Two educators nominated for Technology Innovators Program
Racheal Mackereth and Steve Pierce were nominated as Pennsylvania Keystones Technology Innovators for 2025.
Two Bristol Township School District staff members, Racheal Mackereth and Steve Pierce, were nominated as Pennsylvania Keystones Technology Innovators for 2025. If their applications are accepted in March, Mackereth and Pierce will become part of a professional community of educators who use technology in innovative ways to transform teaching and learning. Keystones are also invited to apply to attend the annual summit, which only around 100 teachers are selected each year to attend.
Racheal Mackereth – Mill Creek Elementary School
Dawn Martesi, principal of Mill Creek Elementary School, nominated Mackereth, kindergarten teacher and School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) coach for Keystones Technology Innovator.
“I nominated Racheal because she embodies innovation, creativity and exceptional instructional leadership,” said Martesi. “Despite being newer to our district, she has fully embraced leadership roles, significantly impacting our SWPBIS program and various leadership team initiatives. Racheal is a creative problem-solver who innovatively leverages technology to support student learning and advance building-wide initiatives. Her dedication and forward-thinking approach make her a true asset to our school community.”
Mackereth was honored to be nominated because she loves technology and being given the opportunity to continue her education through this program. “I consider myself a ‘techie’ so I’m very excited to gain knowledge to influence future, young techies,” said Mackereth. “I am committed to continuing to learn to grow my practices to accommodate students as they evolve. I believe education and educators should continue to change and develop as educational research advances.”
Even though Mackereth works with some of the youngest learners, kindergarteners are already well-versed in technology. However, many students struggle with reading and writing, essential to many jobs. Mackereth hopes she can enhance their reading and writing skills with technology to prepare them for their futures.
She is focused on using her experience with SWPBIS to make a broader impact, not just at Mill Creek, but district-wide. “My focus on improving my leadership skills through the Keystones program seems like a great way to elevate my influence and bring fresh insights back to help both teachers and other coaches,” she said. “It’s exciting to think about how my growth can contribute to bettering the whole district!”
Steve Pierce – Keystone Elementary School
Mark Wilicki, principal of Keystone Elementary School, and Crystal Smith-Herman, assistant principal, nominated Steve Pierce, anti-bullying and school climate specialist for Keystones Technology Innovator.
“This recognition highlights Steve’s exceptional efforts to integrate technology innovation into education, fostering meaningful learning experiences for our students,” said Smith-Herman. “As a Keystones Technology Innovator, Steve exemplifies what it means to leverage cutting-edge tools and creative strategies to enhance student engagement, collaboration, and success.”
As an educator, Pierce says he’s always been committed to integrating technology in education to enhance students’ learning experiences. “This nomination inspires me to further contribute to innovative educational practices for the students and staff at Keystone and continue pushing boundaries in technology integration within education,” said Pierce.
As a Keystones Technology Innovator, Pierce can enhance his current role as an anti-bullying and school climate specialist. He’ll be able to leverage technology for awareness and education, along with strengthening communication, reporting and data collection. “It will allow me to model innovation, collaborate with others and empower our students to be change agents,” said Pierce. “Ultimately, the nomination affirms my belief that technology is a powerful tool for fostering a safe, respectful and supportive school environment.”