Four Finalists Named for Maine Teacher of the Year
The educators have been selected for the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year award.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Four educators from across Maine have been named finalists for the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year award. The selected teachers bring a combined 50 years of classroom experience to the state-level competition.
Why it matters
Recognizing top educators highlights the dedication required in modern classrooms and celebrates excellence within the Maine public education system.
The four finalists represent 50 years of cumulative teaching experience across diverse subjects and grade levels. They were selected as the top candidates for the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year designation.
The players
Gretchen Livingston
She teaches Spanish at Cony Middle and High School in Augusta.
Gina Welch
She serves as a prekindergarten teacher at Crescent Park Elementary School in Bethel.
Abby McCoy
She teaches chemistry at Lewiston High School in Lewiston.
The details
The finalists include Gretchen Livingston of Cony Middle and High School in Augusta, Gina Welch of Crescent Park Elementary School in Bethel, and Abby McCoy of Lewiston High School. These educators utilize unique classroom strategies, ranging from Livingston's perspective on teaching as a privilege to McCoy's use of humor and game show elements.
Timeline
The 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year designation is awarded throughout the 2027 calendar year.
Culture Shift
This award process mirrors the structure of the National Teacher of the Year Program, which recognizes outstanding educators annually. This local selection acts as the qualifying pipeline for national-level educator recognition.
The recognition of these finalists offers parents and students insight into the teaching philosophies guiding local schools. Families can expect these educators to continue their efforts to enhance student engagement through their respective academic programs.
The takeaway
The selection process highlights how veteran educators continue to adapt their classroom methods to better connect with students. New teachers can benefit from observing how these finalists integrate enthusiasm and structured perspectives into their daily instructional duties.
Further reading
Learn more about the state of classroom instruction in Secondary Education.
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Do you feel that teaching has become a more challenging profession in recent years?
