ST. AGATHA, Maine — Kathy Theriault, a math teacher at Wisdom Middle/High School in St. Agatha, was named the Aroostook County Teacher of the Year by the Maine Department of Education on Friday.
Theriault joins winners from the other counties in the runup to the Maine Teacher of the Year later this year, who will be chosen from among the 16 honorees.
In his letter of support, MSAD 33 Superintendent Ben Sirois wrote of Theriault’s impact on her students, colleagues, and the broader community.
“Mrs. Theriault exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a teacher: passionate, knowledgeable, compassionate, and committed to every student’s success,” Sirois wrote.
Theriault was also a finalist for Aroostook County Teacher of the Year last year, according to the superintendent’s letter.
She teaches math classes ranging from Algebra I to geometry, statistics, and pre-calculus. She also has a dual certification in both mathematics as well as special education, which Sirois said gives her a unique perspective and informs her approach to treating each student with care and attention. This results in a teaching approach that is rigorous while also emphasizing accessibility.
“She genuinely knows each child she teaches, bringing understanding of students’ individual strengths, challenges, and interests into every lesson,” Sirois said. “Students feel seen, valued, and challenged in a way that fuels both their confidence and academic growth.”
Theriault’s innovative teaching style brings life to each class and keeps students engaged with her lessons, said Wisdom Middle/High School Principal Robby Nadeau, who nominated her for the recognition.
“Her contributions to Wisdom Middle/High School have been immeasurable,” Nadeau said,” and she embodies the very best of what we value in our educators. It is a privilege to recognize her with this well-deserved and well-earned honor.”
Theriault’s approach is why she was named as a semifinalist for two years in a row and is a testament to her efforts and influence, Sirois stated in his letter. She knows her students’ stories, struggles and breakthroughs.
“Students don’t just learn mathematics, they learn that they are capable, that effort matters, and that someone is genuinely rooting for them,” he said. “That is the kind of teaching that stays with a student long after the final exam.”
Maine Department of Education officials honored the county teachers of the year in a celebration in Augusta on Friday.
The other honorees are: Androscoggin, Abigail Reuscher, Lewiston High School; Cumberland, Adrianne Shetenhelm, Windham High School; Franklin, Casey McMullen, Phillips Elementary School; Hancock, Michael Brzezowski, Pemetic Elementary School; Kennebec, Gretchen Livingston, Cony Middle-High School; Knox, Judith Masseur, Camden Hills Regional High School; Lincoln, Katherine Race, Edgecomb Eddy School; Oxford, Gina Welch, Crescent Park Elementary School.
Penobscot, Marcy Soucy, Fairmount Elementary School; Piscataquis, Martha Ladd, Foxcroft Academy; Sagadahoc, Hilary Martin, Mt. Ararat High School; Somerset, Jeremy Bourque, Skowhegan Area High School; Waldo, Rachel Norgang, Monroe Elementary School; Washington, Josie James, Alexander Elementary School; and York, Allison Mundee, Harold B. Emery Jr. Memorial School.
