NH Edies

05/29/2026

Countdown to Excellence: Award Winner Spotlight 🌟

The New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association selected Rachel Freierman as the 2026 Natural Resources Educator of the Year for fostering deep environmental stewardship at Woodland Chartered Public School. As an outdoor education teacher, she integrates hands-on skills with ecological lessons to cultivate a profound "sense of place" in her students. Her curriculum emphasizes community responsibility that effectively prepares the next generation to manage natural resources.

The mission of the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association (NHTOA) is to promote private and public working forests, responsible forest management, and a strong forest products industry. Founded in 1911, the NHTOA is a non-profit organization of forest landowners, foresters, loggers, wood-using industries, and others connected with or involved in forestry. The NHTOA’s membership collectively owns more than 1 million acres of productive timberland.

05/28/2026

Countdown to Excellence: Award Winner Spotlight 🌟

Patty brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience in the southwest region, rooted in a deep passion for student success. Her passion began during her career at the Brattleboro Retreat (a psychiatric and addictions hospital), where she saw firsthand how trauma, mental health, and disability intersect, and she has spent the past two decades turning that insight into action. She served for 13 years in SAU 47 as a Special Education Coordinator and later as the Assistant Director of Student Services. For the past five years, she has led as Director of Student Services in SAU 92, where her visionary programming and student-centered decision-making have continued to have a transformative impact.

The New Hampshire Association of Special Education Administrators is a diverse non-profit, nonpartisan professional organization providing support and professional services to our members. NHASEA promotes, supports and empowers our members and projects a powerful and unified voice when it comes to state and local conversations related to special education.

05/27/2026

Countdown to Excellence: Award Winner Spotlight 🌟

Rebecca Coughlin exemplifies professionalism in every aspect of her work. She is a passionate advocate for music and arts education and for student well-being. She consistently contributes to a positive school culture at McKelvie Intermediate School, Bedford, NH and her enthusiasm, leadership, and collaborative spirit have had a lasting impact on both students and colleagues. Her dedication is a true inspiration to all music educators.

New Hampshire Music Educators' Association leads New Hampshire in music education, empowering generations to create, perform, and respond to music

05/26/2026

Discovery Education provides industry-leading content, digital-first curriculum, personalized learning programs, and time-saving instructional tools enhance teaching and learning across core subjects.

Thank you, Discovery Education, for your annual support!

05/25/2026

Countdown to Excellence: Award Winner Spotlight 🌟

Congratulations to Heather Nelson, Moultonborough School District - SAU 45!

Heather is described as a professional who pairs deep clinical expertise with the visionary leadership required to transform an entire school culture as she embodies clinical rigor and a collaborative spirit. Heather has meticulously built a multi-disciplinary "powerhouse" team and oversees a diverse staff.
Heather’s impact is visible in her commitment to student voice as she both provides services to students and has empowered them to lead, fostering a sense of agency and belonging. Students and staff like share the belief that Heather’s practice is deeply validating.

The New Hampshire Association of School Psychologists in the 21st century will be a vibrant association, supporting its members in their commitment to fostering strong children, schools, and families in New Hampshire. NHASP members are united in advocacy for children.

05/25/2026

05/23/2026

Northeast Delta Dental specializes in the administration of dental programs and has become the leader in the dental marketplace by promoting its uniqueness. They are a not-for-profit organization focused on developing and administering the highest quality dental and wellness benefits solutions.

Thank you for supporting the brightest of the Granite State!

05/22/2026

Countdown to Excellence: Award Winner Spotlight 🌟

The late Dr. Dennise Maslakowski dedicated her career to inspiring and supporting teachers, colleagues, and students. Annually, Plymouth State University seeks to honor a NH educator who exemplifies the same level of support, helping to improve the educational experience for New Hampshire students.

Dr. Ryan Long has been named the 2026 recipient of the Dennise Maslakowski Education Award, which is being presented posthumously. A licensed school psychologist, board certified behavior analyst, and clinical mental health counselor in New Hampshire, Ryan was a dedicated advocate at the state level, an outstanding practitioner and educational leader, and a beloved adjunct instructor at Plymouth State University. Like Dennise, his contributions to the profession and his impact on students and colleagues were far-reaching. Ryan passed away in August 2025. This award honors and celebrates his many significant professional achievements.

05/20/2026

Countdown to Excellence: Award Winner Spotlight 🌟

Sarah Thompson's current role as a Reading Specialist at Plymouth Elementary School PTA downplays the many 'hats' she wears in support of literacy for all children in the greater Plymouth area. She is seen as the resident expert in all things literacy in her district, leading many to seek her out to support and enhance their data analysis and instruction. Sarah also supports at-risk students through targeted MTSS-based instruction, driving significant growth and sharing actionable data with classroom teachers. She adjusts tiered groups based on need, leads school initiatives, and contributes to the district literacy committee. She also designs and delivers professional development, recently creating a highly praised course on effective literacy instruction. Known for her data-driven approach, deep expertise, and collaborative spirit, Sarah consistently empowers educators and improves outcomes for students across the greater Plymouth area.

The Reading League is a national education nonprofit agency led by educators and literacy experts dedicated to advancing the awareness, understanding, and use of evidence-aligned instruction. The Reading League NH (TRL-NH) shares these goals.

05/19/2026

As New Hampshire’s Land, Sea, and Space Grant institution, University of New Hampshire drives impact through hands-on learning, innovative research, public service, and a vibrant community benefiting the Granite State and beyond.

Thank you to your commitment to postsecondary education and to the EDies.

05/17/2026

Countdown to Excellence: Award Winner Spotlights 🌟

New Hampshire Council for the Social Studies announces three (!) award recipients for the New Hampshire Excellence in Education Awards.

Frankl Lombardi's, , innovative approach, inspired by mentorship from Dr. Alvarez, fosters civic engagement and technical skills. Frank’s commitment to authentic, real-world learning—often outside the classroom—empowers students to see the impact of their work and builds lasting enthusiasm for geography and community stewardship.

Cynthia Bradley Young, Portsmouth High School - NH, is an outstanding civics educator whose commitment reaches beyond the classroom. As Model United Nations advisor, she fosters student leadership and global awareness, guiding students to organize their first conference. Her collaborative spirit has made civic responsibility a core value in the department. M

Stephanie Corbin, Bedford School District (Bedford High School), continually innovates her curriculum, fosters student engagement, and models lifelong learning. Her efforts to connect history to real-world experiences, including immersive field trips and civic simulations, exemplify her belief that history should be lived and understood.

The NHCSS is dedicated to developing an active and informed citizenry by strengthening and supporting Social Studies teachers and education professionals in New Hampshire. NHCSS’s mission encompasses all aspects of the social sciences: history, geography, civics, government, economics, sociology, psychology, sociology, anthropology and law.