Meet Your New 2025 ITEC Board Members

Current Position/Title
Digital Learning & Innovation Coordinator

Current School / District / Employer 
Des Moines Public Schools

Please tell us about yourself: 
I’ve spent my career helping schools use technology in ways that make learning more relevant, meaningful, and equitable for students. My earliest experiences with ITEC as a classroom teacher helped spark this path. Presenting for the first time and connecting with other educators who loved thinking creatively about technology opened up a new world for me. It showed me how powerful it is when teachers feel part of a broader community of learning.

I started as a classroom teacher who enjoyed finding creative ways to solve instructional challenges, which naturally pulled me toward instructional technology. Over the years I’ve served as a class Technology Integrationist, Digital Learning Consultant, and now as a Digital Learning & Innovation Coordinator. My work has been recognized nationally with the ISTE 20 to Watch Award, and I’ve had the honor of being a featured speaker at ITEC twice.

I’ve trained educators across the country and supported districts through technology audits, strategic planning, and professional learning aligned with instructional frameworks, district initiatives, and the real needs of teachers and students. I focus on intentional technology integration that strengthens instruction, supports creativity, deepens SEL, and expands equitable access for students and families.

In my current role, I support more than 2,000 teachers and nearly 30,000 students in Iowa’s largest PreK–12 system. My work involves scaling technology in empowering and sustainable ways, connecting tools to instructional priorities, and building structures that help early adopters lead in strategic and scalable ways. I’m also helping our system explore how AI can reduce teacher workload, strengthen retention, and positively impact student outcomes. Through all of this, I keep the student–teacher relationship and the art of teaching at the center.

Why are you interested in running for the ITEC board? 
My connection to ITEC goes back to my early years in the classroom. Attending and presenting at the conference for the first time was transformative. It helped me find like-minded educators, expand where I sought new ideas, and see myself as part of a larger professional community. Those experiences shaped my career and continue to influence how I support others.

I want more teachers to have access to that same sense of possibility. In today’s landscape, it’s harder than ever to be an educator. Professional learning budgets are tight, sub coverage is difficult, and many teachers feel isolated. I’m interested in serving on the board because I want to help ITEC continue to evolve so it can meet educators where they are now. Whether that’s through flexible professional learning options, more accessible networking opportunities, or new ways to connect across communities, I want ITEC to remain a place where educators feel supported, inspired, and part of something bigger.

I care deeply about helping teachers feel confident using technology in ways that honor creativity, innovation, and well-being. Serving on the ITEC board would allow me to contribute to that work and help keep the organization future-focused while staying rooted in the strong educator community that makes ITEC special.

What role do you see ITEC playing in the next five years in regard to education? 
In the next five years, I see ITEC strengthening its position as Iowa’s hub for edtech learning, leadership, and community. As schools navigate AI, digital well-being, access and equity, cybersecurity, and instructional design, educators need a trusted source of clear, practical, and research-aligned guidance. ITEC is well positioned to provide that support.

Because attending conferences is becoming harder for many teachers due to budget constraints and limited sub coverage, ITEC can expand its year-round programming to meet educators where they are. Regional meetups, virtual micro-sessions, coaching networks, and hybrid learning opportunities can help ensure that more teachers can engage with high-quality professional learning and connect with peers, regardless of circumstances.

I also see opportunities for deeper partnerships across PK–12, higher education, nonprofits, and community organizations to create a more connected and innovative ecosystem for educational technology in Iowa. The annual conference will continue to be a highlight, and it can keep evolving with more hands-on experiences, student voice, and opportunities for educators to build confidence with emerging tools.

Overall, I see ITEC helping Iowa stay forward-facing and grounded. By providing community, guidance, and inspiration, ITEC can continue to support educators in creating learning experiences that are authentic, equitable, and meaningful for students.

Current Position/Title
K-12 Technology Integrationist

Current School / District / Employer 
Indianola Community School District

Please tell us about yourself:
I’m passionate about education because I love helping students and teachers grow. I started as a classroom teacher and developed a passion for using technology in new and effective ways in my classroom. Whether it was boosting engagement, helping students access content in new ways, or making my work more manageable, I found myself naturally drawn to the tools and strategies that made learning better for everyone. My curiosity, the desire to support colleagues, and a passion for learning about all things tech gradually pulled me deeper into the world of educational technology.

In my current role, I work alongside teachers, administrators, and district leadership to support technology integration, instructional improvement, MTSS, assessment practices, and professional learning. Most of my work centers on helping teams use technology with purpose: aligning tools to instruction, analyzing data to guide decisions, and making sure digital resources actually make teaching and learning stronger. I am excited about how technology can transform learning experiences and I share this passion in a variety of ways, including helping to lead the statewide EdTech Collaborative group. I’m passionate about helping educators feel confident, supported, and excited about what technology can do! I’d love the opportunity to serve and learn alongside the amazing educators across Iowa through the ITEC board.

Why are you interested in running for the ITEC board? 
I’m interested in running for the ITEC board because I believe deeply in the power of technology to transform teaching and learning when educators are supported, connected, and inspired. Throughout my career, I’ve benefited from the ideas, resources, and professional community that ITEC fosters across Iowa. Those opportunities have shaped my own practice and leadership, and I want to give back by helping strengthen that community for others, especially as educational technology continues to evolve so quickly.

I also see this as an opportunity to amplify the voices of classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and building leaders who are navigating the daily realities of technology use. My work across multiple grade levels and buildings gives me a broad perspective on what educators need to feel confident and successful. Serving on the ITEC board would allow me to help create meaningful learning experiences, encourage innovative practices, and support districts across the state in making technology purposeful, equitable, and accessible for all students.

What role do you see ITEC playing in the next five years in regard to education? 
Over the next five years, I see ITEC continuing to be a driving force in helping Iowa educators use technology with purpose, confidence, and creativity. High-quality conferences designed for teachers, instructional coaches, librarians, and educational leaders will remain essential, continuing to provide practical, hands-on learning that educators can implement immediately. Continuing to provide just-in-time resources such as newsletters, webinars, and timely updates will also be increasingly important as new tools and challenges emerge.

I believe ITEC can expand its impact by strengthening statewide collaboration and elevating educator and student voice. Innovation cohorts could allow educators to work together on yearlong projects and showcase their learning, while “EdTech in Action” spotlights could highlight the powerful work happening in classrooms across Iowa. ITEC can also help districts continue to build student tech leadership programs, giving students opportunities to share skills, troubleshoot, and present at conferences. I’d love to see these aspects of ITEC expand and help students grow as communicators and problem-solvers.

Finally, I see ITEC playing a larger role in supporting educational leaders as they navigate technology decisions and strategic planning. Leadership-focused resources, such as tool-evaluation templates, budgeting guidance, and PD planning support, could be paired with practical, on-demand opportunities like virtual office hours or coaching sessions for quick problem-solving. These efforts, combined with ITEC’s ongoing commitment to high-quality professional learning, can help ensure that Iowa’s educators and leaders feel equipped, supported, and inspired as they prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

Current Position/Title
Director of IT

Current School / District / Employer
Pocahontas Area Community Schools

Please tell us about yourself:
Hello! I’m Phil Trimble from the Pocahontas Area Community Schools in Northwestern Iowa.

My passion for tech is a lifelong one, sparked years ago by programming sessions in the iconic Apple IIe labs. As an early adopter of technology I have seen the benefits of integrating technology with learning and have reinforced the importance of positive modeling in my professional and personal life.

With 27 years in education across Central and Northwest Iowa, I’ve held a variety of technology-focused educational roles, recently expanding into the exciting realm of Manufacturing/Production. I thrive on engaging with students and peers in a dynamic learning environment. Moving forward, I’m focused on remaining an active learner—to create, collaborate, and share what I’ve discovered!

Why are you interested in running for the ITEC board?
I’m incredibly enthusiastic about continuing on the ITEC board because I’ve personally witnessed the powerful impact this organization has on Iowa education.

From seeing the successful debut of the Council Bluffs Chromebook program at an ITEC IT conference to collaborating with groups like CSTA Iowa, I know ITEC is the catalyst for statewide innovation. I’ve enjoyed participating and giving back, and would like to continue my leadership role. I believe every Iowa educator and student deserves access to that level of dynamic statewide collaboration, and I want to drive that expansion as a member of the ITEC board.

What role do you see ITEC playing in the next five years in regard to education?
I see ITEC evolving from a strong organization into the indispensable driver of educational innovation across Iowa over the next five years.

We need to make our Annual Conference the can’t-miss event of the year by showcasing cutting-edge, practical tools for the modern classrooms. Continually covering multiple strands of education to reach diverse audiences. This connects directly with services provided: we must curate a vendor pool that is not just relevant, but transformative—something I’m proud to be a part of on the vendor committee.

Our work on the Sypersma Leadership and Innovation Award committee has shown me the power of recognition. ITEC’s strength lies in connection and networking. We will continue to highlight the innovative work of Iowa educators—who are always on the forefront of preparing our future leaders—and use those successes to fuel our collective growth.

Current Position/Title
Executive Director of IT

Current School / District / Employer 
College Community School District – Cedar Rapids Prairie

Please tell us about yourself:
I’m currently the Executive Director of IT for the College Community School District, Cedar Rapids Prairie. This is my eighth year in my current position and 25th year in education. Prior to this position, I was a Middle School Principal at College Community School District and prior to that, I was a principal at the South Tama County School District. Early in my career, I was a High School math teacher. My wife Andrea and I have two children, Emma and Kaiser. Andrea is an Elementary Principal in the Vinton-Shellsburg School District.

I’ve been a tech geek my whole life. From my family’s Texas Instruments computer, to Nintendo, to majoring in Computer Science in college to my current position, I’ve always been fascinated with technology, especially computers and how they work and can be used to make our world a better and more efficient place.

In my current role, I oversee the district’s technology and information department. We have 8 staff members who serve our 5800 students and 1200 staff members.

Why are you interested in running for the ITEC board?
ITEC has been an integral part of education in Iowa for many years. During my attendance at the Fall Conference and the spring IT conference, I’ve connected with great educators who are passionate about teaching and learning and moving the needle forward for the students in Iowa. The learning, connections, and resources I’ve gathered through these experiences have had an impact on the students and staff that I work with each day. I’ve learned so much from these learning experiences and wish to continue the legacy of ITEC for years to come. As I look at running for the board, I want to continue the work done in the past and expand into new realms in the future.

What role do you see ITEC playing in the next five years in regard to education? 
I have a passion for educating our students for the future and see ITEC being an important part of moving the Iowa education system forward. ITEC is known for the Fall conference and the IT conference in the spring. As we look to the future, I see ITEC being a grounding force in education in Iowa and the Midwest. I see opportunities for expanding reach through other media platforms and the potential for reaching more teachers and administrators to enhance teaching and learning.