s new and ongoing initiatives.
With representatives from Little Egypt, the Quad Cities, and many districts in between, the Ambassador program also ensures that ILTPP’s programs and services continue to meet all Illinois schools’ evolving needs.
Join us in congratulating and welcoming these Ambassadors as they step into their new roles:
2024 ILTPP Ambassadors
Justin Morgan
Network Administrator | Trico CUSD 176
Justin has dedicated over a decade to educational technology leadership in his time at Trico CUSD 176. There, he has led countless technology initiatives and worked in his local community to advance tech-centered advancements, including a K-2 tablet pilot program and a community hotspots program.
He says, “I’m excited to work with ILTPP as an ambassador to continue my passion for innovative problem-solving.”
Brayden Matsko
IT Coordinator | St. Michael The Archangel School (Streator)
With his recent student experience, Brayden brings a unique perspective to the Ambassador program that adds focus to IT’s impact on current learners.
In his current role, Brayden has helped develop a custom database and backend processing system, as well as facilitated an SIS change, implemented a new rostering and student authentication system, and completed a variety of procedural improvements that have made his IT team more efficient.
Felicia Lee
District Coordinator, Technology Integration | Proviso Township HSD 209
With a diverse educational background, Felicia has served as a classroom teacher, adjunct college professor, and Tech Prep Director. In these roles, she has led projects focused on professional development in technology, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and training support staff.
She says, “I am driven to become an ILTPP ambassador by my passion for enhancing educational initiatives and standards. My hands-on approach and dedication to contributing actively through various platforms align with my enthusiasm to make a positive impact in this role.”
Jill Badalamenti
Technology Coordinator | Carlinville CUSD 1
A new resident to Illinois, Jill has been educating youngsters for 20 years mostly in Missouri. She is passionate about edtech and pushing the boundaries of traditional education.
As an Ambassador, she’s most looking forward to meeting other edtech enthusiasts and making connections outside of her school district community.
Butch Wilson
Director of Instructional Technology | Mt. Vernon Township High School
A mainstay of Illinois’ edtech community, Butch has been an edtech leader and advocate for 20+ years. As part of the former Learning Technology Centers, Butch guided and supported 200+ schools as they developed their educational technology environment.
More recently, he has provided technology support and development for the Illinois State Board of Education’s Statewide Assessments programs.
Butch believes that “education tools should be accessible and affordable for all of us.” For that reason, he’s been a “grateful promoter” of ILTPP since 2003.
Dr. Todd Dugan
Superintendent | Bunker Hill CUSD 8
During his time as superintendent, Dr. Dugan has made it his mission to reimagine and redefine rural educational leadership to reflect modern technology’s challenges and opportunities. He has been recognized by several state and national organizations, including as the 2017 Tech & Learning Leader of the Year and the 2018 Illinois State University EAF Superintendent of the Year.
As an Ambassador, Dr. Dugan wants to level the playing field in rural areas by harnessing technology’s promise to provide students with cutting-edge learning opportunities.
Dr. Cheri Bridge
Director of Technology | Zion-Benton Township HSD 126
In both her local and national work, Dr. Cheri Bridge has shown a deep passion for leveraging educational technology to foster engaging and effective learning environments. Prior to her current role, she contributed to the NSA-funded GenCyber cybersecurity curriculum and spearheaded the development of an edtech solution aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards.
With over 16 years of experience in instructional design and curriculum development, she brings a wealth of expertise in driving strategic improvements within school districts to the Ambassador team. As an Ambassador, she seeks to empower educators and students alike through the integration of innovative technologies into teaching and learning practices.
Craig Reid
Director of Technology | Moline-Coal Valley CUSD 40
Craig has worked in education his entire career, starting as a support technician before moving into a leadership role. During his tenure as Director of Technology, he has led numerous initiatives to keep up with his district’s evolving technology landscape, as well as co-chaired a technology committee composed of teachers, administrators, and support staff.
When it comes to our statewide edtech community, Craig believes that more collective efforts are needed to address common issues. As an Ambassador, he wants to work closely with his counterparts in other districts and harness their expertise to uncover innovative, cost-effective solutions that all districts can benefit from.