The Maine Department of Education announced today the four finalists for 2009 Maine Teacher of the Year.

They are David Giroux, an automotive technology instructor at Maine Vocational Region Ten high school in Brunswick; Gloria Noyes, a fifth-grade teacher at Congin Elementary School in Westbrook; Diana Tomasello Waterman, a music and chorus teacher at Alfred and Shapleigh Memorial elementary schools; and Michelle Gagne, a first-grade teacher at Sherwood Heights Elementary School in Auburn.

Nine semi-finalists participated in an intensive selection process that included a school visit and an oral presentation. A selection committee will interview the four finalists before choosing a winner.

The selection committee includes past award winners, principals, state education officials and business community members.

Education Commissioner Susan Gendron will present the 2009 award at a surprise assembly at the winner's school in September.

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