MINOT — Katie Toothaker, kindergarten teacher at Minot Consolidated School, was honored recently as the 2018 Androscoggin Teacher of the Year.

Ben Tucker, regional representative for the office of U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, presented her with a certificate June 5.

Parents and students read letters they wrote in support of Toothaker.

“Katie is everything a parent could dream a teacher to be … Her students think of each other as family and have learned to appreciate and respect one another,” parent JoAnna Colbath wrote.

A former sixth grade student referred to her as a “human ray of sunshine. Ms. Toothaker would ask you how you were doing and what you did over the weekend … Although these questions seem like the usual small talk you would ask a friend, she meant them to be more than that.”

Regional School Unit 16 board Chairwoman Mary Martin credited Toothaker with knowing how to build strong partnerships with families and develop bonds that remain even when the children move on to the next grade.

Toothaker was honored at the Hall of Flags in Augusta in May.

Katie Toothaker, back row in center, stands with her kindergarten students at Minot Consolidated School during a ceremony recognizing her as the 2018 Androscoggin Teacher of the Year. In back at left is Ben Tucker, regional representative for the office of U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, who presented her with a certificate at the school June 5. In back at right is Kaitlynn Brown, Minot Consolidated School principal.

Katie Toothaker, kindergarten teacher at Minot Consolidated School, holds a certificate honoring her as the 2018 Androscoggin Teacher of the Year. Ben Tucker, regional representative for the office of U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, presented the recognition at the school June 5.

Katie Toothaker, Androscoggin Teacher of the Year, is pictured with Teachers of the Year from other counties.