Meet the finalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year
The race for Maine’s 2027 Teacher of the Year has narrowed to four educators whose journeys in the classroom reflect creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to student success. The finalists—Gretchen Livingston of Augusta’s Cony Middle and High School, Abigail McCoy from Lewiston High School, Gina Welch of Bethel’s Crescent Park Elementary, and Adrianne Shetenhelm from Windham High School—will compete in a multi-stage selection process overseen by the Maine Department of Education, with the winner announced in mid-October. Each finalist earned their spot after being named the 2026 county Teacher of the Year, highlighting their impact within their communities.
All four educators emphasize that their achievements are rooted in collaboration and support. “It takes a village,” they agree, underscoring how family, colleagues, and mentors shaped their careers. Their paths to teaching were far from conventional, marked by personal reinvention and late starts.
Gretchen Livingston, a Spanish and French instructor, stumbled into education by chance. After serving with the Peace Corps in Honduras and studying Latin American studies at Tufts, a teaching job in Gardiner led her to a long tenure at Cony High School. Now in her second decade there, she also coaches field hockey and lacrosse and leads the World Language Department. Livingston blends social-emotional learning into her classroom, using techniques like Emotional Freedom Technique tapping to help students manage stress. “I can see their growth, their self-realizations,” she says, noting that her ultimate goal is helping students “become the best versions of themselves.” Her passion for language learning extends beyond the classroom: annually, she leads students on service trips to Central America, fostering global awareness and empathy.
Abigail McCoy, a chemistry and forensic science teacher in Lewiston, describes her classroom as a space where students rediscover their love for learning. “Sometimes they’re just tired,” she says, explaining how she rekindles curiosity through interactive lessons, including game shows and hands-on experiments. Her brightly colored outfits and pink hair mirror her philosophy of making science approachable and fun. McCoy, who moved to Lewiston from Tennessee, emphasizes relationship-building over curriculum alone. She keeps snacks in her desk for students facing hardship and encourages peers to view failure as a stepping stone to growth. “Everyone fails, and that’s important,” she insists. Her work with the Black Student Union further demonstrates her commitment to inclusivity, ensuring all students feel seen and supported.
Gina Welch, a prekindergarten teacher in Bethel, has watched the same students evolve from curious toddlers into confident adolescents. Over her decade at Crescent Park Elementary, she has formed lasting bonds with families, many of whom still seek her hugs. “They just come and see me,” she shares. These connections, Welch credits, stem from an environment of understanding fostered by her school district, which encouraged her to pursue licensure and a master’s degree. “I’ve never been more fulfilled,” she says, reflecting on a career shaped by patience and parental collaboration.
Adrianne Shetenhelm, an English teacher in Windham, has dedicated 11 years to designing alternative pathways for students who struggle in traditional settings. Her program offers flexible, personalized learning for new immigrants, homeless students, and those pursuing college-level coursework. “It’s not a behavior program or special education,” she clarifies, emphasizing empathy-driven instruction. Shetenhelm’s small classroom sizes allow her to tailor lessons to individual needs, such as supporting a student interested in becoming a licensed tattoo artist through mentorship. She also spearheaded a mock crime scene unit that partners with local law enforcement, blending interdisciplinary learning with real-world applications. “This work is only possible because of the students, staff, and community around me,” she says.
As the state looks to crown its next Teacher of the Year in October, these finalists remind us that great teaching thrives on connection, creativity, and community. Their stories underscore the diverse ways educators make a difference—one student, one lesson, and one village at a time.
