Dover, Hampton, Stratham teachers semifinalists for NH’s top award
CONCORD — Five Seacoast teachers are among the 15 semi-finalists in the running for the New Hampshire Teacher of the Year Award.
The New Hampshire Department of Education announced the semi-finalist Tuesday.
Representing the Seacoast were Dover High School biology teacher Amy Poirier, Marston School of Hampton fourth-grade teacher Jason Schrack, Barrington Middle School social studies teacher Jeff Durrell, Sanborn Regional High School unified arts teacher Brian Gray and Stratham Cooperative Middle School special education teacher Kim Houghtaling.
The teachers, according to the state Department of Education, were selected from a total of 251 nominees and 76 applicants.
The New Hampshire Teacher of the Year is recognized for their exceptional dedication, knowledge, and leadership skills. The purpose of the program is to select a teacher who is capable of speaking for and energizing the teaching profession and representing the positive contributions of all teachers statewide.
“We are honored to announce our 15 semi-finalists – a group of talented educators that truly represent some of the best teachers working in New Hampshire schools," said Christine Brennan, deputy commissioner of education. "It is apparent that these semi-finalists are committed to academic excellence and the overall well-being of their students, and it will be exciting getting to know them better throughout this selection process.”
Other semi-finalists were Chelsea Barrett Viera of Highland-Goffes Falls Elementary in Manchester, Michele Brezovec of South Meadow School in Peterborough, Kristen Dacey of Dr. Lewis F. Soule Elementary School in Salem, Candice DeAngelis of Bedford High School in Bedford, Amy Doolin of Newfound Regional High School in Bristol, Rebecca Fortgang of Fall Mountain Regional High School in Langdon, Nicole Gammella of Middle School at Parkside in Manchester, Matt Holland of White Mountain Regional High School in Whitefield, and Laura McKenna of Mill Brook School in Concord.
SAU 90 Superintendent Lois Costa said she was proud that Marston School teacher Jason Schrack was selected as a semi-finalist.
"Jason is an exemplary teacher, and his continued commitment to offering the students of Marston School a culture of collaboration and respect demonstrates his strong leadership skills," Costa said.
Manchester School District Superintendent Jennifer Gillis said she was thrilled to learn they had two educators advancing in the selection process for Teacher of the Year.
“While we are aware of the amazing teachers we have within the district, it is even more incredible to see the contributions of two of our teachers recognized at the state level," said Gillis. "We are eager to watch the selection process progress and wish Chelsea and Nicole the very best in the balance of this process.”
Commissioner Frank Edelblut congratulated the 15 semi-finalists for their "devotion and perseverance in the classroom.”
"Our cohort of semi-finalists are not only fostering positive learning environments, but they are motivating both their peers and students to take risks, improve outcomes and create a sense of school community," he said.
Semifinalists will present TedTalk-style on relevant educational topics to the selection committee in July, from which the finalists will be chosen.
In September, the committee will conduct school visits of the finalists before announcing the winner in October.
The 2025 Teacher of the Year will be New Hampshire’s entrant in the National Teacher of the Year program, which is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Five Seacoast teachers among semi-finalists for NH Teacher of the Year
