SKOWHEGAN, Maine — The Maine Department of Education has named a Skowhegan middle school teacher the state’s top educator of 2017.
Tammy Ranger, a seventh- and eighth-grade reading intervention teacher at Skowhegan Area Middle School, was named 2017’s Teacher of the Year during a surprise ceremony at the school Thursday morning. She was picked from a crop of more than 300 nominees across the state.
The 16-year educator graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington, and earned a master’s degree and K-12 literacy specialty from the University of Maine.
“Literacy is crucial for success, and Ms. Ranger’s efforts in literacy and so many other areas have made a significant difference in the lives of her students,” William Beardsley, Maine’s deputy commissioner of education, said in a news release. “Congratulations to Tammy, and to all teachers nominated and recognized this year.”
The state identified 15 nominees, representing all but one Maine county, for the honor back in May. The nominees from Piscataquis County decided not to move forward with the process, the Department of Education has said.
The nominated teachers went through a thorough committee review and interview process over the summer to determine who would earn the teacher of the year designation.
The Maine Teacher of the Year program is administered by Educate Maine, a business-led group that advocates for education and workforce development.
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