MEDIA RELEASE: 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year State Finalists Announced

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.

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, Dead River Company, Geiger, Hannaford, the Maine State Lottery, the Silvernail family, 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.

Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC) to Offer Monthly Office Hours

You are invited to join the Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC) in a new series of monthly virtual office hours. These sessions will focus on exploring Tier 1 evidence-based strategies to support increased attendance. Sessions will be held on the third Thursday of each month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., beginning September 18, 2025, and running through May 21, 2026.

Each practice assists in establishing the conditions under which regular attendance can flourish. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach, family member, administrator, or community partner, monthly MEAC moments are designed to offer practical insights, the research behind them, and actionable steps for increasing attendance.

Session topics are as follows:

September 18 – Create emotionally and physically safe environments
October 16 – Build routine, relationships, and relevance
November 20 – Establish early warning systems and a team-based response
December 18 – Strengthen school-home partnerships
January 15 – Use consistent, growth-focused attendance messaging
February 26 – Implement positive recognition and motivation strategies
March 19 – Engage families through proactive, supportive outreach
April 16 – Steps to refocus on increased attendance
May 21 – Reflect, recognize, and reset

To join MEAC monthly office hours, please register here.

The Maine Engagement and Attendance Center is part of the Maine DOE Office of School and Student Supports. With questions, please contact Maine DOE Student Engagement Specialist Sarah Nelson at Sarah.Nelson@maine.gov.

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE, Educate Maine Announce 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year Semifinalists

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.

The Maine Teacher of the Year Program is administered by Educate Maine through a unique partnership with the Maine Department of Education, with support from the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA) and the Maine State Board of Education. Funding for this program is generously provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Unum, Geiger, Hannaford Supermarkets, Maine State Lottery, and the Silvernail Family.

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.

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE Supports Next Generation of Leaders through Student Internships

These interns span high school to college and are working across a variety of Maine DOE offices and teams in the spring and summer of 2025.

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to recognize its nine student interns, working across a variety of Maine DOE offices and teams in the spring and summer of 2025. Many of these interns were selected through the Maine Government Summer Internship Program by the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Institute at the University of Maine. These interns contribute to daily operations and projects at the Maine DOE, gaining valuable professional experience, expanding their knowledge base and skillsets, and building meaningful connections.

Brooklynne Blockler of Dexter, Maine is a rising junior at Thomas College. She is majoring in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and Marketing. As the summer Maine DOE Communications Intern, Blockler will create content for the Maine DOE Newsroom and assist with updates to the Maine DOE website. Blocker says she is excited to expand her knowledge in the communications field and gain experience working at the government level. In her free time, Blockler enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with her family.

Brooklynne Blockler

Ellyson Bourgoine of York, Maine is a rising senior at the University of Maine. She is studying Management and Finance with a minor in Legal Studies. As the summer Maine DOE Operations and Events Intern, Bourgoine will support a variety of tasks, including assisting with the hiring process, performance management reporting, and coordinating events. Bourgoine says she is looking forward to learning more about the field of human resources and gaining a deeper understanding of how organizations function. In her free time, Bourgoine enjoys staying active, going on walks, and taking yoga classes.

Ellyson Bourgoine

Vagni Das is a rising senior at Yarmouth High School. She is working as a Maine DOE Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Intern through the end of June. Das was born in India and has lived in Maine for seven years and in America for 15 years. Das says in school, she especially likes learning about history and science. Apart from her regular courses, she also likes doing theater, Model UN, and debate. In her free time, Das enjoys watching movies and singing.

Vagni Das

Olivia Haralson is a graduating senior at Brunswick High School. She is working as a Maine DOE Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Intern through the end of June. Haralson will be attending New York University in the fall to major in Film and Television. Haralson says she has enjoyed writing articles through the Maine DOE about ELO programs at high schools statewide. In her free time, Haralson likes filmmaking, thrifting, and writing.

Olivia Haralson

Adam Hendrix of Mercer, Maine is a rising senior at the University of Maine at Farmington. He is studying Mathematics and Computer Science. As the summer Maine DOE Assistant Financial Analyst Intern, Hendrix will work to automate and optimize the computer-based tasks that those in Education in the Unorganized Territory (EUT) have been performing manually. Hendrix says he is excited to apply his skills to real-world systems that are actively used. In his free time, Hendrix enjoys playing competitive fighting games.

Adam Hendrix

Naomi Lopez of Los Angeles, California is a rising senior at Bowdoin College. She is majoring in Environmental Studies and Psychology. As the summer Maine DOE Green Schools and Climate Literacy Intern, Lopez will support efforts to advance Maine’s Climate Literacy Plan and Green Schools Initiative. Her work will include planning the Green Schools Symposium, creating a professional learning credential for climate education, and more. Lopez says she is particularly excited to help organize the Green Schools Symposium and connect with Maine’s vibrant community of environmental advocates, educators, and students. In her free time, Lopez enjoys watching baseball, trying new ice cream flavors, and exploring scenic spots along Maine’s coast.

Naomi Lopez

Bobin Park of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania is a rising sophomore at Bowdoin College. She is a prospective Government and Legal Studies major. As the Maine DOE Bowdoin Public Service Intern, Park will work on outreach for the Seal of Biliteracy. Park says she looks forward to collaborating with students, educators, parents, and administrators to increase awareness about and adoption of the Seal throughout the State of Maine. She says she is excited to see how much she can accomplish over the next few months. In her free time, Park enjoys exploring downtown Portland for cozy bookstores and vintage shops.

Bobin Park

Emma Sirois of Farmingdale, Maine is a rising junior at the University of Maine. She is studying Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. As a summer Learning Through Technology—Data and Media Assistant Intern, Sirois will work with the Maine Learning Technology Initiative team and help to organize information about how schools are using technology. Sirois says she is excited for the opportunity to step into state work, learn about impactful projects, and gain experience that she can take into her future career. She says she is also looking forward to meeting new people on the Maine DOE team. In her free time, Sirois enjoys traveling to beautiful places in Maine and capturing moments with her digital and film cameras.

Emma Sirois

Molly Taub of Brunswick, Maine is a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh. She is studying Political Science. As a summer Learning Through Technology—Data and Media Assistant Intern, Taub will work on various projects aimed at assisting schools with technology use and implementation. Taub says she is excited about the opportunity to learn how new forms of technology, such as artificial intelligence, are changing the curriculum in Maine. In her free time, Taub enjoys taking her two golden retrievers swimming in Maquoit Bay.

Molly Taub

The Maine DOE is proud to support and mentor the next generation of leaders through these internship experiences. With their diverse backgrounds, strong work ethic, and dedication to education, these interns are already making valuable contributions that will continue throughout the summer and beyond.

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine Honored with National “Difference Makers Award” for Green Schools Leadership

From left to right: Glenn Cummings, Director of Green Schools, Maine DOE; Abigail Hayne, Maine Youth Climate Engagement Coordinator, GOPIF; Robin Sidman, Executive Director, Project Green Schools; Dan Chuhta, Deputy Commissioner, Maine DOE; Michael Isenberg, Board Co-Chair, Project Green Schools

This award from Project Green Schools recognizes the collaboration between the Maine DOE and GOPIF on the Green Schools Initiative.

Washington, D.C. – The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) were recognized nationally today with the 2025 Difference Makers Award for their groundbreaking collaboration on the Green Schools Initiative, an ambitious statewide effort to support Maine schools in improving energy efficiency, saving public funds, and reducing pollution in the state’s pre-K through grade 12 schools.

Presented in Washington, D.C. by Project Green Schools, a nonprofit developing the next generation of environmental leaders, this award celebrates Maine’s visionary leadership in aligning education and environmental policy to improve math, science, and social studies results, reduce pollution emissions, and build climate-resilient school communities.

“Maine educators, students, and school leaders are already making climate-smart choices every day,” Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin said. “This award belongs to them. They are not only embracing clean energy and sustainability; they are preparing for the future by leading with purpose and urgency.”

“This honor is a credit to the students and educators leading the charge on climate action in Maine, helping their schools and communities to build a healthier environment and economy for the future,” GOPIF Director Hannah Pingree said. “I thank the Maine Department of Education for their partnership in this important initiative, which is fostering the next generation of climate leaders to meet our ambitious climate goals.”

“We applaud the State of Maine for setting high standards when it comes to engaging students, schools, citizens, and industry leaders in environmental solutions for a healthier future,” Robin Sidman, Founder and Executive Director of Project Green Schools, said. “Maine is among our nation’s most innovative and impactful Green Schools Leaders honored today at the 2025 Green Difference Awards Ceremony.”

Launched in 2022, the Green Schools Initiative is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Maine DOE and GOPIF. It focuses on practical and strategic investments—such as energy technical assistance, curriculum development, and student-engaged sustainability planning—that support Maine schools and communities across the state.

Key accomplishments of the initiative include Maine’s first statewide Climate & Me Youth Leadership statewide convening, new tools for tracking school-level environmental data, and ongoing planning for a Green Schools gathering to be held in November of 2025. Bipartisan legislative support has also played a crucial role though supporting energy efficiency, community resilience, outdoor learning for all Maine students, and air quality improvements throughout the state’s public schools.

The Maine DOE and GOPIF also acknowledge national and state partners, including the Maine Environmental Educator Association, Maine Outdoor School for All, Slipstream, Ten Strands, and the U.S. Green Building Council, whose research and policy guidance have helped to accelerate Maine’s climate education efforts.

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE, Educate Maine Announce 2025 County Teachers of the Year

On May 14 at the Hall of Flags, teachers representing all of the state’s 16 counties were announced as the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year.

AUGUSTA, Maine—The State of Maine is celebrating its newest cohort of County Teachers of the Year. On Wednesday, May 14, at the Hall of Flags in the State Capitol, the Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with Educate Maine, announced the 16 teachers, representing every county in the state, who were selected for this honor in 2025.

More than 550 teachers across Maine were nominated this year for the Maine Teacher of the Year Program by a member(s) of their school community. A local panel of teachers, principals, and business community members then chose 16 outstanding educators from that pool. These teachers span elementary to high school, range from having taught for seven to 37 years, and specialize in subjects including Choral Music, Robotics, Special Education, German, English, Latin, Global Studies, and Unified Literacy.

Throughout their year of service, the Maine County Teachers of the Year act as ambassadors for teachers, students, and schools. For example, Maine’s 2024 County Teachers of the Year cohort established a survey to assess the mentorship needs of teachers across the state. The 2023 cohort created the “Love Maine Schools” campaign.

Governor Janet Mills joined Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin, Educate Maine Executive Director Jason Judd, Chair Fern Desjardins of the Maine State Board of Education, and 2025 Maine State Teacher of the Year Becky Hallowell on Wednesday to announce and honor the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year.

“As the daughter of a long-time public-school teacher, and as someone who raised five children who attended public schools in Maine, I am deeply grateful to the educators throughout our state who make learning a meaningful, engaging experience,” Governor Janet Mills said. “These 16 teachers represent every county from Aroostook to York and are paving the way for a well-educated, healthy and productive citizenry in the state of Maine.”

“Far too often, the hard work of educators in classrooms across our state goes unrecognized and is underappreciated,” Commissioner Pender Makin said. “The Maine Teacher of the Year Program provides an excellent opportunity to elevate the voices of 16 of these dedicated teachers, who will spend their year championing their students, their colleagues, and the education profession as a whole.”

“It is with great pride that we announce the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year,” Educate Maine Executive Director Jason Judd said. “During their year of recognition, they will serve as advocates for learners and educators across the state, and we look forward to supporting and collaborating with them.”

Throughout the summer, the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year will continue to participate in the intensive Maine State Teacher of the Year selection process. The 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year will be announced in the fall.

2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year:

Androscoggin:
Julia Edwards
Choral Music Teacher
Poland Regional High School, RSU 16

Aroostook:
Laurie Spooner
Robotics/Math/Biology/Human Anatomy/Chemistry Teacher
Van Buren District School, MSAD 24/RSU 88

Cumberland:
Monica Malcomson
Second Grade Teacher
Frank I. Brown Elementary School, South Portland School Department

Franklin:
Kylee Alton
Special Education Teacher
Phillips Elementary School, MSAD 58

Hancock:
Annie Goodwin
Kindergarten Teacher
Dedham Elementary School, AOS 47

Kennebec:
Deborah Backman
German Teacher
Cony Middle/High School, Augusta School Department

Knox:
Melissa Goeke
Fifth Grade Teacher
Hope Elementary School, School Union 69

Lincoln:
Bridget Wright
English Teacher
Lincoln Academy

Oxford:
Sarah Marshall
First Grade Teacher
Rumford Elementary School, RSU 10

Penobscot:
Benjamin Johnson
Latin Teacher
Hampden Academy, RSU 22

Piscataquis:
Brett Almasi
Global Studies, American Studies, IB Psychology Teacher
Foxcroft Academy, RSU 68

Sagadahoc:
Dawn Lee
School Library/Media, Unified Literacy Teacher
Morse High School, RSU 1

Somerset:
Karyn Bigelow
Second Grade Teacher
Bloomfield Elementary School, RSU/MSAD 54

Waldo:
Margaret Campbell
Fifth Grade Teacher
Ames Elementary School, RSU 71

Washington:
Janis Poulin Whitney
Second Grade Teacher
Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School, AOS 96

York:
Amanda Blunda
Fourth/Fifth Grade Experiential Classroom Teacher
Buxton Center Elementary School, MSAD 6

The Maine DOE’s Teacher of the Year Program is administered through a collaborative partnership with Educate Maine. To learn more about the Maine Teacher of the Year Program, click here.

MEDIA RELEASE: Hundreds of Students, Guests Attend 95th Annual Maine FFA State Convention

The two-day event, themed, “Plowing New Paths, Harvesting Dreams,” celebrated youth leadership in agriculture and natural resources.

The Maine FFA Association proudly concluded its 95th annual State Convention on May 9, 2025, following two vibrant days of student-led events, competitions, and career development activities held in the Greater Bangor/Orono region. Hosted primarily at the University of Maine campus in Orono, the convention welcomed more than 300 FFA members, advisors, guests, and supporters from across the state.

This year’s convention theme, “Plowing New Paths, Harvesting Dreams,” guided a full schedule of programming that highlighted youth leadership, innovation in agriculture, and meaningful community engagement. The event featured career and leadership development opportunities in 19 unique areas, including, but not limited to, environmental science, veterinary science, public speaking, floriculture, and tractor driving. Students also participated in community service projects with Maine Harvest for Hunger, the Bangor Humane Society, and Good Shepherd Food Bank.

“This year’s convention theme couldn’t be more fitting, as these words capture both the hard work that defines agricultural life but also the hopeful vision that drives us forward,” Megan Welter, Maine DOE Associate Commissioner of Public Education, said to students during the convention’s opening ceremony. “Since last May, Maine proudly welcomed three new FFA chapters: Poland, Dexter, and Sanford. That expansion brings the State of Maine to 14 chapters, which is a 15% growth in one year. That’s not just a number; that is a testament to the enduring relevance and growing importance of agriculture education in our state.”

Also in attendance during the convention’s opening and closing ceremonies were Deputy Commissioner Nancy McBrady of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry; Dean Diane Rowland of the University of Maine College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences; and National FFA Secretary Luke Jennings, along with State Officers from FFA chapters across Maine. The convention celebrated the achievements of these FFA chapters and installed the 2025-2026 State Officer Team.

“FFA has been the best thing that has happened to me individually, but I also get to watch a lot of other students grow, as well,” Maine FFA State Vice President Haley Mayne said. “I am so proud of everyone, and I think that being in FFA will not only prepare you for things in agriculture but also for real-world experience. It’s such an awesome organization to be a part of.”

Additional highlights from the two-day event included livestock evaluation, an ag mechanics competition, the National FFA Officer workshop, and hands-on activities in aquaculture, horse evaluation, and floriculture.

For more information about FFA, visit the Maine DOE Website.

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE Climate Education Program in Full Swing Across the State

The new Maine Climate Literacy Plan provides additional guidance and support for school districts participating in the Maine DOE Climate Education Program.

AUGUSTA, Maine—The Maine Department of Education (DOE) continues to promote climate education opportunities for school districts statewide with the recent publication of the Maine Climate Literacy Plan.

In the spring of 2024, the Maine DOE convened a taskforce to develop this statewide climate education plan, designed to support the Maine DOE Climate Education Program, which launched in 2023. This program takes a place-based, interdisciplinary approach to helping students learn more about our planet’s climate system and how it works.

So far in its three-year pilot, the Maine DOE Climate Education Program has supported nearly 30 locally-designed climate education professional learning opportunities throughout the state—including 10 underway this school year. Some examples include:

MSAD 17
Elementary, middle, and high school students in MSAD 17 are engaging in a wide range of experiential, environmental education programs through a partnership with Roberts Farms Preserve and the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy. Advisory groups made of teachers throughout the district help to guide and lead curriculum efforts. MSAD 17 recently expanded its capacity for this climate education work by unveiling a new experiential learning building at Roberts Farm Preserve.

For more information, contact Jill Bartash, MSAD 17 Curriculum Director, at j.bartash@msad17.org.

MSAD 17 students enjoy time at Roberts Farm Preserve as part of the Maine DOE Climate Education Program.

Westbrook Middle School
Westbrook Middle School has a robust farming and environmental education program right in its own backyard. This year as part of the Maine DOE Climate Education Program, the middle school has hosted an educator from the Wild Seed Project three days a week to help teachers explore and learn more about the natural environment. Teachers work with the Wild Seed Project educator to integrate interdisciplinary lessons for students throughout the school day. This programming is set to continue throughout the spring.

For more information, contact Austin Mehlhorn, Regular Education Social Worker, at mehlhorna@westbrookschools.org.

RSU 34
RSU 34 in Old Town is wrapping up a busy year of programming through the Maine DOE Climate Education Program in partnership with the RiSE Center at the University of Maine. This initiative has focused on braiding together Indigenous knowledge and Western science to develop climate education curricula and support teacher professional learning. Celebratory events for this program will be hosted on Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30, at the UMaine Orono campus.

For more information, contact Jon Doty, RSU 34 Assistant Superintendent, at jon.doty@rsu34.org.

RSU 34 teachers participate in professional learning at the Hirundo Wildlife Preserve as part of the Maine DOE Climate Education Program.

Nominations Now Open for State and County Teachers of the Year

The Maine Teacher of the Year journey begins with your nomination! Nominate a teacher from your town, county, or region today at www.mainetoy.org/nominate. Nominations are open through January 31.

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine are excited to announce that nominations are officially open for the 2025 County Teachers of the Year and the 2026 State Teacher of the Year. Maine’s State and County Teachers of the Year serve as advocates for teachers, students, and public education in Maine.

“The Maine Teacher of the Year program is an excellent opportunity to recognize the extraordinary educators across our state who are dedicated to their schools and communities – and who are engaging, inspiring, and motivating their students every day,” Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin said. “These nominations will give 16 Maine teachers a prominent platform to share the wonderful, innovative happenings in Maine’s classrooms and advocate for public education.”

Nominations can be made now through 5 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025 through a form on the Maine Teacher of the Year website. Nominations will be accepted from students, parents, caregivers, community members, school administrators, colleagues, college faculty members, and associations/organizations. Self-nominations and nominations from family members are not accepted.

Teachers who are nominated must:

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

Beyond serving as advocates for education, Maine’s State and County Teachers of the Year serve as advisors to the Maine DOE and state-level education stakeholders across Maine. State and County Teachers of the Year also join a cohort of teacher leaders who actively work together for the betterment of education in Maine. They receive ongoing professional learning and participate in many county and state leadership opportunities.

The 2025 County Teachers of the Year will be announced in May, and the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year will be selected from the 16 county honorees. Through a selection process designed by educators, the field will be narrowed to semi-finalists and then state finalists before the Maine Teacher of the Year is announced by the Commissioner of the Maine DOE at a school assembly in the fall. Each year, State and County Teachers of the Year are honored at the annual Teacher of the Year Gala.

On behalf of, and in partnership with, the Maine DOE, the Maine Teacher of the Year program is administered by Educate Maine, a business-led organization with a mission of championing college, career readiness, and increased educational attainment. Funding is provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Dead River Company, Geiger, Hannaford, the Maine State Lottery, the Silvernail family, and Unum, with support from the State Board of Education and the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association.

“Educate Maine is honored to continue our partnership with the Maine Department of Education to administer the Maine Teacher of the Year program,” Educate Maine Executive Director Dr. Jason Judd said. “Our State and County Teachers of the Year exemplify the incredible dedication, innovation, and impact of educators across Maine. This program celebrates the vital role teachers play in shaping our future, elevates their voices, and strengthens the profession through leadership and advocacy.”

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

Through the generous support of Maine businesses, there is no cost to the local district when the Maine Teacher of the Year is out of the classroom on their official duties, which include representing educators statewide and nationally and highlighting the important work of Maine schools, communities, and educators.

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

MEDIA RELEASE: Portland Third Graders Create Ornaments for National Christmas Tree Display in Washington, D.C.

2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Joshua Chard recently represented the state of Maine and his students at the 102nd National Christmas Tree Lighting event in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Elementary students in Portland recently created original ornaments that are now on the national stage, decorating Maine’s tree for the 2024 National Christmas Tree display at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Led by their teacher, 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Joshua Chard, third graders from East End Community School designed ornaments for the Maine tree this year as part of the

America Celebrates

64(26.8%) ornament program, an annual collaboration of the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Park Foundation. Through this program, ordinary Americans create ornaments to symbolize the history, heritage, and culture of their homelands.

“In third grade, my students explore the history of the Presumpscot River, which flows into the bay visible from our classroom windows,” explained Chard. “We learn how the Wabanaki tribes have served as water protectors of these rivers, both in the past and today, and we take action to support rivers and the diverse life they sustain. Our ornaments showcase the flora and fauna found along the banks of the Presumpscot, symbolizing what we strive to protect, as we join the Wabanaki in being water protectors.”

Chard recently represented the state of Maine and his students at the 102nd National Christmas Tree Lighting event in Washington, D.C. During the event, President Joe Biden lit the National Christmas Tree, which is surrounded by 58 smaller trees representing states, territories, and schools managed by the Bureau of Indian Education and the Department of Defense Education Activity.

Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, and other special guests from across the nation attended, and musical artists Trisha Yearwood and James Taylor performed. The tree-lighting event will air on CBS on Friday, December 20.

While in Washington, D.C, Chard also visited with Maine Senator Angus King, toured the U.S. Capitol and the White House to view holiday decorations, and connected with fellow State Teachers of the Year from Illinois and Maryland.

Please click here for additional pictures from Joshua Chard’s visit to Washington, D.C.

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2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Joshua Chard recently represented Maine at the 102nd National Christmas Tree display in Washington, D.C.

Joshua Chard’s third-grade students at East End Elementary School created ornaments for the Maine tree at the National Christmas Tree display in Washington, D.C.

While in Washington, D.C., Joshua Chard met with Maine Senator Angus King.

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