Augusta Spanish teacher wins Maine Teacher of the Year award
Gretchen Livingston Honored as 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year in Surprise Ceremony
Augusta, Maine – In a heartfelt ceremony held this morning at Cony Middle and High School, Gretchen Livingston, a veteran Spanish teacher, was presented the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year award by state Education Commissioner Pender Makin. The event, which surprised students, staff, and the school’s community, highlighted Livingston’s long‑standing commitment to language learning and cultural exchange.
Livingston began teaching Spanish at Cony High School in 2003 and expanded her classroom to include eighth‑graders when the middle school merged with the high school in 2009. A Tufts University alumna who earned degrees in Spanish and Latin American studies, she spent two years in the Peace Corps in Honduras before deciding that teaching was her true calling. “I realized that it was what I was meant to do,” she told a September interview after being named a finalist for the award.
Her impact goes beyond the classroom. Livingston coaches girls’ field hockey and lacrosse, coordinates the school’s Seal of Biliteracy program, chairs the World Language Department, and serves as the advisor for National Honor Society. Every few years she organizes service trips to Central America, giving students hands‑on experience with the languages and cultures they study.
“The students taking the risk to learn Spanish, French, Japanese, to better understand people in our world and the focus on listening and elevating voices is what’s inspiring to me,” Livingston shared. “It’s so motivating to see those voices of the students in whatever language they speak, it’s allowed me to feel so passionate and engaged and motivated to keep up that work.”
The Maine Department of Education and the nonprofit Educate Maine selected Livingston from a pool of hundreds of nominees, citing her dedication to fostering linguistic skills and global awareness. The award ceremony, held at the school’s auditorium, was held on a Tuesday morning, a surprise to many who had expected a more formal setting.
Commissioner Makin presented the award alongside a plaque recognizing Livingston’s contributions to the state’s education system. The ceremony underscored the value of language teachers who not only instruct but also inspire students to embrace the world around them.
Livingston’s recognition as Maine’s top educator underscores a growing appreciation for teachers who blend academic excellence with real‑world experience. Her story serves as a testament to the profound influence language educators can have on students’ lives and the broader community.
