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 9th, 2024, four individuals were recognized as Outstanding Technology Coach(s), Outstanding Teacher and Outstanding Leader for their innovative and engaging work in supporting their peers and districts in becoming change agents in technology education. The winners met the high standards set by the ISTE Standards for Coaches and Teacher Leaders.
Below are our winners and remarks that were provided as part of their application packet.
Ashley Wood – VSTE Technology Teacher of the Year 2024
Ashley Wood has made a remarkable impact on teaching and learning at Hovatter Elementary through her leadership, innovation, and commitment to lifelong learning. As a member of the school’s Tech Teacher Leadership Committee since its opening in 2021, she has empowered her colleagues by leading professional development sessions and modeling the effective integration of technology into instruction. Her efforts have significantly enhanced student engagement, fostered personalized learning, and built a culture of collaboration and growth. Ashley’s passion for real-world learning is evident in her leadership of a PBL initiative with Meadows Farm Nursery, where students design and 3D print pollinator-friendly landscapes, combining STEM education with environmental stewardship.
Dedicated to equity and innovation, Ashley ensures all students have access to technology-rich, personalized learning experiences. She actively supports her team in integrating technology, providing tailored instruction, and fostering digital citizenship. Ashley’s completion of a Master’s in Educational Technology, her presentations at district conferences, and her leadership in achieving Common Sense Media certification reflect her commitment to professional growth and educational excellence. Her ability to inspire, collaborate, and create engaging learning environments makes her a true leader and the reason Ashley Wood is recognized as the 2024 VSTE Teacher of the Year.
Morgan Noone – VSTE Coach of the Year 2024
Morgan Noone, Elementary Instructional Technology Coach for Goochland County Public Schools, is a transformational leader who has helped redefine teaching and learning within the division. Morgan tailors her coaching to meet educators where they are, ensuring personalized, meaningful support that builds confidence and excitement around student-centered learning. Her collaborative approach—co-teaching, modeling lessons, and offering ongoing encouragement—empowers teachers to embrace innovative practices, fostering a culture of creativity and engagement. Her efforts have ignited enthusiasm for teaching across Goochland’s schools, making her a vital force for educational innovation.
Morgan's impact extends far beyond coaching. Through her community-focused video series inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, she creates enriching, real-world connections for preschool learners by collaborating with local partners like farmers, grocers, and librarians. Her leadership in digital citizenship initiatives, such as helping schools earn Common Sense School designations, ensures students develop critical skills for responsible technology use. A certified VSTE Coach and active presenter at state and regional conferences, Morgan exemplifies lifelong learning and innovation. Her unwavering dedication to supporting educators, advancing equitable technology access, and forging strong school-community ties makes her a true visionary in instructional technology.
Sandra Wilfong – VSTE Coach of the Year 2024
Sandra Wilfong is a transformative leader in technology integration and STEM education, whose impact resonates throughout her school division. Through tailored coaching, she empowers teachers to use technology effectively to engage students, assess learning outcomes, and differentiate instruction. Sandra’s professional development workshops provide educators with actionable strategies for integrating digital tools into their classrooms, fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Her commitment to designing lessons that align with educational standards and promote meaningful engagement has enriched teaching practices across the district.
Sandra’s influence extends beyond the classroom through her exceptional work in building community partnerships. By collaborating with organizations such as NASA, NOAA, WHRO, and the Department of Forestry, she connects students and educators with real-world STEM applications. These partnerships culminate in events like STEM Day, where hands-on, interactive experiences bring classroom concepts to life. Her initiatives broaden students’ perspectives on potential careers in STEM while fostering excitement and curiosity about the field. Sandra’s dedication to collaboration, innovation, and educational excellence makes her an invaluable asset to her community and a worthy recipient of this prestigious honor.
Heather Askea – VSTE Leader of the Year 2024
Heather has been a driving force in educational technology and professional development since 2006. As one of the first Instructional Technology Resource Teachers in Wise County, she trained hundreds of teachers in technology integration, and her influence has grown exponentially throughout her career. During her 13 years with the UVA-Wise Center for Teaching Excellence, Heather coordinated professional development for thousands of teachers, offering workshops, online courses, and summer institutes. Now, as the leader of STREAMWISE and UVA-Wise STREAM Outreach Coordinator, Heather works directly with both educators and students, hosting school visits, workshops, and events that promote STEM and STREAM learning. Through partnerships with organizations like Apple Education, the Appalachian Council for Innovation, and regional libraries, she has developed impactful initiatives such as coding camps, professional learning communities, and STREAMWISE corners to ensure equitable access to technology-enhanced education.
Collaboration is central to Heather’s work, as evidenced by her leadership in regional partnerships and initiatives such as the SWVA Can Code program and the Math of the Mountains project. Her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth keeps her at the forefront of emerging technologies and best practices, which she shares as a frequent presenter at conferences like ISTE and VSTE. Heather’s work embodies the mission of VSTE, promoting excellence in education through the integration of technology. She has been instrumental in creating equitable access to digital tools, fostering innovation in the classroom, and modeling excellence in digital citizenship. Heather’s ability to envision what’s possible and inspire others to achieve it makes her an invaluable leader in education.
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