The VSTE Outstanding Coach, Teacher and Leader awards recognize and honor individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in implementing technology to improve education. Award recipients are selected from a pool of nominations submitted by VSTE members from around Virginia.
On December 8th, 2025, three individuals were recognized as Outstanding Technology Coach, Outstanding Leader and Honors of the Society, for their innovative and engaging work in supporting their peers and districts in becoming change agents in technology education.
Below are our winners and remarks that were provided as part of their application packet.
Terry Lowry – VSTE Honors of the Society 2025
The Virginia Society for Technology in Education proudly recognizes Terry Lowry as the 2025 VSTE Honor Award recipient for her extraordinary leadership, innovation, and lifelong commitment to advancing educational technology in Virginia and beyond.
Terry has been a beacon in Virginia’s educational technology landscape for decades. Beginning her career as a teacher and later serving as Director of Technology at Wakefield School, she has consistently demonstrated the vision and courage to transform teaching and learning through technology.
Now serving as Senior STEAM Education Specialist for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Terry continues to inspire educators and students through programs that merge science, technology, and creativity. Her collaborations—such as the partnership with Loudoun County Public Schools and the National Science Foundation to redesign Horn Telescopes capable of mapping the Milky Way—showcase her rare ability to make complex science accessible and exciting for learners of all ages.
Throughout her career, Terry has modeled the ISTE Standards for Educational Leaders as a Digital Citizenship Leader, Visionary Planner, Empowering Leader, Systems Designer, and Connected Learner. She led her school community through the challenges of remote learning, created innovative learning spaces like the Innovation Hallway, and built sustainable systems that expand equitable access to technology.
A longtime member and former board leader of VSTE, Terry has shaped policy, influenced practice, and mentored countless educators across the state. Her work embodies both intellect and empathy, combining strategic vision with the grounded practicality that makes change possible.
Please join us in celebrating Terry Lowry, a visionary educator whose leadership, integrity, and passion continue to illuminate the path forward for technology in education.
Chad Huff – VSTE Coach of the Year 2025
The Virginia Society for Technology in Education proudly recognizes Chad Huff, Instructional Technology Specialist at Corporate Landing Elementary School, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, as the 2025 VSTE Coach of the Year.
Chad’s work exemplifies the best of innovation, leadership, and service in educational technology. Whether he is organizing STEAM Nights, mentoring STEM robotics and cybersecurity teams, or developing STEM camp curricula for Title I students, Chad brings creativity and accessibility to every initiative. His commitment extends beyond his school as he actively supports other educators and community partners through outreach events and professional learning opportunities.
A true instructional leader, Chad models how AI and technology can simplify teachers’ workloads, elevate Tier 1 instruction, and foster engagement for all learners. His balanced approach, blending high-tech innovation with hands-on learning, empowers teachers to experiment, adapt, and grow.
At the district, state, and national levels, Chad is known as a data-driven, forward-thinking coach whose collaborative spirit and dedication have profoundly impacted teaching and learning. His work stands as a model for how thoughtful technology integration can transform education.
Jennifer Thomas – VSTE Leader of the Year 2025
The Virginia Society for Technology in Education proudly recognizes Jennifer Thomas, Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Library Media Services for Portsmouth Public Schools, as the 2025 VSTE Leader of the Year.
Jennifer Thomas is a teacher at heart and a visionary leader whose decisions always center on helping students achieve. During her tenure, she has led transformative innovation across Portsmouth by launching the one-to-one Chromebook initiative, placing interactive panels in every classroom, and redesigning ten school libraries into vibrant learning spaces.
Her leadership connects technology to purpose. She guided the division-wide adoption of Schoology, expanded equitable access to digital tools, and led the responsible integration of AI into instruction and administration. She uses data to inform every decision, ensuring that investments directly improve teaching and learning.
Jennifer’s influence reaches far beyond her district through her active involvement in VSTE, VAASL, WHRO’s CII, and Virtual Virginia. She organizes the division’s annual Teach Academy, a professional learning event that brings together hundreds of educators to share best practices in instructional technology.
A champion for digital citizenship and equity, she has also led efforts to make Portsmouth schools Common Sense Media certified, ensuring students learn to use technology responsibly.
Jennifer Thomas exemplifies visionary, compassionate, and effective leadership in education. Please join us in congratulating Jennifer Thomas, VSTE’s 2025 Leader of the Year.
