Highlighting Successes of MEA Members Across the State
2022 Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year
The Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education recognized
Jean Palmer-Smith as 2022’s Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year. Palmer-Smith has taught creative digital media at Brunswick’s Region 10 Technical High School for 4 1/2 years.
“Having observed Jean’s teaching firsthand on many occasions and having seen the impact she’s had on both her program and our school community as a whole, it is without exaggeration that I say that she is among the most talented, dedicated, and extraordinary educators I’ve ever experienced in my many decades as an educator,” said Paul Perzanoski, former director and superintendent of Region 10 Technical High School.
2022 CSTA Teaching Excellence New England Award
The Maine chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) announced Allison Braley as the winner of the 2022 CSTA Teaching Excellence New England Award for her outstanding contribution to computer science education.
Allison’s colleagues describe her as someone who always advocates for kids.
“Allison is enthusiastic about teaching computer science to her students. She is always seeking out new learning opportunities to bring back to her students and fellow teachers. As a fellow educator, Allison has inspired me to learn more about computer science.”
Maine’s 2022 State History Teacher of the Year
The Gilder Lehrman Institute announced the 2022 State History Teachers of the Year from elementary, middle, and high schools, naming Geoffrey Wingard of Bangor High School Maine’s 2022 State History Teacher of the Year.
Wingard has been teaching in public schools for 21 years – all of which have been at Bangor High School where he is the head of the History Department. “Finding my role as a high school teacher was a gift,” said Wingard. “I really enjoy the content that I get to teach, and I love helping my students become better citizens and scholars.”
Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Teachers of the Year
The Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Maine AHPERD) recognized five Teachers of the Year (TOY). MAHPERD Honor Awards are presented to members in recognition of their excellence in their profession by demonstrating outstanding dedication to their students and profession.
Congratulations to the MEA members who received these awards. Pictured left to right:
Emily Ellis, Oxford Hills EA
Elementary Physical Education TOY
Amy Wheaton, Down East EA
High School Physical Education TOY
Kristen Allen, Western Foothills EA
High School Health Education TOY
Kawika Thompson, Mt Abram TA
Middle School Physical Education TOY
Clairlynn Roundtree, Brunswick EA
Middle School Health Education TOY
