Julia W. Edwards (née Handspicker), a 2010 graduate of the UMass Department of Music and Dance, has been named 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year for her role as the choral music teacher at Poland Regional High School and Bruce M. Whittier Middle School at Regional School Unit (RSU) 16 in Poland, Maine.
Edwards earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education at UMass, where she studied oboe under recently retired Professor Fredric T. Cohen, and participated in a wide array of ensembles across several performance areas.
A talent on both oboe and English horn, and as a vocalist, Edwards was a four-year member of the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Quintessentials Woodwind Quintet and Chamber Choir. She also performed with the Madrigal Singers and in various ensembles for woodwinds, reeds and percussion.
While at UMass, Edwards served as a teaching fellow with the Children’s Chorus of Springfield and student-taught at Wolf Swamp Elementary School and Williams Middle School, both in Longmeadow, Mass.
In expressing gratitude for her time at UMass, Edwards cited many members of the Department of Music and Dance who challenged and encouraged her, including Fred Cohen, Ben Smar, Lisa Lehmberg, Brent Auerbach, Gary Karpinski, James Miller, Lanfranco Marcelletti, Nikki Stoia, Wayne Abercrombie, and Deanna Joseph.
“The common thread throughout all of my learning experiences with UMass faculty was a deep care for students, which was coupled with expertise and a passion for the material,” she concluded.
“Julia was an outstanding student teacher,” said Assistant Professor of Music Education Daniel Albert, who served as a supervising practitioner during her semester at Williams. “Throughout her student teaching, she always acted in the best interest of the students and embraced a student-centered philosophy of teaching. Her interactions truly embodied her belief in the importance of relationships in education. Julia's maturity, preparation, and conscientiousness really shone through during her time at Williams Middle School. The students noticed those qualities and responded incredibly well to her instruction. It was an absolute pleasure working with her.”
The Teacher of the Year Program is a year-long process that involves educator portfolio and resume submissions, interviews, oral presentations, and classroom visits made by a selection panel composed of State Board of Education members, school administrators, Maine Department of Education staff, legacy Teachers of the Year, and other Maine business partners. One of hundreds of educators nominated across the state, Edwards was put forward for the honor by Bruce Whittier Middle School Principal Shawn Vincent and Shannon Snowman, a parent of a current student. In May, Edwards was selected as the 2025 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year, alongside 15 other County Teachers of the Year. In August, Edwards became one of four state finalists before she was ultimately named 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year.
As a teacher in RSU 16, Edwards’ leadership roles have included coordinating the grade-level advisory program and developing a district-wide professional development conference. She finds the most joy, however, in working with her students through school days filled with piano, advanced music, and chorus classes. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Edwards has served as a guest clinician and manager for various district and state festivals in Maine, and has presented on pedagogical topics for state, regional, and national conferences. Recently, Edwards has moved into the role of President for the Maine chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, where she is working to expand intergenerational singing opportunities throughout the state.
As a performer, Edwards has played oboe and English horn with several ensembles including the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra and Casco Bay Wind Symphony and continues to sing and play guitar and accordion with her folk band, Bold Riley.
“I am grateful for the powerful statement that the Maine Teacher of the Year program made when they selected me to represent our state,” said Edwards. “Not only is it a message of the importance of arts education in our schools; it is a reminder to folks of the crucial academic work that happens within those programs. As a UMass graduate, I find it thrilling and imperative to pass along the dedication and wisdom that I received in abundance from my professors. What a privilege it is to continue a legacy of care, knowledge, and joyful curiosity!”
“This award validates the outstanding work she has done on behalf of her students and her leadership amongst Maine's educators,” added Albert. “It's a special point of pride for the Department of Music and Dance and the music education faculty that one of our music education alumni has been recognized for this high honor.”
As the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year, Edwards will spend her year of service advocating for students and teachers and speaking about the importance of education in preparing Maine students for the future. She will also represent Maine in the National Teacher of the Year program.
The Maine Teacher of the Year program is administered by Educate Maine, a business-led advocacy organization in partnership with the Maine Department of Education, the Maine State Board of Education, and the Maine County and State Teachers and County of the Year Association (MCSTOYA).
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Photos courtesy of Will Wohler Photography.