Maine Jump$tart Coalition Announces 2024–2025 Financial Educators of the Year: Steve Withers and Susan Lamoreau
Augusta, ME — July 2025 — The Maine Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy is proud to announce Steve Withers of Waynflete School and Susan Lamoreau of Sanford Regional Technical Center as the recipients of the 2024–2025 Maine Jump$tart Financial Educator of the Year Award.
This annual award recognizes outstanding Maine educators who champion financial literacy and equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to na
vigate their financial futures.
Steve Withers: Inspiring Real-World Connections
Steve Withers has long been a cornerstone of Waynflete Upper School’s academic community, teaching challenging courses in Accelerated Precalculus, SAT Prep, Personal Finance, and Economics. Renowned among students for making rigorous math concepts relevant, Steve bridges complex functions with real-life scenarios — like using mortgage calculations and interest rates to bring polynomial graphs to life.
Steve’s commitment to practical financial literacy shines in his Personal Finance elective, where students craft realistic budgets, research real job opportunities, and plan future living expenses. His dedication extends beyond the classroom — he supports students with tax preparation, financial aid guidance, and candid conversations about diverse paths after high school, including nontraditional college options.
His students and colleagues alike praise him for his humor, care, and ability to transform intimidating economic concepts into empowering, practical tools. Whether on the cross-country course as a coach or advising student-led projects, Steve consistently demonstrates that real-world financial skills are essential to lifelong success.
Susan Lamoreau: A Lifelong Champion for Financial Literacy
For over 37 years, Susan Lamoreau has shaped the financial literacy landscape for thousands of Maine students. Beginning her career as a business teacher at Sanford High School in 1987, Sue adapted and evolved her curriculum to meet changing times, launching the Academy of Business at Sanford Regional Technical Center in 2014. Her reach now extends to eight partner schools across southern Maine, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds, including homeschoolers and private school students, gain critical money management skills.
Rooted in her own early experience with credit card debt, Sue has made it her mission to teach students the true cost of credit and the importance of sound financial habits. Her program offers students the chance to earn college credit through Thomas College and features engaging, hands-on lessons using BE Publishing and Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) resources — a combination she calls a “game-changer.”
A tireless advocate, Sue has logged countless hours in professional development, earning NGPF’s Distinguished Educator status and a recent certificate through Arizona State University. She champions state-level policy change, testifying before the Maine Legislature to advocate for standalone personal finance requirements. This spring, Sue’s students participated in the Financial Literacy Progress & Efficacy Assessment in partnership with Penn State Behrend and NGPF, demonstrating her dedication to measuring and improving student outcomes.
“Both Steve and Sue exemplify what it means to prepare Maine’s students for the real world,” said Samantha Drost, Maine Jump$tart Vice President. “Their innovative approaches, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond make them true role models for educators statewide.”
The Maine Jump$tart Coalition congratulates Steve Withers and Susan Lamoreau for their outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to advancing financial literacy education in Maine.
About the Maine Jump$tart Coalition
The Maine Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy is a statewide, all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the financial literacy of Maine youth. The Coalition brings together individuals, businesses, educators, and policymakers to promote and support financial education across the state.
For more information, visit https://mejumpstart.org/ or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Press Contact:
Samantha Drost, Vice President of Maine Jump$tart
Maine Jump$tart Coalition
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