Maine Educators Won 2026 ACHIEVE Tech Awards
Two Maine educators have been recognized for their innovative use of technology in the classroom.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine (ACTEM) has selected Nicole Lesperance and Keith Kelley as the recipients of the 2026 ACHIEVE Award. This honor celebrates teachers who demonstrate excellence in bringing modern technology into their instructional curriculum.
Why it matters
The ACHIEVE Award highlights educators who elevate learning through digital tools, helping to prepare students for a future that increasingly relies on technical literacy. These winners set a benchmark for how technology integration can foster engagement in Maine classrooms.
The award, which stands for ACTEM Commends Highly Innovative Educators that Value Excellence, marks the 2026 annual selection. Keith Kelley teaches students in grades 5-8, while Nicole Lesperance supports professional development across her district.
The players
Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine
A professional organization that supports Maine educators in effectively utilizing technology to improve student learning outcomes.
Keith Kelley
An educator at Nokomis Middle School in Newport recognized for his hands-on approach to teaching coding and robotics to middle schoolers.
Nicole Lesperance
A Technology Integration Specialist for RSU 9 in Farmington known for coordinating professional development for her peers.
The details
Keith Kelley, who teaches at Nokomis Middle School in Newport, integrates hands-on technical skills like design, construction, coding, and robot derbies into his curriculum. Nicole Lesperance, a Technology Integration Specialist for RSU 9 in Farmington, supports local classroom technology by coordinating professional learning through the Summer Tech Institute.
Timeline
October 15-16, 2026: Recipients will be recognized at the ACTEM Fall Conference.
The Home Front
This award follows the established pattern of the ACTEM Fall Conference serving as the central venue for highlighting pedagogical shifts in Maine. It reflects a growing trend of recognizing individual educators who bridge the gap between complex digital tools and standard school curricula.
Parents can look to these innovative teaching models as a sign of the digital skills currently being prioritized in Maine middle schools. If you are interested in the specific technical programs mentioned, you may contact your local school district for information on their current tech integration strategy.
The takeaway
The ACHIEVE Award emphasizes the impact that dedicated technology integration has on student development within Maine. Families should follow the ACTEM website for upcoming conference schedules and future announcements regarding regional educational initiatives.
What happens next
The ACTEM Fall Conference is scheduled to take place at the Augusta Civic Center on October 15-16, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in local classrooms at Secondary Education.
More information
For more information on the award and conference, visit the ACTEM and ACHIEVE Award information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dailybulldog.
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