FARMINGTON, ME (May 28, 2025)— The University of Maine at Farmington proudly announces that five of the 16 recently named 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year are Farmington graduates, having received their bachelor’s and/or master’s degree from UMF.
This newest cohort of 16 Maine County Teachers of the Year were recently honored by the Maine Dept. of Education in partnership with Educate Maine at the State Capitol in Augusta.
“Farmington produces great teachers, which is why we are not surprised, but delighted, to congratulate these graduates who have been recognized as this year’s Maine County Teachers of the Year. Anywhere you go in Maine, UMF teachers are leading the way,” said Joseph McDonnell, UMF president.
“UMF provides unparalleled preparation for first-time teachers, career changers looking to become certified teachers and educators seeking their master’s degree and post-graduate certificates,” added McDonnell.
Karyn Bigelow, this year’s Maine County Teacher of the Year from Somerset County received both her bachelor’s and master’s degree from UMF.
“My experience at UMF, both as an undergraduate and more recently in the Master’s in Education program, has played such a foundational role in shaping who I am as an educator. The emphasis on hands-on learning, reflective practice, and building strong relationships with students has deeply influenced my teaching philosophy,” said Bigelow.
“Most recently, the graduate program helped me grow not only as a teacher but also as a researcher, leader, and advocate. The support and encouragement I received from faculty empowered me to dig deeper into my passions—particularly around outdoor learning and student collaboration—and bring those ideas to life in meaningful ways for my students,” added Bigelow.
The Maine County Teachers of the Year are selected from nominations for Maine Teacher of the Year from each county, after which they will embark on a year of recognition, learning and professional development and advocacy as they seek to amplify and support the work of Maine’s educators.
One of this year’s Maine County Teachers of the Year will be selected as the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year this fall and will go on to represent Maine in the National Teacher of the Year selection. In the past 20 years, eight UMF Teacher Education graduates have gone on to be named the Maine Teacher of the Year.
UMF Graduates Named 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year
Lincoln: Bridget Wright
Grades 9-10 – Lincoln Academy
Wright has been teaching for 13 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in English from the University of Maine-Farmington, as well a Masters in Educational Leadership from UMF.
Bridget Wright
Oxford: Sarah Marshall
Grade 1 – Rumford Elementary School
Marshall has been teaching for 10 years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maine-Farmington. She also holds a Master’s in Literacy from the University of Southern Maine.
Sarah Marshall
Piscataquis: Brett Almasi
Grade 9-12 – Foxcroft Academy
Almasi, who has been teaching for 20 years, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Maine at Farmington and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of New England.
Brett Almasi
Somerset: Karyn Bigelow
Grade 2 – Bloomfield Elementary School
Bigelow holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maine at Farmington and received her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from UMF in 2025.
Karyn Bigelow
Waldo: Margaret Campbell
Grade 5 – Ames Elementary school
Campbell has been teaching for 13 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maine at Farmington.
Margaret Campbell
The entire list of Maine County Teachers of the Year can be seen at 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year
More on UMF Teacher Education Programs
UMF offers one of the premier teacher education programs in New England. One of just three nationally-accredited teacher education programs in Maine, it combines the highest level of coursework with hands-on field experience beginning in the first and second years at UMF followed by an immersive, 16-week Student Teaching experience. UMF prepares teachers in early childhood education, early childhood special education, elementary education, secondary/middle education, special education and multiple graduate studies and certificate programs. For more information visit UMF Teacher Education Programs.
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EDITOR’S NOTE:
Image: https://www.umf.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2025/05/RP245-037A.jpg
Photo Caption: Bridget Wright
Photo Credit: Submitted Image
Image: https://www.umf.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2025/05/RP245-037B.jpg
Photo Caption: Sarah Marshall
Photo Credit: Submitted Image
Image: https://www.umf.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2025/05/RP245-037C.jpg
Photo Caption: Brett Almasi
Photo Credit: Submitted Image
Image: https://www.umf.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2025/05/RP245-037D.jpg
Photo Caption: Karyn Bigelow
Photo Credit: Submitted Image
Image: https://www.umf.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2025/05/RP245-037E.jpg
Photo Caption: Margaret Campbell
Photo Credit: Submitted Image