Teacher representing all educators
In October I was grateful for the opportunity to attend the announcement of the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, Becky Hallowell, at Wiscasset Elementary School. Congratulations Becky! Earlier in the year Becky was selected as the 2024 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year along with 15 other Maine teachers representing counties. Becky is known for her dedication to place-based and project learning, her mentorship of new educators and her love of the outdoors, Hallowell strives to connect her students to their environment and their community.
The excitement was high from the start that October morning when Becky led her 4th grade class into the gym. The pride on the faces of the students and staff was evident and there was no holding the excitement back. The gathering in the gym was filled with smiles, enthusiasm and lots of music and movement. I was impressed with the spirit of joy that was evident throughout the ceremony.
Becky has been teaching at Wiscasset Elementary School for the last 10 years. She graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington and has been teaching in total for 30 years. Becky will be a wonderful ambassador for all Maine teachers during the 2025 year.
The focus on students was wonderful to see. They had a dance party, which I understand from music teacher Carole Drury, that is something that happens on a regular basis. Everyone was up on their feet singing and dancing. The elementary chorus prepared a special song for the school community and guests. Carole’s attention to detail with the program was appreciated!
Maine’s Teacher of the Year program is administered by Educate Maine. Selected from the 16 County Teachers of the Year each fall, the Maine Teacher of the Year becomes the most visible ambassador of the teaching profession in the state. They are invited to serve on various committees, participate in many program and events, and speak on a number of occasions in Maine.
The Maine Teacher of the Year represents Maine in the National Teacher of the Year Program (NTOY), administered by the Chief Council of State School Officers (CCSSO). State Teachers of the Year participate in the National Teacher of the Year Induction Program, Washington DC Recognition Week (includes a White House ceremony), International Space Camp and the Next Steps Conference at Princeton University.
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