Congratulations to Abby McCoy from Androscoggin County, Adrianne Shetenhelm from Cumberland County, Gretchen Livingston from Kennebec County, and Gina Welch from Oxford County.

Augusta, MAINE—Four Maine educators have been announced as state finalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. Abby McCoy, a Chemistry and Forensic Science Teacher at Lewiston High School; Adrianne Shetenhelm, an English and Alternative Education Teacher at Windham High School; Gretchen Livingston, a Spanish Teacher at Cony Middle and High School; and Gina Welch, a Pre-K Teacher at Crescent Park Elementary School, were selected from the 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year cohort to move forward in the Teacher of the Year process.

“Maine teachers are going above and beyond every day. They challenge and inspire their students with creative learning experiences, build relationships and partnerships with the families and communities they serve, and create opportunities for all students to excel,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin. “We are thrilled to celebrate the transformative impact teachers have on students and communities across Maine.”

One of the four state finalists will be named 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year, an honor bestowed annually upon one educator in Maine. This announcement will be made 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 County Teacher of the Year  was nominated for this recognition because of their exemplary service in education and dedication to their students. A distinguished panel of teachers, principals, and members of the business community 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.

“We have wonderful teachers across Maine, and the talent and dedication of the four state finalists for Teacher of the Year are a reflection of that,” Educate Maine’s interim executive director Kate Howell said. “We are inspired by their example and their individual stories, and look forward to celebrating and supporting the finalists and the entire 2026 County Teacher of the Year cohort. As leaders in their profession, they make a meaningful difference in the lives of their students every day.”
 
“The 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year finalists exemplify the pinnacle of our profession—educators who ignite curiosity, cultivate a passion for learning, and profoundly impact the lives of students each day,” Maine State Board of Education Chair Paulette Bonneau said. “Their commitment and creativity reflect the resilience of Maine’s schools and the bright future ahead.”

“We have already learned so much from these four finalists and can’t wait for the rest of the state to get to know their incredible talent and expertise,” Maine County and State Teacher of the Year Association co-president Emilie Throckmorton said. “We look forward to folding them into the strong network of educators that we already work with and continuing to be inspired by them.”

More about the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year state finalists:

Androscoggin
Abigail McCoy
Chemistry and Forensic Science Teacher
Lewiston High School, Lewiston Public Schools

Abigail McCoy is a chemistry and forensic science teacher at Lewiston High School and the 2026 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Haverford College. McCoy creates engaging, hands-on learning experiences that encourage students to explore, question, and approach challenges with curiosity and confidence. She has advised Lewiston High School’s Black Student Union since students established the organization in 2019, helping create leadership opportunities and strengthen connections within the school community. McCoy also supports fellow educators as the science department’s content leader, helping teachers implement laboratory experiences and leading interdisciplinary professional development focused on making rigorous content more accessible to multilingual learners.

“To be a 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year finalist is a huge honor. I am humbled and grateful to be a part of this process and to learn so much from my fellow finalists,” McCoy said. “It’s also incredible to be a representative of Lewiston, a beautiful microcosm of Maine. It allows me to raise the voices of new Mainers of different races, religions, and cultures and bring them forward into our education system. I hope to use this platform to raise awareness of AI’s impact on students’ mental health and access to learning. It is critical that we understand the societal effects of AI, as I have seen it negatively affect students’ creativity and critical thinking, two essential things that keep us human.”

Cumberland
Adrianne Shetenhelm
English and Alternative Education Teacher
Windham High School, RSU 14

Adrianne Shetenhelm has 19 years of experience in the English classroom, including 11 years leading Alternative Programming for Excellence (APEX) at Windham High School. She is the 2026 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year. Shetenhelm holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education from Wheaton College and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College. She is currently pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership at the University of Southern Maine. Through APEX, Shetenhelm provides self-paced, individualized learning pathways for students who may not thrive in conventional school structures, demonstrating her belief that rigor and flexibility can work together. She chairs her school’s Alternative Pathways Department, serves on the Extended Learning Opportunities Committee, mentors new teachers, and co-founded Student Exploratory Adventures, which connects students with local businesses and career opportunities.

“I am honored to be named a 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year State finalist, and it means the world to share this with the students, staff, and community of Windham High School who make my work possible,” Shetenhelm said. “As an alternative educator, I’ve built my career on the belief that trusting students and offering multiple pathways to success can be a lifeline. This recognition gives me a platform to spotlight that belief statewide. I hope to shine a light on the personalized, interdisciplinary learning happening in programs like APEX, where rigor and individualization aren’t a trade-off. More than anything, I want this moment to celebrate the dedicated Maine educators and their community partners who are quietly building those same pathways in their own schools.”

Kennebec
Gretchen Livingston
Spanish Teacher
Cony Middle and High School, Augusta Schools

Gretchen Livingston is a Spanish teacher at Cony Middle and High School in Augusta and the 2026 Kennebec County Teacher of the Year. With 25 years of experience teaching Spanish in Maine, she teaches Spanish Levels 1–6 for students in grades 8–12 and has chaired the World Language Department since 2014. She also serves as the district’s Seal of Biliteracy coordinator. Livingston holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Tufts University and a master’s degree in Teaching from the School for International Training. Her student-centered approach combines authentic communication, cultural connections, project-based learning, and service learning. She has led eight student service-learning trips to Guatemala and is planning a ninth. Livingston also founded the Cony Girls Lacrosse team in 2006 and continues to coach.

“Being a 2027 MTOY Finalist is humbling, inspiring, and motivating,” Livingston said. “I am humbled by the extraordinary work of educators across Maine and inspired by how educators in my district transform students’ lives. I am motivated to use this platform to elevate every voice and story, ensuring that everyone in our schools knows they belong. This recognition shines a light on the tremendous work happening in Augusta Public Schools and throughout Maine. At the heart of that work, regardless of age or subject, is language. Language is not a barrier—it is an asset and a bridge. It builds empathy, opens doors, and helps us see how our differences make our schools, communities, and world stronger.”

Oxford
Gina Welch
Pre-K Teacher
Crescent Park Elementary School, MSAD 44

Gina Welch is a pre-kindergarten teacher at Crescent Park Elementary School in Bethel and the 2026 Oxford County Teacher of the Year. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maine at Farmington and a master’s degree in Educational Studies from the University of New Hampshire. Welch brings more than two decades of early childhood experience, including 17 years with Early Head Start and Head Start, where she served as a home visitor, lead classroom teacher, and family engagement manager. When Crescent Park launched its first pre-kindergarten classroom, Welch became its founding teacher. Her play-based, child-centered approach emphasizes curiosity, hands-on learning, and strong relationships with students and families. She also serves as a mentor teacher, supporting educators in strengthening their practice and building meaningful family partnerships.

“Being named a 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year finalist is an incredible honor, and I am especially proud to shine a light on a school district that has continually encouraged and supported me in becoming the very best teacher I can be. I also see this recognition as a reflection of the outstanding colleagues and administrators who have supported, challenged, and inspired me throughout my career; this honor truly belongs to all of us,” Welch said. “I hope this platform allows me to highlight and elevate the power of relationships between teachers, students, families, and communities and the important role teachers can play as leaders in building those connections. I believe that when we intentionally strengthen those relationships, we create schools where every child and family feels that they belong, which in turn impacts student outcomes.”

More about the Maine Teacher of the Year program:

The Maine Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year program is administered through a unique partnership with Educate Maine, 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, Geiger, the Maine State Lottery, and Unum.

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.

Eight of the 16 total 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year remain in the running for 2027 Maine State Teacher of the Year.

AUGUSTA, Maine—Eight exceptional educators from across the state are semifinalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. On Thursday, July 23, 2026, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine officially announced these semifinalists, who will deliver keynote speeches, submit professional portfolios, and participate in an expert panel discussion about educational equity, teacher leadership, and education policy as part of the next phase of the Maine State Teacher of the Year selection process.

The semifinalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year are: 

Androscoggin
Abigail (Reuscher) McCoy
Chemistry and Forensic Science Teacher
Lewiston High School, Lewiston Public Schools

Aroostook
Kathy Theriault
Mathematics Teacher
Wisdom Middle/High School, MSAD 33

Cumberland
Adrianne Shetenhelm
English and Alternative Education Teacher
Windham High School, RSU 14

Kennebec
Gretchen Livingston
Spanish Teacher
Cony Middle and High School, Augusta Schools

Oxford
Gina Welch
Pre-K Teacher
Crescent Park Elementary School, MSAD 44

Penobscot
Marcy Soucy
4th and 5th Grade Math and Reading Teacher
Fairmount School, Bangor School Department

Somerset
Jeremy Bourque
Digital Media Instructor
Somerset Career and Technical Center, MSAD/RSU 54

Waldo
Rachel Norgang
2nd and 3rd Grade Teacher
Monroe Elementary School, RSU 3

As members of the 2026 Maine County Teacher of the Year cohort, these educators embody the dedication, innovation, and classroom leadership synonymous with this recognition. Throughout their year of service, they act as ambassadors for their students, colleagues, and school communities, celebrating and elevating the teaching profession as a whole.

“Congratulations to the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year semifinalists on this impressive and well-deserved recognition,” Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin said. “We are honored to champion you and your peers through this important program, which highlights the challenging and often underappreciated work of educators and the ways in which unwavering dedication in the classroom can be life-changing for students.”

“We are proud to celebrate and recognize these outstanding educators,” Jodi Mezzanotte, M.Ed., Director of Educator Engagement at Educate Maine, said. “Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to their students, the teaching profession, and colleagues across the state reflect the very best of public education in Maine.”
 
The selection process for Maine State Teacher of the Year 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. Candidates first participated in the county selection process, in which a distinguished panel of teachers, principals, business leaders, and community members chose them from among hundreds of nominees as 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year. These 16 teachers began the selection process for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year in May, showcasing their instructional practices through a classroom video and written reflection. 

The Maine State Teacher of the Year finalists will be announced in the fall, with a grand reveal of the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year in October. That teacher will represent Maine in the National Teacher of the Year program. 

The Maine Teacher of the Year program is administered by Educate Maine through a unique partnership with the Maine DOE, with support from the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association and the Maine State Board of Education. Funding for this program is generously provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Geiger, the Maine State Lottery, and Unum.

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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