Four Maine educators have been named state finalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. Abby McCoy, a Chemistry and Forensic Science Teacher at Lewiston High School; Adrianne Shetenhelm, an English and Alternative Education Teacher at Windham High School; Gretchen Livingston, a Spanish Teacher at Cony Middle and High School; and Gina Welch, a Pre-K Teacher at Crescent Park Elementary School, were selected from the 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year cohort to move forward in the Teacher of the Year process.

“Maine teachers are going above and beyond every day. They challenge and inspire their students with creative learning experiences, build relationships and partnerships with the families and communities they serve, and create opportunities for all students to excel,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin. “We are thrilled to celebrate the transformative impact teachers have on students and communities across Maine.”

One of the four state finalists will be named 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year, an honor bestowed annually upon one educator in Maine. This announcement will be made in October, after the final stages of the selection process are complete. Maine’s Teacher of the Year serves as an advocate for the teaching profession, as well as Maine schools and students, and represents Maine in the National Teacher of the Year Program.

Each County Teacher of the Year was nominated for this recognition because of their exemplary service in education and dedication to their students. A distinguished panel of teachers, principals, and members of the business community selected them from a pool of hundreds of other nominated educators. The Maine DOE, Educate Maine, the Maine State Board of Education, and the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA) announced the state finalists.

“We have wonderful teachers across Maine, and the talent and dedication of the four state finalists for Teacher of the Year are a reflection of that,” said Educate Maine’s interim executive director Kate Howell. “We are inspired by their example and their individual stories, and look forward to celebrating and supporting the finalists and the entire 2026 County Teacher of the Year cohort. As leaders in their profession, they make a meaningful difference in the lives of their students every day.”
 
“The 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year finalists exemplify the pinnacle of our profession—educators who ignite curiosity, cultivate a passion for learning, and profoundly impact the lives of students each day,” said Maine State Board of Education Chair Paulette Bonneau. “Their commitment and creativity reflect the resilience of Maine’s schools and the bright future ahead.”

"We have already learned so much from these four finalists and can't wait for the rest of the state to get to know their incredible talent and expertise,” said Maine County and State Teacher of the Year Association co-president Emilie Throckmorton. “We look forward to folding them into the strong network of educators that we already work with and continuing to be inspired by them."