MassCUE is pleased to announce the recipients of the Administrator, Pathfinder and Shelley Chamberlain Community Service Awards. Please join us in congratulating these extraordinary educators. They will be celebrated and receive their awards as part of the MassCUE Fall Conference 2025.
Christina Maryland
Director of Communications, Family and Community Engagement, Newton Public Schools
Christina Maryland is a trailblazer in educational communication and engagement. She revolutionized communication in Natick as the district’s first Communications Director, later founding a professional organization for K–12 PR leaders that has since grown into the Massachusetts chapter of the National School Public Relations Association.
Now serving Newton Public Schools, Christina has prioritized equitable access to information by implementing ParentSquare, ensuring seamless translation, accessibility, and privacy for all families. Her leadership was particularly crucial during the pandemic, when her strategic and transparent communication guided students, families, and staff through closures, reopening, and hybrid learning.
Christina’s impact extends statewide—through presentations at MassCUE and her role in the Influence 100 Superintendent Development Program—where she continues to model how communication can build trust, clarity, and inclusivity.
Dr. Fredrick Souza
Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District
Dr. Fredrick Souza has reimagined what public education can look like when leadership, strategy, and innovation converge. As Assistant Superintendent, he spearheaded a district-wide curriculum redesign that blends rigorous academics with real-world application, early college access, and a modern Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Students across Dighton-Rehoboth now engage with immersive, technology-rich opportunities ranging from 3D design and virtual simulations to dual-enrollment pathways.
Beyond curriculum, Dr. Souza has transformed family and community engagement by implementing multilingual communication tools, virtual town halls, and interactive platforms that foster transparency and inclusion. He has also designed a professional learning ecosystem that empowers educators through personalized PD, coaching cohorts, and innovation incubators.
Colleagues praise Dr. Souza as a visionary whose leadership has sparked cultural and academic change not just within his district, but across Massachusetts.
Dr. Rayna Freedman
Fifth Grade Teacher, Jordan Jackson School, Mansfield
A former President of MassCUE, Dr. Rayna Freedman has been a steadfast leader in advancing educational technology and student-centered learning. In her classroom, she seamlessly integrates digital tools to foster student agency, engagement, and authentic learning. Her students are empowered to present, collaborate, and showcase their learning in ways that build both confidence and community.
Dr. Freedman’s leadership extends far beyond her district. She has presented at ISTE, FETC, NYSCATE, EdTechTeacher, and international conferences, and she holds numerous certifications, including Google Certified Trainer, BrainPOP Educator, and Magic School AI Pioneer. Her colleagues describe her as a generous mentor and collaborator who consistently elevates others.
Her enduring commitment to MassCUE, coupled with her influence as a teacher, leader, and innovator, makes her an exemplary recipient of the Pathfinder Award.
Craig Sheil
Digital Learning Specialist, Bedford High School (NH)
Craig Sheil is a visionary Digital Learning Specialist whose career spans more than 20 years in education. He has transformed Bedford High School’s technology ecosystem through the implementation of Google Workspace for Education and a 1-to-1 Chromebook program, ensuring that technology meaningfully enhances teaching and learning.
A recognized leader in emerging technologies, Craig has guided his district and others through the integration of generative AI, emphasizing ethical, equitable, and effective use. He is a sought-after presenter at MassCUE and other conferences, known for his practical, inspiring sessions that empower educators to embrace technology with confidence.
Craig also teaches graduate-level ed tech courses at Fitchburg State University, further extending his influence across New England and beyond. His passion, expertise, and collaborative spirit embody the essence of the Pathfinder Award.
Andréa (A.J.) Coté, M.Ed., CETL
Assistant Director of Educational Technology, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
With over 20 years of experience in digital learning, assistive technology, professional development, and special education, A.J. Coté has been a tireless advocate for advancing educational technology across Massachusetts. At DESE, she has held leadership roles including Coordinator of Digital Learning and Accessibility, Statewide Professional Development Programs Manager, and now Assistant Director of Educational Technology.
Her leadership has directly benefited K–12 educators and districts statewide through innovative professional development, collaborative partnerships, and expanded grant opportunities. A trusted partner of MassCUE, A.J. has consistently worked to strengthen the connection between DESE’s Office of Educational Technology and technology leaders across the state.
Her vision, collaborative spirit, and steadfast commitment to equity and access have positioned Massachusetts as a national model in digital learning. A.J. embodies the very qualities this award was designed to honor—dedication, service, and impact.
Jacqueline Gantzer
Former Director of Educational Technology, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Jackie Gantzer has dedicated her career to advancing educational technology and supporting educators across Massachusetts. For five years, she co-led the Department of Educational Technology at DESE alongside AJ Cote, shaping statewide initiatives that empowered schools to integrate technology more effectively and equitably.
Recently, Jackie has taken on a new role with Teach for America, continuing her mission of serving educators and students while building new partnerships to strengthen the teaching profession. Her colleagues describe her as a leader who approaches her work with humility, vision, and a commitment to service—always keeping students and teachers at the center.
Jackie’s impact on Massachusetts education, paired with her ongoing dedication to service and innovation, makes her a most deserving recipient of the Shelley Chamberlain Community Service Award.
You can learn more about our MassCUE Awards & Recognition and the work our committee does to oversee the awards and recognition handed out by the MassCUE Board.
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