Nominations are now open for the Maine Teacher of the Year program, which celebrates excellence in teaching and elevates the importance of the teaching profession according to a press release received from the Maine Department of Education earlier this week. Maine selects a County Teacher of the Year from each of Maine’s 16 counties. One of those educators is later named State Teacher of the Year and also becomes Maine’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year.
Maine’s State and County Teachers of the Year serve as ambassadors of the teaching profession and advocate for the quality education of Maine students. Throughout their year of service, these teachers have the opportunity to create a greater public awareness about the inspiring wotk happening in Maine schools, amplify the voices of fellow educators and assist in ongoing efforts to strengthen Maine’s educator workforce. They receive ongoing professional learning and participate in county, state and nation-wide leadership opportunities. One of the qualifications is that a nomination have a minimum of five years of teaching, three of which are in Maine.
Anyone — from students, to parents, to school administrators and colleagues, to community members — is encouraged to nominate an educator for the Maine Teacher of the Year program. Nominations are open now through Friday, January 30, 2026, at 5:00 pm. Self-nominations and nominations from famly members will not be accepted.
Becky Hallowell, 2025 Maine State Teacher of the Year, said her journey began with a nomination for 2024 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year. She shared the impact that the past year has had on her life:’
“The experiences I have had as Maine Teacher of the Year have been transformative. I made connections throughout our state and nation with astounding educators, supportive community members and cutting-edge business leaders. I encourage everyone to nominate an influential teacher for Maine County Teacher of the Year recognition. This nomination itself tells teachers that they are seen and appreciated. Additionally, every County Teacher of the Year joins a collaborative cohort that works to being out the best in all teachers across the state.”
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine, a business-led organization with a mission of championing college and career readiness, work collaboratively to manage and administer the Maine Teacher of the Year program. Funding is provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Geiger, Maine State Lottery and Unum with support from the Maine State Board of Education and the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Asociation. Through the generous support of these businesses, there is no cost to the local school district when the Maine Teacher of the Year is out of the classroom on their official duties.
“We are thrilled that nominations are now open for 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year,” Jason Judd, Ed.D., Executive Director of Educate Maine, said: “Maine has wonderful educators across all 16 counties and we hope you will consider nominating an educator in your community for this important recognition.”