Benjamin Johnson commands the room during his Latin I class at Hampden Academy.
Walk into Benjamin Johnson’s classroom at Hampden Academy, and you will find teenagers who are enthusiastic, laughing, and engaged. Placed on a desk in the corner of the room is a bottle of olive oil, sprigs of thyme, and an open bag of almonds. This isn’t a cooking class, though; it’s Latin I.
Johnson has worked at Hampden Academy as a Latin teacher for more than 20 years. When he first joined the school in the early 2000s, the Latin program was very small and lacked student interest. Ruey Yehle, former Hampden Academy principal who hired Johnson, said she remembers when that dynamic began to change.
“Within a few years [of Johnson’s hiring], the [Latin] program just exploded—and it was because of Ben’s reaching out to kids,” Yehle explained. “He welcomed everybody, and he made it so that they were successful.”
A running joke among Hampden Academy administrators past and present is how Johnson has turned an antiquated language into a subject that many students end up pursuing for all four years of high school—even pushing through the challenging AP Seminar with Johnson’s help.
“The enthusiasm that he brings to others and that dead language just speaks to him as a person,” Reg Ruhlin, former RSU 22 principal, said.
“What I’ve noticed about Ben is that he talks to the kids like they’re young adults,” Ryan Crane, RSU 22 assistant principal, said. “I can see students going to him and having authentic conversations with him about meaningful stuff.”
Benjamin Johnson conducts a sensory activity in Latin I that amuses students and gets them to think about ancient Rome.
In May, Johnson was announced as 2025 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year, and he is now one of four state finalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. During the week of September 22, as part of the final stage for the Teacher of the Year selection process, a panel of state leaders visited RSU 22 to see Johnson in his classroom—and to hear from the students, colleagues, administrators, and community members who know him best.
One of those colleagues—who Johnson met through his deep involvement with the National Junior Classical League (NJCL) Convention—flew all the way to Maine from Texas to share his thoughts.
“Ben is one of the few educators who truly inspired me to be better,” Lee said. “What truly sets Ben apart is that he is an advocate and a champion of all children.”
Lee recalled an instance at a recent NJCL Convention when a student from a school without a lot of resources in Louisiana decided to run for the position of secretary of the organization. Johnson felt that there was a moment of injustice, as other students were acting unkindly to her, and he spoke up on this student’s behalf—despite the fact that they did not know one another.
“He truly believes that Latin is for all,” Lee expressed.
A poster at Hampden Academy recruits students for the Junior Classical League club.
A board in Benajmin Johnson’s classroom shows the wide impact that the Junior Classical League club has had on Hampden Academy.
That sense of welcoming has made a major impact on school culture. At Hampden Academy to-date, there are more than 70 students involved in the Junior Classical League (JCL) club, making it one of the most popular groups at the school. Johnson leads Hampden’s and Maine’s JCLs, organizing trips for students to the NJCL Convention and to Greece/Italy. Johnson took the initiative to create scholarships for students in need, ensuring that no one misses out on a learning opportunity for reasons beyond their control.
“Latin continues to have the largest numbers [at Hampden Academy]—for a language that is no longer in use! People want to take Latin,” Nick Raymond, RSU 22 superintendent, said.
“My son signed up for Latin to do two years of a language and be done. The next thing I knew, he had joined JCL. The next thing I knew, I was sewing togas,” school nurse Barb Parent recounted. “When I said to [my son], ‘Why are you signing up for Latin III?’ He said, ‘Because I can’t not have Mr. Johnson again.’”
Benjamin Johnson’s Latin I class is filled to the brim with dedicated students.
The Hampden Academy Junior Classical League club has won so many trophies that they don’t all fit into the school’s display case!
Other parents shared similar stories about their kids’ experiences with Johnson. One mother testified that her son told her that learning Latin with Johnson was helping him to improve in other classes, like Spanish and English Language Arts. Another mother expressed her gratitude for Johnson’s reliable communication with families. A third said that Johnson’s students not only like him; they respect him.
“Part of what makes Ben so great is that he expresses to the kids a sincere belief that they can do it—and he doesn’t let the bar down,” mother Cindy Isenhour expressed.
With Johnson’s humble disposition, you would never guess that he has made a name for himself on the national and international levels, as well, for his use of technology in the Latin classroom. Johnson runs the LatinTutorial YouTube channel with more than 125,000 subscribers. He has also created digital tools like Latintutorial.com and Hexameter.co that are used by tens of thousands of learners worldwide.
“My daughter came home [from an NJCL Conference] and said, ‘Everybody knows who Mr. Johnson is!’” Cora Swalec, parent of five former Hampden Academy students who all took Johnson’s Latin classes, said. “She was amazed even being from little old Hampden, Maine how famous Ben was.”
Benjamin Johnson is known for integrating modern-day technology into his Latin program.
When observing Johnson lead his students during class—with a cheerful disposition yet persistent encouragement to have them try their best and step outside of their comfort zones—it is clear why he is beloved.
“I don’t really believe in myself sometimes, and I doubt myself. Every year, I have doubted my ability in Latin to succeed, and Mr. Johnson has told me that I can do it. And, I’m still in it!” Coleman Chase said.
“He is like Superman. He does so many things for our school and our community,” Katie Dysart added.
“He speaks to the principle that you should learn to learn and not learn for the grades,” Leif Isenhour noted.
Students in Latin I work diligently to translate and solve a riddle.
Johnson said that no matter the result of the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year selection process, he is excited to continue the work that he cares so deeply about—keeping the lure of Latin alive in public schools.
“Latin has a problem with elitism, and we need to break that down,” Johnson said.
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.
(Pictured: Commissioner Makin poses with all of the awardees during the ceremony)
The 2025 Maine Department of Education (DOE) Annual Summit on August 5 and 6 featured a moving celebration of teacher excellence, honoring educators who embody the very best of teaching and leadership. Colleagues, leaders, and supporters from across the state gathered to recognize and celebrate recipients of the Maine History Teacher of the Year, the Milken Educator Award, and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
2025 Maine History Teacher of the Year
Sarah Campbell, a social studies teacher at Brunswick High School, was named the 2025 Maine History Teacher of the Year in a heartfelt presentation by her former student, Jacquelyn Taylor. Campbell was recognized for her exceptional ability to bring history to life, sparking curiosity, critical thinking, and civic engagement in her students. Her dedication to historical inquiry has left a lasting impact not only on her students but also on the broader educational community.
2025 Milken Educator Award Recipient
Micah Depper, a seventh-grade science teacher at Bath Middle School, was honored with the prestigious 2025 Milken Educator obelisk presented by RSU 1 Assistant Superintendent Katie Joseph. Known as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Award highlights early- to mid-career educators who are making extraordinary contributions to the field. Depper’s innovative teaching, leadership in curriculum development, and unwavering commitment to student success set him apart as an educator of distinction and a role model for peers statewide.
2023 Secondary Mathematics: Elizabeth (Beth) Hayden, Bonny Eagle High School (unable to attend)
Each honoree was recognized for their excellence in STEM teaching and for their dedication to equity, student empowerment, and lifelong learning.
This ceremony was a powerful reminder of the profound impact that educators have on students, communities, and the future of Maine. Through heartfelt tributes and well-deserved recognition, the event reaffirmed the Maine DOE’s commitment to honoring teachers who go above and beyond every day.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees—your passion and dedication continue to inspire Maine’s next generation of learners.
(Pictured: Alfred Elementary School Counselor Jackie Chaplin)
Alfred Elementary School is celebrating a major achievement after being recognized at the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) annual conference in July. The school has earned the RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) designation—an honor awarded to schools with outstanding, comprehensive, and data-driven counseling programs.
Through the leadership of school counselor Jackie Chaplin, Alfred Elementary has established a strong, supportive counseling framework that aligns both district goals and student needs. Jackie, who began at Alfred in 2005 and is now entering her 21st year, has played a critical role in shaping the school’s counseling efforts. Her leadership helped create a Multi-Tiered System of Support for Behavior (MTSS-B), integrating clear Tier I, II, and III behavioral supports that focus on promoting a kind, respectful, responsible, and safe school community.
This recognition, awarded to 1,300 schools nationwide and only five in Maine over the past 21 years, acknowledges Alfred Elementary’s success in delivering a school counseling program that uses data-based decision-making, provides both direct and indirect services to students, and leads to improved academic performance, attendance, and behavior.
Key components that contributed to the school’s RAMP designation include structured systems for analyzing behavioral data, like the Office Disciplinary Referral (ODR) and Request for Assistance (RFA) forms. These tools help staff track trends and make informed decisions about schoolwide and individual student needs. Positive Behavioral Supports at the Tier I level—such as Model Mustangs, Golden Tickets, Student of the Month recognitions, and a new incentive involving a book vending machine—are carefully tracked to celebrate student success and promote positive behavior. Universal screeners like the Student Risk Screening Scale (SRSS), completed by teachers three times a year, help identify students who may need additional support and lead to targeted Tier II or Tier III intervention plans based on measurable goals.
Students also benefit from weekly classroom lessons based on the 2nd Step Curriculum. These lessons are often adapted to reflect current schoolwide trends, such as addressing physical aggression if data shows an uptick in related referrals. Small group sessions, peer helper leadership opportunities for fifth graders, and consistent attendance tracking round out a comprehensive system that’s fully embedded into the school’s culture.
This was Alfred Elementary’s first time applying for RAMP recognition. The application followed Chaplin’s earlier achievement of being named Maine’s School Counselor of the Year, representing a meaningful professional goal that closely aligned with the school’s mission. With the designation now secured, Alfred Elementary will hold the RAMP title for the next five years before needing to reapply.
Other Maine schools recognized at this year’s ASCA conference included George B. Weatherbee School, which received the award for the second time, and Hall-Dale Elementary School, which earned the designation in 2023.
Alfred Elementary’s RAMP recognition stands as a powerful testament to the school’s commitment to fostering academic growth, social-emotional development, and a positive, inclusive school climate—one data point at a time.
This story was written in collaboration with Alfred Elementary School.To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) invites students, friends, families, community members, educational organizations or associations, co-workers, and supervisors to nominate school employees for the Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award. Anyone can nominate. The deadline to submit a nomination is October 15, 2025.
In collaboration with Maine Governor Janet T. Mills and the U.S. Department of Education, Maine DOE is now accepting nominations for the prestigious RISE Award. This federal award, passed by Congress and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education, is intended to honor and promote classified school employees who provide exemplary service.
Through the RISE Award, we honor the often-unsung heroes whose work behind the scenes is essential to ensuring safe, supportive, and effective learning environments. Publicly recognizing their service strengthens morale, boosts motivation, and reaffirms our commitment to valuing all roles within the education workforce.
Who Is a Classified School Employee?
A classified school employee is a staff member employed by a state, local education agency, or nonprofit entity who supports students in grades pre-K through grade 12 in any of the following occupational specialties:
Paraprofessionals / Educational Technicians
Clerical and Administrative Services
Transportation Services
Food and Nutrition Services
Custodial and Maintenance Services
Security Services
Health and Student Services
Technical Services
Skilled Trades
Examples include bus drivers, secretaries, cafeteria workers, school safety staff, health aides, technology staff, mechanics, crossing guards, and more.
Nominee Selection Criteria
Nominees must demonstrate excellence in the following five areas:
(A) Work performance: Reflects the nominee’s ability to fulfill their role with exceptional skill, dedication, and reliability
(B) School and community involvement: How nominees contribute to the broader school community, including volunteer efforts, participation in school activities, or engagement with families and local groups.
(C) Leadership and commitment: Emphasizes the nominee’s ability to inspire others, take initiative, and demonstrate a strong dedication to their role and school mission.
(D) Enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools: Highlights efforts to positively influence public perception and understanding of classified employees’ vital roles.
The Maine Department of Education will submit up to two finalists to the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of Education will select one finalist from across the United States to inspire excellence among classified school employees around the nation.
How Do I Submit a Nomination?
The deadline to submit a nomination is October 15, 2025.
For further information or questions, please reach out to Maine DOE Educator Excellence, Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Christina O’Neal at christina.l.oneal@maine.gov.
Eight of the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year continue to be in the running for 2026 Maine State Teacher of the Year.
Augusta, MAINE — Eight exceptional Maine educators are state semifinalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. As members of the 2025 Maine County Teacher of the Year cohort, they embody the dedication, innovation, and leadership in the classroom synonymous with this recognition. These educators serve as ambassadors for their students, colleagues, and school communities, celebrating and elevating the entire teaching profession.
The semifinalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year are:
Julia Edwards 2025 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year Choral Music Teacher Poland Regional High School, RSU 16
Monica Malcomson 2025 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year Second Grade Teacher Frank I. Brown Elementary School, South Portland School Department
Annie Goodwin 2026 Hancock County Teacher of the Year Kindergarten Teacher Dedham Elementary School, AOS 47
Melissa Goeke 2025 Knox County Teacher of the Year Fifth Grade Teacher Hope Elementary School, School Union 69
Bridget Wright 2025 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year English Teacher Lincoln Academy
Benjamin Johnson 2025 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year Latin Teacher Hampden Academy, RSU 22
Dawn Lee 2025 Sagadahoc County Teacher of the Year School Library/Media, Unified Literacy Teacher Morse High School, RSU 1
Amanda Blunda 2025 York County Teacher of the Year Fourth/Fifth Grade Experiential Classroom Teacher Buxton Center Elementary School, MSAD 6
The selection process for the Maine Teacher of the Year Program is rigorous and designed by educators to offer candidates an opportunity to reflect on their instructional practice. In January, each candidate was nominated for this recognition by a member of their community, as a result of their exemplary service in education and commitment to their students. Candidates first participated in the county selection process, where a distinguished panel of teachers, principals, business leaders, and community members chose them as 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year from among hundreds of nominees. In May, the members of this cohort embarked on the Maine State Teacher of the Year selection process, showcasing their instructional practices through a classroom video and written reflection.
In the next phase of the selection process, the eight semifinalists will deliver keynote speeches, submit professional portfolios, and participate in an expert panel discussion about educational equity, teacher leadership, and education policy.
“The Maine Teacher of the Year Program provides an essential opportunity to highlight the hard, and often underrecognized, work that Maine educators put into their classrooms every single day,” Pender Makin, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education, said. “Congratulations to the eight 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year semifinalists on this esteemed and well-earned recognition. Your commitment to your students, communities, and the teaching profession in Maine is commendable.”
“It is an honor to recognize these exemplary educators, whose passion and commitment truly represent the best of Maine’s education community,” Jason Judd, Ed.D., Executive Director of Educate Maine, said. “Their dedication to student success, to innovation in the classroom, and to preparing the next generation of Maine leaders is truly an inspiration. We are excited to work with this cohort in the next phase of the selection process for the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year.”
The state finalists will be announced in September, and the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year will be revealed in October. The 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year will represent Maine in the National Teacher of the Year Program.
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, please click here.
Pictured: Craig Larrabee, President, Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG), speaking to the audience after receiving the 2025 Distinguished Service to Education Award.
The Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA) recently recognized five outstanding educational leaders during the Maine Department of Education’s annual Commissioner’s Conference, held June 23 and 24 in Bar Harbor.
Presented annually, the Outstanding Leadership Awards and the Distinguished Service to Education Award celebrate superintendents and educational leaders who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership in supporting Maine’s students and schools.
“These awards highlight the truly transformative work of educational leaders across Maine,” MSSA Executive Director Eileen King said. “Their leadership is directly leading to better outcomes for students—safer schools, improved academics, and stronger pathways to meaningful careers. These honorees represent just a few of the many ways our superintendents, staff, and communities are working together to strengthen public education.”
2025 Outstanding Leadership Award Recipients
Heather Manchester, Superintendent, MSAD 17 Nominated by Western Maine Superintendents Manchester has emerged as a powerful advocate on legislative issues and a champion of outdoor learning. Through partnerships with local nonprofits such as Healthy Oxford Hills and the Western Foothills Land Trust, she has expanded meaningful outdoor learning opportunities across her district. Her transparent, compassionate, and community-centered leadership style has earned her deep trust and respect.
Left to right: Eileen King, MSSA Executive Director; Heather Manchester, Superintendent of MSAD 17; and Rhonda Sperrey, Superintendent of RSU 64 and MSSA President Elect.
Mike Felton, Superintendent, St. George Municipal School District Nominated by Mid-Coast Region Superintendents Felton has played a transformative role in revitalizing Career and Technical Education (CTE) in his district, raising more than $4 million to build a pre-K–12 CTE program after a 14-year regional gap. By working closely with business and community partners, he has reestablished CTE as a cornerstone of student opportunity. Later this year, Felton will transition from superintendent to serve as executive director of the St. George Community Development Corporation.
Left to right: Rhonda Sperrey, Superintendent of RSU 64 and MSSA President Elect, Mike Felton, Superintendent of St. George Municipal School District; and Eileen King, MSSA Executive Director.
Jeffrey Porter, Superintendent, MSAD 51 Nominated by Cumberland County Superintendents Porter was honored for his steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all students. Known for his calm, courageous, and professional leadership, he also serves as chair of MSSA’s Ethics Committee, offering thoughtful guidance to peers navigating complex challenges. His empathy and integrity are widely recognized across the education community.
Left to right: Eileen King, MSSA Executive Director; Jeffrey Porter, Superintendent of MSAD 51; and Rhonda Sperrey, Superintendent of RSU 64 and MSSA President Elect.
Jonathan Moody, Superintendent, MSAD 54 Nominated by Kennebec Valley Superintendents Moody has been a driving force for both local and state-level educational improvement. As MSSA’s liaison to the State Board of Education, he has advocated for policy changes around student transfers and teacher certification. Within his district, Moody has led significant initiatives, including expanding the Somerset Career and Technical Center and developing a new elementary school with integrated early childhood programming for children as young as six weeks.
2025 Distinguished Service to Education Award
Craig Larrabee, President, Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) Under Larrabee’s leadership, JMG has grown significantly, helping to boost graduation rates, build clear career pathways, and embed leadership and community service into students’ daily experiences. His work has made a measurable difference in the lives of thousands of Maine students.
The Maine School Management Association (MSMA) provided the information for this article. Read their press release here. For further information about the awards program, please contact MSMA at msma@msmaweb.com.
LifeChanger of the Year, an annual national recognition program for educators and school employees, is excited to announce a back-to-school grant opportunity for teachers, as they prepare for the 2025-2026 school year.
This summer, LifeChanger of the Year will be awarding 10 $500 Back-to-School Supply Grants to K-12 public, private, and charter school employees nationwide. These grants are designed to help cover the out-of-pocket costs that educators often spend on school supplies.
Applications are open from July 1 through August 15, 2025. All strong applicants will automatically be considered for the 2025-2026 LifeChanger of the Year program, with a chance to win up to $20,000 to split with their school.
LifeChanger of the Year is sponsored by the National Life Group and the National Life Group Foundation. Since its inception in 2006, the goal of the National Life Group Foundation is to do good in the communities in which we live and work by supporting nonprofit and educational organizations.
The Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA) has announced that Julie Riordan is the 2025 Instructional Coach of the Year. Instructional coaches are instrumental in elevating teaching and learning across our state, and Riordan exemplifies the very best of this vital role.
As the Middle School Instructional Coach for the Westbrook School Department, Julie has made a profound and lasting impact on student learning and educator development.
Through her leadership, Julie has designed and implemented research-based reading and math intervention programs that are rooted in data-driven decision-making. Her work has resulted in measurable improvements in student outcomes and reflects her unwavering commitment to instructional excellence.
Julie is widely respected for her ability to build strong, trusting relationships with educators. She leads professional learning communities where teachers feel supported, inspired, and empowered to grow in their practice. Her collaborative work with administrators, curriculum teams, and school committee members has helped to create a cohesive and forward-thinking vision for the district.
In all that she does, Julie is a passionate advocate for equity, cultural responsiveness, and restorative practices, ensuring that every student has access to inclusive and effective learning environments. MCLA is thrilled to recognize Julie Riordan for her outstanding contributions and leadership.
MCLA is a statewide collaborative that focuses on high-quality learning and teaching for all Maine students. MCLA promotes equity and meaningful learning through research, information dissemination, advocacy, networking, and professional learning. To learn more about MCLA and its awards, visit the MCLA website or reach out to information@mainecla.org.
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