Julia Edwards, choral music teacher at Poland Regional High School and Bruce Whittier Middle School, is the 2025 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year and one of four finalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. This week, as part of the final round for the Teacher of the Year selection process, a panel of state leaders visited RSU 16 to see Edwards in action and hear from the students, colleagues, administrators, and community members who know her best.
For more than a decade, Edwards has led the choral and other music programs in Poland with equal parts passion and joy. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, she has dedicated her career to ensuring that all students have access to excellent music education while fostering cultural curiosity and community connection.
At school, Edwards is seen as much more than a music teacher. To her students, she is a mentor, role model, and trusted adult who brings opportunities and encouragement every day.
“She is who I can go to if I have any problems with pretty much anything, whether it’s musical-related or not,” chorus student Blake Brown said.
Walking through the halls of Poland Regional High School and Bruce Whittier Middle School, you will find many students who are quick to share a memorable moment or a personal story about Ms. Edwards, who is a constant positive presence in their lives.
Colleagues describe Edwards as being both a leader and a bright presence who lifts up others.
“Julia brings joy to her work; it emanates with the students, colleagues, and through the school,” one teacher said.
Stories shared during the visit painted a clear picture of Edwards’ creativity and care, from building a “choose-your-own-adventure” unit in chorus that wowed her peers who have been working on adding differentiation to the curriculum, to writing substitute plans that empower students to lead in her absence, to gently guiding struggling students back into a place of success through music. It is evident that Edwards’ colleagues see her as both innovative and deeply human. As one said, “She has this warmth about her that makes everyone feel important—whether it’s a colleague, a student, or anyone who crosses her path.”
Even in the lunchroom, Edwards’ impact on students stands out through their kindness and manners. Veteran kitchen manager Cecile Martin noted Edwards’ dedication to instilling respect that extends beyond the classroom.
“I can always tell when students are in chorus,” Martin said, explaining that Edwards makes it a priority to teach them to say thank you.
During her lessons, Edwards also models kindness and respect by weaving positive language into her teaching. She gives students the tools and practice to communicate constructively—even when they feel frustrated.
“It’s about figuring out what kids are passionate about, helping them find their joy, and then building the structures to support them in doing those things,” Poland Regional High School principal Erik Anderson added. “That’s what Julia does day in and day out.”
Edwards’ impact extends beyond the school walls. She brings students into the community to sing, organizes joyful holiday caroling outings complete with hot cocoa, and helps staff to connect through music on opening day each year.
“She puts so much of her own personal time, energy, and passion into bringing the students out into the community,” RSU 16 school board member and parent Jess Smith said. “It’s one of our core values, and she’s just such a good example of that.”
When Edwards was named the 2025 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year, her school community celebrated with a cherished “clap-in,” a tradition typically reserved for the first day of school when teachers line the entrance to cheer students into the building. This time, it was Edwards’ turn to be celebrated as she arrived, surrounded by applause from colleagues, students, and alumni.
“She has a depth of support from her colleagues,” Anderson added.
Students Max and Brady gave the selection panel a tour of the school as part of the visit:
Pride in Edwards’ nomination is felt deeply throughout RSU 16, as the community reflects on whether Edwards will be named the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year in the weeks ahead.
“It would be a really wonderful thing,” community member and parent Carrie Mastrogiacomo said. “Not just because of the teacher that she is but also because music so often gets overlooked. This would spotlight how important it is for kids to have a place to shine and find their voices.”
Whether teaching in the classroom, building community through song, or helping others to see their own strengths, Edwards embodies the spirit of Maine’s educators. Her school family and the larger community she continues to touch with her work are celebrating her well-deserved recognition as a finalist for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year.
This summer, Maine’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, fourth-grade educator Becky Hallowell of Wiscasset Elementary School, embarked on a stellar journey at NASA’s Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, from Wednesday, July 16, to Monday, July 21. The experience was an “out-of-this-world” professional development opportunity as part of her journey as a 2025 State Teacher of the Year.
Throughout the intense six-day program, Becky and other award-winning teachers from the National Teacher of the Year Program navigated immersive simulations—from walking on the moon and executing mock missions to designing lunar rovers and heat shields.
“One of the most incredible moments was training on the multi-axis trainer,” Becky explained. “We were spun in all directions in an apparatus that resembled a yo-yo. Some of my teammates were nervous about climbing in and experiencing it, but the entire group lifted them up, encouraging them the whole time and congratulating them when they were off the equipment.”
Another great moment was the simulated moonwalk, where “just a tiny little hop turned into a 20-foot leap,” inspiring creative leaps from Becky’s teammates, too.
Becky also had the opportunity to meet Hayley Arceneaux, the youngest astronaut, who went from being a pediatric cancer survivor to a physician’s assistant at St. Jude’s to then a role aboard SpaceX’s Inspiration4 mission.
For Becky, Space Camp underscored that NASA’s mission extends well beyond scientists and engineers; it embraces roles for nutritionists, artists, writers, and even farmers. She said she sees this as a metaphor for her own classroom:
“I think of my class this way: We must honor and develop everyone’s strengths and interests. Space Camp gave me a basket of lessons to support all types of learners, and I can’t wait to ‘launch the learning.’”
A particularly powerful moment came during a low-ropes course challenge, during which 16 participants balanced on a wobbly platform. Forward motion came only when everyone lowered themselves, slowed down, and made “micro-moves” collaboratively. Becky calls this the group’s big “aha” moment.
“Instead of rushing through pedagogy, we can make impactful, intentional small moves,” Becky said.
Becky said the most valuable takeaway was the immersive, learner-centered nature of Space Camp: “Every activity caused part of my brain to participate—and another part to think: ‘How will I bring this back to my class?’”
She said she found camaraderie and inspiration in her fellow State Teachers of the Year cohort, sharing stories of classroom triumphs and challenges from across the U.S. and returning with creativity-rich ideas to enrich Maine instruction.
Becky’s year ahead brims with possibility. She said she plans to stretch her practice by cultivating curiosity about the world beyond—and here at home.
“Space Camp left me with the desire to include more time for students to think about what exists beyond their backyards—helping them to learn about Earth and the stars. It inspires me to help them to forever ask questions and seek answers.”
Becky Hallowell is a 30-year classroom veteran. At Wiscasset Elementary School, she is known for her place-based and project-based learning, evidenced by her Outdoor Wonderful Learning Space (OWLS), an open area located at the school in the woods along the Sheepscot River. This space allows her to integrate nature into every lesson. Read more about Becky here.
To learn more about Maine’s Teacher of the Year program, visit: https://mainetoy.org/. To learn more about the National Teacher of the Year program, visit: https://ntoy.ccsso.org/.
Congratulations to Julia Edwards from Androscoggin County, Bridget Wright from Lincoln County, Benjamin Johnson from Penobscot County, and Dawn Lee from Sagadahoc County.
Augusta, MAINE—Four Maine educators representing counties from the coast to the highlands are state finalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. Julia Edwards, a choral music teacher at Poland Regional High School; Bridget Wright, an English teacher at Lincoln Academy; Benjamin Johnson, a Latin teacher at Hampden Academy; and Dawn Lee, a school library/media and unified literacy teacher at Morse High School, were selected from the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year cohort to move forward in the Teacher of the Year process.
“Congratulations to the four 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year state finalists,” Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Pender Makin said. “Your dedication to your students, innovation in your teaching, and contributions to your communities have all led up to this well-deserved moment of recognition. Thank you for your commitment to public education in Maine, helping to raise our state’s next generation of leaders and thinkers.”
One of the four state finalists will be named 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year, an honor bestowed annually upon one educator in Maine. This announcement will occur in October after the final stages of the selection process are complete. Maine’s Teacher of the Year serves as an advocate for the teaching profession, as well as Maine schools and students, and represents Maine in the National Teacher of the Year Program.
Each teacher was nominated for this recognition by a member of their community because of their exemplary service in education and dedication to their students. A distinguished panel of teachers, principals, and business community members selected them from a pool of hundreds of other nominated educators. The Maine DOE, Educate Maine, the Maine State Board of Education, and the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA) announced the state finalists.
“These four state finalists embody the exemplary teaching we see in classrooms across Maine,” Jason Judd, Ed.D., Executive Director of Educate Maine, said. “There are so many inspiring and innovative teachers across Maine, and we look forward to working with and supporting the finalists and all of the 2025 County Teachers of the Year. They are amazing teacher-leaders and ambassadors for their profession, and most importantly, they make a difference in students’ lives every day.”
“The Maine Teacher of the Year state finalists represent the very best of our profession: educators who inspire curiosity, foster a love of learning, and make a lasting difference in the lives of students every day,” Paulette Bonneau, Chair of the Maine State Board of Education, said. “Their dedication and innovation embody the strength of Maine’s schools and the promise of our future.”
“These finalists are all exciting educators, committed to the growth of their students beyond academics,” Becky Hallowell, 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, said. “They each honor the whole student and find ways to deepen the connection of their students to the community. I have already learned so much from all the finalists and look forward to learning even more about their practice. Maine is fortunate to have these four teachers representing the great work of educators happening across our state.”
“We are excited to celebrate and learn alongside these remarkable finalists, whose voices and leadership continue to strengthen education in Maine,” MCSTOYA co-presidents Hillary Bellefleur and Heather Whitaker said. “They reflect the creativity, commitment, and heart that define our profession. The difference they make in their classrooms and communities is inspiring, and we look forward to championing their work, as they highlight the many strengths and ongoing growth of Maine’s public schools.”
More about the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year state finalists:
Julia Edwards Choral Music Teacher, Poland Regional High School 2025 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year
“What a joy it is to collaborate with stellar peers through the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year program! I am grateful for the opportunity to represent my students, colleagues, teachers, mentors, and family in advocating for Maine schools and music education. Above all, it is inspiring to learn from peers and to witness the work that Educate Maine and the Maine DOE do to amplify the good that is happening in our state’s schools.”
Julia Edwards is the choral music teacher at RSU 16’s Poland Regional High School and Bruce Whittier Middle School in Poland, Maine. 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, Maine 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.
Bridget Wright English Teacher, Lincoln Academy 2025 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year
“I am honored to be a Maine Teacher of the Year state finalist and am grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received from my family and school community. As an English teacher, I know that good teaching, just like good writing, is a process that can’t happen in isolation; I look forward to engaging with educators from around the state to continue building a community rooted in collaboration, celebration, and support.”
Bridget Wright is a high school English teacher at Lincoln Academy in Newcastle, Maine. Wright attended the University of Maine at Farmington for both her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, English and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She is the 2025 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year.
Wright believes that curiosity is essential to lifelong learning and is committed to providing her students space and support to engage in healthy academic risk-taking. She knows that no one becomes a stronger learner by using the same formulaic strategies. Given time and encouragement to explore, especially when it leads to roadblocks and revisions, students end up becoming confident writers, readers, researchers, and critical thinkers.
Teaching writing is one of Wright’s favorite parts of English, and she founded student-staffed writing centers at two schools, including Lincoln Academy. She has developed programming to help others establish writing centers of their own and was featured in Dr. Rich Kent’s second edition of “A Guide to Creating Student-Staffed Writing Centers.” A presenter at multiple conferences across Maine and New England, including the Maine Council for English Language Arts conference, Wright loves collaborating with and learning from other educators. She has been a Civil Rights Team advisor for a decade and is deeply devoted to ensuring students of all identities and backgrounds feel welcome and safe in their school communities. In addition to teaching English, her school’s Flexible Learning Block model allows her to engage students in everything from weaving and knitting to Dungeons & Dragons.
Wright served as a dorm parent for more than seven years, and this experience greatly shaped how she helps students to build community both in and out of school. She has previously served as a leadership team member and department head, as well as Maine Council for English Language Arts board member and secretary. She currently sits on Lincoln Academy’s Governance Committee and runs the Writing Center program in addition to supporting the development of Lincoln’s senior project curriculum.
When not teaching, Wright can usually be found crafting while listening to audiobooks. She loves knitting, spinning, and weaving and is also a sewist who makes her own clothes. She resides in a little house in the woods with her husband, Andrew, and her beloved cat and dog.
Benjamin Johnson Latin Teacher, Hampden Academy 2025 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year
“Being named a state finalist for Maine Teacher of the Year is a great honor, but I wouldn’t be here without my students. Their curiosity, passion, and voices inspire me daily, reminding me why teaching is a worthwhile profession, and I am honored to represent them and all the great educators across Maine as we celebrate the power of learning that connects classrooms to the wider world.”
Benjamin Johnson teaches Latin and AP Seminar to 9th through 12th graders at Hampden Academy in Hampden, Maine. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classics, with a concentration in Latin, and Biology, with a concentration in Microbiology, from Cornell University and a master’s in Latin from the University of Florida. He is the 2025 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year.
Johnson is a strong advocate for giving students an active role in their education. As a Latin teacher, he believes that studying the origins of our modern practices helps students to better understand the world they live in. He emphasizes inquiry, curiosity, and student voice in every lesson. His classroom blends traditional language study with innovative technology, ensuring that tools support the essential relationships between students and teachers. He oversees both Hampden’s and Maine’s Junior Classical Leagues, organizations that provide engaging opportunities for students of the classics, and he regularly leads trips to Italy and Greece for his students.
Johnson is also an innovator in the Latin classroom, and he advocates for the use of technology to supplement and support, rather than replace, the student-teacher relationship. He runs the LatinTutorial YouTube channel with more than 125,000 subscribers, and he has created digital tools such as Latintutorial.com and Hexameter.co, resources used by tens of thousands of learners worldwide. Johnson serves as Instructional Team Leader for World Languages at Hampden Academy and is a leader in his local education association. He recently served on the AP Latin Development Committee and helped to revise the national curriculum and assessment for AP Latin. Johnson also teaches classics and Latin courses at the University of Maine.
When he isn’t teaching, Johnson can be found spending time with his family, biking around Bangor, drinking good coffee, or happily wrangling unruly prepositions to end sentences with.
Dawn Lee School Library/Media and Unified Literacy Teacher, Morse High School 2025 Sagadahoc County Teacher of the Year
“Growing up, I witnessed the transformative power of education through a family member who learned to read at the age of 76, shaping my belief that education changes lives and strengthens communities. Today, I celebrate how educators across Maine nurture collaboration, curiosity, creativity, community, and innovation, sustaining families for generations. As a Maine Teacher of the Year state finalist, I am grateful for the platform to honor and share these stories and for the steadfast support of my students, colleagues, community, and family, who remind me daily of the inspiring learning unfolding in our schools.”
Dawn Lee is a school library media specialist and teacher at Morse High School in Bath, Maine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from Miami University and a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina. A passionate advocate for inclusion, Lee is a founding leader of her school’s nationally recognized Unified Literacy program, where students with and without intellectual disabilities connect through the power of reading, writing, and art. Lee’s pioneering spirit led her to create Maine’s first Unified Academics Conference, a statewide platform celebrating inclusive education. Presenting at numerous state and regional conferences, Lee, her co-teacher, and their students have inspired educators and administrators to establish similar inclusive academic programs.
In her role as a school librarian, Lee champions equity through diverse book collections and community programs, including partnerships with the Maine Humanities Council, creating a safe space where all students can learn and thrive. Recognizing the silent struggles that many of her students face, she established the Morse High School Food Pantry in 2008, which has supported students and families experiencing food insecurity for 18 years. What began as a small, staff-supported initiative has grown into a student-led program distributing more than 1,000 pounds of food each month, offering free daily snacks, sponsoring a community fresh produce table, and providing personal hygiene products and school supplies.
Lee serves on her school district’s Community, Connections, and Belonging Committee, contributing to districtwide efforts that foster inclusion and strengthen community engagement. She is a board member of her local public library and the Bath Area Backpack Program, which provides food for Midcoast Maine families, and advises the Can We? Project, supporting high school students in developing communication skills to engage as active citizens. Deeply committed to helping students discover the joy of learning, Lee strives to create student-centered spaces that spark curiosity and encourage exploration. She embraces a pedagogy that centers student voice in the learning design process, ensuring curriculum is meaningful and relevant. Through this approach, her students actively engage in projects that connect them to their community and the wider world, including participation in Wreaths Across America and the Smithsonian Virtual Exchange Program.
Lee’s innovative teaching and leadership have earned her multiple fellowships and grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum to support projects that promote inclusive programming, community engagement, and curriculum innovation. In recognition of her dedication to students and community, Lee has received the Dr. Patricia Ames Distinguished Teacher Award, been named the 2025 Sagadahoc County Teacher of the Year, and been honored as a Midcoast Maine Outstanding Woman Community Member.
Outside of the classroom, Lee enjoys absorbing the quiet beauty of an art museum, curling up with a good book, exploring new corners of the world for fresh inspiration, and spending time with her daughter and son-in-law.
For more information about the Maine Teacher of the Year program, and to see a list of Maine County Teachers of the Year and Maine State Teachers of the Year, click here.
On May 14 at the Hall of Flags, teachers representing all of the state’s 16 counties were announced as the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year.
AUGUSTA, Maine—The State of Maine is celebrating its newest cohort of County Teachers of the Year. On Wednesday, May 14, at the Hall of Flags in the State Capitol, the Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with Educate Maine, announced the 16 teachers, representing every county in the state, who were selected for this honor in 2025.
More than 550 teachers across Maine were nominated this year for the Maine Teacher of the Year Program by a member(s) of their school community. A local panel of teachers, principals, and business community members then chose 16 outstanding educators from that pool. These teachers span elementary to high school, range from having taught for seven to 37 years, and specialize in subjects including Choral Music, Robotics, Special Education, German, English, Latin, Global Studies, and Unified Literacy.
Throughout their year of service, the Maine County Teachers of the Year act as ambassadors for teachers, students, and schools. For example, Maine’s 2024 County Teachers of the Year cohort established a survey to assess the mentorship needs of teachers across the state. The 2023 cohort created the “Love Maine Schools” campaign.
Governor Janet Mills joined Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin, Educate Maine Executive Director Jason Judd, Chair Fern Desjardins of the Maine State Board of Education, and 2025 Maine State Teacher of the Year Becky Hallowell on Wednesday to announce and honor the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year.
“As the daughter of a long-time public-school teacher, and as someone who raised five children who attended public schools in Maine, I am deeply grateful to the educators throughout our state who make learning a meaningful, engaging experience,” Governor Janet Mills said. “These 16 teachers represent every county from Aroostook to York and are paving the way for a well-educated, healthy and productive citizenry in the state of Maine.”
“Far too often, the hard work of educators in classrooms across our state goes unrecognized and is underappreciated,” Commissioner Pender Makin said. “The Maine Teacher of the Year Program provides an excellent opportunity to elevate the voices of 16 of these dedicated teachers, who will spend their year championing their students, their colleagues, and the education profession as a whole.”
“It is with great pride that we announce the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year,” Educate Maine Executive Director Jason Judd said. “During their year of recognition, they will serve as advocates for learners and educators across the state, and we look forward to supporting and collaborating with them.”
Throughout the summer, the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year will continue to participate in the intensive Maine State Teacher of the Year selection process. The 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year will be announced in the fall.
2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year:
Androscoggin: Julia Edwards Choral Music Teacher Poland Regional High School, RSU 16
Aroostook: Laurie Spooner Robotics/Math/Biology/Human Anatomy/Chemistry Teacher Van Buren District School, MSAD 24/RSU 88
Cumberland: Monica Malcomson Second Grade Teacher Frank I. Brown Elementary School, South Portland School Department
The Maine DOE’s Teacher of the Year Program is administered through a collaborative partnership with Educate Maine. To learn more about the Maine Teacher of the Year Program, click here.
On the evening of March 8, leaders in Maine’s educational community gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor to celebrate the hard work and dedication of exceptional educators from across the state. The 11th annual Education Gala brought together Maine’s 2024 County Teachers of the Year, their family, friends, and colleagues, school and district administrators, community and state leaders, and corporate sponsors to recognize the outstanding contributions of these educators to the state of Maine and their exceptional achievements within education.
Dr. Jason Judd, executive director of Educate Maine, kicked off the event with opening remarks, highlighting the role of collaboration among educators, organizations, and the community in shaping the future for Maine’s students. Afterwards, Cary Olson Cartwright, representing the gala’s lead sponsor Unum, emphasized the crucial role of business and industry in supporting educational initiatives.
Attendees were then treated to a delicious dinner, enjoyed among the company of colleagues, mentors, and friends. The evening felt both celebratory and purposeful.
Joshua Chard, the 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year, later took to the stage to reflect on his year in review. With a heartfelt message, Chard shared his experiences and the insights he gained during his tenure as Maine’s Teacher of the Year.
Next, attendees heard from Maine Department of Education (DOE) Commissioner Pender Makin, who emphasized that although it is oftentimes difficult for educators to step into the spotlight and accept praise, it is vital that they be recognized for the crucial role they play in the lives of their students and in the community.
Long-time education champion and advocate Peter Geiger of Geiger, a sponsor of the Maine Teacher of the Year Program, also addressed the audience. A recurring theme throughout the night was the importance of sponsorship and support from local businesses. Without them, the event, along with the many opportunities provided to Maine State and County Teachers of the Year throughout the year, would not be possible.
A highlight of the evening included a presentation recognizing the 2024 Maine County Teachers of the Year, as well as the semifinalists and finalists for 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year. The support among honorees for one another was apparent, as they accepted these prestigious awards, which acknowledge the tireless efforts of these educators to foster growth and achievement in their students.
Then, the time came to honor Becky Hallowell, the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year. She received an iPad from the Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine (ACTEM), presented by Amanda Nguyen and Alice Barr of ACTEM. Additionally, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows honored a long-time tradition by presenting Hallowell with a Maine Teacher of the Year vanity license plate. Afterwards, Hallowell addressed the crowd with a keynote address, focused on her passion for teaching, as well as her admiration for her fellow2024 County Teachers of the Year.
Toward the end of the evening, one person in attendance at the gala was presented with the Karen MacDonald Service to Teaching Award, which honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the teaching profession. This year’s award went to Melissa Garrette, the 2021 Oxford County Teacher of the Year.
As the gala came to a close, Educate Maine board member and Bangor Savings Bank representative David Pease took to the stage for final remarks. Pease reflected on the importance of celebrating Maine’s educators and the transformative role that teaching plays in shaping the future of the state and its students. His words served as an important reminder of the vital work that teachers do every day and the need to continue supporting them.
Overall, the gala was a resounding success, filled with celebration, inspiration, and a shared commitment to education.
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 (MCSTOYA). Funding for the program is generously provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Dead River, Geiger, Hannaford, Maine Lottery, the Silvernail Family, and Unum.
Thank you to the 2025 Education Gala sponsors:
Lead Sponsor: Unum
Presenting Sponsor: Silvernail Foundation
Golden Apple: Maine Savings Federal Credit Union, Energy Efficiency Investments (EEI)
County Sponsors: Moody’s, University of New England Online, EEI, S.W. Collins Co., MMG Insurance, University of Maine College of Education and Human Development, Wiscasset School Department, Machias Savings Bank
Supporters: Cumberland County Federal Credit Union, Maine Health, Franklin Savings Bank, First National Bank, Martin’s Point Health Care
Get to know the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, Becky Hallowell, who teaches fourth-grade students at Wiscasset Elementary School on the bank of the Sheepscot River. Becky shares more about herself in this Q&A, as she begins her year of service.
What or who inspired you to become a teacher, and how long have you been in the role?
I grew up in a family of teachers. At one point, my mother, aunt, cousin, and I were all teaching first grade. Family gatherings often included talk of our favorite children’s book authors and sharing great ideas for math and science lessons. This is my 30th year teaching, and now I love to chat about education with my sister, who teaches high school math in New Hampshire.
With decades of experience teaching under your belt, what do you love most about it?
I love the kids best. It is so energizing to greet them in the morning and watch them hustle over to the day’s agenda to find out what we get to do that day. Teaching is a great outlet for creativity, and I love planning lessons that help nurture my students’ enthusiasm for learning. The hearts of fourth graders are so pure, and it is gratifying to see their confidence grow, as they find ways to impact the world based on their individual strengths and interests.
A major part of your platform as 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year is your passion for nature-based learning. How did your journey to creating an outdoor learning space for your students begin?
Taking students outside to learn has always come naturally to me. When I taught kindergarten, we used dandelions and “ten frames” teaching tools to learn about place value. My second-grade students would measure leaves and diagram plants.
Our school is located on the Sheepscot River, and my partner teacher and I discovered an open area in the woods on the riverbank. We worked with our classes to clear the area of invasive species, so that we could start using the space. The fourth-grade class made bookmarks to sell, so they could purchase buckets to use as seating, and I wrote a Donor’s Choose grant for materials to use in our outdoor space that we lovingly call OWLS (Outdoor Wonderful Learning Space). The students report feeling “safe” and “calm” in OWLS, and we use that space for many lessons.
The same year we created OWLS, I attended a teacher institute at The Ecology School, and my practice of nature-based learning grew much deeper. I found ways to integrate nature into all of our content areas, including reading, writing, social studies, math, and science.
Students now learn about the branches of government by developing rules for our riverfront outdoor classroom. They make maps of their space and learn about converting units of measure, as we explore our outdoor classroom. Our novel studies include books set in our town, as well as ones with themes of protecting biodiversity. We conduct our class meetings in a garden, so students can see outdoor spaces as a place to connect and build community.
I have been fortunate to take part in several professional development opportunities to learn more about how other teachers across our state and country incorporate outdoor learning into their teaching practice. There is always more to learn, and I look forward to each new opportunity.
What makes your school and its students special?
Our school is special because the students, families, and staff take care of one another. We recite a school pledge daily, and the last line is, “We take care of each other at WES.” This sentence defines our core belief: that we are stronger when we support one another. We celebrate the smallest wins of individuals and share the biggest loads when one of us is facing a difficult challenge. I can’t imagine working in a more caring school.
What is one of the best lessons you have learned during your time as a teacher?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that we all make mistakes, and that is how we learn. It is the number one lesson I impart to each of my classes. When we allow ourselves to take a risk and make a mistake, we grow. I happily share the mistakes I make with my class and explain how my mistakes help me learn something new. My goal is to create a space that is safe for my students to face challenges, celebrate their mistakes, and grow from those experiences.
You have spent one year as a 2024 County Teacher of the Year. How have you worked to represent the community of Lincoln County?
I have worked to understand more about the mentoring needs of new teachers. I learned how to connect with our state representative and senator to elevate the educational needs of our students and staff.
As 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, what are the platforms you plan to represent?
My goal is to bring to light the importance of nature-based learning and how it can positively impact academic, physical, and social-emotional growth. I also want to advocate for teachers to have access to great professional development tailored to their interests and needs throughout the state.
Why is public education important to the state of Maine and the nation?
Public education is crucial so that all children can learn the skills necessary to be successful local and global community members as adults. Our students must learn how to collaborate, think critically, and act with empathy to have a future world that is healthy and high-functioning.
For anyone who is thinking about becoming a teacher, why would you encourage them to do so?
Teaching is the most gratifying occupation because it allows us to nurture our future lawmakers, caregivers, and builders. The work of teachers is an invaluable service, as the support they give their students also supports the community. The connections to students and families that I have made as a teacher last far beyond our year together. I love seeing my former students 10 and 20 years after teaching them and am so proud of all they accomplish.
What else would you like to share with folks who are reading this Q&A?
I am honored to represent Maine educators and have so much respect for all the teachers who pour their heart and soul into helping our children grow into amazing adults.
The Maine Teacher of the Year journey begins with your nomination! Nominate a teacher from your town, county, or region today at www.mainetoy.org/nominate. Nominations are open through January 31.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine are excited to announce that nominations are officially open for the 2025 County Teachers of the Year and the 2026 State Teacher of the Year. Maine’s State and County Teachers of the Year serve as advocates for teachers, students, and public education in Maine.
“The Maine Teacher of the Year program is an excellent opportunity to recognize the extraordinary educators across our state who are dedicated to their schools and communities – and who are engaging, inspiring, and motivating their students every day,” Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin said. “These nominations will give 16 Maine teachers a prominent platform to share the wonderful, innovative happenings in Maine’s classrooms and advocate for public education.”
Nominations can be made now through 5 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025 through a form on the Maine Teacher of the Year website. Nominations will be accepted from students, parents, caregivers, community members, school administrators, colleagues, college faculty members, and associations/organizations. Self-nominations and nominations from family members are not accepted.
Teachers who are nominated must:
Hold the appropriate professional certification for their teaching position;
Be a certified, in-good-standing, pre-K-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% 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 the year of recognition;
Have a minimum of five years of teaching, three of which are in Maine.
Beyond serving as advocates for education, Maine’s State and County Teachers of the Year serve as advisors to the Maine DOE and state-level education stakeholders across Maine. State and County Teachers of the Year also join a cohort of teacher leaders who actively work together for the betterment of education in Maine. They receive ongoing professional learning and participate in many county and state leadership opportunities.
The 2025 County Teachers of the Year will be announced in May, and the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year will be selected from the 16 county honorees. Through a selection process designed by educators, the field will be narrowed to semi-finalists and then state finalists before the Maine Teacher of the Year is announced by the Commissioner of the Maine DOE at a school assembly in the fall. Each year, State and County Teachers of the Year are honored at the annual Teacher of the Year Gala.
On behalf of, and in partnership with, the Maine DOE, the Maine Teacher of the Year program is administered by Educate Maine, a business-led organization with a mission of championing college, career readiness, and increased educational attainment. Funding is provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Dead River Company, Geiger, Hannaford, the Maine State Lottery, the Silvernail family, and Unum, with support from the State Board of Education and the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association.
“Educate Maine is honored to continue our partnership with the Maine Department of Education to administer the Maine Teacher of the Year program,” Educate Maine Executive Director Dr. Jason Judd said. “Our State and County Teachers of the Year exemplify the incredible dedication, innovation, and impact of educators across Maine. This program celebrates the vital role teachers play in shaping our future, elevates their voices, and strengthens the profession through leadership and advocacy.”
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 all culturally-diverse experiences and backgrounds. Our goal is to expand and diversify our nomination pool.
Through the generous support of Maine businesses, there is no cost to the local district when the Maine Teacher of the Year is out of the classroom on their official duties, which include representing educators statewide and nationally and highlighting the important work of Maine schools, communities, and educators.
Joshua Chard, East End Community School Teacher and 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year, standing next to Maine’s national Christmas tree.
Elementary students from Portland Public Schools recently created original ornaments that are now on the national stage, decorating Maine’s tree as part of the 2024 National Christmas Tree display at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Led by their teacher, 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Joshua Chard, third graders from East End Community School designed ornaments for the Maine tree this year as part of the “America Celebrates” ornament program, an annual collaboration of the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Park Foundation. Through this program, ordinary Americans create ornaments to symbolize the history, heritage, and culture of their homelands.
“In third grade, my students explore the history of the Presumpscot River, which flows into the bay visible from our classroom windows,” explained Chard. “We learn how the Wabanaki tribes have served as water protectors of these rivers, both in the past and today, and we take action to support rivers and the diverse life they sustain. Our ornaments showcase the flora and fauna found along the banks of the Presumpscot, symbolizing what we strive to protect, as we join the Wabanaki in being water protectors.”
Chard recently represented the state of Maine and his students at the 102nd National Christmas Tree Lighting event in Washington, D.C. During the event, President Joe Biden lit the National Christmas Tree, which is surrounded by 58 smaller trees representing states, territories, and schools managed by the Bureau of Indian Education and the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, and other special guests from across the nation attended, and musical artists Trisha Yearwood and James Taylor performed. The tree-lighting event will air on CBS on Friday, December 20.
While in Washington, D.C, Chard also visited with Maine Senator Angus King, toured the U.S. Capitol and the White House to view holiday decor, and connected with fellow State Teachers of the Year from Illinois and Maryland.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine have named Wiscasset Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Becky Hallowell as Maine’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a surprise ceremony Thursday with students and educators at Hallowell’s school in Wiscasset.
“The Maine Teacher of the Year program recognizes exemplary educators in our state and provides a platform for highlighting the work of Maine’s public schools,” Maine Department of Education Commissioner Pender Makin said. “As an innovative educator who prioritizes engaging, projects-based learning for her students, Becky Hallowell will bring valuable perspective to this role. Her commitment to learning—both inside and outside of the traditional classroom—makes her an ideal pick for 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year.”
Hallowell’s Teacher of the Year journey began in May when she was named the 2024 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year. Along with 15 other County Teachers of the Year, Hallowell was selected from a pool of hundreds of teachers who were nominated. In August, she was named one of four state finalistsbefore being selected as the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year.
Becky Hallowell teaches fourth-grade students at Wiscasset Elementary School on the bank of the Sheepscot River in Wiscasset, Maine. Hallowell earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maine at Farmington in 1994 and then received her Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine in 2011. She is the 2024 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year. Hallowell embraces a pedagogy that honors nature and place-based learning, establishing connections between students and the local, state, and global community. She believes learning is more powerful when linked to content that students personally value and find meaningful as they engage in project-based learning. While she finds great joy in supporting student learning, Hallowell commits to her own learning and that of her colleagues both as a mentor and a mentor trainer. She has teamed with the Maine Math and Science Alliance in a research project connecting place-based learning and science sense-making, presenting her work to other educators at conferences. Hallowell also collaborated with her teaching partner and a University of Maine at Farmington professor to connect preservice teachers with fourth-grade students to discuss literature. She presented this work with her partners at the National Council for Teachers of English conference in 2023. Hallowell enjoys exploring new trails in her free time, often finding a lesson in a unique mushroom or rock formation. She lives in Whitefield with her husband, three sons, and pesky kitty.
“Teachers have the most important job of guiding students to become the best possible versions of themselves,” said 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year Becky Hallowell. “Our children are Maine’s most valuable resource, and, as Maine Teacher of the Year, I look forward to celebrating the dedicated, creative, and compassionate teachers who show up for Maine children every day.”
The 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 State Board of Education members, school administrators, Maine Department of Education staff, legacy Teachers of the Year, and other Maine business partners. Hallowell was nominated for the honor by her teaching colleague, Neera Harmon.
“Educate Maine is thrilled to congratulate Becky Hallowell on being named the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year. Her dedication to place-based learning and her commitment to fostering meaningful student connections are inspiring, and we look forward to supporting her as she embarks on this exciting journey,” said Dr. Jason Judd, Executive Director of Educate Maine.
As the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, Hallowell will spend her year of service advocating for students and teachers and speaking to the importance of education in preparing Maine students for the future. She will also represent Maine in the National Teacher of the Year program.
According to 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Joshua Chard, “Becky is about to embark on the professional journey of a lifetime. It will be a year of professional learning, educational advocacy, and celebration of all of the amazing teaching and learning happening in schools in Maine and across the nation. Becky’s passion for and leadership in outdoor education positions her perfectly to be a leader in this national cohort of exceptional educators.”
“On behalf of the entire Wiscasset schools community, I want to express our immense pride and gratitude that Becky Hallowell has been named Maine Teacher of the Year for 2025!” said Kim Andersson, Wiscasset School Department Superintendent of Schools. “This comes as no surprise to us; Becky is an innovative outdoor educator whose love of life and learning inspires and elevates everyone around her. Her work fosters care and knowledge about the environment and teaches every student the importance of their impact on the world around them. It’s truly remarkable, and so is Becky!”
The Maine Teacher of the Year program is administered by Educate Maine, a business-led advocacy organization, in partnership with the Maine Department of Education, the Maine State Board of Education, and the Maine County and State Teachers and County of the Year Association (MCSTOYA). Funding for the program is generously provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Dead River, Geiger, Hannaford, Maine Lottery, the Silvernail Family, and Unum.
Walking into Dr. Emilie Throckmorton’s classroom, one is immediately transported to another world. The tall, almost floor to ceiling window frames a small forest of trees, while the marked absence of fluorescent lighting creates a coffee shop ambiance in the room. Art and artifacts line the walls from evidence of travel to student created masterpieces, making it clear that students are always first in this educator’s realm. Students are working collaboratively and obviously have established norms that make such a task equally rewarding for each teenager. Every learning style and preference has been considered, with students expressing themselves with answers shared via everything from dry erase boards to a simple thumbs up. Everyone has a voice, and no one seems afraid to use theirs. When giving instructions to the class on one assignment, Dr. Throckmorton exclaims, “Be creative! Be outlandish!”
Penobscot County’s 2024 Teacher of the Year Emilie Throckmorton is also one of four Maine Teacher of the Year Finalists. During a recent visit, Dr. Throckmorton showcased her passion for English education, and four different panels of stakeholders gathered to share their personal experiences with the educator. It was a day full of literature, writing, laughter, and even tears. Everyone present was left with the feeling of gratitude for Dr. Throckmorton’s presence at Bangor High School. Her influence is easy to see across teams and grade levels, showing she is an integral part of Bangor High School’s culture.
Dr. Throckmorton’s colleagues highlighted the many ways she inspires and supports them. They used adjectives like phenomenal, humble, and kind to describe her, with multiple teachers emphasizing the confidence she gives them by how she shows up for them. One of her English department colleagues called her “the penultimate problem solver”, with many of her colleagues nodding in support of the label.
While her many accolades speak for themselves, what stands out the most is that she is a support system for many. One student describes, “It feels like we are more than just a number in the gradebook. She really has the heart of an amazing teacher.”
Many parents and students expressed deep gratitude for the impact Dr. Throckmorton has had on their lives. Countless students have been inspired to finish school when it seemed too hard. She meets students where they were while having high expectations and inspiring them to rise to those expectations.
One student said, “She helped me realize I’m a lot smarter than I think I am.”
Her tireless work as a mentor and graduation coach has given more students access to the magic of Dr. Throckmorton who may not have had the opportunity to have her as a teacher, showcasing the impact a consistent and caring role model can have on students.
Parents and community members came together to share her impact on them as well. From school board members to grandparents, it became quickly apparent that students aren’t her only admirers.
One school board member and parent exclaimed, “She is a life changer.” Another parent shared, “The amount of belonging and connectedness she brings is unsurpassed.”
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as parent after parent shared how her impact on their families extended beyond academics, ensuring they felt valued and always seen. Her former students have gone on to become educators because of her, and many graduated when others told them it was impossible.
Kindness and inspiration were concepts that swirled around every observation and discussion about Dr. Throckmorton’s craft as an educator. The legacy of success and inclusivity that shines from everything Dr. Throckmorton does is sure to reach far beyond any one family or school year. They described her as a humble, quiet cheerleader for all Bangor High School students, cheering them on to reach their highest potential.
This year’s Maine Teacher of the Year selection process began with more than 500 nominations. Sixteen County Teachers of the Year were announced in May and there are currently four finalists. Learn more about the Maine Teacher of the Year program here.
Get to know the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, Becky Hallowell, who teaches fourth-grade students at Wiscasset Elementary School on the bank of the Sheepscot River. Becky shares more about herself in this Q&A, as she begins her year of service.
Maine DOE Newsroom 