Gorham Superintendent Heather Perry Named Finalist for AASA National Superintendent of the Year Award

Gorham School District Superintendent Heather Perry has been named one of four finalists for the AASA National Superintendent of the Year® Award, a prestigious honor administered by The School Superintendents Association (AASA), which recognizes exceptional leadership, professionalism, communication, and community engagement among school leaders nationwide.

“I am deeply honored to be named a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year,” Perry said. “This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our students, staff, families, and community in Gorham. Public education is truly a team effort, and I am proud to serve alongside educators and leaders who are so deeply committed to creating meaningful opportunities for every child.”

In October, the Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA) named Perry the 2026 Maine Superintendent of the Year, citing her work to improve student achievement, address Maine’s educator shortage, and partner with local businesses to expand students’ career aspirations. On Monday, December 15, 2025, Perry was announced as a finalist for the national award—marking the first time a Maine superintendent has reached finalist status since the award’s inception in 1988.

“We are beyond thrilled that Heather Perry has been named a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year,” Eileen King, Executive Director of MSSA, said. “Heather is a true beacon of educational leadership, and I am so pleased that she is being recognized on the national level for her extraordinary commitment to students and families in Gorham and across our state. She is a role model, a problem-solver, a collaborator, and a steadfast advocate for public education.”

Perry has served as superintendent of the Gorham School District for the past decade. Under her leadership, the district has focused on reaching every student—particularly those who have been historically underserved. Through partnerships with businesses and community organizations, Gorham has expanded career pathways and aspirations, resulting in significant growth in student participation in internships, career mentorships, and career and technical education (CTE) programs. The district now reports a graduation rate exceeding 96 percent.

Perry has also played a key role in addressing Maine’s educator workforce shortage. In 2022, Gorham piloted an innovative educator apprenticeship program designed to recruit and retain school staff while supporting career advancement through a combination of coursework and on-the-job training. The program has since expanded to dozens of school districts across Maine.

Prior to her tenure in Gorham, Perry worked as a teacher and administrator in the Machias area and served as superintendent in RSU 3 and the Greenville School Department. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of MSSA and previously served on AASA’s executive committee. Perry is also a nationally respected voice on school leadership, with published work regularly featured by AASA.

The National Superintendent of the Year® Award will be announced live during AASA’s National Conference on Education, held February 12-14, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.

This story was submitted by the Maine School Management Association (MSMA). To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

MEDIA RELEASE: Mainers Encouraged to Nominate an Educator for State/County Teacher of the Year

Nominations for the Maine Teacher of the Year program are open through Friday, January 30, 2026.

STATEWIDE, Maine—Nominations are now open for the Maine Teacher of the Year program, which celebrates excellence in teaching and elevates the importance of the teaching profession. Traditionally, Maine selects a County Teacher of the Year from each of Maine’s 16 counties. One of those educators is later named State Teacher of the Year and also becomes Maine’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year.

Maine’s State and County Teachers of the Year serve as ambassadors of the teaching profession and advocate for the quality education of Maine students. Throughout their year of service, these teachers have the opportunity to create a greater public awareness about the inspiring work happening in Maine schools, amplify the voices of fellow educators, and assist in ongoing efforts to strengthen Maine’s educator workforce. They receive ongoing professional learning and participate in county-, state-, and nation-wide leadership opportunities.

Anyone—from students, to parents, to school administrators and colleagues, to community members—is encouraged to nominate an educator for the Maine Teacher of the Year program! Nominations are open now through Friday, January 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. To nominate, please fill out this form. Self-nominations and nominations from family members will not be accepted.

Becky Hallowell, 2025 Maine State Teacher of the Year, said her journey began with a nomination for 2024 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year. She shared the impact that the past year has had on her life:

“The experiences I have had as Maine Teacher of the Year have been transformative. I made connections throughout our state and nation with astounding educators, supportive community members, and cutting-edge business leaders. I encourage everyone to nominate an influential teacher for Maine County Teacher of the Year recognition. The nomination itself tells teachers that they are seen and appreciated. Additionally, every County Teacher of the Year joins a collaborative cohort that works to bring out the best in all teachers across the state.”

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine, a business-led organization with a mission of championing college and career readiness, work collaboratively to manage and administer the Maine Teacher of the Year program. Funding is provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Geiger, Maine State Lottery, and Unum, with support from the Maine State Board of Education and the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association. Through the generous support of these businesses, there is no cost to the local school district when the Maine Teacher of the Year is out of the classroom on their official duties.

“The Maine Department of Education proudly supports the Maine Teacher of the Year program, an excellent opportunity every year to celebrate the dedicated, talented educators in our state whose hard work often goes unrecognized,” Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin said. “We encourage all Mainers to consider nominating a teacher who has made a positive impact on their local community.”

“We are thrilled that nominations are now open for 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year,” Jason Judd, Ed.D, Executive Director of Educate Maine, said. “Maine has wonderful educators across all 16 counties, and we hope you will consider nominating an educator in your community for this important recognition.”

Teachers who are nominated for the Maine Teacher of the Year program must:

Hold the appropriate professional certification for their teaching position;
Be a certified, in-good-standing, pre-K—grade 12 teacher in a state-accredited public school—including career and technical education and adult education centers, public charter schools, or publicly supported secondary schools (i.e., private schools that enroll 60 percent or more publicly funded students, sometimes referred to as “town academies”);
Be actively teaching students at least 50 percent of the workday at the time of nomination and during their year of recognition;
Maintain their teaching position and remain in the county for which they are selected throughout their year of recognition;
Have a minimum of five years of teaching, three of which are in Maine.

The 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year will be announced in May. Through a selection process designed by educators, that pool will then be narrowed to semi-finalists and state finalists before the 2027 Maine State Teacher of the Year is announced in the fall.

The Maine Teacher of the Year program is committed to a nomination and selection process that ensures people of all backgrounds are represented. Educate Maine and the Maine DOE champion that commitment by encouraging the nomination of educators from culturally diverse experiences and backgrounds.

For more information about the Maine Teacher of the Year program, please visit the Maine Teacher of the Year website.

Becky Hallowell, 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, has used her platform to promote outdoor education.

The 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year cohort poses with Governor Janet Mills.

Julia Edwards, a choral music teacher in RSU 16, was named 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year.

Maine DOE Announces 2026 United States Senate Youth Program State Delegates

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce that Katarina Ousback of Scarborough High School and WanTing Huo of the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) have been selected as Maine’s delegates to the 2026 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). They will join 102 exceptional student leaders from across the nation for Washington Week this spring, where they will engage directly with U.S. Senators, Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet officials, and other national leaders. Each delegate will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.

The USSYP, founded in 1962 and supported annually by the U.S. Senate, recognizes high school students who demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership, public service, and civic engagement. More than 6,000 students nationwide have participated in the program, including Maine’s own U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who often credits her USSYP experience and meeting Senator Margaret Chase Smith as a defining moment in her decision to pursue public service.

About Maine’s 2026 USSYP Delegates

Katarina Ousback, a senior at Scarborough High School, is a student leader with a deep passion for government and service. She serves as Student Council President and has held numerous leadership roles, including District Governor for the New England and Bermuda District of Key Club International and a U.S. Senate Page for Senator Susan Collins. Katarina has testified on legislation, participated in National History Day at both the state and national levels, and completed more than 350 hours of community service. Her teachers and school leaders describe her as mature, thoughtful, and deeply committed to strengthening her community through civic action.

Left to Right: Halsey Frank, a representative from Susan Collins' office; Katarina Ousback, Karen Fox, a representative from Senator Angus King's Office; and Dan Chuhta, Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education. — Left to right: Halsey Frank, a representative from Senator Susan Collins’ office; Katarina Ousback; Karen Fox, a representative from Senator Angus King’s Office; and Dan Chuhta, Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education.

WanTing Huo, a junior at MSSM, currently serves as the Youth Council Representative for the League of Women Voters of Maine. She is an active advocate for youth civic engagement and a leader across several statewide and community organizations. WanTing has served as a Lieutenant Governor for Key Club International, a 4-H Agriculture Ambassador, and a member of the Maine Youth Action Network’s Youth Grantmaking Council. She is also the co-founder of SpeechSphere, a nonprofit that provides free language education to underserved youth in multiple countries. Her nominators describe her as curious, dedicated, and a natural connector of people and ideas.

Left to right: Rob Constantine, MSSM Principal; Trisha House, a representative from Susan Collins' office; WanTing Huo, Beth Lambert, Maine DOE Chief Teaching and Learning Officer; and Jordyn Madore, a representative from Senator Angus King's Office. — Left to right: Rob Constantine, MSSM Principal; Trisha House, a representative from Susan Collins’ office; WanTing Huo; Beth Lambert, Maine DOE Chief Teaching and Learning Officer; and Jordyn Madore, a representative from Senator Angus King’s Office.

A Strong Cohort of Maine Finalists

This year’s applicant pool was among the strongest the state has seen, with students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement, leadership experience, and commitment to public service. Ten finalists were invited to participate in the state interview process, representing high schools from across Maine.

“Each one of these students reflects the best of Maine. They are thoughtful, engaged, community-minded young leaders,” said Beth Lambert, Chief Teaching and Learning Officer at the Maine DOE “Katarina and WanTing bring a remarkable combination of talent, service, and purpose, and we are proud to have them represent our state on the national stage.”

About the United States Senate Youth Program

During Washington Week, delegates will participate in policy discussions, attend briefings with key federal agencies, and hear directly from Senators, congressional staff members, and national policymakers. The program aims to encourage students to pursue careers in public service and to deepen their understanding of the democratic process. The $10,000 scholarship awarded to each delegate supports undergraduate studies and is intended to help prepare the next generation of civic leaders.

The Maine DOE congratulates Katarina Ousback and WanTing Huo on this extraordinary achievement and looks forward to celebrating their continued leadership at the state and national levels.

To learn more about the USSYP, visit https://ussenateyouth.org/.

Maine DOE Announces Nominees for 2026 RISE Award

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the nominees and top 10 finalists for the 2026 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award.

Created by Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), the prestigious RISE Award honors classified employees in the education workforce who provide exemplary service. The Maine DOE, in coordination with the Office of Governor Janet T. Mills, has selected 10 finalists from a pool of 32 exceptional nominees from across Maine, submitted by school administrators, teachers, professional associations, nonprofits, parents/caregivers, students, and community members.

Classified employees include those who work in a pre-K—grade 12 setting in any of the following occupational specialties: paraprofessional, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades. RISE nominees must demonstrate excellence in work performance, school and community involvement, leadership and commitment, local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work), and enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools.

Of the 10 finalists, two individuals will be selected and announced in February of 2026. These two honorees will be submitted to ED to represent Maine for consideration in the national RISE Award. ED will announce one national honoree and present that individual with an award in the spring.

Maine’s Top 10 RISE Nominees

Finalists:

Jana Bechard
Kitchen Manager
Farrington Elementary School, Augusta School Department

Linda Cloutier
Lead Custodian
Tripp Middle School, MSAD 52

Nicholas Dare
Custodian
Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough Public Schools

Monique Gilbert
Administrative Assistant
Capital Area Technical Center, Augusta School Department

Ryan Hewins
School Security
Nokomis Regional Middle and High Schools, RSU 19

Elizabeth Loiko
Educational Technician
Sylvio Gilbert Elementary School, Augusta School Department

Elizabeth Meahl
Lead Administrative Assistant
Casco Bay High School, Portland Public Schools

Larry Plourde
Custodian
Caribou High School, RSU 39

Renee Quattrucci
Lead Custodian
Ocean Avenue Elementary School, Portland Public Schools

Neisha Strom
Educational Technician
Elm Street School, RSU 16

Maine’s Additional RISE Nominees:

Christina Aguair
Educational Technician Interventionist
Sebasticook Valley Elementary School, RSU 19

Megan Bell
Educational Technician
Jonesboro Elementary School, AOS 96

Pauline Bowie
Lead Custodian
James W. Russell School, MSAD 15

Susan Cabana
Educational Technician
Westbrook High School, Westbrook School Department

Gloria Carter
Secretary for Student Services
Bonny Eagle Middle School, MSAD 6

Reinette Chenard
District Data Manager
RSU 10

Carrie Coffren
Educational Technician
Gray-New Gloucester Middle School, MSAD 15

Jane Dunne
Educational Technician
Saccarappa School, Westbrook School Department

Valerie Dyer
Administrative Assistant
Hancock Grammar School, Hancock Public Schools

Shamso Farah
Family and Community Engagement Specialist
Multilingual and Multicultural Center, Portland Public Schools

Nicole Fyfe
Special Education Administrative Assistant
RSU 38

Greg Hatt
Educational Technician, Student Support Services
Belgrade Central School, RSU 18

Ashley Maguire
Food Service
Bucksport Middle School, RSU 25

Deidre Mooney
Pre-K Educational Technician
Dirigo Elementary School, RSU 56

Lauren Ostis
Community Partnership Coordinator
East End Community School, Portland Public Schools

Susan Russell
Educational Technician
Fort Fairfield Elementary School, MSAD 20/RSU 86

Lisa Sanborn
Administrative Assistant
T. W. Kelly Dirigo Middle School, RSU 56

Suzanne Sherman
Administrative Assistant
Boothbay Region High School, AOS 98

Teena Thibodeau
Educational Technician
Orono Middle School, RSU 26

Melissa West
Administrative Assistant
Ocean Avenue Elementary School, Portland Public Schools

Tamara Whitehurst
Administrative Assistant
Dayton Consolidated School, Dayton School Department

Nicole Witas
Educational Technician
Dirigo Elementary School, RSU 56

For more information about the RISE Award, visit ED | Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. To learn more about Maine’s RISE Award process, visit Maine DOE | Educator Recognition.

Nominations Open for Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) Awards

Nominations are now open for the Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) Walter J. Taranko School Librarian of the Year, Support Staff Educator of the Year, and Administrator of the Year Awards. All nominations are due February 15, 2026.

The Walter J. Taranko School Librarian of the Year Award honors 071-certified librarians who have made exceptional contributions to the profession at the local or state level. Recipients receive an engraved plaque and a cash donation to their school library media program.
Learn more.

The MASL Library Support Staff Educator of the Year Award recognizes educational technicians who have significantly strengthened their school library media programs. Recipients also receive an engraved plaque and a cash donation to their school library.
Learn more.

The MASL School Administrator of the Year Award honors administrators whose leadership and support have advanced effective school library media services.
Learn more.

For full details and requirements, please visit maslibraries.org. Please submit all nominations to Heather Perkinson at awards@maslibraries.org by February 15, 2026.

Janneke Strickland of RSU 9 Named the 2025-2026 Maine School Nurse of the Year

The Maine Association of School Nurses (MASN) is proud to recognize Janneke Strickland of RSU 9’s Cascade Brook School as the 2025-2026 Maine School Nurse of the Year.

This annual award recognizes an outstanding Maine school nurse for their contributions to the school and community that they serve. This honor is awarded to an individual who demonstrates leadership in six areas of practice: care provision, program management, health education, professional development, community involvement, and research.

Janneke Strickland began her nursing career as a clinical nurse at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, where she provided direct, evidence-based patient care to pediatric patients ranging in age from newborn to 20 years old. She then transitioned to labor, postpartum, and delivery nursing at Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan, where she provided nursing care and education to her patients, including one-to-one support for laboring mothers.

After 18 years of working in the hospital setting, Strickland made the transition to school nursing and joined the Mount Blue Regional School District (RSU 9). Since becoming a school nurse, she has made a remarkable impact on both her school and the wider district. Her colleagues describe her as “exemplifying the heart of school nursing in every aspect of her work,” and as someone whose “outstanding work ethic is evident in her consistent willingness to go above and beyond in her role.”

As a result of her strong clinical skills and leadership, Strickland became District Nurse Coordinator just two years after joining RSU 9. In this role, she oversees health services across seven schools, supporting more than 2,000 students and mentoring a team of school nurses. Her superintendent praises her “forward thinking in policy development, health procedures, and maintenance and safety,” adding that her dedication ensures that “our health-related policies and services are current, comprehensive, and aligned with best practices in school nursing.”

Strickland’s work with students is equally impactful. She helps to teach health education classes at Cascade Brook School, offers interactive lessons on germs and illness prevention for third graders, and supported the development of an updated Human Growth and Development curriculum for fifth-grade students. Her efforts ensure consistent, age-appropriate health education across the district.

Strickland’s leadership extends beyond the classroom through major programs and policy initiatives. She co-wrote the successful grant application for the district’s electronic health record system, bringing valuable technology and efficiency to school health offices. She also collaborated on policies to train middle and high school students in CPR/AED use and Narcan administration, empowering students to respond in emergencies.

Strickland’s care for students reaches deep into the community. She has established partnerships with local organizations to provide essential items, such as clothing and weekend meals, to families in need. As her principal noted: “She is the driving force behind our weekend backpack program, tirelessly organizing the provision of nutritious meals for students who may face food insecurity outside of school hours.” Strickland also works with the Healthy Community Coalition to implement the CATCH My Breath anti-tobacco vaping program in elementary schools, addressing a growing health concern among youth.

Whether developing district policy, teaching students, or connecting families to community resources, Strickland’s unwavering commitment to health and learning shines through in everything she does. In the words of her principal: “She embodies the true spirit of school nursing.”

For more information about the award, visit the MASN website. With questions about the Maine School Nurse of the Year award, please contact MASN.

RSU 34 Assistant Superintendent Jon Doty Named 2026 Maine Assistant Superintendent of the Year

Pictured: MSSA President Andrew Dolloff (left) and 2025 Maine Assistant Superintendent of the Year Christine Frost-Bertinet (right) present RSU 34 Assistant Superintendent Jon Doty (center) with the MSSA 2026 Maine Assistant Superintendent of the Year Award. (Image courtesy of MSMA.)

The Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA) has announced that RSU 34 Assistant Superintendent Jon Doty has been named the 2026 Maine Assistant Superintendent of the Year.

Doty is recognized for his statewide leadership in curriculum development, educator workforce innovation, and his deep commitment to student opportunity and success.

With more than 25 years of service in Old Town-based RSU 34, Doty has played an integral role in developing programs that both strengthen student learning and build the future of Maine’s education profession. Over the past four years, as assistant superintendent—and previously as curriculum coordinator and coordinator of gifted and talented services—Doty has led initiatives that are making a lasting impact across the state.

Among his most notable achievements is the creation of RSU 34’s Educator Accelerator program, developed through partnerships with local colleges and universities. The program strategically addresses substitute teaching shortages by hiring pre-service educators and pairing them with mentor teachers, helping them gain valuable classroom experience while pursuing their degrees. Nearly 90 college students have participated in the program, and nine have gone on to become full-time educators in RSU 34.

Doty’s leadership has also extended beyond his own district. RSU 34 serves as a regional host site for Maine’s Teacher Apprenticeship Program, and Doty has been a vocal advocate for expanding certification pathways for career changers seeking to enter the education field.

In addition to his workforce efforts, Doty co-led RSU 34’s groundbreaking “STEM Staircase” initiative, which guarantees universal access to STEM education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The program provides students with hands-on opportunities to explore engineering, robotics, and design principles both in the classroom and through after-school programming, resulting in 100 percent participation at many grade levels.

“I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working alongside Jon for over two decades, from our start as teachers at Leonard Middle School in 2000 to serving together on the RSU 34 Leadership Team today,” said RSU 34 Superintendent Matthew Cyr. “Jon is truly exceptional—his passion for solving complex educational challenges, particularly in educator recruitment and certification, is matched only by his extraordinary communication skills and unwavering dedication to the profession.”

“Jon Doty is a shining example of the leading role that our school leaders are taking in improving education for Maine children,” said MSSA Executive Director Eileen King. “Jon is a problem-solver who keeps the best interest of kids at the center of every decision he makes.”

“Jon’s unwavering dedication to student success and innovative leadership has a lasting impact on education across the state,” added Maine Curriculum Leaders Association Executive Director Debra McIntyre. “This recognition is a testament to his vision, hard work, and commitment to mentoring others.”

“Talented and dedicated educators like Jon Doty make me confident in the present and future of Maine schools,” said Ezekiel Kimball, Dean of the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. “Jon is the sort of educator that others aspire to emulate, and his work serves as an exemplary model for effective practice.”

Doty currently serves as President of the Maine Curriculum Leaders Association and was previously named the 2020 Maine Curriculum Leader of the Year.

He was presented with the 2026 Maine Assistant Superintendent of the Year award during the MSSA Annual Meeting on October 22 at the Augusta Civic Center.

The Maine Department of Education extends heartfelt congratulations to Assistant Superintendent Doty on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his continued leadership, innovation, and service to Maine students, educators, and communities.

Gorham Superintendent Heather Perry Named 2026 Maine Superintendent of the Year

Pictured: MSSA President Andrew Dolloff (left) and 2025 Maine Superintendent of the Year Howard Tuttle (right) present Gorham Superintendent Heather Perry (center) with the MSSA 2026 Maine Superintendent of the Year Award. (Image courtesy of MSMA.)

The Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA) has announced that Gorham School Department Superintendent Heather Perry has been named the 2026 Maine Superintendent of the Year.

Perry is recognized for her visionary leadership, her work to expand student aspirations, and her innovative efforts to address the state’s education workforce challenges.

For the past decade, Perry has led the Gorham School District through transformative initiatives that have strengthened student success and postsecondary opportunities. Under her leadership, the district redesigned its alternative education programming and significantly increased student participation in internships, mentorships, and career and technical education (CTE). Through the district’s “Aspire Gorham” initiative, she has forged strong partnerships with local businesses and community leaders to help students explore career pathways beginning as early as kindergarten.

“Superintendent Perry’s unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and tireless commitment to students, staff, and the Gorham community exemplify the very best in educational excellence,” said Gorham School Committee Chair Nicole Yeo-Fisher. “This well-deserved recognition celebrates her exceptional work and lasting impact on our schools.”

In addition to advancing student learning, Perry has been a state and national leader in tackling education workforce challenges. In 2022, she helped launch Maine’s first educator apprenticeship program in Gorham—a pioneering model that provides school staff with an opportunity to earn credentials and advance their careers through coursework and on-the-job training. The program’s success has inspired similar initiatives across dozens of districts statewide.

“Heather is a truly devoted leader—one who serves as a role model and respected colleague to countless other superintendents,” said MSSA Executive Director Eileen King. “Her leadership extends far beyond Maine. Through her service on AASA’s Executive Committee and her published work on leadership, she’s become a trusted voice for superintendents across the country.”

RSU 14 Superintendent and MSSA Action Committee Chair Chris Howell echoed that sentiment, noting that Perry’s collaborative work with Southern Maine Community College and the University of Southern Maine has directly benefited districts across the state.

“This recognition is a testament to Heather’s dedication to elevating the entire profession and strengthening our educational community,” Howell said.

Perry began her career as a teacher and principal in the Machias area before serving as superintendent in the Greenville School Department and RSU 3. She earned her Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Southern Maine in 2019 and continues to serve on the MSSA Executive Committee. She recently completed a term on the AASA (The School Superintendents Association) Executive Committee.

Perry was presented with the 2026 Maine Superintendent of the Year award during the MSSA Annual Meeting on October 22 at the Augusta Civic Center.

The Maine Department of Education extends heartfelt congratulations to Superintendent Perry on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her continued leadership, innovation, and service to Maine students, educators, and communities.

MEDIA RELEASE: RSU 16 Choral Music Teacher Julia Edwards Named 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year

2026 Maine Teacher of the Year Julia Edwards is a choral music teacher at Bruce Whittier Middle School and Poland Regional High School.

Poland, MAINE—The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine are excited to announce Bruce Whittier Middle School/Poland Regional High School choral music teacher Julia Edwards as the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Edwards celebrated this award with fellow RSU 16 educators and students during a surprise ceremony in the Poland Regional High School gymnasium.

“Congratulations to Julia Edwards on earning this well-deserved recognition as 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year!” Pender Makin, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education, said. “Her enthusiasm for music and its ability to serve as a connector across cultures and differences is remarkable, and her gift for extending that love of the arts to her students is admirable. Maine is lucky to have Julia representing and advocating for educators statewide throughout the next year.”

Hundreds of educators across the state were nominated for the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year process. In May, Edwards was selected as the 2025 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year, alongside 15 other County Teachers of the Year. In August, Edwards became one of four state finalists before she was ultimately named 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year.

“Music is at the root of some of the best learning in history. Try to summon up the elementary lessons that have stuck with you, and you’ll often find them attached to rhythm or song. As a community, we find our shared humanity through music. It builds bridges; it spans generations and cultures; and it holds power for positive change,” said Julia Edwards, 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. “We are fortunate that, in addition to living in a state filled with stellar educators, we can also celebrate Maine’s music programs that serve both their students and communities.”

Edwards is the choral music teacher at RSU 16’s Bruce Whittier Middle School and Poland Regional High School in Poland. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, where she studied oboe and served as a teaching fellow for the Children’s Chorus of Springfield. She returned home to Bridgton after graduating college to teach elementary music in North Conway, New Hampshire for two years before accepting her current position in the fall of 2012.

Edwards’ leadership experience at Poland Regional High School includes coordinating the “Roundtable” grade-level advisory program and serving as coordinator for the all-virtual learning program during the hybrid school year. As an advocate for professional collaboration, she served on the District Professional Learning Committee, where she proposed and co-created RSU 16’s annual district-wide conference. She finds the most joy, however, in working with her students. Edwards believes that all students deserve access to an excellent music education, regardless of their background, identity, or geographical location. Cultural curiosity and musicianship are at the core of her teaching philosophy, and she has worked to create many intercultural and intergenerational experiences for her students and community.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Edwards has served as a guest clinician and manager for district and state festivals in Maine and has presented on pedagogical topics for state, regional, and national conferences. She recently moved into the role of president for the Maine chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, where she is working to expand community singing opportunities throughout the state. As an advocate for cultural curiosity, Edwards has designed a Cultural Context Curriculum, which helps students to develop tools for ethically and enthusiastically exploring the world around them, as well as skills to be better world citizens. She believes music and community are synonymous, and she loves participating in the music community as a listener and performer.

Outside of teaching, Edwards enjoys skiing, cross-stitching, playing concerts with her folk band, “Bold Riley,” and exploring the Maine outdoors with her husband, two children, and rowdy dog, Baxter.

Read this article to learn more about Edwards: A Day with Julia Edwards: Celebrating a 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year Finalist and Beloved Choral Educator

The Maine Teacher of the Year Program is a year-long process that involves educator portfolio and resume submissions, interviews, oral presentations, and classroom visits made by a selection panel comprised of Maine State Board of Education members, school administrators, Maine DOE staff, legacy Maine Teachers of the Year, and Maine business partners.

“I want to offer a huge congratulations to Julia Edwards for being named the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year,” said Jason Judd, Ed. D., executive director of Educate Maine. “This recognition honors Julia’s innovative practice, her enthusiasm for the work, and her unique connection to her students. In her classroom, Julia demonstrates every day what it truly means to be a teacher of impact.”

As 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year, Edwards will spend her year of service advocating for students and teachers and speaking about the importance of education in preparing Maine’s next generation of leaders for the future. She will also represent Maine in the National Teacher of the Year program.

“Julia is about to have one of the most meaningful years of her life,” said Becky Hallowell, the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year. “Mainers are fortunate to have Julia representing them. She has a gift for reaching out to all to celebrate the joy that music brings to us all. Julia’s natural generosity of spirit indicates that the entire community will be lifted and celebrated while she serves as the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year.”

“Anyone who has seen Julia in action knows that her classroom is a place filled with laughter, learning, and genuine connection. She is the teacher who every student remembers—the one who believes in them, challenges them, and helps them discover their confidence,” said Amy Hediger, superintendent of RSU 16. “We could not be more proud that Maine has recognized what our community has long known: Julia Edwards is extraordinary.”

The Maine Teacher of the Year program is administered by Educate Maine, a business-led advocacy organization, in partnership with the Maine DOE, the Maine State Board of Education, and the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association. Funding for the program is generously provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Unum, Hannaford Supermarket, Geiger, Maine State Lottery, and the Silvernail family.

For more information about the Maine Teacher of the Year program, visit mainetoy.org.

Maine Student Leader Nathan Prest Honored with 2025 FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader Award

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is proud to celebrate Nathan Prest, a student leader and advocate, for being named a 2025 FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader. This national recognition honors exceptional youth with lived experience in foster care who are creating positive change in their communities.

Presented annually by FosterClub, a leading national nonprofit supporting youth in foster care, the Outstanding Young Leader Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership, resilience, and advocacy.

Prest received the award for his tireless work supporting youth in Maine through leadership and advocacy, particularly around transition supports and eligibility through age 22 for students with disabilities. His efforts are rooted in a deep commitment to belonging, resilience, and empowering others—especially those navigating both the foster care system and the transition to adulthood.

Prest is a current member of the Executive Student Transition Committee (ESTC), a youth-led advisory group of the Transition Maine initiative under the Maine DOE Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education. Transition Maine works to support students with disabilities as they move from high school into adult life, including employment, post-secondary education, and independent living. Prest’s voice has been central to shaping the program’s statewide direction and impact.

“We could not be more proud of Nathan and his accomplishments,” Connor Archer, Transition Maine Project Consultant, said. “Nathan’s commitment to inspiring others is remarkable, and his resilience in doing so has helped reshape many important initiatives when it comes to helping our students with varying abilities and challenges transition from high school into adulthood successfully. In 2025 alone, Nathan has presented at several conferences and summits, representing the strong presence that Transition Maine has not only here in Maine but across the country.”

“Nathan is an important and wonderful member of the ESTC, and we are so proud of him receiving this amazing award,” Xavier Pettis, Chair of the ESTC, said. “His work with youth advocacy and his own lived experience bring tremendous joy and excitement to everything he does with us. We are all excited to work alongside him in this journey as a leader and human being, as he grows and evolves over these next few years!”

About Nathan Prest

Prest’s journey in foster care began at just four days old. After living with a foster family and then his grandmother, who became his primary support system until her passing, Prest returned to his former foster family, who eventually adopted him. Despite early life challenges, he graduated from Bonny Eagle High School, a milestone he once thought unreachable.

Today, Prest is a passionate advocate for youth with disabilities, including those living with autism, like himself. He speaks at youth summits and conferences, where he shares his story to encourage others to dream big and persist. He’s currently writing a book about his experiences and hopes to one day launch a business that supports others who are navigating similar journeys.

The Maine DOE congratulates Prest on this national recognition and thanks him for his ongoing leadership, both in Maine and beyond. His work embodies the core values of Transition Maine—empowerment, advocacy, and resilience—and we are proud to have his voice helping to shape a more inclusive and supportive future for all Maine students!

Learn more about the award and this year’s recipients here. You can also read Nathan Prest’s bio on FosterClub’s website.