Waldo County Technical Center’s (WCTC) Adam Fernald was recently awarded the 2024 New Teacher of the Year for Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Maine.

Mr. Fernald was nominated by WCTC’s director, Travis Wood, who has this to say about his nomination: “The impact he has made in such a short period is truly remarkable. Adam’s colleagues speak highly of his collaborative spirit, willingness to share best practices and proactive professional development approach. Mr. Fernald’s impressive ability to adapt and thrive, continuously seeking new ways to improve and innovate, is a testament to his dedication and growth mindset.”

Mr. Fernald studied Fine Woodworking at Mid Maine Technical Center and again at Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC), where he was frequently put into leadership roles where he helped others, despite being the youngest person in his class. After graduating from EMCC, he worked at Duratherm Windows and Doors for two years. While working there, he realized he enjoyed those times of being a team leader and decided to pursue teaching. He joined the WCTC family as an educational technician in 2020 and was soon after hired as the instructor for both the Employability Skills Program and the Strive Program. This is his fourth year in that position.

When asked what the best part of his job is, Mr. Fernald stated that it is working with the students. He loves providing a safe environment where students want to be, and where he gets to pass his passion on to the kids.  

Mr. Fernald feels humbled to receive the New Teacher of the Year award and commented that, “it feels good to be recognized for the hard work I have done. As a teacher, it feels good to be doing something important, something bigger than yourself.”