2026 Award Winners

2026 Winners Presented by ISTE+ASCD

  • Al Kingsley

    Al Kinglsey

    Al Kingsley is a technology and education leader with over 30 years of experience specializing in educational software, IT asset management, and digital safeguarding. As Group CEO of NetSupport for over 25 years, he oversees solutions supporting 22 million users globally. Al serves as Chair of Hampton Academies Trust and Richard Barnes Academy, sits on the East of England Regional Schools Director’s Advisory Board, and chairs the BESA EdTech group. An author and speaker on digital strategy, he was awarded an MBE in 2025 for services to education and is a Forbes Technology Council member.

  • Craig Aarons-Martin

    Craig Aarons-Martin

    Craig Aarons-Martin is an award-winning educator, former teacher, principal, executive director and superintendent, consultant, leadership coach, author, facilitator, speaker, and civic leader. He has spent his career working at the intersection of leadership, culture, belonging, and equity in education.

    Craig founded CCM Education Group to help leaders build the culture their mission keeps promising — through practical, equity-centered coaching, consulting, professional learning, and facilitation that produces meaningful and sustainable change.

  • Matthew Mingle, Ed.D., J.D.

    Matthew Mingle, Ed.D., J.D.

    Dr. Matthew Mingle currently serves as the Superintendent of Warren Township Schools in New Jersey.

    Recognized regionally as a county Superintendent of the Year for his innovative problem-solving and commitment to community connection, Dr. Mingle has dedicated his career to student-centered innovation and empowering educators. A steadfast advocate for lifelong learning, he has also served on the ISTE+ASCD Board of Directors, driving impactful leadership across local, state, and national stages.

  • Nikole Blanchard

    Nikole Blanchard

    Nikole Blanchard, an accomplished educator, began her journey into educational technology in 2003 at Louisiana State University. A proud LSU alumna with degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Technology, she holds numerous certifications, including National Board Certified Teacher, Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Innovator, and is ISTE Certified.

    Nikole served as co-president of the ISTE+ASCD board and was the Director of Innovation and Technology at The Dunham School, playing a key role in establishing the school as the state's only PK-12 Apple Distinguished School. Nikole is currently the Head of Educational Technology and Innovation at LSU.

  • Tara Nattrass, Ed.D.

    Tara Nattrass, Ed.D.

    A career educator, Tara currently serves as Chief Innovation Strategist, Education at Lenovo, focusing on reinventing education through innovative programs, professional learning, redefining teacher roles and responsibilities, emerging technologies and cybersecurity. Tara has collaborated with educators to create transformational learning experiences spending over 20 years teaching and leading in school districts, most recently as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning for Arlington Public Schools (VA) and then in consultative roles as a Chief Innovation Strategist at Dell Technologies and Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at ISTE+ASCD. At ISTE+ASCD, Tara led teams focused on AI strategy, higher education, and professional learning. Tara has actively supported educators in realizing safe and responsible use of AI including leading AI Task Forces for state departments of education and districts while also serving on the steering and advisory committees for Teach AI and the EdSafeAI Alliance. She was recognized as one of the leading Women in AI in EDU by ASU+GSV. Tara earned a doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University.

2026 Winners Presented by ISTE+ASCD Affiliates

Matthew Winters, UCET

Nathan Strycker, InnEdCo

Jason Kelsall, InnEdCo

Paulette Salomon, NJECC

Donna Krueger, WEMTAJill Neuhard, PAECT