VSTE will recognize and honor three technology coaches in Virginia who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in implementing technology to improve education. Award recipients will be selected from a pool of nominations submitted by VSTE members from around Virginia.
Nominations will be accepted from October 19-November 1. Nominations will be reviewed by the VSTE Board of Directors and past winners. Select nominators will be contacted by November 5 to provide additional evidence and documentation. Nominators are encouraged to work with the nominee to gather this additional information.
Decisions will be made prior to the VSTE Annual Conference. Award winners will be recognized during the opening general session at the annual conference. They are also provided with a complimentary conference registration and two nights of hotel accommodations for the annual conference. This year's conference will be held December 5-7 2021, in Roanoke.
The Awards Committee uses the ISTE standards as the basis for judging the Outstanding Technology Coach awards. Please review the appropriate standards when preparing nomination materials. Nominees are rated solely using criteria identified in the rubric.
Please use this form to nominate a technology coach for this award.
More information about the ISTE Standards for Coaches.
Questions should be addressed to awards@vste.org.
The review committee will include VSTE board members and previous recipients of the award.
2018 Winners for Outstanding Coach
Patrick Hausammann, Clarke County Public Schools
Krystle Demas, Goochland County Public Schools
Timothy Signorelli, Fairfax County Public Schools
2017 Winners
Outstanding Leader: Tim Taylor, Instructional Technology Supervisor, Shenandoah County Public Schools
Outstanding Teacher: Nichole Thomas, Instructional Facilitator for Technology, Liberty Elementary School, Loudoun County Public Schools
2016 Winners
Outstanding Leader: Dr. Amy Cashwell, Chief Academic Officer, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Outstanding Teacher: Dr. Ann Nash, ITRT, Henrico County Public Schools
2015 Winners
Outstanding Leader: Dr. Helen Crompton, Assistant Professor, Old Dominion University
Outstanding Teacher: Doug Saunders, ITRT, Henrico County Public Schools
2014 Winners
Outstanding Leader: Janet Copenhaver, Director of Technology, Henry County Schools
Outstanding Teacher: Daniel Nemerow, Math and Special Education, Prince William County Schools
2013 Winners
Outstanding Leader: Richard Pierce, Associate Professor, Shenandoah University
Outstanding Teacher: Wendy Phillips, literacy specialist at Belview Elementary School, Montgomery County Schools
2012 Winners
Outstanding Leader: Mark Nichols, Special Education Supervisor for Assistive Technology and Individual Education Programs, Loudoun County Public Schools
Outstanding Teacher: Norene Skiles, library media specialist at Windsor Oaks Elementary School, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
2011 Winners
Outstanding Leader: Thomas Woodward, Assistant Director of Instructional Technology, Henrico County Public Schools
Outstanding Teacher: Kristina Peck, Riverbend High School Math Teacher, Spotsylvania County Public Schools
2010 Winners
Outstanding Leader: Katie Knapp, Computer Resource Specialist, Virginia Beach Public Schools
Outstanding Teacher: Lacy Krell, Salem High School English Teacher, Virginia Beach Public Schools
Tonya Coffey has a passion for all things technology, especially finding creative ways to utilize technology to bridge the gap between the classroom, home, and community. She is currently an ITRT for Augusta County Public Schools. One way she connects with others is through her conference presentations that include VSTE, VSRA, Brainstorm, JMU Kappa Delta Pi, and VMI STEM. She earned her Educational Specialist Degree (2018) from Liberty University and is currently a Liberty University doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Instruction with an endorsement in School Administration. She is a dedicated advocate for teachers. Her skillful coaching combines technical expertise and interpersonal relationships allowing her to connect with even the most reluctant or timid of educators.
Fielding is always excited to talk about ways to integrate technology into the classroom. As the Instructional Technology Coach at Woodbridge Senior High School, Katie has quickly found her niche in sharing instructional practices with her colleagues. She works hard to provide digital equity for students at her school; making sure SPED and ELL students have access to assistive technologies. Katie likes collaborating with fellow Prince William County ITC’s to improve instructional practices district-wide. She takes joy in building capacity in teachers and students so they can fully participate in the digital world. Katie has a special interest in using educational technology to improve homebound instruction for chronically ill students. She sees educational technology as a bridge that can join home, hospital, and school. Katie’s life with cystic fibrosis has informed her concern for this often-overlooked demographic. This interest was also the focus of her 2018/19 Google Innovator project. You can learn more about it at 
Krystle Demas from Goochland County is a model coach, an approachable expert who is always learning and always leading. She routinely uses her experience and new learning to help both students and teachers be their best. She is regarded by her peers as a compassionate leader who knows the research behind pedagogy, has her finger on the latest tools, and someone who is effective at advancing student growth. Krystle is a valued member of the division technology team and an instructional technology coach.
Patrick Hausammann from Clarke County Public Schools is a vital member of the learning community in Clarke County and around the state. His work with teachers has allowed many to step outside their comfort zones and find innovative approaches to meet student needs. As one of the co-founders of EdcampNSV and as the driving force/founder of the Clarke County Innovation Committee and Conference, he has demonstrated a commitment to helping teachers learn in order to help students. His acceptance into the Google Innovators Program -- an extremely selective group -- epitomizes his growth-mindset and collaborative personality. 
Timothy Signorelli from Fairfax County Public Schools has helped guide his school’s transition to 1:1 technology opportunities for students and designed meaningful learning experiences for teachers and students alike to pave the way for this change. As a leader, he has thought deeply about the steps needed to achieve success; as a teacher at heart, he brings classroom experience and an understanding of instruction to all that he does. He combines these strengths with an approachable and collegial manner that encourages teachers and students to seek out his support. Tim is generous with his expertise, sharing his time and talents to support professional development in literacy and other school- and district-wide goals in addition to 1:1. No matter the context, Tim provides useful technology resources, meaningful training, and informed guidance in a friendly and professional manner. 
