Top four finalists announced for 2023 NH Teacher of the Year

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Education is pleased to announce the four finalists for the 2023 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year Award. 

The teachers selected from the 10 semi-finalists are:
•    Susan Bradford, third grade, James Mastricola Elementary School, Merrimack
•    Christian Cheetham, ninth through twelfth grades, Alvirne High School, Hudson
•    Jennifer MacLeod, eighth grade, Hollis Brookline Middle School, Hollis
•    Curt McDermott, ninth through twelfth grade, Goffstown High School, Goffstown

“The Teacher of the Year process highlights the profound impact that good educators have on families, students, and their local communities,” said Ryan Terrell, a member of the selection committee. “Our 2023 finalists exemplify the high bar set by New Hampshire’s history of K-12 academic excellence – a model for the country.”

This year, more than 120 educators were nominated for the title of 2023 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year – the most number of nominations ever received. Among this milestone, 44 applicants emerged to move forward in the selection process. 

“I have been so fortunate to serve on the Teacher of the Year selection committee,” said New Hampshire’s First Lady Valerie Sununu. “When you spend time with the teachers who have been nominated by their community for excellence, and who have taken the time to demonstrate the mission that drives their craft, you immediately feel inspired and compelled to support and nourish the profession. I will continue to do everything I can to shine a spotlight on excellence in education and to build bridges between the profession and the community.” 

The selection committee will visit each finalist in their classroom in late September, with a final recipient selected by Oct.1.

“New Hampshire is blessed to have so many outstanding educators working to provide superb learning environments. It is evident that these four teachers have built classroom settings where students’ academic and educational outcomes may grow and prosper for years to come,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner. 

New Hampshire businesses and organizations greatly appreciate our amazing teachers, and several provided generous gift donations to the semi-finalists, including: Lake Sunapee Chamber of Commerce, NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs, Copper Door, Great New Hampshire Restaurants, Settlers Green, One Trusted Adult, White Mountain Puzzle, Candle Tree Soy Candles, White Mountain Community College, izzit.com, Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce, Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce, Valley Originals, Mt. Washington Chamber of Commerce, Port City Pretzels, and Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce. 

CONTACT: 
Stacey MacStravic 
Stacey.a.macstravic1@doe.nh.gov
(603) 271-3293