Educator of the Year Award

Each year, the Board of Directors of the Maine Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy solicits nominations for the Maine Jump$tart Coalition Financial Educator of the Year Award. This award was created to recognize a Maine educator who has distinguished themselves through their efforts to improve the financial capability of the students and families they serve.

The Board is particularly interested in PreK-12 classroom teachers who have successfully adapted free, non-commercial curriculum materials; or developed an innovative approach to engage students in topics related to personal finance. Creativity and enthusiasm for incorporating personal finance in the classroom and successful integration of technology will also be considered.

Award recipients receive an all expenses paid trip the National Jump$tart Educator Conference and a $500 financial education grant from Machias Savings Bank. The recipient is also invited to attend the Fostering Financial Education in Maine Schools Conference for special recognition.

Nomination Forms are available in the spring, with review and selection occurring in September. The award winner will be notified by the end of September.

Please direct any questions or comments to Mary Dyer, Maine Jump$tart President at info@mejumpstart.org.

Award Recipients

2021-2022: Caitlyn Roy, Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School, Machias, Maine

2020-2021: Sheree Inman, South Portland High School, & Joe Schmidt, Social Studies Specialist at the Maine DOE

2019-2020: Raelene Allen, Madison High School, & Samantha Drost, Central Aroostook High School

2018-2019: Dr. Valerie Ann Waldemarson, Caribou High School

2017-2018: Jeanne Billings, Mt. Ararat High School

2016-2017: Brett Shifrin, Gould Academy

2015-2016: Amanda Peterson, United Technologies Center

2014-2015: Katie Hall, Islesboro Central School

2013-2014: April Morrison, Sanford High School

2012-2013: Steve Kautz, Waynflete School