Meet Lauren Remington, Early Childhood Instructor 2025 Award for Teaching Excellence Winner!
When Lauren Remington stepped into her role as the early childhood instructor at St. Croix Regional Technical Center, she inherited more than an empty classroom—she inherited a program that had been dormant for two years. Rather than be discouraged, Remington saw an opportunity to rebuild something meaningful. Today, thanks to her vision and dedication, the program is thriving and tailored to meet the needs of both her students and the broader Washington County community.
Remington is committed to creating new pathways for success. Her program equips students with knowledge, hands-on experiences, and industry-recognized credentials, preparing them for careers or further education. Early in her role, she earned an additional degree and teaching endorsement, allowing her to co-facilitate dual enrollment courses through the University of Maine at Farmington and Washington County Community College.
“Going back to school was important to me because I wanted to create meaningful opportunities for my students—not just to earn credits, but to build their confidence,” she says.
Remington continuously looks for ways to enhance her program. She recently piloted the use of observation rooms in her classroom lab, giving students more authentic learning experiences without disrupting care. “My goal is to build the best early childhood program in the state,” she says. “I want my students to understand their worth and the value of their education.”
Her impact extends far beyond the classroom. Whether mentoring, coaching, refereeing basketball, or organizing local initiatives, Remington creates spaces where students feel seen and supported.
“Building relationships is the center of everything I do,” she explains. “Providing service-learning opportunities helps bridge the gap between the classroom and the community.”
Remington’s advocacy extends beyond her classroom through active service on several local and statewide boards and advisory teams, where she champions expanded access to early childhood and technical education across Maine. Her work with the state’s Career and Technical Education Grant Team led to her certification as a facilitator for Maine Roads to Quality courses, which are offered to her students at no cost, a first-of-its-kind opportunity in the state. Most recently, she was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children, where she contributes to statewide early childhood education advocacy.
While academic success is important, Remington says her goal is for her students to believe in themselves. “I want them to know they can achieve anything they set their minds to,” she shares. Working with students for two or even three years allows her to build strong relationships and witness their growth firsthand.
Her students take many paths—some pursue higher education, while others enter the workforce as educational technicians or join Head Start programs. One former student even used her course as a foundation for a career in pediatrics.
“One of my former students is now the lead teacher at my daughter’s childcare program,” she shares. “It’s a full-circle moment—watching someone I once taught now care for my child.”
“Lauren is a wonderful representation of an educator committed to student success,” said MEA President Jesse Hargrove. “Her dedication to community, student learning, and advocacy shines through as she represents Maine among NEA educators nationwide.”
