Eight exceptional educators from across the state are semifinalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. On Thursday, July 23, 2026, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine officially announced these semfinalists, who will deliver keynote speeches, submit professonal portfolios and participae in an expert panel discussion about educational equity, teacher leadership and education policy as part of the next phase of the Maine State Teacher of the Year selection process,
The semifialists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year are: Abigail (Reushcer) McCoy, Chemistry and Forensic Teacher at Lewiston High School, Lewiston Public Schools; Kathy Theriault, Mathematics Teacher at Wisdom Middle/High School, MSAD 33; Adrianne Shetenhelm, English and Alternative Education Teacher at Windham High School, RSU 14; Gretchen Livingston, Spanish Teacher at Cony Middle and High School, Augusta Schools; Gina Welch, Pre-K Teacher, Crescent Park Elementary School, MSAD 44; Macy Soucy, 4th and 5th Grade Math and Reading Teacher at Fairmount School, Bangor School Department; Jeremy Bourque, Digital Media Instructor at Somerset Career and Technical Center, MSAD/RSU 54; Rachel Norgang, 2nd and 3rd Grade Teacher, Monroe Elementary School, RSU 3.
As members of the 2026 Maine County Teacher of the Year cohort, these educators embody the dedication, innovation and classroom leadership synonymous with this recognition. Throughout their year of service, they act as ambassadors for their students, colleagues and school communities, celebrating and elevating the teaching profession as a whole.
The selection process for Maine State Teacher of the Year is rigorous and designed by educators to offer candidates an opportunity to reflect on their instructional practice. In January, each candidate was nominated for this reocgnition by a member of their community. Candidates first participated in the county selection process, in which a distinguished panel of teachers, principals, business leaders and community members chose them from among hundreds of nominees as 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year. These 16 teachers began the sleection process for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year in May, showcasing their instructional practices through a classroom video and written reflection.
The Maine State Techer of the Year finalists will be announced in the fall with a grand reveal of the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year in October. That teacher will represent Maine in the National Teacher of the Year program.