Maine Teacher of the Year 2014… Who Will it Be?
It's a title that doesn't require sash and crown, but it does require good teaching which often demands patience and a good deal of commitment and dedication to education and Maine students.
It requires a knowledge of math, science, language, social studies, science and technology, and a keen understanding of how children learn and what obstacles they face in their pursuit of a good education.
Commissioner of Education, Stephen Bowen, says there are 14 teachers from throughout Maine who are being considered for the title. The winner will be announced in September in a surprise ceremony.
Candidates are nominated by schools and can be nominated by superintendents, parents, principals, students and others.
2014 Maine Teacher of the Year Nominees:
- Anne Carney, St. Albans Consolidated School
- Susan Carpenter O’Brien, George B. Weatherbee School, Hampden
- Christiane Cullens, Mount Desert Island High School
- Mary Graziano, Hartland Consolidated School
- Kerri LeSieur, Biddeford Primary School
- Karen MacDonald, King Middle School, Portland
- Joshua Pietras, Penquis Valley High School, Milo
- Suzen Polk-Hoffses, Milbridge Elementary School
- Susan Ray, Sacopee Valley Middle School, Hiram
- Cynthia Raymond, Hall-Dale Middle School, Farmingdale
- Laurie Rodrigue, Cony High School, Augusta
- Nancy Sargent, Cumberland and Oxford Canal School, Westbrook
- Marsha Snyder, Thornton Academy, Saco
- Tracie Wagenfeld-Hallissey, Willard School, Sanford
Congratulations to the nominees for 2014!
Maine's current Teacher of the Year, Shannon Shanning from Whitter Middle School in Poland, is enjoying a much-deserved February break with her family, but she and I will be talking next week about what it takes to be successful in the classroom.