Maine's newest cohort of County Teachers of the Year were honored at the State Capitol, in a ceremony that featured Gov. Janet Mills, state legislators, dozens of proud family members and friends and special guests--last year's cohort of CTOYS. The group inducted today were the 12th batch of county honorees. The 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year will be chosen from this group.
The MTOY/CTOY program is operated by Educate Maine and the Maine Department of Education. Go here to learn more:https://www.mainetoy.org
Here's the list of teachers who are about to embark on a year of recognition, learning and professional development, and advocacy as they seek to amplify and support the work of Maine's educators.
Androscoggin: Julia Edwards, Poland Regional High School, Choral Music
Aroostook: Laurie Spooner, Van Buren District School, Robotics, Math, Biology, Human Anatomy and Chemistry
Cumberland: Monica Malcomson, Frank I. Brown Elementary School, 2nd Grade
Franklin: Kylee Alton, Phillips Elementary School, K-4 Special Education
Hancock: Annie Goodwin, Dedham Elementary School, Kindergarten
Kennebec: Deborah Backman, Cony Middle/High School, German
Knox: Melissa Goeke, Hope Elementary School, Grade 5
Lincoln: Bridget Wright, Lincoln Academy, Grades 9-10
Oxford: Sarah Marshall, Rumford Elementary School, 1st Grade
Penobscot: Benjamin Johnson, Hampden Academy, Latin
Piscatiquis: Brett Almasi, Foxcroft Academy, Global Studies, American Studies, IB Psychology
Sagadahoc: Dawn Lee, Morse High School, School Library/Media, Unified Literacy
Somerset: Karyn Bigelow, Bloomfield Elementary School, Grade 2
Waldo: Margaret Campbell, Ames Elementary School, Grade 5
Washington: Janis Poulin Whitney, Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School, Grade 2
York: Amanda Blunda, Buxton Center Elementary School, Grades 4 and 5
