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.

 

 

 

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