In room 219, books about technology line the shelves as students brainstorm new ideas on how they can use AI devices to their advantage. When English teacher Elizabeth Juster talks about technology, she is “excited” to share her knowledge with others and, ever since 1999, has been incorporating innovation into her classroom.
From day one to today, Juster’s commitment to using technology in her classroom has led to her receiving the 2025 Pat Keyes Tech Award.
According to Principal Rick Barnes’ weekly newsletter sent out on Nov. 24, “This prestigious award honors an outstanding educator in NH whose primary role is working directly with students in the classroom every day, effectively applying technology tools to enhance learning.”
Juster feels “honored and grateful” to be recognized for proficiency in technology and applying it to the classroom setting.
“[This award] inspires me to keep growing and learning new educational technologies so I can continue to live up to the legacy of Pat Keyes,” Juster said. “It’s always humbling to be recognized. There are many, many teachers who will go a whole career and not get the recognition they richly deserve. I consider myself fortunate.”
A main focus in Juster’s classroom is to use the technology tools that have been proven to make an impact on student education. Since Juster has been provided with this opportunity, she has started to find others in the building who share the same interests in technology.
“I need my colleagues who inspire and challenge me each day to keep growing and learning,” Juster said. “I’m especially grateful to count Mrs. Brayall as one of my colleagues. She is an amazing and passionate learner who shares her learning with others. She inspires and challenges me all the time.”
From starting her virtual classroom that contains many student resources, she began what would become a major part of her career.
“I had to figure out how to create a literature-rich environment with lots of opportunities for students to explore reading and writing beyond the whole-class texts,” Juster said.
Former student of Juster and Blue & Purple Star Lancers club member, senior Lindsay LaBossiere expressed that “AI is a good way to help us” in and out of the classroom, when used correctly.
“[Juster] also uses a Google website as her weekly overview, which has so many different links to helpful resources and information,” LaBossiere said.
Throughout Juster’s journey of staying up to date with the latest technological programs, she continually updates and improves her lessons for students.
“Since [the] moment [I created my website], I have always looked for ways to incorporate new technology to solve problems and create opportunities,” Juster said. “I’m currently very excited about creating AI bots for students to interact with in many different ways to meet the many and varied needs of all kinds of learners.”
LaBossiere mentions Juster’s “support” for her students’ lifestyles, as well as her support for everyone else around her.
“I love her, she’s the sweetest,” LaBossiere said. “She is always willing to help me, and she always makes me laugh and smile whenever I need it.”
Not only does Juster support her students, but she also ensures they understand all the material. From the first time LaBossiere entered her classroom, she noticed Juster’s “helpful” and “caring” nature, which has stayed with LaBossiere ever since.
“My first impression was how she always made us laugh with the jokes of the day and was always willing to help me with my essay and to help me become a better writer,” LaBossiere said.
Juster expressed how going from a teenage age to an adult, she was able to learn so much about herself and how she wanted to make an impact on her students.
One piece of advice Juster wants to tell students: “Never stop learning, take a risk and try something new,” Juster said. “Make mistakes and grow from that experience. Collaborate with others [and] take time to be silly. Remember you’re just as human and vulnerable as the next person.”
