Created by Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), the prestigious RISE Award honors classified employees in the education workforce who provide exemplary service. The Maine DOE, in coordination with the Office of Governor Janet T. Mills, has selected 10 finalists from a pool of 32 exceptional nominees from across Maine, submitted by school administrators, teachers, professional associations, nonprofits, parents/caregivers, students, and community members.
Classified employees include those who work in a pre-K—grade 12 setting in any of the following occupational specialties: paraprofessional, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades. RISE nominees must demonstrate excellence in work performance, school and community involvement, leadership and commitment, local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work), and enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools.
Of the 10 finalists, two individuals will be selected and announced in February of 2026. These two honorees will be submitted to ED to represent Maine for consideration in the national RISE Award. ED will announce one national honoree and present that individual with an award in the spring.
Maine’s Top 10 RISE Nominees
Finalists:
Jana Bechard Kitchen Manager Farrington Elementary School, Augusta School Department
Linda Cloutier Lead Custodian Tripp Middle School, MSAD 52
Nicholas Dare Custodian Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough Public Schools
Monique Gilbert Administrative Assistant Capital Area Technical Center, Augusta School Department
Ryan Hewins School Security Nokomis Regional Middle and High Schools, RSU 19
Elizabeth Loiko Educational Technician Sylvio Gilbert Elementary School, Augusta School Department
Elizabeth Meahl Lead Administrative Assistant Casco Bay High School, Portland Public Schools
Larry Plourde Custodian Caribou High School, RSU 39
Renee Quattrucci Lead Custodian Ocean Avenue Elementary School, Portland Public Schools
Neisha Strom Educational Technician Elm Street School, RSU 16
Maine’s Additional RISE Nominees:
Christina Aguair Educational Technician Interventionist Sebasticook Valley Elementary School, RSU 19
Megan Bell Educational Technician Jonesboro Elementary School, AOS 96
Pauline Bowie Lead Custodian James W. Russell School, MSAD 15
Susan Cabana Educational Technician Westbrook High School, Westbrook School Department
Gloria Carter Secretary for Student Services Bonny Eagle Middle School, MSAD 6
Nominations are now open for the Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) Walter J. Taranko School Librarian of the Year, Support Staff Educator of the Year, and Administrator of the Year Awards. All nominations are due February 15, 2026.
The Walter J. Taranko School Librarian of the Year Award honors 071-certified librarians who have made exceptional contributions to the profession at the local or state level. Recipients receive an engraved plaque and a cash donation to their school library media program. Learn more.
The MASL Library Support Staff Educator of the Year Award recognizes educational technicians who have significantly strengthened their school library media programs. Recipients also receive an engraved plaque and a cash donation to their school library. Learn more.
The MASL School Administrator of the Year Award honors administrators whose leadership and support have advanced effective school library media services. Learn more.
For full details and requirements, please visit maslibraries.org. Please submit all nominations to Heather Perkinson at awards@maslibraries.org by February 15, 2026.
The Maine Association of School Nurses (MASN) is proud to recognize Janneke Strickland of RSU 9’s Cascade Brook School as the 2025-2026 Maine School Nurse of the Year.
This annual award recognizes an outstanding Maine school nurse for their contributions to the school and community that they serve. This honor is awarded to an individual who demonstrates leadership in six areas of practice: care provision, program management, health education, professional development, community involvement, and research.
Janneke Strickland began her nursing career as a clinical nurse at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, where she provided direct, evidence-based patient care to pediatric patients ranging in age from newborn to 20 years old. She then transitioned to labor, postpartum, and delivery nursing at Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan, where she provided nursing care and education to her patients, including one-to-one support for laboring mothers.
After 18 years of working in the hospital setting, Strickland made the transition to school nursing and joined the Mount Blue Regional School District (RSU 9). Since becoming a school nurse, she has made a remarkable impact on both her school and the wider district. Her colleagues describe her as “exemplifying the heart of school nursing in every aspect of her work,” and as someone whose “outstanding work ethic is evident in her consistent willingness to go above and beyond in her role.”
As a result of her strong clinical skills and leadership, Strickland became District Nurse Coordinator just two years after joining RSU 9. In this role, she oversees health services across seven schools, supporting more than 2,000 students and mentoring a team of school nurses. Her superintendent praises her “forward thinking in policy development, health procedures, and maintenance and safety,” adding that her dedication ensures that “our health-related policies and services are current, comprehensive, and aligned with best practices in school nursing.”
Strickland’s work with students is equally impactful. She helps to teach health education classes at Cascade Brook School, offers interactive lessons on germs and illness prevention for third graders, and supported the development of an updated Human Growth and Development curriculum for fifth-grade students. Her efforts ensure consistent, age-appropriate health education across the district.
Strickland’s leadership extends beyond the classroom through major programs and policy initiatives. She co-wrote the successful grant application for the district’s electronic health record system, bringing valuable technology and efficiency to school health offices. She also collaborated on policies to train middle and high school students in CPR/AED use and Narcan administration, empowering students to respond in emergencies.
Strickland’s care for students reaches deep into the community. She has established partnerships with local organizations to provide essential items, such as clothing and weekend meals, to families in need. As her principal noted: “She is the driving force behind our weekend backpack program, tirelessly organizing the provision of nutritious meals for students who may face food insecurity outside of school hours.” Strickland also works with the Healthy Community Coalition to implement the CATCH My Breath anti-tobacco vaping program in elementary schools, addressing a growing health concern among youth.
Whether developing district policy, teaching students, or connecting families to community resources, Strickland’s unwavering commitment to health and learning shines through in everything she does. In the words of her principal: “She embodies the true spirit of school nursing.”
For more information about the award, visit the MASN website. With questions about the Maine School Nurse of the Year award, please contact MASN.
Pictured: MSSA President Andrew Dolloff (left) and 2025 Maine Assistant Superintendent of the Year Christine Frost-Bertinet (right) present RSU 34 Assistant Superintendent Jon Doty (center) with the MSSA 2026 Maine Assistant Superintendent of the Year Award. (Image courtesy ofMSMA.)
The Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA) has announced that RSU 34 Assistant Superintendent Jon Doty has been named the 2026 Maine Assistant Superintendent of the Year.
Doty is recognized for his statewide leadership in curriculum development, educator workforce innovation, and his deep commitment to student opportunity and success.
With more than 25 years of service in Old Town-based RSU 34, Doty has played an integral role in developing programs that both strengthen student learning and build the future of Maine’s education profession. Over the past four years, as assistant superintendent—and previously as curriculum coordinator and coordinator of gifted and talented services—Doty has led initiatives that are making a lasting impact across the state.
Among his most notable achievements is the creation of RSU 34’s Educator Accelerator program, developed through partnerships with local colleges and universities. The program strategically addresses substitute teaching shortages by hiring pre-service educators and pairing them with mentor teachers, helping them gain valuable classroom experience while pursuing their degrees. Nearly 90 college students have participated in the program, and nine have gone on to become full-time educators in RSU 34.
Doty’s leadership has also extended beyond his own district. RSU 34 serves as a regional host site for Maine’s Teacher Apprenticeship Program, and Doty has been a vocal advocate for expanding certification pathways for career changers seeking to enter the education field.
In addition to his workforce efforts, Doty co-led RSU 34’s groundbreaking “STEM Staircase” initiative, which guarantees universal access to STEM education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The program provides students with hands-on opportunities to explore engineering, robotics, and design principles both in the classroom and through after-school programming, resulting in 100 percent participation at many grade levels.
“I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working alongside Jon for over two decades, from our start as teachers at Leonard Middle School in 2000 to serving together on the RSU 34 Leadership Team today,” said RSU 34 Superintendent Matthew Cyr. “Jon is truly exceptional—his passion for solving complex educational challenges, particularly in educator recruitment and certification, is matched only by his extraordinary communication skills and unwavering dedication to the profession.”
“Jon Doty is a shining example of the leading role that our school leaders are taking in improving education for Maine children,” said MSSA Executive Director Eileen King. “Jon is a problem-solver who keeps the best interest of kids at the center of every decision he makes.”
“Jon’s unwavering dedication to student success and innovative leadership has a lasting impact on education across the state,” added Maine Curriculum Leaders Association Executive Director Debra McIntyre. “This recognition is a testament to his vision, hard work, and commitment to mentoring others.”
“Talented and dedicated educators like Jon Doty make me confident in the present and future of Maine schools,” said Ezekiel Kimball, Dean of the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. “Jon is the sort of educator that others aspire to emulate, and his work serves as an exemplary model for effective practice.”
Doty currently serves as President of the Maine Curriculum Leaders Association and was previously named the 2020 Maine Curriculum Leader of the Year.
He was presented with the 2026 Maine Assistant Superintendent of the Year award during the MSSA Annual Meeting on October 22 at the Augusta Civic Center.
The Maine Department of Education extends heartfelt congratulations to Assistant Superintendent Doty on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his continued leadership, innovation, and service to Maine students, educators, and communities.
Pictured: MSSA President Andrew Dolloff (left) and 2025 Maine Superintendent of the Year Howard Tuttle (right) present Gorham Superintendent Heather Perry (center) with the MSSA 2026 Maine Superintendent of the Year Award. (Image courtesy ofMSMA.)
The Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA) has announced that Gorham School Department Superintendent Heather Perry has been named the 2026 Maine Superintendent of the Year.
Perry is recognized for her visionary leadership, her work to expand student aspirations, and her innovative efforts to address the state’s education workforce challenges.
For the past decade, Perry has led the Gorham School District through transformative initiatives that have strengthened student success and postsecondary opportunities. Under her leadership, the district redesigned its alternative education programming and significantly increased student participation in internships, mentorships, and career and technical education (CTE). Through the district’s “Aspire Gorham” initiative, she has forged strong partnerships with local businesses and community leaders to help students explore career pathways beginning as early as kindergarten.
“Superintendent Perry’s unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and tireless commitment to students, staff, and the Gorham community exemplify the very best in educational excellence,” said Gorham School Committee Chair Nicole Yeo-Fisher. “This well-deserved recognition celebrates her exceptional work and lasting impact on our schools.”
In addition to advancing student learning, Perry has been a state and national leader in tackling education workforce challenges. In 2022, she helped launch Maine’s first educator apprenticeship program in Gorham—a pioneering model that provides school staff with an opportunity to earn credentials and advance their careers through coursework and on-the-job training. The program’s success has inspired similar initiatives across dozens of districts statewide.
“Heather is a truly devoted leader—one who serves as a role model and respected colleague to countless other superintendents,” said MSSA Executive Director Eileen King. “Her leadership extends far beyond Maine. Through her service on AASA’s Executive Committee and her published work on leadership, she’s become a trusted voice for superintendents across the country.”
RSU 14 Superintendent and MSSA Action Committee Chair Chris Howell echoed that sentiment, noting that Perry’s collaborative work with Southern Maine Community College and the University of Southern Maine has directly benefited districts across the state.
“This recognition is a testament to Heather’s dedication to elevating the entire profession and strengthening our educational community,” Howell said.
Perry began her career as a teacher and principal in the Machias area before serving as superintendent in the Greenville School Department and RSU 3. She earned her Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Southern Maine in 2019 and continues to serve on the MSSA Executive Committee. She recently completed a term on the AASA (The School Superintendents Association) Executive Committee.
Perry was presented with the 2026 Maine Superintendent of the Year award during the MSSA Annual Meeting on October 22 at the Augusta Civic Center.
The Maine Department of Education extends heartfelt congratulations to Superintendent Perry on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her continued leadership, innovation, and service to Maine students, educators, and communities.
2026 Maine Teacher of the Year Julia Edwards is a choral music teacher at Bruce Whittier Middle School and Poland Regional High School.
Poland, MAINE—The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine are excited to announce Bruce Whittier Middle School/Poland Regional High School choral music teacher Julia Edwards as the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Edwards celebrated this award with fellow RSU 16 educators and students during a surprise ceremony in the Poland Regional High School gymnasium.
“Congratulations to Julia Edwards on earning this well-deserved recognition as 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year!” Pender Makin, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education, said. “Her enthusiasm for music and its ability to serve as a connector across cultures and differences is remarkable, and her gift for extending that love of the arts to her students is admirable. Maine is lucky to have Julia representing and advocating for educators statewide throughout the next year.”
Hundreds of educators across the state were nominated for the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year process. In May, Edwards was selected as the 2025 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year, alongside 15 other County Teachers of the Year. In August, Edwards became one of four state finalists before she was ultimately named 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year.
“Music is at the root of some of the best learning in history. Try to summon up the elementary lessons that have stuck with you, and you’ll often find them attached to rhythm or song. As a community, we find our shared humanity through music. It builds bridges; it spans generations and cultures; and it holds power for positive change,” said Julia Edwards, 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. “We are fortunate that, in addition to living in a state filled with stellar educators, we can also celebrate Maine’s music programs that serve both their students and communities.”
Edwards is the choral music teacher at RSU 16’s Bruce Whittier Middle School and Poland Regional High School in Poland. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, where she studied oboe and served as a teaching fellow for the Children’s Chorus of Springfield. She returned home to Bridgton after graduating college to teach elementary music in North Conway, New Hampshire for two years before accepting her current position in the fall of 2012.
Edwards’ leadership experience at Poland Regional High School includes coordinating the “Roundtable” grade-level advisory program and serving as coordinator for the all-virtual learning program during the hybrid school year. As an advocate for professional collaboration, she served on the District Professional Learning Committee, where she proposed and co-created RSU 16’s annual district-wide conference. She finds the most joy, however, in working with her students. Edwards believes that all students deserve access to an excellent music education, regardless of their background, identity, or geographical location. Cultural curiosity and musicianship are at the core of her teaching philosophy, and she has worked to create many intercultural and intergenerational experiences for her students and community.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Edwards has served as a guest clinician and manager for district and state festivals in Maine and has presented on pedagogical topics for state, regional, and national conferences. She recently moved into the role of president for the Maine chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, where she is working to expand community singing opportunities throughout the state. As an advocate for cultural curiosity, Edwards has designed a Cultural Context Curriculum, which helps students to develop tools for ethically and enthusiastically exploring the world around them, as well as skills to be better world citizens. She believes music and community are synonymous, and she loves participating in the music community as a listener and performer.
Outside of teaching, Edwards enjoys skiing, cross-stitching, playing concerts with her folk band, “Bold Riley,” and exploring the Maine outdoors with her husband, two children, and rowdy dog, Baxter.
The Maine Teacher of the Year Program is a year-long process that involves educator portfolio and resume submissions, interviews, oral presentations, and classroom visits made by a selection panel comprised of Maine State Board of Education members, school administrators, Maine DOE staff, legacy Maine Teachers of the Year, and Maine business partners.
“I want to offer a huge congratulations to Julia Edwards for being named the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year,” said Jason Judd, Ed. D., executive director of Educate Maine. “This recognition honors Julia’s innovative practice, her enthusiasm for the work, and her unique connection to her students. In her classroom, Julia demonstrates every day what it truly means to be a teacher of impact.”
As 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year, Edwards will spend her year of service advocating for students and teachers and speaking about the importance of education in preparing Maine’s next generation of leaders for the future. She will also represent Maine in the National Teacher of the Year program.
“Julia is about to have one of the most meaningful years of her life,” said Becky Hallowell, the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year. “Mainers are fortunate to have Julia representing them. She has a gift for reaching out to all to celebrate the joy that music brings to us all. Julia’s natural generosity of spirit indicates that the entire community will be lifted and celebrated while she serves as the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year.”
“Anyone who has seen Julia in action knows that her classroom is a place filled with laughter, learning, and genuine connection. She is the teacher who every student remembers—the one who believes in them, challenges them, and helps them discover their confidence,” said Amy Hediger, superintendent of RSU 16. “We could not be more proud that Maine has recognized what our community has long known: Julia Edwards is extraordinary.”
The Maine Teacher of the Year program is administered by Educate Maine, a business-led advocacy organization, in partnership with the Maine DOE, the Maine State Board of Education, and the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association. Funding for the program is generously provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Unum, Hannaford Supermarket, Geiger, Maine State Lottery, and the Silvernail family.
For more information about the Maine Teacher of the Year program, visit mainetoy.org.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is proud to celebrate Nathan Prest, a student leader and advocate, for being named a 2025 FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader. This national recognition honors exceptional youth with lived experience in foster care who are creating positive change in their communities.
Presented annually by FosterClub, a leading national nonprofit supporting youth in foster care, the Outstanding Young Leader Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership, resilience, and advocacy.
Prest received the award for his tireless work supporting youth in Maine through leadership and advocacy, particularly around transition supports and eligibility through age 22 for students with disabilities. His efforts are rooted in a deep commitment to belonging, resilience, and empowering others—especially those navigating both the foster care system and the transition to adulthood.
Prest is a current member of the Executive Student Transition Committee (ESTC), a youth-led advisory group of the Transition Maine initiative under the Maine DOE Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education. Transition Maine works to support students with disabilities as they move from high school into adult life, including employment, post-secondary education, and independent living. Prest’s voice has been central to shaping the program’s statewide direction and impact.
“We could not be more proud of Nathan and his accomplishments,” Connor Archer, Transition Maine Project Consultant, said. “Nathan’s commitment to inspiring others is remarkable, and his resilience in doing so has helped reshape many important initiatives when it comes to helping our students with varying abilities and challenges transition from high school into adulthood successfully. In 2025 alone, Nathan has presented at several conferences and summits, representing the strong presence that Transition Maine has not only here in Maine but across the country.”
“Nathan is an important and wonderful member of the ESTC, and we are so proud of him receiving this amazing award,” Xavier Pettis, Chair of the ESTC, said. “His work with youth advocacy and his own lived experience bring tremendous joy and excitement to everything he does with us. We are all excited to work alongside him in this journey as a leader and human being, as he grows and evolves over these next few years!”
About Nathan Prest
Prest’s journey in foster care began at just four days old. After living with a foster family and then his grandmother, who became his primary support system until her passing, Prest returned to his former foster family, who eventually adopted him. Despite early life challenges, he graduated from Bonny Eagle High School, a milestone he once thought unreachable.
Today, Prest is a passionate advocate for youth with disabilities, including those living with autism, like himself. He speaks at youth summits and conferences, where he shares his story to encourage others to dream big and persist. He’s currently writing a book about his experiences and hopes to one day launch a business that supports others who are navigating similar journeys.
The Maine DOE congratulates Prest on this national recognition and thanks him for his ongoing leadership, both in Maine and beyond. His work embodies the core values of Transition Maine—empowerment, advocacy, and resilience—and we are proud to have his voice helping to shape a more inclusive and supportive future for all Maine students!
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.
Maine DOE Newsroom 