2025 TELL Awards

  

Richard Bertrand, a Georgetown University and SUNY New Paltz graduate, teaches English in the Clarkstown Central School District. As a tech liaison and District-Wide AI & Technology Committee member, he integrates technology to enhance student engagement, fostering dynamic learning spaces that bridge the humanities and STEM. His curriculum empowers students to become “Future Ready,” recognizing that large language models emerge from the alchemy of language arts, mathematics, and the sciences.

 

Mr. Bertrand’s coursework is evolving right alongside student needs, granting students greater agency through Design Thinking and multimodal expression. Using IDEO’s EDIPT (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test) framework students approach texts as designers, viewing authors as problem-solvers who manipulate language like engineers. In Lord of the Flies, they reconstructed the conch shell by manufacturing a redesigned model, rewriting the novel with their own artifacts embedded. In Fahrenheit 451, they wireframed dystopia-preventing apps, heeding Bradbury’s warnings. Finally, in a short fiction unit, they used AI-assisted chatbots, peer collaboration, and podcasting to transform literary analysis into an engaging, conversational format that mirrors modern discourse.

  

Elizabeth Bruni has worked as a technology education teacher at Eastchester Middle School since Fall of 2020. She studied technology education at SUNY Oswego, and received her Bachelor of Science degree in the Spring of 2020. Ms. Bruni also studied instructional technology through SUNY Brockport, and received her Master of Science degree in the Fall of 2023.

 

During her time at Eastchester Middle school Ms. Bruni has written and implemented two new programming courses. Through these courses, students have been given the opportunity to learn foundational computer science concepts that will give them an edge as they advance in their education. Ms Bruni has been instrumental in digitizing, and automating various systems used in her school building. These systems include a morning announcement submission and script creation system, and an automated system for students to select their roommates on overnight school trips. Ms. Bruni also provides educational technology assistance to her colleagues throughout the middle school.

  

Deborah Romaine is a teacher at Henry H. Wells Middle School in the Brewster Central School District, where she has taught English for 38 years. As her alma mater, Brewster holds a special place in Ms. Romaine’s heart, having graduated in 1982. During her tenure, she has served as the English department liaison for 14 years and she has been the Instructional Technology Specialist since 2007.

 

As an early adopter of a one-to-one classroom, technology integration has been crucial to Ms. Romaine’s development as a teacher and leader. In her role, she has supported staff through transitions in learning management systems, including Google Classroom and Schoology, as well as the challenges of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Romaine is always pursuing tools that have the potential to enhance student learning. She is currently exploring AI's potential in the classroom as a thought partner for students, facilitating deeper, more personalized exploration of literary themes and serving as a differentiation tool.

  

Caroleann Bombace is the 6-12 Instructional Technology Coach for the Rye City School District. Ms. Bombace’s 16 years of teaching experience and passion for empowering educators and students through technology have been an indispensable asset to her district. She holds multiple certifications, including Google Certified Educator and Trainer, Adobe Educator, and LEGO Ambassador. With a strong background in instructional leadership, Ms. Bombace is also certified in NYS Educational Leadership (District and Building), K-12 Educational Technology, Literacy, and Middle School Generalist. Her expertise in fostering innovation, enhancing digital literacy, and creating dynamic learning environments prepares students for the future.

 

As a dedicated advocate for educational technology, Ms. Bombace has transformed professional development into a hub of creativity and growth. Her sessions inspire teachers and students to become creators, pushing the boundaries of learning through innovative tools and strategies. She has presented at national conferences, engaging with professional learning communities to drive meaningful change. At her core, she is an eternal student, embracing every opportunity to grow and lead in the evolving landscape of instructional technology.

  

After 14 years in the classroom teaching 6th Grade Science and high school Science Research Dr. Stephanie Peborde Burke transitioned into educational technology roles. She served as the first Design, Innovation, Creation, and Expression (DICE) Facilitator in the Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District, then became the EdTech Specialist and STEAM Coach in the Bedford Central School District. She now serves as the Instructional Innovation Coach at the Irvington Union Free School District. Throughout her career, Stephanie has been deeply engaged with technology, earning her Doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership to further her expertise in the field.

 

Dr. Burke supports faculty and staff district-wide, inspiring the adoption of novel technology to engage, enhance, and expand learning. She secured an Irvington Education Foundation grant to equip the entire district with STEAM tools, including robots, electronics kits, 3D printing supplies, and professional audio/video equipment. With these materials, a love of hands-on learning, and a passion for enhancing the classroom experience, Dr. Burke has profoundly advanced teaching practices and educational technology resources in the Irvington Union Free School District over the last two years.

  
Alicia DelMastro has served as the K-12 Instructional Technology Specialist for the Pelham Union Free School District since 2019 after teaching kindergarten at Hutchinson Elementary School and third grade special education for the NYC Department of Education.  She holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood/Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Special Education & Literacy from Iona University as well as a master’s degree in Educational Technology from Pace University. Ms. DelMastro approaches instructional technology with an emphasis on hands-on, real-world learning experiences that engage students in meaningful ways and prioritizes building strong relationships and trust with teachers.

 

Ms. DelMastro has empowered and inspired educators to integrate digital tools in creative and impactful ways in their classrooms. She has spearheaded initiatives that engage students in coding, multimedia production, and digital fluency while fostering a culture of innovation. Through forward-thinking curriculum design, she has aligned the NYS Computer Science and Digital Fluency standards with immersive, hands-on projects that inspire curiosity and problem-solving. Most recently, she has been at the forefront of exploring artificial intelligence alongside Director of Technology John Sebalos to enhance both teaching and learning, equipping educators and students with future-ready skills.

  

Katheryn Gambino is an instructional technology facilitator for the Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District who has had a passion for working with children since she started as a therapeutic horseback riding instructor. As an elementary school teacher, Ms. Gambino provided inclusive, rigorous instruction to every student in her classroom. Her students developed an advanced familiarity with technology, presenting robotics projects at Google headquarters and participating in the school’s annual STEAM expo. As a teacher leader, Ms. Gambino facilitated professional learning for her colleagues on project-based learning and served as the lead coach for her school’s teaching academy program for student teachers.

 

Ms. Gambino supports teachers at the elementary level with curriculum specific technologies, which includes creating digital training materials, facilitating professional learning, maintaining access to software programs, providing adaptive technology support, and working collaboratively with the IT team to provide technology hardware support. She is an Apple learning coach and assisted with the rollout of 1:1 iPads for all K-12 students in her district, providing students with a critical educational edge.

  

Jenifer Vazquez serves as the Technology Staff Developer at Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District with over seven years of experience. She has taught middle school and high school math in Japan and California where she developed a passion for integrating technology in education. She holds a certification as a Google Certified Trainer, Apple Teacher, Apple Learning Coach, and an Educational Technology Specialist (K-12) which have given her the tools to foster a rich, engaging learning environment where technology enhances instruction.

 

Ms. Vazquez has played a transformative role in modernizing the district’s approach to educational technology. She has helped guide the transition to 1:1 iPads, provides ongoing professional development support to teachers with workshops and a self-paced online course, and ensures that teachers have the tools and strategies to feel confident and successful in their classrooms year round. Ms. Vazquez is passionate about the possibilities of educational technology and the evolving needs of students.

  

Jennifer Mazza is a dedicated educational leader with over 20 years of teaching experience spanning Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, AIS, and Special Education settings. Since 2022, she has served as the Director of STEM and Instructional Technology at the Clarkstown Central School District. Fueled by a passion for learning, she is committed to making education both innovative and engaging. She leads efforts to integrate artificial intelligence, enrichment opportunities, and digital tools into the curriculum.

 

Ms. Mazza designs professional development that empowers educators to create engaging, future-ready classrooms while ensuring students develop essential skills. She takes immense pride in the achievements of her former students and continues to foster transformative learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and growth. Her current work focuses on transforming instruction through educational technology, particularly in AI integration, Design Thinking, and digital learning initiatives. She empowers educators to embrace innovation to ensure that students gain essential skills for an evolving world.

  

With over 32 years of experience in education, Janice Reid has served as the Director of Technology for the Peekskill City School District since 2003. Prior to her role in Peekskill, she held positions such as Director of Technology, Assistant Director of Technology, and classroom teacher in other districts. Her expertise on the topics of technology integration, data privacy, and strategic planning, enable her district to achieve its educational technology goals.

 

Ms. Reid has contributed to the establishment of STEAM programs in all six schools within her district, including the High School STEAM Innovation Center which creates spaces for innovation, exploration, and real-world experiences. As a co-mentor of the high school robotics team, she fosters the development of digital literacy through hands-on learning. By collaborating with local businesses and organizations, she has helped secure resources like drones and Virtual Reality goggles to enhance the education of students throughout the district. Ms. Reid views technology as a vital component of the educational ecosystem which is critical to enhancing the engagement and efficiency of teaching. Her dedication to supporting students and staff has developed and shaped her district’s relationship with educational technology.

  

Lee has been leading instruction in the Suffern Central School District as the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction since 2013 and served as Acting Superintendent from 2019 to 2021. Her journey in education started in the math classroom as a secondary teacher. She then expanded her impact as a K-12 math administrator before bringing her expertise to Suffern.

 

Ms. Weber has led and supported Suffern’s work in Artificial Intelligence, the Computer Science and Digital Fluency standards (CS DF), and in the expanded use of data to enhance bilingual assessment and instruction. Through collaboration and a shared vision, the district has made significant strides in preparing students for life beyond school while ensuring equitable opportunities for all. The development of Suffern’s Guidelines for Student Use of AI and the implementation of the CS DF standards across all departments and classrooms would not have been possible without the guidance of Ms. Weber and the innovative thinking of Suffern’s teachers—who continue to explore new technologies, embed them in instruction, and share their learning.