At a surprise school assembly this morning, (11 October), second and third grade teacher at East End Community School and drama director at Deering High School Joshua Chard was named the 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year. Joshua represents all teachers in the state of Maine and his quote below articulates what he firmly understands about our profession. Starting today and into the future he’ll have multiple opportunities to communicate this belief. As the 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year, Chard will spend his year of service advocating for students and teachers and speaking to the importance of education in preparing Maine students for the future. He will also represent Maine in the National Teacher of the Year program.
“Teachers across our state do amazing things in their classrooms every day”.
Joshua Chard East End Community School, 2nd and 3rd grade teacher Portland High School, Drama Director 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year
Last spring Joshua Chard was selected as the 2023 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year. His approach to designing and implementing curriculum for young learners always starts through a culturally responsive lens. Joyful relationships are at the heart of everything Chard does in his classroom and he is inspired every day by the honor of lifting up and celebrating his diverse learners.
Chard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Theater from the University of Southern Maine, a Master of Science degree in Education with a K-6 Literacy focus from the University of New England, and a Certificate in K-6 Standards Based Mathematics from The American College of Education. He is also certified as a K-12 teacher of English to speakers of other languages. During his 31-year career, he has been an educational technician, has taught fourth and fifth grade, and has been an instructional coach with a focus on mathematics. Chard is proud to teach in two of the most culturally diverse schools north of Boston, having passionately dedicated his entire career to working in high-needs, urban schools, and he is excited to have a platform to share the amazing work that is happening there. Outside of school, Chard can be found participating in local theater as an actor and director and exploring Maine’s beaches and lighthouses with his husband and their grandsons.
Congratulating Joshua is also recognizing all teachers who have committed their careers to education.
Photo of Joshua taken from the Deering High School news page, posted 11 October 2023
They’ve done it again! Today the Union of Maine Visual Arts (UMVA) journal was published and it is jam packed with amazing articles; something for everyone! The fall issue, Materiality has a variety of thought provoking articles written by artists, writers, and educators.
Maine Arts Journal Fall 2023 cover (Rosamond Purcell’s studio, Somerville, MA, with a detail of Wall, mixed-media installation, photo: Veronique Plesch, May 2018).
Introduction by Veronique Plesch
For this issue we invited our contributors to reflect upon the many ways in which their work engages with the notion of materiality, considering the different stages of the creative process, starting with their choice of medium and how tools and materials interact, all the way to the tangible objects they produce. The topic proved inspiring: the responses address the centrality of the choice and handling of the medium. We read about materials’ possibilities and limitations, about how one might attempt to control them or instead submit to them (some materials seem to remain indomitable while others readily—willingly?—cooperate in allowing the artist to reach their goals). Contributors discuss the importance of tools to obtain certain desired effects, while they also marvel at the resulting unexpected and welcome surprises. The process’s dynamic nature is made clear by how often notions such as fluidity, transformation, transmutation, and metamorphosis are mentioned, suggesting that materials have an agency of their own. As we read through the issue, it becomes clear that materials are more than a driving force in the creative process: they are true partners, at once inspiring and motivating, starting point and goal.
This issue includes a piece written for the education column, Insight/Incite by Maryam Emami. Maryam is the 2023 Franklin County Teacher of the Year, has been teaching graphics and social studies at Rangeley Lakes Regional School since 1995. The article includes a variety of images that Maryam’s students have created.
If you’d like to learn more, become a member of UMVA, and support this fabulous organization you may do so at THIS LINK. UMVA hopes that you will subscribe to AND support the journal by becoming a member of the Union of Maine Visual Artists by clicking here. You can subscribe for free by clickinghere.
If you’re interested in writing for the journal please contact me Argy Nestor at meartsed@gmail.com or go to THIS LINK.
Explore archived journals (from the past 10 years) at THIS LINK.
Four Maine teachers were selected as the State Finalists for the 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year program. Second-grade teacher Joshua Chard from Cumberland County, sixth-grade writing and social studies teacher Edith Berger from Lincoln County, fifth-grade science teacher Lacey Todd from Oxford County, and high school science teacher Colleen Maker from Washington County were all selected to move forward in the Teacher of the Year process and were chosen from the 2023 Maine County Teachers of the Year.
“Colleen, Edith, Joshua, and Lacey are all extraordinary educators who care deeply about their students, schools, and communities. They lift up everyone around them, are passionate about their profession, and are true champions of all students and schools in Maine. These four finalists represent the best qualities of Maine’s amazing educators, and I congratulate them on this very well-deserved honor,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin.
One of the four State Finalists will be named the 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year, an honor awarded each year to one teacher in Maine. The announcement will be in October after the final stages of the selection process are complete. During the last two weeks the schools and classrooms of all four finalists were visited. Maine’s Teacher of the Year serves as an advocate for the teaching profession, Maine schools, and students, and represents Maine in the National Teacher of the Year program.
“Maine is fortunate to have so many outstanding educators working to ensure that every learner has what they need to be successful,” said Dr. Jason Judd, Executive Director of Educate Maine. “These state finalists are great examples of all the dynamic and versatile teaching that happens each day in our Maine classrooms. Congratulations to them and their districts. We look forward to working with them as they continue their journey as teacher leaders and ambassadors for the profession.”
“Congratulations to these four wonderful teachers! The hard work, dedication, and love they put into all they do and the commitment they show to their communities, schools, and students is inspiring,” said Matt Bernstein, 2023 Maine Teacher of the Year. “I am grateful to these four educators for representing the incredible work that happens in classrooms and schools all over Maine. I am tremendously proud of them. It is an honor to know them and learn from them.”
“Maine educators support their students, families, and communities with professionalism, compassion, and commitment,” said Heather Whitaker, 2020 Maine Teacher of the Year and President of the Maine County and State Teacher of the Year Association (MCSTOYA). “Our finalists, who come from all across the state, are leaders in this work. We look forward to learning from their expertise as we work together in our shared commitment to Maine public education.”
More information on the State Finalists and the Maine Teacher of the Year program:
Joshua Chard East End Community School, Portland 2023 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year
“Teachers across our state do amazing things in their classrooms every day. Being a finalist for Maine Teacher of the Year provides me with a platform to share and celebrate the incredible work happening in Portland Public Schools and in schools all across Maine. I am humbled and proud to stand among such amazing professionals.”
2023 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year Joshua Chard is a second and third-grade looping teacher at East End Community School and the drama director at Deering High School in Portland, Maine. His approach to designing and implementing curriculum for young learners always starts through a culturally responsive lens. Joyful relationships are at the heart of everything Chard does in his classroom and he is inspired every day by the honor of lifting up and celebrating his diverse learners. Chard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in theater from the University of Southern Maine, a Master of Science degree in Education with a K-6 Literacy focus from the University of New England, and a Certificate in K-6 Standards Based Mathematics from The American College of Education. He is also certified as a K-12 teacher of English to speakers of other languages. During his 31-year career, he has been an educational technician, has taught fourth and fifth grade, and has been an instructional coach with a focus on mathematics. Chard is proud to teach in two of the most culturally diverse schools north of Boston, having passionately dedicated his entire career to working in high-needs, urban schools, and he is excited to have a platform to share the amazing work that is happening there. Outside of school, Chard can be found participating in local theater as an actor and director and exploring Maine’s beaches and lighthouses with his husband and their grandsons.
Edith Berger Miller School, Waldoboro 2023 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year
“Being a part of the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year program is an opportunity to lift the voices and amplify the experiences of all teachers in Maine and beyond. My school, administration, colleagues, and district have supported me in my growth as a teacher leader and I owe the same to others in education no matter where they teach.”
Edith Berger is a teacher of writing and social studies in 6th grade at Miller School in Waldoboro, Maine, RSU 40. Berger has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with concentrations in art and architectural history and psychology from Ithaca College and a Masters of Education in Literacy: Writing and the Teaching of Writing from the University of Maine, Orono. She is the 2023 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year. A 2013 Fellow of the Maine Writing Project, her poetry and essays have been published in several anthologies. Berger considers mentoring her mission in life. She is especially passionate about using mentoring to help other teachers integrate civics into their classrooms. Berger feels that sharing excitement, knowledge and strengths with each other benefits teachers across all grade levels and content areas. By explicitly teaching and embedding the traits of good citizenship across the curriculum, she believes children will grow up to respect the rights and beliefs of others and contribute to a civil society. Whether presenting at an international literacy conference about teachers teaching teachers, mentoring new teachers and graduate students in their craft and leadership, or representing social studies in her district and state, Berger demonstrates her commitment to the profession of teaching as well as to the subject of social studies. When not at school or doing other “teachery” things, Berger can be found writing in a noisy coffee shop, reading history geek nonfiction or baking goodies she shouldn’t eat to satisfy her husband’s sweet tooth.
Lacey Todd Mountain Valley Middle School, Mexico 2023 Oxford County Teacher of the Year
“The Teacher of the Year program has provided me with an opportunity to recognize and honor those who have supported my journey in education. This award represents the hard work and dedication of my teaching team, who support and challenge me every day; my husband, who spends his evenings and weekends working in my classroom; and my parents, who made countless sacrifices to ensure my success as a first-generation college student.”
Lacey Todd is a fifth-grade science teacher at Mountain Valley Middle School in Mexico, Maine. Todd earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Maine at Farmington, Master of Education in Inclusion Education and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Literacy K-12 from the University of New England, Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership from Walden University, and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Todd grew up in Oxford County, where she continues to live and teach, which is why she takes great pride in being named the 2023 Oxford County Teacher of the Year. Todd is a Maine Science Teachers Association board member, completed a three-year term on the Maine Professional Standards Board, and was selected as a mentor for the national Diversity in STEM Education Summit in 2020 and 2023. She is also a Next Generation Science eXemplar facilitator and advocates for the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards at all grade levels, especially elementary. Todd is a teacher leader in her district, serving on several committees, including Staff Council, Technology, Certification, and Contract Negotiation, and is a mentor for new and pre-service teachers. Todd is especially passionate about making science education engaging and accessible to all students and regularly seeks out professional learning opportunities that promote collaboration, authentic learning experiences, and inclusion. When she’s not teaching or tending to her menagerie of class pets, you can find her camping or exploring the Maine woods with her husband and their golden retriever, Ruby.
Colleen Maker Washington Academy, East Machias 2023 Washington County Teacher of the Year
“It’s an honor to represent Washington Academy and Washington County in the Maine Teacher of the Year Program, and I’m thankful to my students, colleagues, administrators, community partners, family, and husband, Joshua, for fueling and nurturing my passion and love for teaching. Being part of a program that celebrates teachers across Maine is truly exciting, especially in a state where incredible things are unfolding in our classrooms and communities.”
Colleen Maker teaches biology and marine biology at Washington Academy in East Machias, Maine. Maker has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Maine at Machias. Maker is the 2023 Washington County Teacher of the Year. Maker’s pedagogy revolves around experiential learning and emphasizes student engagement through hands-on experiences and community partnerships. She integrates the curriculum with real-world applications, fostering lifelong learners who are productive community members and responsible stewards of their environment. She creates student leadership opportunities by advising homeroom, student council, science club, and sustainability club. As a member of the Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Committee, she collaborates with colleagues to develop and implement initiatives that foster a safe and accepting environment for all. Her commitment to creating a sense of belonging is evident in her efforts to ensure everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Maker seeks opportunities to engage with other science educators and is a member of the Connected Learning Ecosystems cohort sponsored by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. She was the 2022 recipient of the prestigious University of Maine Volunteer Pen Award for her dedication to the Washington Academy Community Garden, which donates all produce to the Machias Food Pantry. Maker is passionate about fighting food insecurity in her community and provides opportunities for students to volunteer by caring for the garden, participating in gleaning initiatives, and supporting personal care share drives. While not teaching, Maker cherishes time with her family camping, playing board games, reading, and exploring beaches.
For more information about the Maine County Teacher of the Year Program and to see a list of County Teachers of the Year, and Maine Teachers of the Year, visit http://www.mainetoy.org.
During the pandemic I found myself making more art than any other time in my life (other than during my four years in undergraduate school). When a long time poet friend asked about working on a collaborative project, I didn’t hesitate. One thing led to another and before we knew it over the next almost two years our collaboration has turned into a book. I loved the process and now I’m very excited about the results. And, now the book is available for you to purchase! It’s called Catching Fireflies and contains 20 poems and 20 images. In the beginning of the process I started illustrating her poems. That felt too much like ‘frosting on the cake’ to me so we switched and she started responding to my images with a poem. The last one we actually did simultaneously about ‘being grateful’. We are both in touch with the changing of the seasons and the outdoors so the book contains five poems and five images for each session. Below is the press release; you can purchase it at THIS LINK.
MAINE WOMEN COLLABORATE ON BOOK OF POETRY AND ART
Chasing Fireflies was released on September 1st, printed by Downeast Graphics.
UNION, ME, September 3, 2023─ Jean Anne Feldeisen and Argy Nestor are excited to announce the release of their joint work, Chasing Fireflies. Readers will find images and poetry capturing unique snapshots of the seasons: the elusive color of the Maine sky in winter, the unsullied beauty of Pemaquid Point, the quirky way Spring begins before it really begins in Maine, and the creep of a harsh November cutting into the beauty of October. Says Jean, “Fireflies is a product of our long friendship, our love of Maine and the changing seasons here, and a desire to do something unique together. I think this book has fulfilled our dream.” Says Argy, “I think the results are magical. Chasing Fireflies exemplifies collaboration– Jean and I taking turns creating and responding to each other’s work.”
Artist Natasha Mayers says, “Argy’s artwork is rich and experiential, the images look concentrated and elegantly framed, all perfectly lovely and inviting.”
Argy Nestor has dedicated her life to education. She taught middle school in the mid-coast for 32 years and worked at two state agencies advocating for excellent visual and performing arts education and access to it for all learners. She is Maine’s 1995 Teacher of the Year, participated in the Japanese Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher’s program, and has received awards for her commitment to education. Her art-making has been integrated throughout her work and exhibited in multiple shows. Find her blog at meartsed.wordpress.com.
Jean Anne Feldeisen is a practicing psychotherapist, a grandmother, and a writer. She has written for “Next Avenue,” ” Chicken Soup for the Soul,” and is a host for the Crows Feet: Life As We Age Podcast. Her poetry has been published in “Thimble Literary Magazine,” “The Raven’s Perch,” “The Hopper,” and “Spank the Carp.” Main Street Rag Publishing Company released her first poetry chapbook, “Not All Are Weeping,” in May 2023. Follow her at jeanfeldeisen.com.
Here we are, Labor Day weekend. I know that many of you have returned to school, some with students and some waiting until Tuesday for learners to come rushing in. I’m confident that with the changing of seasons gradually upon us that your school year is going to be spectacular. I love seeing messages on facebook, instagram, texts, and in emails from friends listing the number of years that they’ve taught. It signifies so much pride in teaching. Like hanging your college degree framed on the wall of your classroom, or better yet outside the door of your classroom. The message it sends: I’m proud of my degree in education and proud to teach in this classroom/school. Teaching is the noblest of careers and we all aware that today, it can be challenging.
This weekend, I was together with some friends who are retired teachers. We discussed how easy it is to forget the impact we’ve made on students. Recently they bumped into the parents of former students and they gushed about how fantastic they were and the difference they had made in their child’s lives. I pulled out my portfolio recently and read some letters and cards from former students. My emotions rose and because of the tears streaming down my cheeks I was forced to stop. Rewarding feeling? You betcha! I hope that you are saving the notes that you receive!
My School Year
My time and responsibilities have shifted. I’m grateful to be continuing my involvement with education, in many different ways. I return to substituting, continue to blog, communicate with educators in Maine, the US, and around the world. My connection with HundrED continuously provides ‘food for thought’. Reading educational material and listening to podcasts keeps me updated on research and opinions. One of my favorite podcasts is The Growing Band Director with Kyle Smith who teaches at Westbrook High School. I’m preparing for a keynote that I’m giving at the New England League of Middle School (NELMS) conference in March so I’m thinking about it often. I serve as the editor for two Maine publications, if anyone is interested in writing please let me know. I enjoy visiting classrooms and communicating with teachers. I especially like to connect to learn more so I can write blog posts highlighting the amazing work going on in classrooms. Reach out to me if you’re interested.
My art making has become important to me. In a few days I’ll post about an exciting collaboration that was just published. I’m thrilled to be part of a planning committee in my town for our Sestercentennial – 250 years! We’re helping to bring arts education residencies to Union Elementary School. One with dancer and musician Chrissy Fowler from Belfast Flyer Shoes. She’ll teach the students, K-6 contra dancing and we’ll have a school and community dance. The second with musician and music educator Scott Dyer who is writing my town’s history as a musical. He’ll be working with all the students to learn and perform the history for the school families and greater community. It’s all very exciting.
My commitment to quality arts education for all students become stronger every year! We all know the power of the arts to engage student learning and to appreciate what makes us each human. If you’re a teacher of visual and/or performing arts education you have the power to make a huge difference in a positive way for young people. The arts are an avenue to helping students make sense of the world. They are a necessity not a luxury, not only for the ‘talented’ ones but for all students. They deserve the best from you and everyone with a stake in our children’s success must see arts education as their cause. Access to and opportunities to an excellent arts education is critical and at the heart of excellent education.
Please know as you start (or continue) with your school year that I am excited for you and jumping for joy and wishing you the very best school year. I am grateful that you’ve chosen education for a career! Happpppy New School Year!
This man was in a car accident and one of the outcomes he experienced was depression. He and his wife created a dance, Rural-Style Shuffle Dance, and now a day doesn’t go by that he doesn’t dance. The impact on his life has been nothing but positive.
All teachers want to be prepared and to broaden their horizons so they can be better prepared personally and when interacting with their own students. Below is a list of books that were brought to my attention by the Maine County and State Teacher of the Year Association. These are Rainbow Reads 2023 booklist.
PICTURE BOOKS
Calvin, RJ and Vanessa Ford & Kayla Harren (illustrator). In this joyful and impactful picture book, a transgender boy prepares for the first day of school and introduces himself to his family and friends for the first time.
If You’re A Kid Like Gavin: A True Story of a Young Trans Activist, Gavin Grimm, Kyle Lukoff, & J Yang (illustrator) A celebratory and empowering story from young trans activist Gavin Grimm, two-time Stonewall Award-winning and Newbery Honor-winning author Kyle Lukoff, and illustrator J Yang follows the true story of how a young boy stood up for himself—and made history along the way. A Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Best Book of the Year!
Love, Violet, Charlotte Sullivan Wild & Charlene Chua (illustrator) Perfect for Valentine’s Day, a touching picture book about friendship and the courage it takes to shareyour feelings.
Mama, Mommy, and Me in the Middle, Nina LaCour & Kayla Juanita (illustrator) A little girl stays home with Mama when Mommy goes off on a work trip in this tender, inviting story that will resonate with every child who has missed a parent.
True You: A Gender Journey, Gwen Agna & Shelley Rotner (illustrator) There are different ways to show and be who you are in this affirming photographic picture book that offers a celebratory and informative look at kids and their wide-ranging gender identities.
MIDDLE GRADE
A High Five for Glenn Burke, Phil Bildner A heartfelt and relatable novel from Phil Bildner, weaving the real history of Los Angeles Dodger and Oakland Athletic Glenn Burke–the first professional baseball player to come out as gay–into the story of a middle-school kid learning to be himself.
Ana on the Edge, AJ Sass Perfect for fans of George and Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World: a heartfelt coming of age story about a nonbinary character navigating a binary world.
The Insiders, Mark Oshiro A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year An ALA Rainbow Book List Top 10 Title for Young Readers Three kids who don’t belong. A room that shouldn’t exist. A year that will change everything. Perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead and Meg Medina, this debut middle grade novel from award-winning author Mark Oshiro is a hopeful and heartfelt coming-of-age story for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in.
The Real Riley Mayes, Rachel Elliot A Stonewall Book Award Honor * A Sid Fleishman Humor Award HonorFunny and full of heart, this debut graphic novel is a story about friendship, identity, and embracing all the parts of yourself that make you special.
Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston, Esme Symes-Smith In a magical medieval world filled with dragons, shape-shifters, and witches, a twelve-year-old nonbinary hopeful knight battles for the heart of their kingdom. A thrilling middle-grade series opener that explores identity and gender amid sword fights and magic, and proves anyone can be a hero.
YOUNG ADULT
The Family Outing: A Memoir, Jessi Hempel A striking and remarkable literary memoir about one family’s transformation, with almost all of them embracing their queer identities.
The House in the Cerulean Sea, TJ Klune “The House in the Cerulean Sea is a heart-swelling wave of sweetness and hope. Mild-mannered government caseworker Linus Baker is sent on a secret assignment to an island orphanage he’s never even heard of. The astonishing inhabitants he gets to know there will change his life and make him reassess everything he thought he knew. This book will leave you believing in the good in everyone — even those society has given up on — and contemplating how huge changes have to start somewhere.” — Haley Stocking, Phinney Books, Seattle, WA
Imogen, Obviously, Becky Abertalli With humor and insight, #1 New York Times bestseller Becky Albertalli explores the nuances of sexuality, identity, and friendship in this timely new novel.
Loveless, Alice Oseman This is the funny, honest, messy, completely relatable story of Georgia, who doesn’t understand why she can’t crush and kiss and make out like her friends do. She’s surrounded by the narrative that dating + sex = love. It’s not until she gets to college that she discovers the A range of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum — coming to understand herself as asexual/aromantic. Disrupting the narrative that she’s been told since birth isn’t easy — there are many mistakes along the way to inviting people into a newly found articulation of an always-known part of your identity. But Georgia’s determined to get her life right, with the help of (and despite the major drama of) her friends.
The Magic Fish, Trung Le Nguyen In this gorgeous debut graphic novel, fairy tales are the only way one boy can communicate with his Vietnamese immigrant parents. But how will he find the words to tell them that he’s gay? A powerful read about family, identity and the enduring magic of stories.
“I teach because it is so much fun and extremely fulfilling. I absolutely love it. With constant encouragement, a lot of elbow grease on everybody’s part, and many pep talks, I witness, every year, young adults become excited and enthusiastic about their future, full of dreams and big ideas.” ~Maryam Emami, 2023 Franklin County Teacher of the Year
Maryam being recognized as Franklin County Teacher of the Year, Hall of Flags, State House, May 2023
Nothing compares to attending events where teachers are recognized for their contributions to outstanding teaching and learning. The light shines brightly for the individuals and also for the most important profession in the world, education. This spring I had the chance to connect with teachers I’ve known for years and met other teachers for the first time. In March I wrote a blog post on Sharon Gallant who not too long afterwards was named the 2023 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year. In May I met Maryam Emami for the first time, even though she has been following this blog for many years. Maryam was named the 2023 Franklin County Teachers of the Year. After an initial conversation I felt like I knew Maryam for many years. This is her story….
Maryam has been a high school Social Studies and Graphics teacher for 28 years at Rangeley Lakes Regional School, grades K through grade 12. The district, RSU 78, with just under 200 students is located in western Maine and includes the towns of Dallas Plantation, Magalloway Plantation, Rangeley, Rangeley Plantation and Sandy River Plantation. Maryam’s classes include Humanities I, II, U.S. History, AP European History, AP U.S. History, AP Seminar, and Graphics. She teaches 40-60 students each year. In addition to teaching her responsibilities include Student Council Advisor, Garden Club Advisor, Leadership Team member, and Class advisor.
Maryam’s colleague Timothy Straub, in his nomination for her as teacher of the year, captures the essence of Maryam:
“Maryam Emami is the whole package: Master teacher, advisor/mentor, Leadership Team, Quiz Bowl coach, and a sundry of other responsibilities and roles she assumes without expectation of recognition. She embodies the teacher’s mission of always keeping the best interests of the student first. Maryam lives the highest ideasl of what makes a historian a historian. Her mastery of content knowledge is unsurpassed. I have sat in her classroom, freshmen-senior, AP, honors, and Humanities, and witnessed an educator dedicated to the future of her students. Her primary aim is to instill a sense of connectedness and civic mindedness within her students. Semester after semester, year after year, for over 25 years, Maryam Emami’s dedication to the sanctity of providing an equitable education to all is the driving force behind her purpose.”
Tim and Maryam
What were your feelings after you learned that you were named Franklin County Teacher of the Year? What was the response from colleagues, learners, and community members?
There was great excitement among my students. When I returned from the announcement, which took place at the Hall of Flags in the State House in Augusta, they flooded my room with flowers, hugs, congratulatory messages, and cards, and many were disappointed that I had not informed them since they wanted to take a bus to the ceremony. They complained that I had told a former graduate who attended instead of them. Tim brought me flowers, another colleague gave me a Kata in a ceremonial act of blessing and gratitude, I received amazing cards and letters from colleagues, and I received so many wonderful comments on social media from colleagues, parents, and former superintendents (it was wonderful that multiple former superintendents I served under commented), and former graduates expressing how my teachings are still being utilized.
The following email was sent by a former student who is now the media manager at Hood College. “Sending a quick message to say congratulations on your recent honor! Even though it was only now recognized, the impact you have made and continue to make on your students cannot be understated. Personally, I’m still reminding myself of your advice to use the Zoom tool instead of pushing my nose up against the screen whilst designing. Maybe it’ll stick one day. Thank you for the wisdom you imbued on my young mind (I was listening, I swear). We, as students, never make it easy… but it means the world to us! Congrats!!” There was so much love. I am so blessed and thankful.
What have been the benefits of becoming involved in the CTOY (County Teacher of the Year) program?
I am receiving so much support from my CTOY family. There is a larger CTOY family as well as a homeroom family. Both have contributed so much to the conversation about their experiences and achievements. I am amazed by the exceptional talents and service of those in my CTOY community. It is reassuring to know that we all face similar challenges, and it brings me joy to celebrate each other’s accomplishments. Although I feel like I have not given back as much as I have received, I am determined to prove myself worthy of being part of this distinguished group. During our recent meeting with Sanjay, who represented Senator King, I was thrilled to learn that the Senator is committed to supporting education. I am eager to contribute to an effective strategy to further Senator King’s initiatives.
What do you like best about being a teacher?
Forming a trusting relationship with my students is a moment I cherish. Recently, a student who felt targeted came to me and expressed gratitude for seeing them for who they are and not judging them based on hearsay. They credited me for helping them through a tough time. The local newspaper, the Highlander, interviewed the class of 2023 and a student who had previously struggled in a traditional classroom named me as one of the people they are most grateful for. If I can help a student learn about and accept themselves, even in a small way, it can make a significant difference in their ability to be healthy, and happy, and make positive contributions to their communities.
Tell me what you think are the three keys to being a successful teacher?
To be an effective teacher, there are three important things to keep in mind: first, treat your students as equals and avoid creating a power dynamic. Second, don’t just tell them what to do – instead, coach them in your area of expertise and encourage them to become constructors of their own knowledge. Lastly, incorporate fun and reflection into your teaching to help students overcome challenges and develop thinking and design skills. Remember, it’s important to put your ego aside and not get in the way of student discovery.
What specific way(s) do your assessment practices tie into the success of your program?
To achieve success, assessment is crucial. However, I place more importance on students’ products than their scores. All of the tasks I assign are performance-based, requiring students to use the sources we have studied to make interpretations. These tasks include metacognitive exercises that ask them to reflect on their development as thinkers and designers, as well as more specific performance tasks, such as creating a graphic novel based on a myth or story from a belief system or utilizing their skills to tell stories about themselves and their communities.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Getting to know so many wonderful people and forming relationships with them. So many of my former graduates continue to share their stories with me. A former student who just got their master’s wrote after I received the CTOY honor “Thank you so much! Congratulations to you as well! No one deserves that award more than you. You have been an inspiration to me since the day I met you and will continue to be one for eternity. I love and miss you!! I hope to see you sometime soon. I will be back up for a couple of weeks at the end of July. Maybe we can finally get together then!”
What gets in the way of being a better teacher or doing a better job as a teacher?
At our small school, we are expected to take on multiple roles, which can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, I often find myself taking on too much and feeling stretched thin. This makes it difficult for me to do my best and be fully prepared for my responsibilities in serving the school and community.
What have you accomplished through hard work and determination that might otherwise appear at first glance to be due to “luck” or circumstances?
I have built all of my relationships through persistence, determination, and kindness, as well as a lot of hard work. Collaborating with my colleagues on various projects like the Humanities, interdisciplinary project, garden club, and curating the history of the Rangeley Region through multiple lenses has been incredible. These projects have allowed us to utilize our unique assets and context as a k-12 school in rural western Maine. Despite attempts to make us similar to larger schools, our teachers, staff, and administration have worked tirelessly to preserve our community and the school’s unique qualities. We take pride in our interdisciplinary work, such as the food project where the entire high school and specials teams worked with the 9-10th graders, or the ability to teach humanities with three discipline teachers; art, ELA, and history. We also created a video on the history of skiing in the Rangeley Region, which involved collaboration between the high school and elementary students. And of course, intersession which in the past has provided the opportunity for 3 days for k-12 to work on projects in mixed grade groups. Our accomplishments are the result of hard work and determination to preserve our special brand.
Look into your crystal ball: what advice would you give to teachers?
It’s important to be true to yourself and maintain strong connections with those around you. Your dedication to teaching is vital to children, so approach it with love and kindness. Be prepared to put in hard work, but it will be fulfilling in the end.
If you were given $500,000.00 to do with whatever you please, what would it be?
Let the world be our classroom and experience the joys of traveling. Explore the United States and the world together, to actually see and experience the culture and history that we are studying. Eat street food, join a tai chi group while they practice, pick up a calligraphy brush, and write Chinese characters on the pavements of Asia. See the works of Michaelangelo at the Vatican and so on. I still have a postcard a student sent me from the National Gallery in London, he wrote “ms. emami. I saw the painting! (he is referring to Holbien’s the Ambassadors) Thank you for – years ago – pointing me in its general direction.”
I’m looking forward to spending time with Maryam and Sonya in their classes during the next school and learn more about their collaborations. As Maryam’s teacher of the year journey continues I wish Maryam the other Maine county teachers of the year the best of luck.
While putting this blog post together I am reminded that the Maine Teacher of the Year program is not about finding the BEST teacher. All of the teachers nominated and those selected as county teachers of the year represent what is ‘right’ and ‘best’ for learners and our education system, PK-12.
Educate Maine manages and administers the Maine Teacher of the Year program as a collaboration between Educate Maine and the Maine Department of Education. To learn more about the Maine Teacher of the year program visit their teacher of the year webpage.
I had the pleasure of attending the introduction supper and Hall of Flags ceremony announcing the 2023 Maine County Teachers of the Year. It was a chance for me to listen and learn and to congratulate many colleagues who were selected this year to representative teachers in their county. All of them are amazing and have so much to offer their communities. There are several this year who have minors in one of the arts or teach a creative class as part of their teaching assignments.
Edith Berger, Lincoln County and Donna Munro, Knox County at the introduction banquet
Matt Bernstein, Casco Bay High School, 2023 Maine Teacher of the Year, emcee at the Hall of Flags ceremony
Washington: Colleen Maker, Washington Academy, East Machias
York: Lisa Tripp, Bonny Eagle Middle Schoo, Buxton
Good luck to all of them as they are being considered to serve as the 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year.
Maryam Emami, Rangeley Lakes Regional School, Franklin County
Sharon Gallant, Gardiner Area High School, Kennebec County Teacher of the Year
The Maine Teacher of the Year program is managed and administered as a collaboration between Educate Maine and the Maine Department of Education. There are several organizations and businesses that offer financial support for the program. To learn more please CLICK HERE.
Argy Nestor
Arts Educator, Blogger, Artist, Connector meartsed@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/view/anestor/
Argy’s Blog
The purpose of this blog is to share stories about people and places; and to celebrate the amazing work (and play) that students, educators, and organizations are doing in and for arts education. In addition, the blog has a plethora of resources and innovative ideas. This forum gives blog readers the opportunity to learn from each other. It is essential that we listen, learn, and collaborate in order to build on teaching practices for the benefit of every learner in Maine and beyond.
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