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June 4, 2025 -- The Maryland Society for Educational Technology (MSET) is proud to announce John Hughes-Morris, Digital Learning Leader at Bowie High School in Prince George’s County Public Schools, as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Educator Using Technology Award.
In a surprise presentation during today’s faculty meeting at Bowie High School, Hughes-Morris was honored in front of colleagues and staff who have witnessed firsthand his transformative impact on teaching and learning through technology.
John Hughes-Morris was selected for his innovative and inclusive approach to digital instruction, his leadership in professional development, and his unwavering commitment to equity and access. Known for designing and modeling effective blended learning stations, flipped classroom strategies, and tech-integrated supports for multilingual learners and students with IEPs, Hughes-Morris leads by example—creating sustainable change at both the classroom and systems level.
“John is not just a resource—he’s a connector,” said Dr. Brandie Shatto, MSET President and Awards Chair. “He fosters a collaborative learning culture that empowers educators and amplifies student voice. His work in mentoring, co-teaching, and leading professional learning opportunities truly exemplifies the spirit of this award.”
Beyond his school, Hughes-Morris is a district-wide leader in the Connected and Collaborative Educator (CCE) program and a regular presenter at national conferences such as ISTE, FETC, and the Maryland EdTech Summit. His interactive guides, peer-led workshops, and forward-thinking instructional models are helping to shape Maryland’s digital learning landscape.
Described by his nominator as “an educator who not only understands the power of technology in transforming education, but lives that vision every day—with integrity, purpose, and a commitment to lifelong learning,” John Hughes-Morris is a model of innovation and equity in action.
MSET congratulates John on this well-deserved recognition and applauds his continued contributions to empowering students and educators across Maryland.
Are you interested in being around high-quality, like-minded people who desire to innovate and push the boundaries of technology? If you are interested in a leadership position that allows all of those things MSET highly encourages you to nominate yourself or a colleague that fits the description above. Currently, MSET's nominations are open for the the following Executive Board positions:
Appointments for Secretary and Treasurer are two-years. President-Elect is a six-year commitment -- serving two years as President-Elect, two years as President, and two years as Past President.
MSET is also looking for individuals who are interested in serving as committee members and committee chairs. These positions are one-year commitments. The nomination period ends June 13th.
Nomination Link:
The Maryland Society for Educational Technology (MSET) is proud to announce the six finalists for the 2025 Outstanding Educator Award. This annual award honors one educator who exemplifies innovation, leadership, and transformative use of technology in Maryland schools. The award supports MSET’s mission to advance excellence in teaching and learning through the effective and meaningful integration of technology.
“MSET is thrilled to recognize these six extraordinary educators who are revolutionizing teaching and learning through digital innovation,” said Dr. Brandie Shatto, MSET President and Awards Chair. “Their dedication to student success, educator collaboration, and equity in access to technology represents the very best of what’s happening in classrooms across our state.”
The 2025 Outstanding Educator Award Finalists are:
JAMIE BOWERS, Instructional Team Leader and MINC-PS Teacher, Ilchester Elementary School (Howard County Public Schools) Jamie has revolutionized communication access in early childhood special education by integrating both low- and high-tech solutions. From speech-generating devices to visual vocabulary systems, her approach empowers students to communicate, engage, and thrive. Her leadership extends to mentoring, professional development, and family engagement, ensuring technology serves every learner's voice and potential.
REBECCA STEPHEN, Technology Teacher, Thunder Hill Elementary School (Howard County Public Schools) Rebecca is a transformative force in educational technology, known for her commitment to accessibility, digital citizenship, and innovative instructional design. She supports both students and staff through adaptive tools, inclusive curriculum development, and leadership in initiatives like the Cal Ripken Jr. STEM Center and PBIS integration. Her work builds future-ready classrooms and collaborative learning communities.
DOMONIQUE STROUD, Grade 4 ELA Teacher, Fort Foote Elementary School (Prince George’s County Public Schools) Domonique is a National Board Certified teacher and Canvas Certified Educator who models immersive, student-centered tech integration. Whether through robotics, flipped instruction, or curated digital content, she empowers her learners with tools for ownership, voice, and engagement. Her YouTube tutorials, family tech outreach, and leadership in district pilots showcase her as a community-minded tech champion.
RACHEL GELINAS, Technology Teacher, Clemens Crossing Elementary School (Howard County Public Schools) Rachel fosters creativity and critical thinking through structured, tech-rich instruction using platforms like Ozobots, Adobe Suite, and Google Slides. As an Adobe Creative Educator and Common Sense Educator, she mentors colleagues, leads national webinars, and contributes to AI curriculum development. Her inclusive, engaging approach empowers every learner and uplifts professional communities statewide.
DAVE FLOYD, Technology Teacher, Hollifield Station Elementary School (Howard County Public Schools) With 25 years of impact, Dave has built a legacy of innovation and mentorship. He integrates tools like Scratch, Wixie, and Beebots to foster creativity, coding, and digital citizenship. Beyond the classroom, he leads professional development, collaborates on ELD access initiatives, and champions equitable technology use across diverse school communities.
JOHN HUGHES-MORRIS, Digital Learning Leader, Bowie High School (Prince George’s County Public Schools) John is known for his systemic approach to digital learning, mentoring educators across schools through blended learning models, inclusive instructional design, and professional development. At Bowie High School, he supports digital innovation at the classroom level while contributing to broader district initiatives. From leading flipped classroom workshops to shaping district CCE (Connected and Collaborative Educator) programming, his leadership fosters student agency, equity, and collaboration across Maryland's digital learning landscape.
The winner will be announced during the 2026 Common Ground Conference. Each finalist will be celebrated for their exceptional contributions to educational technology and their unwavering commitment to advancing student achievement in a connected world.
Today, the U.S. Senate voted 50-38 along party lines to repeal the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) 2024 expansion of the E-rate program, which had extended funding to include Wi-Fi hotspots for schools and libraries. This decision, made under the Congressional Review Act, effectively nullifies a critical initiative aimed at providing internet access to underserved students and communities.
The E-rate program, established in 1996, has been instrumental in connecting schools and libraries to affordable telecommunications services. The 2024 expansion sought to modernize the program by allowing funds to be used for Wi-Fi hotspots, addressing the "homework gap" faced by students without reliable home internet access. In fiscal year 2025 alone, schools and districts requested $27.5 million specifically for Wi-Fi hotspots, underscoring the high demand and necessity for such resources .
Opponents of the expansion, including Sen. Ted Cruz, argued that the FCC's move exceeded its authority and posed risks related to children's online safety. However, these concerns overlook the safeguards already in place. The FCC's rules mandated that all funded Wi-Fi hotspots include content filtering to block inappropriate material, aligning with the Children's Internet Protection Act requirements.
The repeal has drawn criticism from various educational organizations. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, groups representing school superintendents, rural educators, and educational service agencies highlighted that nearly 20,000 schools and libraries were applying for hundreds of thousands of hotspots through the E-rate program. They emphasized that the repeal would "prevent millions of students and library patrons" from gaining essential internet access.
This decision is particularly concerning given the expiration of the Emergency Connectivity Fund, a pandemic-era initiative that provided $123 million for schools and libraries to purchase hotspots. With that funding no longer available, the E-rate expansion represented a sustainable path forward to maintain internet connectivity for students in need.
The Senate's action not only undermines efforts to close the digital divide but also sets a troubling precedent for future educational technology initiatives. By rescinding the FCC's rule, the Senate has curtailed the ability of schools and libraries to adapt to the evolving digital landscape, where internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity for academic success.
In an era where equitable access to education is paramount, decisions that hinder connectivity for the most vulnerable populations are a step in the wrong direction. It is imperative that policymakers recognize the critical role of programs like E-rate in fostering an inclusive and connected educational environment for all students.
#MSETAdvocacy
Ocean City, MD - The 12th annual Common Ground Conference, scheduled for March 21-23, 2025, in Ocean City, MD, is proud to announce the opening of the Call for Proposals for its newly added research-sharing component. Sponsored by the MSET Higher Ed PLN, this year's research event aims to provide a dynamic platform for academicians, researchers, managers, industrial participants, and students to present their research findings to a regional audience.
Conference Details:
Research Event Submission Details:
The research event will feature two main submission types:
Oral Presentation:
Interactive Roundtable Discussion (IRD):
Submission Deadline: October 30, 2024, by 5 PM EST
Important Reminders:
For questions or assistance with the Call for Papers, please contact Dr. Brian Cook at bjcook@salisbury.edu or Dr. James Fox at jtfox@salisbury.edu.
We look forward to your submissions and to another successful year of advancing education theory and practice at the Common Ground Conference.
The Maryland Society for Educational Technology (MSET) is pleased to announce Shavaun Hawkins, a technology teacher at Wind Farm Elementary School in Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AAPSS), as the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Educator Using Technology Award. This esteemed recognition celebrates Shavaun’s exceptional contributions to technology integration in education and her unwavering dedication to empowering students through innovative teaching practices.
The MSET Outstanding Educator Using Technology Award acknowledges educators who demonstrate exemplary use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Hawkins’ remarkable achievements and her commitment to leveraging technology in the classroom made her the clear choice for this prestigious honor.
"We are thrilled to have so many talented finalists this year. It’s such a difficult decision for the panel to decide on because of talent, time, and effort each of the finalists put into their respective schools,” expressed Chris Cuppett, MSET's Awards co-chair. " Shavaun's dedication to empowering her elementary students has truly allowed taught them foundational skills that can be transferred across platforms and grade levels for years to come. Her ability to elevate her students’ work through technology integration is second to none.”
A former administrator of Hawkins commented, “Ms. Hawkins was constantly looking for opportunities to infuse technology into her instruction, working to challenge herself to be innovative in her position as a grade 4 teacher. This was evident in not only classroom instruction during the day, but extra curricular activities and other initiatives.”
In her school district, Ms. Hawkins serves as her school’s eCoach to support teachers with the integration of digital tools and educational resources. As the eCoach, Ms. Hawkins has logged many hours in learning new materials including applications and tools for learning, presenting and training a variety of technology content at the school and district level, creating materials and resources for herself and others utilizing many technology programs, and using technology effectively to communicate. Ms. Hawkins firmly believes that the more she participates in technology leadership opportunities, the more tools and knowledge she will possess to impact student learning in her classroom and beyond. Parent Jaime Foster commented, “Ms. Hawkins was one of the only teachers whose students were regularly utilizing appropriate online platforms for research, presentation, and turning in assignments. I was always so impressed that my then 4th grade child could make interactive slide presentations, scan documents to turn them in, and use a variety of other technologies to support their work. I learned some new things that I have used in my own profession that my children taught me through their online class work with Ms. Hawkins.”
As a frequent user of a variety of digital programs like Wixie, Discovery Education, Minecraft for Education and tools like Math App, the Google Suite, WeVideo, to name a few, Ms. Hawkins is very confident in analyzing and selecting the most appropriate tools for instruction within her classroom. For example, her students learned how to combine applications like create illustrations using Pixton, a comic designing tool paired with audio support for visual and auditory learners; or to develop interactive Google Slides with Wixie templates, and record videos through WeVideo to upload and share their content to demonstrate their learning.
Many of her students get excited about using technology applications as creative options to showcase their learning. When asked why he liked integrated technology activity options over traditional activities, one of her students said, “Using technology helps me to be more creative over paper and pencil tasks. I like having the ability to choose how I demonstrate my learning!” Another student said, “Ms.Hawkins is a great teacher who made learning fun through the use of technology. She put so much effort into just learning how to use these sites for us.” When talking to families about their student’s in Ms. Hawkins’ class a common sentiment is evident. A longtime parent wrote, “Both of my children have benefited from the influence of Ms. Hawkins, not only becoming completely comfortable with technology, but looking for ways to incorporate it into their learning, long after leaving her classroom.” Another added, “Our family (all four children) has had the pleasure of experiencing the positive impacts of Ms. Hawkins’ teachings—her global perspective that helps students be curious, connect the dots and see things from different perspectives through the use of technology tools.
Hawkins utilizes available technology to analyze digital assessment data to differentiate learning opportunities for her students. Whether in collaborative planning by school or grade-level, or within her own classroom, Hawkins is always open minded about finding ways to include digital learning. For example, she contributed to the school improvement plan by developing an online assignment for her grade level by using universal domain specific words to create an activity where all students, regardless of academic level could respond to a writing activity using a system of supports like a listening library, digital vocabulary, and sentence frame as needed. In addition, she frequently uses diagnostic assessments taken digitally to form small groups for instruction and assign independent tasks for learning.
To add on to being a technology resource for her students and their families, Hawkins is an instructional technology resource for her colleagues and other educational professionals. She often shares her ideas of how to use appropriate programs and create technology enhanced lessons. Ever since the onset of virtual learning in 2020, Hawkins has managed an online content sharing social media page and a district Google Drive. One teacher who used the resources from the shared drive stated, “I sincerely appreciate this drive. I wanted to share the love with my fellow colleagues knowing how much easier it has made my life.” A fellow co-worker also shared, “When schools went full virtual, Ms. Hawkins adapted to the new demands for her own students, but was always available to support me and my students. I have been able to stay current due to the guidance and support of Ms. Hawkins.”
The Maryland Society for Educational Technology (MSET) is proud to announce the finalists for its annual Outstanding Educator Award. This award recognizes one educator for his or her use of educational technology in the teaching and learning process in Maryland schools. The award supports MSET’s Mission for advancing excellence in learning and teaching through innovative and effective uses of technology.
“MSET is proud to have seven amazing educators who exemplify teaching and learning with technology as our finalists this year,” MSET Awards Chair Chris Cuppett indicated. “Each of these educators have amazing stories about how they are supporting students and challenging the status quo. Maryland is fortunate to have these educators working with students.”
Here are the four finalists:
SHAVAUN HAWKINS, eCoach at Windsor Farms Elementary School, Anne Arundel County Public Schools — Shavaun epitomizes the integration of technology in education to enhance learning experiences. She actively explores and incorporates various digital tools and educational resources in her classroom, serving as an eCoach in her district to support teachers with digital integration. Her commitment to professional development is evidenced by her membership in technology professional learning communities and pursuit of certifications. Hawkins leverages technology not only to impact student learning positively but also to facilitate communication within her professional network. Praised by administrators, parents, and colleagues alike, she is recognized for her innovative use of technology to make learning engaging and accessible for students. Her efforts extend beyond the classroom, contributing to school improvement plans and providing invaluable resources for colleagues adapting to virtual learning environments.
PAM LAUER, Science Teacher at Snow Hill High School, Worcester County Public Schools — Pam is continuously looking for opportunities to elevate her students ability to make meaning in her science classes through creating. Her pioneering use of Apple iPads in the classroom has revolutionized how students learn, offering them a dynamic platform for creative expression and exploration. Lauer's teaching transcends traditional educational boundaries, transforming her classroom into a hub of creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. Beyond her instructional role, she serves as a mentor and advocate for technological integration, providing valuable professional development to her peers. Her optimistic and passionate approach not only enhances academic achievements but also empowers students with essential 21st-century skills.
STACEY PHILLIPS, Library Media and Technology Specialist at Fort Smallwood Elementary School, Anne Arundel County Public Schools — With Stacey’s focus on preparing students for lifelong learning in the 21st century and fostering responsible, ethical citizenship, she excels in integrating technology into education. As the manager of the school's website and media platforms, she engage families with informative videos and events, earning high praise from parents for bridging the connection between home and school learning. Plus, her efforts extend to developing district-wide curricular resources, tailored to meet evolving educational standards and incorporating innovative teaching methods. Additionally, her volunteer work at the Riviera Beach public library showcases a commitment to community education, enhancing digital literacy for career and educational advancement. Through collaboration with educators, the Phillips promotes engaging, technology-enhanced learning experiences that encourage critical thinking and creative problem-solving among students.
MARCUS ZUMWALT, Library Media Specialist at three different schools in Anne Arundel County Public Schools — Marcus’ innovative approach encompasses introducing young learners to technology through coding and robotics at an elementary school, enhancing middle school experiences with audio-visual projects and Science STEAM programs, and engaging alternative school students in creating digital content and 3D printing projects. Marcus's dedication extends beyond student interaction, emphasizing digital citizenship and leveraging technology to accommodate diverse learning needs. His leadership in professional development, commitment to digital learning standards, and efforts in securing technology resources demonstrate a profound impact on creating future-ready students. Through his work, Zumwalt exemplifies how technology, thoughtfully applied, transcends traditional learning paradigms, fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and engaging educational atmosphere.
#MSETawards
The Maryland Society for Educational Technology has announced its 2023-2024 monthly themes. The themes were chosen with input from its more than 2,000 members.
"Each year we try to offer professional learning that meets the needs of our members across the state and those who support us beyond our Maryland border," MSET President Brandie Shatto explained. "We got a lot of great feedback this summer after our Book Study conversations with educators from multiple levels. We took that feedback and attempted to make themes that would be relevant to our members."
The themes include the following:
Check out MSET's monthly events page as it offers different webinars each month to support its themes.
The Maryland Society for Educational Technology (MSET) is pleased to announce Michelle Baker, a technology teacher at Longfellow Elementary School in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), as the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Educator Using Technology Award. This esteemed recognition celebrates Michelle's exceptional contributions to technology integration in education and her unwavering dedication to empowering students through innovative teaching practices.
The MSET Outstanding Educator Using Technology Award, sponsored by Bluum, acknowledges educators who demonstrate exemplary use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Baker's remarkable achievements and her commitment to leveraging technology in the classroom made her the clear choice for this prestigious honor.
"We are thrilled to recognize Michelle as an exceptional educator who exemplifies innovation in educational technology," expressed Chris Cuppett, MSET's Awards co-chair. "Michelle's dedication to empowering her graduate students to leverage technology in their teaching practices is truly commendable. Her influence on her students has a far-reaching impact that extends beyond the classroom."
With over 27 years of experience in education, Baker holds a Master's degree in Library Media/Instructional Technology with an Administration and Supervision Certificate. Her extensive background and expertise have enabled her to create a lasting impact on technology use in her educational community.
As a technology teacher at Longfellow Elementary School, Michelle provides students from PreK to 5th grade with 30 to 60 minutes of direct instruction. Through her engaging lessons, she covers a wide range of topics, including digital citizenship, computational thinking, coding, collaboration, communication, and foundational technology skills. Michelle incorporates various digital tools and platforms, offering students multiple avenues to demonstrate their learning and skills.
One of Michelle's notable achievements is her commitment to fostering equity and empowerment among her students. She has developed a rapport with her students and has organized enrichment and leadership experiences beyond regular classes. Projects such as 3D printing initiatives and peer helper partnerships have allowed older students to assist younger grades during technology classes. Michelle's dedication and passion for equity guide her every action, ensuring that students at Longfellow Elementary leave with coding experience, proficiency in applications, and high-level computational thinking skills.
Michelle's influence extends beyond her classroom as she actively collaborates with her colleagues to support their integration of technology into their teaching practices. She provides guidance, professional development sessions, and assists in planning how technology can enhance their instruction. Michelle's commitment to innovation is evident in her collaborative projects with Longfellow's library media specialist, where students create videos of book reviews to challenge censorship and share their thoughts on banned books.
In her quest for continuous improvement, Michelle actively seeks out new ideas, projects, and technologies to incorporate into her teaching. She attends conferences, engages in discussions with colleagues, and explores emerging technologies to discover their potential for enhancing learning experiences. By actively experimenting with new tools and applications, Michelle finds innovative ways to integrate technology effectively.
Michelle's passion for sharing knowledge and inspiring others extends beyond her classroom. She incorporates a wide variety of digital tools in her lessons, sharing student work with other teachers, families, and through social media platforms. Through presentations at local, state, and national conferences, Michelle disseminates her expertise, providing detailed and purposeful insights that empower fellow educators to implement digital tools effectively.
Furthermore, Michelle Baker plays an indispensable role in Longfellow Elementary's leadership team, where her impact reaches the entire school community. Acting as a member of the Restorative Justice Team, the lead point of contact for the Student Council, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison, she infuses technology into various initiatives and decision-making processes that positively impact the school community.
"Michelle Baker is a leader who embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator using technology," Longfellow Elementary's Principal Derek Anderson stated. "She consistently promotes kindness, unity, and social justice, while encouraging students to use their voices respectfully and thoughtfully."
About Outstanding Educator Award
In partnership with Bluum, The Outstanding Educator Award is given annually to an outstanding educator supports MSET’s mission of advancing excellence in teaching and leading with technology. Any educator in a Maryland public or private school whose primary job responsibility is the direct instruction of students in an Early Childhood through Grade 12 or Higher Education classroom may be nominated. The educator must be currently responsible for the day-to-day instruction of PK-18 students. A nominee for this award may include a library media specialist and/or technology integration specialist, if at least seventy-five percent of his or her responsibilities include the direct instruction of PK-18 age students.
The Maryland Society for Educational Technology (MSET) is proud to announce that Dr. Sarah Jane Thomas, an esteemed educator from Prince George's County Public Schools, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Leader Award for 2023. Dr. Thomas' remarkable contributions to educational technology and her unwavering commitment to enhancing learning experiences have earned her this esteemed recognition.
The MSET Outstanding Leader Award is bestowed upon an individual who demonstrates exemplary leadership in the field of educational technology and has made significant advancements in the integration of technology within the classroom. Dr. Thomas has exemplified these qualities throughout her career, establishing herself as a visionary leader, an advocate for educational technology, and a catalyst for change.
With over two decades of experience in education, Dr. Thomas has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation to transform teaching and learning practices. As the Regional Coordinator of Educational Technology for Prince George's County Public Schools, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives to ensure students have access to cutting-edge technologies and digital resources. Under her guidance, the district has successfully implemented a wide range of tech-based programs that have positively impacted student engagement, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
Dr. Thomas' leadership has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among educators, administrators, and technology experts, creating a culture of innovation and digital fluency. She has provided extensive professional development opportunities, empowering teachers to integrate technology effectively into their lesson plans and adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Her dedication to equipping both students and teachers with the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century has significantly enriched the educational experience within Prince George's County Public Schools.
Furthermore, Dr. Thomas has actively participated in state and national educational technology conferences, sharing her expertise and insights with a wider audience. Her passion for educational technology is contagious, inspiring others to embrace innovation and explore new possibilities in the realm of teaching and learning.
"Sarah is an exceptional leader in the field of educational technology, and we are thrilled to recognize her remarkable achievements with the MSET Outstanding Leader Award for 2023," said Brandie Shatto, President-Elect of the Maryland Society for Educational Technology. "Her unwavering commitment to leveraging technology to enhance student outcomes and her dedication to empowering educators have made a lasting impact on the entire educational community."
Dr. Thomas' remarkable accomplishments was formally acknowledged during a surprise visit to the Bonnie F. John's Educational Media Center on May 24th. The event brought together educational leaders across PGCPS as well as some past educational technology personnel to celebrate.
About MSET: The Maryland Society for Educational Technology (MSET) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the effective use of technology in education across Maryland. MSET offers professional development opportunities, resources, and networking opportunities to educators, administrators, and technology professionals, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of educational technology.
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