Maine Educators Awarded for Classroom Tech Integration
Nicole Lesperance and Keith Kelley received state honors for their contributions to Maine classroom technology instruction.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine has presented the 2026 ACHIEVE Award to Nicole Lesperance of RSU 9 and Keith Kelley of RSU 19. The award recognizes their work in integrating technology into classroom instruction for students across the state.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the growing importance of computational thinking skills in regional school districts. As initiatives like the WorkForce Ready 2030 Partnership gain traction, professional development programs help educators prepare students for future academic demands.
Participation in the annual Summer Tech Institute grew from 27 attendees in 2023 to 80 in 2025. The program, which features an open proposal process, continues to expand its reach across Maine school districts.
The players
Nicole Lesperance
A technology integration specialist and training coordinator for RSU 9 who taught first grade for nearly 20 years.
Keith Kelley
An educator based at Nokomis Middle School in RSU 19 who was recognized for his contributions to classroom technology.
Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine
A professional organization that supports educators through initiatives like the Summer Tech Institute and the annual fall conference.
The details
The Summer Tech Institute held at Mt. Blue High School focuses on computational thinking rather than specific hardware or software tools. Organizers curate sessions through an open proposal process and incorporate interactive elements like escape rooms and art galleries to demonstrate digital learning strategies. These programs aim to provide teachers with practical training ahead of the academic year.
Timeline
The 2026 Summer Tech Institute occurred August 12-13, 2026.
The ACTEM Fall Conference recognition event takes place October 15-16, 2026.
The 2027 Summer Tech Institute is scheduled for August 11-12, 2027.
The Home Front
The recognition of these educators aligns with the broader goals of the WorkForce Ready 2030 Partnership, which supports computer science education in RSU 9. These regional training initiatives demonstrate a shift toward prioritizing foundational computational thinking in school curriculum.
Parents should check their local district's technology curriculum updates as programs like the WorkForce Ready 2030 Partnership expand. Reviewing school newsletters for upcoming professional development dates can provide insight into how technology is being integrated into your child's daily lessons.
The takeaway
The growth of the Summer Tech Institute demonstrates an increasing commitment to teacher training in the digital age. Families can look for opportunities to engage with their school district's technology initiatives during annual open houses or curriculum nights.
What happens next
The 2027 Summer Tech Institute is scheduled to take place at Mt. Blue High School on August 11-12, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Secondary Education across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lewiston Sun Journal.
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