LEWISTON – Donna Tardif, a kindergarten teacher at Montello Elementary School, has been nominated for 2006 Maine Teacher of the Year.

Ten people were nominated this year, including six elementary school teachers and four high school teachers. Tardif was the only kindergarten teacher to be nominated.

All nominees will be honored by Gov. John Baldacci at the State House on Thursday.

Teachers are first nominated by a selection committee from their school. They then undergo an intensive selection process, which includes school visits by judges, a professional portfolio review and oral presentations. The winner is announced in September.

The 2006 Maine Teacher of the Year will be the 40th educator named. Sherri Gould, a high school teacher in Newport, is the 2005 winner.