There are four finalists for Maine Teacher of the Year.
Julia Edwards of Poland Regional High School, Bridget Wright of Lincoln Academy, Benjamin Johnson of Hampden Academy, and Dawn Lee of Morse High School were named finalists on Tuesday.
One of the four will be named Maine Teacher of the Year in October and will represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year Program.
The award honors an educator who serves as an advocate for the teaching profession as well as Maine schools and students.
“Congratulations to the four 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year state finalists,” said Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Pender Makin. “Your dedication to your students, innovation in your teaching, and contributions to your communities have all led up to this well-deserved moment of recognition.
- Julia Edwards, a Choral Music Teacher from Poland Regional High School in Androscoggin County.
- Bridget Wright, who teaches English at Lincoln Academy in Lincoln County.
- Dawn Lee, the School Library/Media and Unified Literacy Teacher at Morse High School in Sagadahoc County.
- Benjamin Johnson, who teaches Latin at Hampden Academy in Penobscot County.
