Semi-finalists chosen for New Hampshire’s 2024 Teacher of the Year

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Education is pleased to announce the 20 semi-finalists for the 2024 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year Award – the highest number of semi-finalists ever recognized. The teachers were selected from a record number of 92 nominees and include educators from every sector of the state. 

The semi-finalists are:

• Eric Bowman, Contoocook Valley Regional High School, Peterborough
• Ritu Budakoti, Keene Middle School, Keene
• Heather Burkett, Hampstead Central School, Hampstead
• Karen Cyr-Condon, Southside Middle School, Manchester 
• Jacqueline DeFreze, Rye Elementary School, Rye
• Sean Donahue, McKelvie Intermediate School, Bedford
• Kimberly Dorman, Colebrook Academy and Elementary School, Colebrook
• Justine Dube, Parker-Varney Elementary School, Manchester 
• Elizabeth Duclos, Pembroke Hill School, Pembroke
• Erin Hollingsworth, Gilmanton School, Gilmanton IW
• Anna Jennison, Beech Street School, Manchester 
• Jennifer Lambert, Groveton Elementary School, Groveton
• Caitlin Lomando, Mt. Pleasant School, Nashua
• Jennifer Menken, Hooksett Memorial School, Hooksett
• Gregory Parker, Manchester Memorial High School, Manchester 
• Robert Pooler, Hollis Upper Elementary School, Hollis
• Natalie Sears, Manchester Central High School, Manchester 
• Sarah Strauss, Clark-Wilkins Elementary School, Amherst
• Scott Thibodeau, Pembroke Academy, Pembroke
• Andrea von Oeyen, Oyster River Middle/High Schools, Durham

“This year we had an impeccable group of educators who were nominated. We believe this cohort of semi-finalists represent some of the very best of New Hampshire’s talented and devoted field of teachers – teachers that deserve both praise and gratitude for their commitment to today’s youth,” said Christine Brennan, deputy commissioner of education. 

Commissioner Frank Edelblut echoed those sentiments, adding the twenty semi-finalists showcase the proud tradition of teaching excellence in the Granite State. “We are thrilled to recognize so many educators who are setting the bar high and truly making a difference for our students,” he said, adding the teaching profession in New Hampshire – with a record number of educator renewals last year – is defying national trends.

A final recipient will be selected this fall. The 2024 Teacher of the Year will be New Hampshire’s entrant in the National Teacher of the Year program, which is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers.