Maine Named Four Finalists for 2027 Teacher of the Year
The four educators are vying for the state honor after building a collective 50 years of classroom experience.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Four Maine educators have been named finalists for the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year award. These teachers serve students across the state, from prekindergarten through high school levels.
Why it matters
Recognizing exemplary educators highlights effective classroom strategies and dedication within the Maine public school system. The selection process celebrates the career contributions of teachers who impact student success throughout the state.
The four finalists include Gretchen Livingston at Cony Middle and High School in Augusta, Gina Welch at Crescent Park Elementary School in Bethel, and Abby McCoy at Lewiston High School. Together, they bring a combined 50 years of professional teaching experience to the state award pool.
The players
Gretchen Livingston
A Spanish educator at Cony Middle and High School in Augusta who views teaching responsibilities as a privilege.
Gina Welch
A prekindergarten educator at Crescent Park Elementary School in Bethel.
Abby McCoy
A chemistry teacher at Lewiston High School known for using game show formats and humor to engage students.
The details
The finalists demonstrate diverse approaches to classroom management and instruction. Gretchen Livingston reframes traditional teaching duties by viewing them as a professional privilege, while Abby McCoy utilizes interactive methods, such as incorporating jokes and game show formats, to drive student engagement in her chemistry classes.
Timeline
The 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year award cycle is currently underway.
The Home Front
This competition follows the established annual pattern set by the National Teacher of the Year program to elevate educators. These state-level recognitions help define the standards for pedagogical excellence within local school districts.
Families can use this opportunity to discuss the value of the teaching methods highlighted, such as the use of games or positive outlooks, which may be reflected in their own students' classrooms. Engaging with school district announcements can help parents stay informed about the specific pedagogical strategies being adopted in their local community schools.
The takeaway
The selection of these finalists underscores the diverse, student-centered approaches educators are bringing to Maine classrooms. Families should look for newsletters from their local schools regarding teacher accomplishments to better understand the expertise guiding their children's daily learning.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Secondary Education across Maine.
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