MassCUE is proud to celebrate Gail Ross-McBride as our Featured Educator for September 2025!

With over 25 years of experience in professional development, educational leadership, and instructional technology, Gail has shaped the way teachers in Massachusetts—and beyond—use technology to enhance teaching and learning.

Currently serving as the Director for EdTechTeacher services, Gail supports the coordination of workshops, webinars, conferences, and customized district-level training. Her work centers on listening carefully to schools’ needs and matching them with the best expert on her team. “We customize everything to meet the needs of the teachers,” she explains. Whether helping a district design a year-long PD plan or facilitating targeted technology integration with platforms like Google, NewsELA, Adobe, or Formative, Gail’s focus is always on teaching and learning.

Gail’s journey into education began in the elementary classroom, where her curiosity about how technology could support struggling readers sparked a lifelong passion. “I was fascinated with tech. I was a third-grade teacher with computers in the classroom—and it was amazing to see how technology could help kids learn,” she recalls. Her early involvement with Cambridge’s School of Future program and a professional exchange to England laid the groundwork for her innovative approach to educational technology.

As one of MassCUE’s earliest champions, Gail held the unique distinction of being the organization’s first vendor coordinator. Her involvement blossomed into multiple leadership roles, including serving as Vice President on the MassCUE Board. Her long-term dedication was honored with the MassCUE Pathfinders Award, recognizing her lasting impact on the EdTech landscape in Massachusetts.

Gail’s legacy also includes securing over $3.5 million in grant funding to support professional development, technology initiatives, and programs for students with special needs. One of her proudest achievements? The Teaching American History grant, which brought $2.5 millions in funding to schools. “We didn’t get it the first time,” she says. “But we revised, resubmitted, and got it multiple times. It wasn’t just about content—it was about integrating technology in a meaningful way.”

When asked about the changes she’s seen in the field, Gail highlights the broader adoption of EdTech tools across content areas. “The exciting thing is that it’s not just tech people using tech anymore—it’s everyone. All subject areas, all students, all abilities. That’s what makes it powerful.”

Despite all her accomplishments, Gail remains humble about being recognized by MassCUE: “It’s a little embarrassing,” she laughs, “but it’s really nice after all these years to be recognized. I’ve made a lot of friends through MassCUE—colleagues and people I really respect.”

Gail’s advice for teachers? “Use your PLC or CPT time well. Be authentic with technology. Don’t just use it for the sake of using it—use it to improve student learning.” She also emphasizes the power of coaching and collaboration: “There’s real value in having coaches in your district and time for teachers to learn from each other.”

As she continues to support districts and build the “classroom of tomorrow,” Gail remains a vital part of the MassCUE community—always learning, always connecting, and always leading with purpose.

Gail Ross-McBride Bio:

From the time I was young, I knew I wanted to teach. I pursued that dream by earning a degree in Elementary Education from Boston University, where I also developed a strong interest in computers and technology. I went on to earn a Master’s degree in Reading and Learning Disabilities and began my career teaching underachieving students at Weymouth Vocational Technical High School and Washington School in Weymouth. Later, I taught in a substantially separate classroom for students with learning disabilities in the Cambridge Public Schools, where I first realized how powerful technology could be in supporting student learning.

When Cambridge launched its innovative “School of the Future,” I became a third-grade teacher there, an experience that further fueled my passion for integrating technology into education. To deepen my expertise, I pursued a second Master’s/CAGS degree in Instructional Technology from Lesley University.

My commitment to educational technology extended beyond the classroom. I was honored to be selected to represent the U.S. in an international partnership with the U.K., where a group of American and British educators collaborated to design technology-based learning resources. Upon returning, I became actively involved with MassCUE, the Massachusetts Computer Using Educators association, which became an important professional community for me.

I later joined The Education Cooperative (TEC), serving as Director of Emerging Technologies. In that role, I collaborated with technology coordinators and curriculum leaders from multiple districts, wrote and managed grants, and developed professional learning opportunities for K–12 educators. My focus was always on how technology could enhance teaching and learning—not on the tools themselves, but on the impact they could have in the classroom.

Through TEC, I worked closely with innovative educators, including the founders of EdTechTeacher. I eventually joined their team, coordinating professional development for schools across the country and helping teachers integrate technology in meaningful and transformative ways.

Outside of my professional life, I cherish time with family and friends, including my two successful adult sons. I enjoy creating Nantucket baskets, sewing, and always look forward to the simple joy of reading a good book by the beach.