Two elementary school teachers and one middle school special education teacher have been named the state finalists for the title of 2013 Maine Teacher of the Year.
The 2013 finalists are: Kathy Bousquet, a second- and third-grade looping teacher at Central School in South Berwick; Shannon Shanning, a seventh- and eighth-grade special education teacher at Whittier Middle School in Poland; and Beth Switzer, a fourth-grade teacher at Coastal Ridge Elementary School in York.
Five semi-finalists underwent an intensive selection process consisting of a school visit, professional portfolio review and oral presentation. The three state finalists will complete a final interview before the 2013 Maine Teacher of the Year is selected.
Review panel members participating in this year’s selection process included past Teachers of the Year, principals, Department of Education staff, members of the State Board of Education and business community representatives. The 2013 Maine Teacher of the Year will be announced at a surprise all-school assembly in September.
Hannaford Supermarkets generously underwrites the operating costs of the Maine Teacher of the Year program, and Bangor Savings Bank will reimburse the winner’s school district for the cost of substitutes while the Teacher of the Year is out of the classroom on official duties.
Resources and more information
- Jennifer Pooler
Teacher of the Year Coordinator
Maine Department of Education
624-6638
jennifer.pooler@maine.gov - Maine Teacher of the Year website