UMF alumnae honored as 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year

Maine teachers have a deep community connection and that goes especially for the recently named 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year. This year’s recipients, one from every Maine county, include two outstanding University of Maine at Farmington alumnae—Rachel Norgang from Waldo County and Gina Welch from Oxford County.

According to the Maine Dept. of Education, hundreds of people from school communities across the state—including students, parents, colleagues, and administrators—nominated more than 500 educators for the Maine Teacher of the Year program. Both Norgang and Welch were nominated by the parents of current and former students.

Rachel Norgang – Monroe Elementary School, Waldo County

Rachel Norgang envisioned a career focused on environmental advocacy. She graduated from Farmington in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy and Political Science—crediting UMF science and political science professors Drew Barton, Thomas Eastler, Scott Erb and Jim Melcher for making a significant impact on her life.

Her first job after college was for the Department of Environmental Protection in collaboration with the Maine Energy Education Program where she traveled the state bringing energy and climate programming to K-12 schools. 

Her next steps took her to Antioch University New England for her Master’s in Elementary Education. There she connected with David Sobel, a trailblazing educator who developed place-based education—the approach that uses the local community and environment as the starting place for curriculum learning, strengthening community bonds, appreciation for the natural world and a commitment to citizen engagement.

That methodology worked in tandem with her focus on environmental advocacy and, after graduation, she brought Place Based, STEM programming to island and coastal schools in Maine and Alaska.

When a position opened up at Monroe Elementary School, in her Maine hometown, she was quick to express an interest. She has been teaching there for 12 years and is currently teaching a combined 2nd/3rd grade class.

Community is integral to her students’ learning. She uses her area’s local environment and community, 20 acres and the school’s beaver pond, plus local businesses and town government as extensions of her classroom.

“I implement a place-based education approach whenever I can,” said Norgang. “I find that teaching this way makes learning more relevant, engaging and sticky.”

“I feel very honored to be the 2026 Waldo County Teacher of the Year,” said Norgang. “The process has given me time to reflect on the past twelve years at my school. I am proud of my achievements, and I feel emboldened to continue finding creative ways to teach core skills through a place-based approach. I am really looking forward to the year of service as a County Teacher of the Year and collaborating with the other amazing educators around the state who share this honor.”

Gina Welch – Crescent Park Elementary School, Oxford County

Gina Welch earned her Bachelor’s degree from UMF in Early Childhood Education in 2000 and has spent over 25 years nurturing children into becoming the very best versions of themselves. She is grateful to Farmington educators Kathy Yardley, Betty Beach and Deb Chase who had an enormous influence on her success.

Early in her career, she worked for Head Start, a federal program that serves the community by promoting school readiness, health and family well-being for low-income families. During that time, she served both Head Start and Early Head Start families in many different capacities, ranging from home visitor to classroom teacher and eventually as a family engagement manager. 

She earned her Master’s in Educational Studies at the University of New Hampshire and currently teaches Pre-K at Crescent Park Elementary School in Bethel. She believes a public school is the central hub of any community because it unites families, educators and community partners—a place where everyone can find a connection, works together and belongs.

During her nine years there, she has seen the deep connection between the school and the community. Parents and families help with events; volunteer in classrooms; keep the school food pantry full for students in need; and plan, organize and run an annual summer Field Day for the whole school. Students in Welch’s class partner with the Bethel Public Library and the school Student Council partners with a local animal rescue in the community and is responsible for one of their largest annual fundraisers, helping pets get spayed, neutered and vaccinated. 

“I am so proud and grateful to represent Crescent Park Elementary. Teaching is a powerful profession,” said Welch.

“Being named Oxford County Teacher of the Year is such an honor and has already been an amazing experience,” said Welch. “I’m excited to use this platform to bring recognition to other talented, dedicated educators, my school, and the teaching profession as a whole.  Teachers really do care so much for their students and it’s really wonderful to share all the incredible things happening in our schools.”