Eight exceptional Maine educators are state semifinalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year it was announced late last month.  As members of the 2025 Maine County Teacher of the Year cohort, they embody the dedication, innovation and leadership in the classroom synonymous with this recognition.  These educators serve as ambassadors for their students, colleagues and school commuities, celebrating and elevating the entire teahing profession.

The semifinalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year are:  Julia Edwards. Poland Regional High School; Monica Malcomson, Frank I. Brown Elementary School; Annie Goodwin, Dedham Elementary School; Melissa Goeke, Hope Elementary School; Bridget Wright, Lincoln Academy; Benamin Johnson, Hampden Academy; Dawn Lee, Morse High School; and Amanda Blunda, Buxton Center Elementary Schpol.

The selection process for the Maine Teacher of the Year program is rigorous and designed by educators to offer candidates an opportunity to relfect on their instructional practice.  In January, each candidate was nominated for this recognition by a member of their community as a result of their exemplary service in education and commitdment to their students.  Candidates first participated in the county selection process. where a distinguizhed panel of teachers principals, business leaders and community members chose them as 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year from among hundreds of nominees.  In May, the members of this cohort embarked on the Maine State Teacher of the Year selection process, showcasing their instrutional practices through a classroom video and written reflection.

In the next phase of the selection process, the eight semifinalists will deliver keynote speeches, submit professional portfolios and participate in an expert panel discussion about educational equity, teacher leaderhip and education policy.

“The Maine Teacher of the Year program provides an essential opportunity to highlight the hard and often undercognized work that Maine educators put into their classrooms every single day,” Pender Makin, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education, said.  “Congratulations to the eight 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year semifinalists on this esteemed and well-earned recognition.  Your commitment to your students, communities and the teaching profession in Maine is commendable.”

The state finalists will be announced in September of 2026 and the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year will be revealed in October of 2026.  The 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year will represent Maine in the National Teacher of the Year program.

Joshua Chard was the 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year winner.  Chard teaches at the diverse East End Elementary School and leads the theater club at Deering High School.