As my year as the 2014 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year comes to an end, I would like to thank those organizations that made the year possible: Educate Maine, the Maine Department of Education, RSU16, and the private business sponsors of the program, including Bangor Savings Bank, Hannaford, Unum and Geiger.

In 2014, the Maine Teacher of the Year program was expanded to include recognizing a Teacher of the Year from each county in Maine. The most rewarding part of the process, for me, was joining the inaugural family of the 15 other 2014 County Teachers of the Year.

And it has been a wonderful year of incredible experiences, from writing a County Teacher of the Year unified platform to meeting with Sen. Angus King’s representatives to provide input on important educational issues. Each of the County Teachers of the Year were encouraged to find our voice as teacher-leaders. I did.

All students in Maine must have the same educational opportunities no matter what their zip code. Also, nothing affects student learning more than highly effective teachers. Policy leaders must focus on encouraging, maintaining and ensuring that every student in Maine sits in front of the most effective teachers possible.

This year’s class of County Teachers of the Year has been “sworn in” and I am proud that Debra Miller is representing Androscoggin County this year. I wish her all the best on her Teacher of the Year journey.

Skip Crosby, Poland