Maine Teacher of the Year and Maine County Teachers of the Year

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Maine Teacher of the Year and Maine County Teachers of the Year

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The Maine Teacher of the Year and Maine County Teachers of the Year serve as advocates for the teaching profession, education and students.

The Maine Teacher of the Year and Maine County Teachers of the Year program is administered and managed by Educate Maine in partnership with the Maine Department of Education. Special thanks to the Maine State Board of Education and the Maine State Teacher of the Year Association for their support and to our corporate sponsors: Bangor Savings Bank, Dead River, Hannaford, Geiger, the Silvernail Foundation, Maine State Lottery and Unum.

10/09/2026

10/04/2026

Joseph Hennessey, 2018 Piscataquis County Teacher of the Year and the 2019 Maine Teacher of the Year, recently wrote an op-ed on AI in the classroom while also managing to shout out Nicole Davis and Kate Meyer's (Hancock County Teacher of the Year 2020) new book on AI as well: https://www.eduprotocols.com/ai-literacy

"Let’s let children express themselves through their assignments, even if it involves occasional smudges, curved lines or wrinkled edges."

Read Joseph's words here:
https://tinyurl.com/tyy3v9nw

09/30/2026

And just like that… we’re on our way!
The first stop is close... and we’re not quite ready to reveal the destination.
Here are a few snapshots from the journey so far!

Do you know where we’re headed?

Maine Teacher of the Year and Maine County Teachers of the Year Educate Maine

09/24/2026

Today, the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year Selection Panel visited Cony Middle and High School, Augusta School Department - Augusta, Maine, to celebrate Gretchen Livingston, the 2026 Kennebec County Teacher of the Year and a 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year finalist.

With 25 years of teaching Spanish in Maine, Gretchen brings language, culture, service learning, and meaningful connections into her classroom. She also leads the World Language Department, coordinates the Seal of Biliteracy, coaches girls lacrosse, and has led eight student service-learning trips to Guatemala.

Gretchen believes language is more than communication—it is a bridge that builds empathy, opens doors, and helps students see the strength in their differences.

Students describe her as consistent, energetic, thoughtful, involved, amazing, well-rounded, loving, jolly, and real,

One student said, "She really connects with us, makes sure we all have a voice."

Another noted, "She makes the whole class feel like a family. We are all laughing together."

Congratulations, Gretchen! We’re proud to celebrate you and the Augusta Public Schools community!

Educate Maine

09/24/2026

The 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year selection panel recently visited Cony Middle and High School, Augusta School Department - Augusta, Maine, to celebrate finalist Gretchen Livingston, a Spanish teacher and 2026 Kennebec County Teacher of the Year.

With 25 years of teaching experience, Gretchen knows the power of a strong school community. In this video, she shares a special message about what makes the Cony community so meaningful.

Thank you, Gretchen, for sharing your story and celebrating the students, educators and community that make Cony special!

Educate Maine

09/23/2026

Today, the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year Selection Panel visited Lewiston High School , Lewiston Public Schools to celebrate Abigail “Abby” McCoy, the 2026 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year and a 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year finalist.

The panel observed classrooms and met with students, colleagues, and administrators to learn more about Abby’s impact on the Lewiston school community.

As a chemistry and forensic science teacher, Abby creates hands-on learning experiences that encourage students to explore, question, and approach challenges with curiosity and confidence. She also advises the school’s Black Student Union, leads her science department’s content work, and supports colleagues in making rigorous learning accessible to multilingual learners.

When asked to describe Abby, students and colleagues used words like beautiful, outgoing, fun, enthusiastic, genuine, smart—and pink!

A colleague shared," She is so incredibly humble. She lets her intelligence speak for itself."

Congratulations, Abby! We’re proud to celebrate you and the Lewiston High School community!

Educate Maine

09/23/2026

06/27/2026

The 2026 CTOY cohort kicked off their journey together! These incredible educators gathered at the UNE Biddeford Campus for an opening retreat, connecting, collaborating, and setting the stage for a year of meaningful impact on education in Maine. A huge thank you to our partner, UNE, for making it such an unforgettable experience!

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Portland, ME
04101

Website

http://www.mainetoy.org/

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