~ Jon James
How I wish I’d paid attention when I took my single semester of Spanish in High School. Unfortunately, I wasn’t engaged and was more interested in making my classmates laugh, and the teacher was a bit boring.
What would have made the difference, perhaps, is having a teacher like Gretchen livingston.
According to a report at Newscenter Maine, Gretchen Livingston, a Spanish teacher at Cony Middle and High Schools in Augusta, has been named Maine’s 2027 Teacher of the Year. She was surprised with the honor Tuesday morning in front of students, colleagues and education leaders.
Livingston has taught Spanish in Maine for 25 years and has led Cony’s world languages department since 2014. She also founded the school’s girls lacrosse team in 2006 and continues to coach.
Former student and player Kiara Henry praised Livingston for being a teacher, coach and lifelong mentor who has always supported her.
Colleagues say Livingston makes learning engaging through music, interactive activities and service-learning trips, helping students feel included and connected.
Livingston said the award recognizes educators across Maine who dedicate themselves to their students. In the coming year, she will advocate for Maine schools and students on a national level.
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