Presque Isle native nominated
for state teaching award
AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Education named five semi-finalists Monday for the title of 2011 Maine Teacher of the Year. They were chosen from the 13 nominees who were honored earlier this month in a State House ceremony with Gov. John E. Baldacci and First Lady Karen Baldacci. The five teachers were selected by a distinguished review panel consisting of teachers, principals, and members of professional organizations and the business community.
William Buzza
One of the five semi-finalists is William Buzza, who teaches at Leavitt Area High School in Turner. A graduate of Presque Isle High School, Buzza is the son of Gordon and Charlene Buzza of Presque Isle.
The semi-finalists will undergo an intensive selection process consisting of a school visit, a professional portfolio review, and an oral presentation before the pool is narrowed to three state finalists who will then sit for a final interview before the 2011 Maine Teacher of the Year is selected. The review panels consist of past Teachers of the Year, principals, Maine Department of Education staff, and members of professional education organizations and the business community. The 2011 Maine Teacher of the Year will be announced at a surprise all-school assembly in September.
The 2011 Maine Teacher of the Year will be the 46th educator to receive the honor. Kevin Grover, a second-grade teacher at D.W. Lunt School in Falmouth, is the 2010 Maine Teacher of the Year.
Hannaford Supermarkets generously underwrites the cost of the Maine Teacher of the Year program.
