iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I'm excited to continue my journey as a 2026 Seesaw Ambassador! 💚 One of my favorite Seesaw tips is using voice recordings so every student can explain their thinking. It's been a game-changer for student voice in my classroom! Get started at app.seesaw.me

app.seesaw.me

Seesaw

Seesaw creates a powerful learning loop between students, teachers, and families

000

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

Imagine the world if we truly followed this philosophy. #edusky #humility

020

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

I am using this piece today for our PD Bites series. I am eager for reactions to this piece, which, as a tech integration specialist, has given me much to reflect upon. @marcusluther.bsky.social @ideaillinois.bsky.social #IDEAcon #AI #edusky thebrokencopier.substack.com/p/adults-are...

thebrokencopier.substack.com

Adults Are The AI Problem in Education

But here are three things I think might help going forward

160

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

This was a fun episode to record. @drmahmood.bsky.social I can’t wait to meet you in February at #IDEAcon!

010

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

Excited to be in Naperville at the #ICIC conference. This morning is the @cultofpedagogy.bsky.social keynote. I am pumped to be hearing her in person after listening to her podcast for years!! #EduSky #instructionalcoaching

130

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

Just a random thought. If you are a presenter and offered a microphone, use it, don’t ask if people want you to, just use it. #EduSky

010

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

In this episode from our series on change in education, @caeddleman.bsky.social and I explore how students experience change. #podcast #education The link to the episode is in the bio.

110

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

I am looking for your input. The district where I work has deployed iPads K-12 for the last 14 years. There is some discussion happening about changing devices for HS students. Has anyone gone through this change? I have thoughts/biases, but I would love to hear from you. TIA!! #EduSky

100

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

This is a great reminder moving into the new school year. #EduSky

040

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 03/08/2025

One of the most powerful gifts we can give students isn’t just knowledge…it’s the ability to think about their own thinking. #edusky

000

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

I just submitted my session today! Can’t wait!! #EduSky #IDEACon

000

Reposted by Don Sturm is 🤔

Illinois Digital Educators Alliance | IDEA @ideaillinois.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Tomorrow’s the final day for #IDEAcon 's Super Saver rate, our most discounted way to invest in staff PD. You don’t need names now. You just need to commit to educator growth, even while federal Title II funding remains in limbo. 📅 Deadline: Aug 1 @ 11:59 PM CT ideail.org/IDEAcon26sup... #EduSky

IDEAcon Super Saver Registration Closing August 1

011

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

If you are an educator, regardless of your state or country, this is the organization that can help connect you with other educators. The best part is that it is 100% free! #EduSky @ideaillinois.bsky.social www.ideaillinois.org

ideaillinois.org

Home

000

Reposted by Don Sturm is 🤔

Illinois Digital Educators Alliance | IDEA @ideaillinois.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Get ready to redefine what play means in your life and to laugh along with @mrscford.bsky.social and @sturmdon.bsky.social as they sit down with @mrdearybury.bsky.social to discuss the importance of getting in the flow, finding joy, and embracing play in your life. ideail.org/ThatsTheIdea...!

042

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

🎙️New episode🎙️ In Part 2 of our Educator Emotional Engagement series, @caeddleman.bsky.social and I explore what emotional engagement looks like from a teacher's perspective—why it matters, how it shows up, and what it costs (and gives back). #EDUsky ⬇️Listen Here⬇️ open.spotify.com/episode/0GTK...

020

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

I would love educators to weigh in on this question. In a public school setting, would you allow a student to give an argumentative speech about a topic like the world is flat or vaccines cause autism? In other words, topics that are settled science. More than a yes or no would be helpful. #EduSky

100

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Our newest episode has dropped. @caeddleman.bsky.social and I introduce the topic of teacher engagement. In this episode, we ask @mandyfroehlich.bsky.social to offer her thoughts about the topic. We would love for you to give it a listen. #EduSky #podcast @ideaillinois.bsky.social

021

Reposted by Don Sturm is 🤔

Illinois Digital Educators Alliance | IDEA @ideaillinois.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Join @mrscford.bsky.social and @sturmdon.bsky.social as they sit down with @jehehalt.bsky.social from Common Sense Education and Dr. Sonal Patel to discuss AI and how our approach and attitudes toward AI can shape the landscape of AI use in education. ideail.org/ThatsTheIdea... #IDEAil #EduSky

021

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

I thought I would share my Substack with any of you who are interested. I use this space to unpack the tensions of this current political and cultural moment. I know that many here have the same types of thoughts, and I thought it might be of some interest. #EduSky

processingdiscontent.substack.com

000

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Learning isn’t just about absorbing information—it’s about experiencing, creating, and discovering. When we give students the tools to explore, we open the🚪 to deeper learning. How do you help learners take ownership and agency in their journey? #EduSky #IHaveQuestions @carriebaughcum.bsky.social

A quote from My Pencil Made Me Do It by Carrie Baughcum reads: “That means to shift from this ingrained thinking we need to give our learners words, give them new experiences, and take them on a new journey with their learning.” The right side of the image shows part of the book cover, featuring hand-drawn arrows, doodles, and pencils.

041

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

I am so excited for this new opportunity to do what I love...podcast! #EduSky

000

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Are our systems limiting human potential more than they should? Education often caters to the “average” student, but real learning happens when we recognize individual strengths. How can we design classrooms that break free from one-size-fits-all thinking? #EduSky #IHaveQuestions

A quote from The End of Average by Todd Rose is displayed on the left, stating that human potential is less limited than the systems we create. The book cover is partially visible on the right, showing the title and author’s name.

110

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Do students really focus better with music, or does it just make work more enjoyable? This quote from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance makes me wonder: Are we thinking deeply, or just “twiddling wrenches”? How do you handle multitasking in your classroom? #EduSky #EduCoach

A quote from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig is displayed on the left side, discussing how deep thinking and listening to the radio don’t mix. The book cover is partially visible on the right, showing the title and author’s name.

020

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

How often do we assume students already know how to manage ⏰, track deadlines, or stay accountable? I know I overlooked direct instruction on these skills as a high school teacher. Explicit teaching of habits is key! How do you help build these needed skills? #EduSky @mssackstein.bsky.social

251

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Our new episode is out. We just love talking with this great group of kids from the Henry Puffer Podcast Club. This is another episode that we recorded at #IDEAcon. @caeddleman.bsky.social @ideaillinois.bsky.social ⬇️Listen Here⬇️ open.spotify.com/episode/1Y8v...

130

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

History isn’t just facts. It’s perspective, identity, and belonging. The way it’s taught shapes how students see themselves and their place in the world. This isn’t about indoctrination; it’s about humanity. How do we ensure all students feel seen in the history they learn? #EduSky

A quote from the book All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson is displayed on a brown background. The quote reads: “The interesting thing about studying history is how much it starts to change based on the school setting and who is teaching it. And it’s not always about how those teachers view history, but how they view you. And your place in history.” Part of the book cover is visible on the right, showing the title and an illustration of a person with dark skin and a crown of yellow flowers.

031

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

A new episode of CareU is out. In this episode, we help caregivers navigate the stressful topic of Assessments. Join Stephanie, Courtney, and me as we discuss this important topic. #CareU #assessment #education #edusky ⬇️Listen Here⬇️ open.spotify.com/episode/1xE2...

010

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

A supportive learning environment helps students thrive—not by eliminating stress, but by teaching them how to navigate it. With the right foundation, challenges become opportunities for growth. How do you create that balance in your classroom? #EduSky #EduCoach

Alt text: A quote from the book What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry. The quote reads: “With a safe and stable relational foundation, thousands of moderate doses of stress help create flexible stress-response capabilities.” Part of the book cover is visible on the right side.

020

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

@meaganmacdonald.bsky.social and @erikainka.bsky.social I want to thank you for the @mirrortalk.ai reflection challenge you started at #IDEAcon. I just completed day 7. I would love to keep this going…let’s chat! @scandela9.bsky.social

The paragraph provides feedback on Don’s reflection about the challenge of knowing when to reflect. It acknowledges his insight and suggests setting specific times during the day for consistent reflection rather than waiting for the right moment. It encourages visualizing a routine, such as reflecting in the morning or during breaks, to integrate the habit into daily life.

A concrete next step is to schedule reflection time on a calendar as a non-negotiable part of the day. This consistency will help track growth in thinking through regular feedback. Over time, this practice will deepen self-awareness, improve reflective habits, and identify trends that contribute to both personal and professional growth.

062

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

🎙️ Live from IDEAcon 2025! This episode dives into AI in schools, teacher mental health, and digital responsibility with five expert guests. @ideaillinois.bsky.social @beckykeene.com @mandyfroehlich.bsky.social #IDEAcon @caeddleman.bsky.social ⬇️Listen Now⬇️ open.spotify.com/episode/1PAc... #EduSky

open.spotify.com

Looking at IDEAcon in Action: Voices from the Conference Floor

Through the Educational Looking Glass · Episode

052

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

In education, we often chase big moments of success, but real growth happens in the steady routines of daily learning. Do we undervalue consistency and calm in the classroom? How do you find balance? #EduSky #EduCoach #IHaveQuestions

A quote reads, “‘The boredom you speak of,’ Alabaster said. ‘It is what most of us call happiness.’” Below the quote, it says, “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zevin.” To the right is part of the book cover, featuring colorful, stylized text with a wave-like design.

000

Reposted by Don Sturm is 🤔

Steve Wick @wickedtech.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

Did you know membership in IDEA is free? Join today to access some amazing resources and to be part of this incredible community of #LifeLongLearners #EDUSky #IDEAcon www.ideaillinois.org/Join

ideaillinois.org

Join IDEA

031

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

We tell students and colleagues that asking for help is a strength, but do we model it ourselves? When we openly seek support, we show others it is okay to do the same. What is something you could use help with right now? #EduSky #EduCoach #IHaveQuestions

A quote reads, “Just as it’s our responsibility to offer help to friends when they need it, it is our responsibility to ask for help when we need it.” Below the quote, it says, “Never Enough, Jennifer Breheny Wallace.” To the right is part of the book cover, featuring the title and an image of a burned matchstick.

031

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

Social media thrives on keeping us hooked, but at what cost? The urge to check notifications can be hard to resist. How do you set boundaries to ensure technology serves you instead of the other way around? #EduSky #EduCoach #IHaveQuestions

A quote reads, “The tycoons of social media have to stop pretending that they’re friendly nerd gods building a better world and admit they’re just tobacco farmers in T-shirts selling an addictive product to children. Because, let’s face it, checking your ‘likes’ is the new smoking.” Below the quote, it says, “Digital Minimalism, Cal Newport.” To the right is part of the book cover, featuring the title and a bold yellow and white circular design.

120

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Everyone wants to be great at something but no one wants to be bad first. But the messy awkward phase is where real growth happens. What is something you were terrible at before you got better? #EduSky #EduCoach #IHaveQuestions

A quote reads, “In order to do something well, we must first be willing to do it badly. If you limit yourself to only doing the things you know you’re good at, you cannot have a creative breakthrough.” Below the quote, it says, “The Wild Card, Wade King, Hope King.” To the right is part of the book cover, featuring the title with stylized lettering and colorful playing card symbols.

020

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

In order to grow, we must change, but some principles should never shift. In education and leadership, what are the core values you hold onto no matter how much the world evolves? #EduSky #EduCoach #IHaveQuestions

A quote reads, “As my high school teacher, Miss Julia Coleman, used to say, ‘We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles,’” Carter said less than a minute after being sworn in as president.” Below the quote, it says, “His Very Best, Jonathan Alter.” To the right is part of the book cover, featuring the title and a stylized portrait of Jimmy Carter with bold colors and abstract elements.

000

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

5 Days until #IDEACon!! @ideaillinois.bsky.social #EduSky #EduCoach ⬇️Register Here⬇️ web.cvent.com/event/2b969f...

030

Don Sturm is 🤔 @sturmdon.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

We are so excited to share this episode with you all! Dr. Perry's work has profoundly impacted so many lives, and it was truly an honor to spend time chatting with him. We’d love for you to listen and share your thoughts! #EduSky #EduCoach #CareU ⬇️ LISTEN HERE ⬇️ open.spotify.com/show/2yIdKqA...

000