St. Michael School Second-Grade Teacher named the Teacher of the Year

A second-grade teacher at St. Michael School in Augusta has been honored as the Maine Catholic School Teacher of the Year. Christine Michaud was presented with the award by Bishop James Ruggieri and Superintendent of Maine Catholic Schools Shelly Wheeler on Monday, April 27, to a rousing round of applause during a school assembly.

“This teacher lives her Catholic faith in a profound way, extending it into everything she does, both personally and professionally. She treats each student as a child of God, recognizing their unique talents and gifts and guiding them to strive for excellence,” said Wheeler in announcing the award. “Her passion for the mission of the Church, her commitment to her students, and her impact on the school community are truly exceptional.”

“As the second-grade teacher and choir director for grades 3-8, she treats each student as a child of God with unique talents and gifts, supporting them to strive for excellence while giving glory to him,” said Principal Alanna Stevenson, who nominated Michaud for the award. “As a convert to Catholicism, she is an ideal teacher for the second-grade level, as she understands fully the preparation involved to engage in that journey.”

Michaud has taught at Catholic schools for six years, the last four of them as the second-grade teacher at St. Michael. In addition to her classroom leadership and directing the school choir, she also coordinates monthly student-led Masses, arranges visits from the choir to area assisted living centers and the veterans’ home, guides the school’s Operation Rice Bowl collection during Lent, and organizes school community events such as the Christmas party. She is also an active member of St. Michael Parish in Augusta, where she formerly served as a catechist.

During the assembly, as Wheeler read the teacher of the year's many accomplishments, Michaud fought back tears, realizing that Wheeler was talking about her.

“This is an honor that is beyond my expectations,” she said. “I am just completely overwhelmed. I had absolutely no idea or expectations. This was never a thought in the back of my mind.”

When accepting the award, Michaud had high praise for the St. Michael community, saying she is grateful for the opportunity to teach at the school.

“The children here, the parents here, and especially the teachers, my co-teachers, make teaching here just so much fun, and I feel very well supported and cared for and appreciated. So, what I give is out of my heart because I love it,” she said.

In addition to teachers, staff, and students, some special guests attended the award ceremony, including her husband, Jason; Sister Carol Martin, PFM, who recruited Michaud to be a catechist for the parish many years ago; and some other close friends.

“One of the things that she has always loved is just giving of herself to others, and being a second-grade teacher here, she does that every day. She’s committed to her kids. She just loves them as if they are her own. And she gives her heart to everything she does,” said Jason.

“I think she’s perfect for this role. The primary thrust of the New Testament is love without judgment, and that is Christine,” said Peter Precourt, a close friend.

In addition to being presented with a Teacher of the Year Award plaque, Michaud will receive $500 for herself and $500 for her classroom.