Susan Williams, Director of Instructional Support and Educator Effectiveness, Lewiston Public Schools
Why I Teach: "I teach because all children deserve to have people in their corner, amplifying their voices and celebrating their successes."
Education: Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, University of Maine; Master of Science, Education, University of New England, Biddeford, ME
Nominated by: Kimberly Barnes, Teaching Colleague
Why I Teach: I teach because making a difference in the lives of my kids is my passion. My students keep me on my toes, encourage me to challenge myself and to always keep learning. Teaching and learning is truly a partnership and I am blessed to be able to take this journey with my students and and every day."
Education: Bachelor of Arts, History, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME
Nominated by: Yusur Jasim, Current or Former Student
Why I Teach: "I teach because my students are changing the world and they deserve every support along the way. They inspire me and working with them is a gift."
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Maine, Farmington; Bachelor of Science, Education; University of Maine, Farmington; Master of Educational Leadership, University of Maine, Farmington
Nominated by: Martha Thibodeau, Technology Training Coordinator
Why I Teach: "I love to learn. I love to connect and build relationships with others. In Kindergarten, we are a family of friends that learn, play, work, reflect, share, discover, and problem solve together every day."
Education: Bachelor of Science, Music Education, Indiana University of PA; Elementary Education Certification, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA; Reading Specialist Graduate Assistant, Indiana University of PA; Master of Music, University of Maine
Nominated by: Anne Damm, Parent
Why I Teach: "I teach because of the inspiring teachers who influenced me - from vibrant classroom teachers to private instructors with high expectations. These teachers will always have a special place in my heart. It is an honor to nurture the love of learning in students and to bring out their best, to discover their own creative voice."
Education: Bachelor of Science, Secondary English in Education, University of Maine; Master of Literacy Education; University of Maine; Graduate Certificate in Classroom Technology Integration, University of Maine
Nominated by: Amanda Angell, Teaching Colleague
Why I Teach: "I teach because kids and their futures matter."
Education: Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, University of Maine, Farmington; ACRE Certification, Virginia Commonwealth University; Graduate Certificate, Internet Marketing, Full Sail University; Masters of Education, Curriculum & Instruction: Gifted Education, Liberty University
Nominated by: Christina Wotton, Supervising Principal/Assistant Principal or District Superintendent
Why I Teach: "I truly believe one person can make a difference in the world. I teach because I want every child to know they are that person."
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Education, University of New Hampshire, Durham; Master of Education, University of New Hampshire; Durham
Nominated by: Kathleen Pastore, Principal and Carol Adams, Teaching Colleague
Why I Teach: "I teach because every child needs a champion, I love seeing light bulbs go off and I am a life long kid at heart!"
Education: Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, University of Maine, Farmington; Master of Science, Professional Educator, University of Southern Maine
National Board Certified Teacher
Nominated by: Suzanne Day, Director of Curriculum, SAD 55
Why I Teach: "I teach because each student deserves an adult champion at school. Someone to cheer them on, inspire them, and love them. teaching the whole child and connecting lessons to the real world outside of my four classroom walls is my passion."
Education: Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, University of Maine; Master of Education, Individualized – Middle Level Social Studies, University of Maine; Certificate of Advanced Studies, Technology and Social Studies, University of Maine
Nominated by: Bill Tracy, Supervising Principal
Why I Teach: "I teach because it is the honor of my life to work with and for the unique students in our room. I am energized helping students to learn and grow academically, socially, and emotionally. It is a privilege to guide students as they connect with their passions and work to become meaningful problem solvers in the 21st century."
Education: Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Husson University, Bangor, ME
Nominated by: Angie Kelley, Supervising Principal
Why I Teach: "I teach to reach my students on an individual level. I want my students to start, in Kindergarten, with a positive love of school and learning."
Bachelor of Arts, English Education, Niagara University, Niagara Falls, NY; Master of Science in Education, Literacy concentration, University of New England, Biddeford, ME
Nominated by: Julie Kenny, Supervising Principal
Why I Teach: "I want to share my excitement for English content with my students. I am passionate about helping my students find their path. I teach because I want my students to feel value and loved."
Bachelor of Science, Psychology, University of Maine; Master of Education, Antioch New England Graduate School, Keene, NH; Master of Arts, Theatre Production, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA
Nominated by: Antoine Gerow, Teaching Colleague
Why I Teach: "I teach to inspire and connect my students to the world of possibilities they have inside them."
Education: Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI; Master of Science, Teaching, Hastings College, Hastings, NE
Nominated by: Ashley Reynolds, Supervising Principal/Asst. Principal; Rosamond Peters, Parent of current or former student; Torey Benjamin, Parent of current of former student
Why I Teach: "I love to learn. I love to connect and build relationships with others. In Kindergarten, we are a family of friends that learn, play, work, reflect, share, discover, and problem solve together every day."
Education: Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education and Child Development, University of Maine; Master in Education Leadership, University of New England, Portland, ME; Certificate in Graduate Studies, Advanced Educational Leadership, University of New England, Portland, ME
Nominated by: Amanda Belanger, Supervising Principal
Why I Teach: "I teach because every child deserves RESPECT, high expectations, quality instruction, the opportunity to be SUCCESSFUL, and to be LOVED."
Bachelor of Arts, Geology, University of Southern Maine; Extended Teacher Education Prep (ETEP), University of Southern Maine; Master of Science, Teaching & Learning, University of Southern Maine
Nominated by: Andy Young, Teaching Colleague
Why I Teach: "Public schools are the hubs of our communities. An educator's responsibilities are awesome. Elevating and amplifying youth voices is essential to giving our young people agency. In a world where their future is fraught with uncertainty, now more than ever, our students need confidence, critical skills & HOPE."
