About Maine Teacher of the Year Maine Teacher of the Year is a program of the Maine Department of Education and is administered by Educate Maine, a business-led organization that champions career readiness by increasing the educational attainment of Maine people, enabling all students to succeed in postsecondary education and in the workplace. The program is made possible with funding by our corporate sponsors Bangor Savings Bank, Dead River Company, Geiger, Hannaford, Maine Lottery and Unum. Our program Partners include the Maine State Board of Education, and Maine State Teachers of the Year Association. MTOY is affiliated with the National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) Program, established in 1952, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers. The Maine Teacher of the Year Program: • Recognizes the importance of the teaching profession • Inspires future and current teachers • Elevates the voice of educators • Supports the growing network of teacher-leaders around the state • Creates opportunities for teachers to collaborate and connect with key stakeholders • Celebrates teachers.