Gorham Middle School (GMS) students wearing the school colors cheered Heather Whitaker as she entered a gym filled with educators, public officials, and special guests from all over the state. Whitaker, the school’s alternative education teacher, was selected from 300 nominees to be Maine’s 2020 Teacher of the Year. In making the announcement, Dan Chuhta, Maine Department of Education Deputy Commissioner, said Whitaker will represent the teaching profession and all Maine teachers during her “year of recognition.”
Photo credit Leslie DupuisWhitaker, who was named the 2019 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year as well, thanked her students and colleagues for “their collective work to make alternative education projects successful,” adding that she would “use this opportunity to support teachers across the state.”
Photo credit Leslie DupuisFormer students Kylee Keene, left, and Kiely Burns spoke about the impact Whitaker’s teaching had on their lives.
A GMS teacher for 18 years, Whitaker combines learning opportunities with the needs of the community. She started the school’s garden which donates more than 800 pounds of produce to the Gorham food pantry every year and was a founding member of the Gorham BackPack Program which provides weekend food for students experiencing food insecurity. Her alternative education students volunteer for both programs.
“Alternative education,” Whitaker explained to those assembled in her honor, “is designed for non-traditional learners, who are smart yet show intelligence in different ways.” They develop “their own, unique path for learning” in a supportive environment. Speaking directly to her students, she said, “I will always believe in who you are now, and who you will be in the future. I will support you on days you don’t want me to!”
Photo credit Leslie DupuisWhitaker accepts Maine’s 2020 Teacher of the Year award from Dan Chuhta of the Maine Department of Education.
In his congratulatory remarks, Joseph Hennessey, the 2019 Maine Teacher of the Year and a member of the selection team, said he had spoken with some of Whitaker’s students who described her as tenacious, conscientious, and a confidence builder. “Because of Ms. Whitaker, I know what I am doing now,” a student told him.
Former students Kylee Keene and Kiely Burns, who now attend Gorham High School, spoke about the impact Whitaker’s teaching had on their lives. “She will always be my Teacher of the Year; she was like a second mother,” Keene said. Burns said, “Her classroom will always be a part of my heart.”
Whenever possible, Whitaker takes students out of the classroom to engage them with the community. When told of the announcement, former student Tripp Plummer said, “I probably would have gotten much lower grades without her. Also I never would have found out how much I liked skiing. Thanks Whitaker.”
Photo credit Leslie DupuisFormer students Kylee Keene, far left, and Kiely Burns spoke about the impact Whitaker’s teaching had on their lives.
Whitaker, who enjoys skiing during the winter, is married with two children. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Boston College in 2002 and a Masters degree in Literacy Education from the University of Southern Maine.
Also speaking at the October 10 event were State Representative Maureen Terry, who read a sentiment of recognition from the state legislature, Jane Sexton who represented the State Board of Education, and Jason Judd, executive director of Educate Maine, who recognized the Maine Teacher of the Year Program Partners and Funders. Funders Bangor Savings Bank and Hannaford were represented by Tricia Duchesneau and Kacey Pike. Karen MacDonald spoke for The Maine State Teacher of the Year Association which advocates for the teaching profession and includes former state and county Teacher of the Year recipients.
Letters of Recognition from Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Senator Susan Collins were read by Rona Sayed, a former student at GMS, and Ellie Espling.