TELL Awards 2026
TELL Awards Event 2026
Our day will begin with a warm, welcoming breakfast, followed by a special recognition of our guests and inspiring remarks from the LHRIC leadership team, who proudly organize this event on behalf of our regional leaders. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of honoring many outstanding district teachers and leaders—don’t miss your chance to be part of this tradition. Secure your spot today!
Keynote: Dr. John Spencer
For years, we were taught a formula. Go to school, get good grades, graduate from a university, and climb the corporate ladder. But with the advent of generative AI, the ladder is gone and our students will instead navigate a complex maze. This is why the best way to prepare students for the future is to empower them in the present. In this keynote, we explore what it means to use vintage ideas, tools, and strategies in new and relevant ways. Here, we focus on innovation as a focus on "what is best" rather than "what is next." We focus on the skills, habits, and mindsets students will need as they navigate this unpredictable future - often the very competencies that align with your Profile of a Learner.
About Dr. John Spencer
Dr. John Spencer is a former middle school teacher and current college professor who is passionate about seeing students reach their creative potential. He is the author of the bestselling books Launch,Empower, and Vintage Innovation, and The Depth Advantage. In 2013, he spoke at the White House, sharing a vision for how to empower students to be future-ready through deeper learning and PBL.
What are the TELL Awards?
The Technology in Education through Leadership and Learning (TELL) Awards is an annual event honoring educators and leaders from across the region who are transforming education. Nominees are selected based on peer nominations or personal applications that highlight their innovation and accomplishments, with final awardees chosen through a review process led by LHRIC leadership.
The LHRIC honors recipients in three categories: Outstanding Innovative Instructional Technology Coach, Outstanding Innovative Teacher, and Outstanding Innovative Leader.
Check out our 2025 TELL Awardees
Additional Support
For questions, contact Mary Lynn Collins (mcollins@lhric.org ) or Leslie Accardo (laccardo@lhric.org ).
