FA’s Morrison a finalist for Maine Teacher of the Year
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Recently Foxcroft Academy media and English teacher Mia Morrison was named one of three finalists for Maine Teacher of the Year. Earlier this spring, Morrison was one of 16 teachers selected to represent their counties from a pool of over 300 nominees. In May she was named Piscataquis County Teacher of the Year and she has been an Apple Distinguished Educator since 2013.
Morrison who specializes in classroom technology integration. She has taught at Foxcroft Academy since 2007 and took on the additional role of the newly created position of technology integration specialist in 2013. Morrison leverages 21st century tools in her classroom to stimulate engagement, promote curiosity and cultivate creativity.
“Ms. Morrison represents what all 21st century educators ought to be,” said Head of School Arnold Shorey, who nominated Morrison for the honor. “She integrates technology into education and empowers students to take ownership of their learning, encouraging them to pursue their own interests.”
Morrison’s teaching philosophy is rooted in student ownership. “No matter the age, ability, or motivation–students achieve success when they feel ownership of their learning,” she said. “Through choice and voice, students can pilot their own journey and apply their learning to meaningful and personally relevant work and experiences. My proudest moment as a teacher is when a student moves from the passenger seat to the driver’s seat. They may not even realize it’s happening, but when they start to direct their own learning path is when I enjoy teaching the most.”
She has has been a leader in bringing technology to her classroom, school, district and beyond. Morrison has traveled across the country for numerous speaking engagements and workshop facilitation. In addition she is an adjunct at the University of Maine in the College of Education and Human Development, teaches courses for the Maine Educators Consortium and has published courses through iTunes U that boast a subscription of over 125,000 students around the world.
The review process for Maine Teacher of the Year will continue throughout the fall. Morrison will be interviewed in Augusta by a review panel from the Maine Department of Education, and the state review panel will then travel to Foxcroft Academy in mid-September for a day-long visit to meet with administrators, teachers, parents and trustees as well as observe Morrison in the classroom. Review panels during the selection process consist of past Teachers of the Year, school administrators, Maine Department of Education staff, and members of professional education organizations and the business community.
Brenda LaVerdiere of the Academy Hill School in Wilton (Franklin County) and Tayla Edlund of Pond Cove Elementary School in Cape Elizabeth (Cumberland County) are the other two finalists. The Maine Department of Education will announce the 2016 Maine Teacher of the Year in October at a surprise all-school assembly in October.