Fall 2026 Conference Iowa Featured Speakers
Nicole DeGidio
Nicole DeGidio is an English/EL/Computer Science teacher and technology coach at the Clayton Ridge Community School District. She has taught for 18 years and has served as an instructional and technology coach since 2015. Nicole is passionate about using technology to enhance student engagement, equity, creativity, and collaboration. Using AI ethically is also an area of focus Nicole has concentrated on over the last 3 school years. Nicole enjoys helping teachers and students explore meaningful ways to use digital tools, media, and emerging technologies to create authentic learning experiences. She also oversees the STEM BEST® program at Clayton Ridge High School called River and Ridge Media Co, sponsors an after-school STEM Program for students in grades 6-12, and works with various ed-tech companies as an ambassador or certified educator.
Social Handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.shaw.792/
Instagram: nicole.degidio.792
Wakelet: https://wakelet.com/@NicoleDeGidio8657
Steven Hopper
Steven Hopper is shocked that 2026 marks his 20th year as an educator. A former special education teacher, technology coach, curriculum leader, and school board member; Steven has supported multiple districts across central Iowa and currently serves as the Director of Technology for the Dallas Center-Grimes School District. He is a former Google Certified Innovator, a fierce advocate of public education, and a bit of a political wonk. When he’s not collaborating with his colleagues or stumbling through complex change, Steven attempts to stay in shape but heard from a previous ITEC speaker that it’s okay to fail. He and his incredible wife are currently trying to wrap their heads around the fact that their twins will be graduating from high school this spring.
Social Handles:
X: @ThinkTeach
Lisa Newgard
Lisa Newgard is a fifteen year PK-6 Teacher Librarian with a degree from the University of Northern Iowa. She serves as Cedar Falls Building Technology Leader, specializing in digital citizenship, research skills, and reading engagement. She focuses on practical, classroom-ready technology integration working with teachers to infuse technology into their teaching as well as sharing ideas and tools with her library teammates.
Lisa holds a Computer Science endorsement, serves on the Cedar Falls AI Coalition, as well as the Computer Science committee. She holds an AI certification from the University of Northern Iowa and has been a member of the Orchard Hill Leadership Team as well as Elementary Library Department Head. She is a dedicated lifelong learner who balances practical technology use in a warm and friendly manner making her easy to approach with questions and problems. She’s been at ITEC as a student, teacher learner, and presenter and is excited to share with people this year.
North Polk Community School District
The North Polk Community School District is one of the fastest-growing school districts in Iowa. North Polk serves 2,400 students from preschool through grade 12 across 5 buildings. They are located in Central Iowa, serving the communities of Alleman, Elkhart, Polk City, Sheldahl, and the northern portions of Ankeny.
“Learning for All by Learning from All” is the district mission. North Polk prioritizes staff professional learning around technology, and is dedicated to integrating it to enhance the student learning experience. North Polk uses Chromebooks at all grade levels, and selects varied digital tools to support curricular goals, valuing continual improvement toward sustainable, high-impact edtech integration.