A prekindergarten teacher at Crescent Park Elementary School in Bethel has been named one of eight semifinalists for the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year award, according to a news release from the Maine Department of Education.

Gina Welch, who has taught at the school for 10 years, “will deliver keynote speeches, submit professional portfolios, and participate in an expert panel discussion about educational equity, teacher leadership, and education policy” as part of the selection process, the July 23 release said. The selection process is “designed by educators to offer candidates an opportunity to reflect on their instructional practice.” 

Each candidate “was nominated in January by a member of their community,” according to the release. They then participated in the county selection process, in which a panel of teachers, principals, business leaders and community members chose them from among hundreds of nominees as 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year. The 16 teachers began the selection process for 2027 in May, “showcasing their instructional practices through a classroom video and written reflection.”

A native of Maine, Welch has a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education from the University of Maine at Farmington and a master’s degree in educational studies from the University of New Hampshire. She said her educational philosophy employs “a play-based, child-centered philosophy, fostering curiosity and hands-on exploration to build foundational skills for lifelong learning. I believe strong relationships with my students’ families are the foundation of student success, ensuring every child is surrounded by adults with a shared commitment to their future.

“Crescent Park has become a second home to me. It is such a joy to be a part of our school community and I am honored to represent my amazing colleagues, our outstanding administration, and all of Oxford County,” she said.

Welch grew up mostly in Lewiston, but her family moved to Dixfield as she was entering seventh grade, and she is a Dirigo High School graduate.

Despite her dedication to education, she said, “I wasn’t a kid who always wanted to be a teacher. Even well into high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I knew I was good with people and I enjoyed helping people and making them feel good about themselves.”

Welch said it was being involved in her high school’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program that helped push her into education.

“I used to walk to the elementary school and spend time with a little boy there playing board games or shooting hoops,” she said. “I loved the warm atmosphere of the school, the beautiful classrooms and the way the young students looked up to their teachers. I think that’s when I decided I wanted to be a part of a school community.”

She started her career with Head Start and Early Head Start, and was there for 17 years in several capacities. She joined Crescent Park with the launch of the pre-K program and has been there since.

“Every day, she brings an infectious sense of joy, enthusiasm, and positivity into her classroom, creating an environment where students are excited to learn and grow,” Crescent Park Principal Tanya Arsenault said. “Her dedication to her students and families, passion for teaching, and unwavering commitment to helping every child succeed make her an outstanding educator and a wonderful representative of our school community.”

School Administrative District 44 Superintendent Mark Kenney also praised Welch.

“You will not find a more dedicated or positive individual showing up for our kids every single day. As a pre-K teacher, she sets the educational path for our students and welcomes them to SAD 44 with love and grace,” Kenney said. “Gina is the last person to look for attention, which is precisely why it’s so fitting that she is representing Oxford County.”

The Teacher of the Year finalists will be announced in the fall, with the winner to be named in October, according to the release. That teacher will represent Maine in the National Teacher of the Year program.

The state program is administered by Educate Maine through a partnership with the Maine Department of Education, with support from the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association and the Maine State Board of Education. Funding is provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Geiger, the Maine State Lottery and Unum.

Alison Aloisio is a freelance writer.