Bangor High teacher named Penobscot County Teacher of the Year

A Bangor High School teacher was named Penobscot County’s Teacher of the Year, the Maine Department of Education announced Thursday. Emilie Throckmorton was among the 16 educators who were selected as County Teachers of the Year. The teachers were honored in a ceremony at the Maine State Capitol during Teacher Appreciation Week. More than 600 teachers throughout the state were nominated, but the winners were selected by a panel of teachers, principals, and business community members within their county. Gov. Janet Mills announced the award recipients alongside Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin, Educate Maine Executive Director Jason Judd, State Board of Education Chair Fern Desjardins and several others. “It’s an honor to celebrate these 16 teachers who were nominated by colleagues, parents, and students for their passion, leadership, dedication, and the tremendous difference they make in the lives of their students and at their schools,” Makin said. Maine County Teachers of the Year serve as ambassadors for teachers, students, and schools throughout their year of service. The 16 teachers recognized will be eligible to be named Maine’s Teacher of the Year. A selection for that honor will continue throughout the summer and the award will be announced in the fall. “As the daughter of a longtime public school teacher, I have the deepest respect and admiration for the Maine educators who work tirelessly to equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need to have bright futures,” Mills said. “I congratulate this year’s County Teacher of the Year honorees for their commitment to excellence in education, and most importantly, for their outstanding work in teaching our children.”