The Recorder – Gill-Montague IT Director Receives MassCUE Manager Award for Technological Innovation

MONTAGUE – An organization of teachers who drive technology innovation is honoring the superintendent of the Gill-Montague Regional School District with the state’s only 2022 Mass Superintendent Award.

MassCUE, which represents Massachusetts computer-using educators, recognizes an administrator whose efforts “go above and beyond” and inspire other administrators and teachers, according to the organization’s website. MassCUE recognizes Gil Montague’s director of information technology and educational information services, Tina Mahaney, as “an eye for the big picture and the details,” according to director of teaching and learning Jane Powers. Blur to MassCUE

“Tina is a director who always focuses on direction and integration,” Powers wrote, “and the entire management team recognizes that she is a leader who is open to feedback, insight and support.

“Having access and tools for teachers is not enough,” she wrote. “Tina ensures that there is learning and professional development for all faculty and staff.”

Mahaney noted that during the Covid-19 pandemic, teachers “need extensive professional development related to the flood of online resources and the need for distance learning,” Powers said. She facilitated the transition of an elementary technology teacher into the role of technology instructional coach. Powers Mahaney continued to write, “He focused on infrastructure and support for students and families at home.”

“Working with her is a gift, and I look to her leadership and support of my work every day,” Powers concluded.

Before collapsing to a standing ovation at a virtual school committee meeting last week, Superintendent Brian Beck drew on the sentiments of Second Powers from his memo.

“Tina, I totally agree with that statement,” he told Mahaney. “It’s been a pleasure working with you and I’m so happy that you’ve finally been recognized at the state level. Thank you for all of your hard work.”

“It’s amazing,” said school committee chair Jane Oakes. “I can’t tell you how knowledgeable I am about what I do with these machines and Tina always helps me without making me feel like I don’t have any knowledge.”

Mahaney expressed gratitude to Gill-Montag, who “(she) loves the technology team, understanding what technology can do for education in the district now.” “The real reward,” she continued, is being able to “reach for equity and diversity” in her role as a district.

“Obviously it’s got a strong management team and it’s been full of innovation this year,” Mahaney said. “It was great. It is inspiring to work with all the teachers and the management team and the school committee.

Mahaney will receive MassCUE’s Administrator’s Award on Oct. 18, the night before MassCUE’s fall conference at Gillette Stadium.

Contact Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.