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!

That's the IDEA! is a education podcast hosted by Don Sturm and Stefanie crawford, with 21 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Don Sturm and Stefanie crawford hosts That's the IDEA!, a education show with 21 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #15

  Don and Stefanie on Connection, Community, and Showing Up

  Apr 22, 202646 minS2

  <p>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.</p><p>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...

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  Episode #14

  Sitting Down with Dr. Sawsan Jaber

  Apr 8, 202640 minS2

  <p>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.</p><p><br></p>

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  Episode #13

  Sitting Down with Stefanie Pitzer

  Mar 4, 202641 minS2

  <p>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.</p><p><br></p>

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  Episode #12

  Sitting Down with Marcus Luther

  Feb 4, 202640 minS2

  <p>Join Don and Stefanie as they welcome high school English teacher Marcus Luther for a lively conversation about what student-centered learning actually looks like in real classrooms. Marcus reflects on the fifth grade teacher who helped shape his path, shares why community is the secret sauce behind meaningful reflection, and offers practical ways to help students build reflective muscles even when they do not know where to start. They also explore thoughtful decision making around technology, including how to stay grounded in core classroom values while everything around us keeps changing. Expect big ideas, usable strategies, a little sports...

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  Episode #11

  Sitting Down with Ted Neitzke

  Jan 28, 202644 minS2

  <p>Join Don and Stefanie as they sit down with Ted Neitzke, a former social studies teacher turned superintendent and mayor, who brings big energy and a clear message about making improvement actually stick. Ted shares why mindset matters, how every educator leads with influence regardless of job titles, and why reflection can be a daily habit that fuels stronger teams and stronger classrooms. They’ll explore practical ways to build trust, boost engagement, and charge into the storms that show up in education every day. </p>

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