On Friday, the New Hampshire Department of Education announced the semi-finalists for the 2026 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year Award, and two hail from Manchester School District. Sharon DeVincent, a 4th Grade teacher at Jewett Street Elementary School, and Michelle McGee, business teacher at Manchester School of Technology, are among the 9 semi-finalists.
The teachers were selected from a total of 105 nominees and 29 applicants. The 29 included 7 Manchester educators.
The full list of semi-finalists includes:
Sharon DeVincent of Jewett Street School in Manchester
Michelle McGee of Manchester School of Technology in Manchester
Justine Dube of Lamprey River Elementary School in Raymond
Jennifer Howard of Hampstead Middle School in Hampstead
Ashley LeClair of Pinkerton Academy in Derry
Jennifer McDonald of Gilford High School in Gilford
Kelsey Moore of Heartwood Public Charter School in Jefferson
Megan Philbrook of Andover Elementary/Middle School in Andover
Bob Pooler of Hollis-Brookline Middle School in Hollis
This summer, the group of semi-finalists will make presentations to the selection committee; from the group of 9, 4 finalists will be selected ahead of site visits once the school year begins. The winner will be announced in the fall.
“Congratulations to this year’s Teacher of the Year semi-finalists. These outstanding educators represent the very best of New Hampshire schools – where excellence, creativity, and compassion come together to shape the future of our state,” said Governor Kelly Ayotte. “Joe and I are proud to celebrate their dedication and grateful for the difference they make in the lives of Granite State students and families.”
“It’s a privilege to introduce our nine semi-finalists. Their passion for student success and commitment to excellence shine through, and I commend them for their profound impact on education. We look forward to learning more about each of them as the selection process continues,” said Christine Brennan, deputy commissioner of education.
Commissioner Frank Edelblut echoed those sentiments. “These semi-finalists are cultivating inspiring classrooms where growth and collaboration thrive. Their influence extends beyond their own students, uplifting colleagues and strengthening the fabric of their school communities,” said Edelblut.