UMF in the News: Farmington-area school district technology specialist, and UMF alumna, earns state award

According to a recent article in the Franklin Journal Nicole Lesperance, technology integration specialist and training coordinator for Regional School Unit 9, has received the 2026 ACHIEVE Award from the Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine, recognizing her leadership in helping teachers use technology to improve classroom instruction. Lesperance graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington in 2004 with a BS in Elementary Education.

Lesperance, who spent nearly 20 years in the classroom before moving into educational technology, has helped transform the district’s Summer Tech Institute from a small professional development event into a regional gathering for educators. Attendance grew from 27 participants in 2023 to 80 in 2025, according to district presentation materials.

“I have a lot of passion for my job, so personally it feels amazing to see that it shines through and is noticed,” Lesperance said. “Professionally, it is an absolute honor to be amongst the amazing educators that have received this award before me.”