Fort Fairfield educator is Aroostook’s Teacher of the Year

7 months ago

A Fort Fairfield health instructor is Aroostook County’s Teacher of the Year for 2024.

Kelly Morin of Fort Fairfield Middle/High School is one of 16 educators chosen as Teachers of the Year for their counties, the Maine Department of Education announced Thursday.

More than 600 teachers were nominated this year by their school communities, department officials said during a ceremony at the State Capitol Hall of Flags in Augusta. Each county winner was chosen by a panel of faculty, administrators and community representatives. The event is held every year during Teacher Appreciation Week.

“I congratulate this year’s County Teacher of the Year honorees for their commitment to excellence in education, and most importantly, for their outstanding work in teaching our children,” Gov. Janet Mills said.

Also there to congratulate the winners were Maine Department of Education Commissioner Pender Makin, Educate Maine Executive Director Jason Judd, State Board of Education Chair Fern Desjardins, 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Joshua Chard, and Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association Co-President Hillary Bellefeur.

“It’s an honor to celebrate these 16 teachers who were nominated by colleagues, parents, and students for their passion, leadership, dedication, and the tremendous difference they make in the lives of their students and at their schools,” Makin said.

Each county instructor will undergo further selection and Maine’s Teacher of the Year will be chosen from the group this fall.

Morin and Fort Fairfield Middle/High School Principal Garrett Martin were not immediately available for comment, having attended the Augusta event.