Gretchen Livingston Named 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year

The veteran Cony Middle and High School Spanish educator received the honor during a surprise school assembly.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Secondary Education

Gretchen Livingston Named 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year

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The Maine Department of Education has selected Gretchen Livingston, a longtime Spanish teacher at Cony Middle and High School in Augusta, as the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. She was chosen for the award from a pool of hundreds of nominations.

Why it matters

The annual recognition highlights the significant contributions of educators to their schools and communities. Livingston represents the dedication of teachers who manage diverse roles ranging from academic instruction to extracurricular leadership.

Livingston has taught at Cony High School since 2003 and serves as the World Language Department chair. Her background includes two years of service with the PeaceCorps in Honduras and education at Tufts University.

The players

Gretchen Livingston

She is a Spanish teacher at Cony Middle and High School who was named the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year.

Maine Department of Education

This state agency oversees public education and coordinates the annual Teacher of the Year award process.

Educate Maine

This organization partners with the state to support education initiatives and recognize professional excellence in teaching.

The details

Livingston currently instructs eighth grade students and oversees programs such as the National Honor Society and the Seal of Biliteracy. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she serves as a coach for the girls field hockey and lacrosse teams.

Livingston began her teaching career at Cony High School in 2003.
The middle and high schools merged into their current configuration in 2009.
The award presentation took place on October 20, 2026.

Culture Shift

This award aligns with the broader national movement to recognize educators for their multi-faceted impact beyond core academic instruction. It reflects a growing appreciation for teachers who integrate cultural competency, such as the Seal of Biliteracy, into secondary education.

The recognition of a local educator helps draw attention to the quality of instruction available within Augusta's public school system. Parents and students may notice an increased emphasis on language programs and extracurricular engagement under Livingston's leadership.

The takeaway

Effective educators often extend their influence through community-focused roles and student mentorship programs. Developing strong language and leadership skills through initiatives like the National Honor Society provides students with valuable assets for their future careers.