Honoring Innovation in Education

Check out our 2025 TELL Awardees     •    Watch the Video of the Event

Watch Video of The Award Presentation Only   •   Watch Video of Keynote Only

Educators and district leaders from across the Lower Hudson region gathered on March 6 at the Edith Macy Conference Center for the 2025 TELL (Technology in Education through Leadership and Learning) Awards.

Hosted by the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center’s (LHRIC) Technology Leadership Institute, the event recognized outstanding educators—teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators—nominated by their peers for demonstrating innovation and best practices, and having implemented systemic change in teaching and learning while incorporating and embracing technology.

The 2025 TELL Awardees include: 

Elizabeth Bruni, Middle School Teacher and Educational Technology Facilitator, Eastchester UFSD

Deb Romaine, Eighth Grade English Teacher and Instructional Technology Specialist, Brewster Central School District

Richard Bertrand, English Language Arts Teacher, Clarkstown Central School District

Caroleann Bombace, Instructional Technology Coach, Rye City School District

Dr. Stephanie Peborde Burke, Instructional Innovation Coach, Irvington Union Free School District

Alicia DelMastro, K-12 Instructional Technology Specialist, Pelham Union Free School District

Kathryn Gambino, Technology Facilitator, Blind Brook-Rye UFSD

Jenifer Vazquez, Technology Staff Developer, Blind Brook-Rye UFSD

Jennifer Mazza, Director of STEM and Instructional Technology, Clarkstown Central School District

Janice Reid, Director of Technology, Peekskill City School District

Lee Weber, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Suffern Central School District

Each awardee delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting on their journeys and expressing deep gratitude to the colleagues who have supported them throughout the years.

“All of my projects have been absolutely amazing… I've learned so much from them,” said Ms. Bruni. “This award is the result of that relentless commitment, and it's really such an honor to receive.”

Ms. Reid shared, “Technology all by itself is just technology. But you have to have a purpose. You have to have a vision.”

Ms. Weber echoed this commitment to purposeful integration, saying, “As educators, we have a responsibility to ensure every student has access, not just to devices, but to knowledge, whether it's keyboarding, coding, cybersecurity, digital citizenship, and AI.”

 The event also featured a keynote address from Dr. Gene M. Kerns, Chief Academic Officer at educational technology company Renaissance and seasoned educator with experience from elementary through the university level. He challenged attendees to rethink the origins of talent and expertise, with a message centering on the idea that genius is not born but made—a concept supported by extensive research presented in the book The Talent Code by Dan Coyle.

Referencing the book, Dr. Kerns highlighted communities and institutions that have cultivated extraordinary talent through a culture of deliberate practice, motivation, and master coaching.

“This same culture we must bring to our schools,” he remarked, urging educators to create environments where students are consistently challenged, inspired, and coached to grow.

“What does this look like for teachers, schools, and academic endeavors? We must stoke the fire every day to keep kids motivated,” Dr. Kerns added, emphasizing that sustained effort and the right learning environment can turn potential into expertise.

The 2025 TELL Awards highlighted the incredible dedication and innovation of educators who are shaping the future of teaching and learning through technology. By embracing new tools and approaches, these awardees are making a lasting impact on their students, colleagues, and school communities. Their work continues to inspire a culture of creativity, collaboration, and progress, while ensuring that students are prepared for the ever-evolving technological landscape.

The 2025 TELL Awardees  

From left to right: Lee Weber, Janice Reid, Elizabeth Bruni, Deb Romaine, Jennifer Mazza, Caroleann Bombace, Richard Bertrand, Jenifer Vazquez, Alicia DelMastro, Dr. Stephanie Peborde Burke. Not Pictured: Kathryn Gambino.