NEWPORT (AP) – A Newport high school English teacher on Tuesday was named the 2005 Maine Teacher of the Year.

Sherri Gould was given the honor at a surprise assembly at Nokomis Regional High School attended by Gov. John Baldacci and Education Commissioner Susan Gendron.

Gendron said that Gould exemplifies many of the finest qualities in “the noblest of all professions – teaching.”

The selection process began last winter with 23 nominees from all parts of the state. The field was narrowed to five finalists, with the others coming from schools in Caribou, Westbrook, North Anson and Damariscotta.

Gould, who lives with her family in Corinna and is a graduate of the University of Maine.

, will go on to compete in the National Teacher of the Year competition at the White House next spring.