Maine Teacher of the Year Finalists Named

Three move to final round

July 30, 2009

AUGUSTA – Two elementary school teachers and one high school physics teacher are state finalists for the title of 2010 Maine Teacher of the Year.

The finalists are: Kevin Grover, a second grade teacher at D.W. Lunt School in Falmouth; Jayne Quinn Sawtelle, a K-5 music teacher at Fred P. Hall Elementary School in Portland; and William “Bill” Thompson a high school physics teacher at Piscataquis Community High School in Guilford.

Six semi-finalists underwent an intensive selection process that included a school visit, a professional portfolio review, and an oral presentation. The three state finalists will complete a final interview before the 2010 Maine Teacher of the Year is selected.

Review panel members participating in this year’s selection process included past teachers of the year, principals, Department of Education staff, members of the State Board of Education and representatives of the business community. The 2010 Maine Teacher of the Year will be announced at a surprise all-school assembly in September.

“Time and again, research indicates that nothing impacts student learning as much as the quality of the teacher in the classroom,” said Education Commissioner Susan A. Gendron. “I am eager for any opportunity to highlight the work of the state’s teachers. All three of these teachers represent the best in our state by centering their attention on the needs of students and ensuring that they all succeed.”

Hannaford Supermarkets underwrites the cost of the Maine Teacher of the Year program.

Learn more about the Maine Teacher of the Year program.

For more information, visit the Maine Department of Education website: http://www.maine.gov/education

David Connerty-Marin, Director of Communications 207-624-6880 | Jennifer Pooler, Teacher of the Year Coordinator 207-624-6638

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Maine Teacher of the Year Finalists Named