Concord, Derry, And Pembroke Educators Are Finalist For New Hampshire Teacher Of The Year For 2027

CONCORD, NH — Three educators have been named finalists for New Hampshire Teacher of the Year in 2027.

Rebecca Fortang of Pembroke Academy, Katherine McDonough of Rundlett Middle School in Concord, and Christa Powers of Pinkerton Academy in Derry are finalists, narrowed down from 11 named in late April. A winner will be named in June after the committee enters the next process — observing the candidates in their classroom environment.

Commissioner Caitlin Davis congratulated the finalists, calling them “incredible educators” and “outstanding professionals” who reflect the very best of what Granite State schools have to offer.

“Their commitment to students makes a meaningful difference every day, helping young people realize their full potential,” she said.

Fortang teachers French in Pembroke and has been an educator for 16 years.

“My classroom extends beyond grammar and vocabulary,” she said. “It is a place where students discover their voice, earn credentials that expand their futures, and recognize their role in a global community. When students leave my program, they do not simply ‘know French.’ They know they belong in the

world. That is the impact I strive to make for New Hampshire students every day.”

An educator for 13 years, McDonough teaches Latin in Concord.

“For students to develop intrinsic motivation to learn, they must feel belonging in the classroom and joy in their work,” she said. “…My positive classroom environment relies strongly on teambuilding and the power of play. In world language class, students who enter my door are immediately in a different place than they are in most of their other classes. Beginning a new language is a great equalizer in a lot of ways.”

Powers is a math teacher in Derry and has been teaching for 14 years.

“Whatever classroom I enter, I believe my goal as a mathematics teacher is to make connections between the real world and problem-solving strategies,” she said. “Yes, I make sure to dive deeper into specific connections when they apply, but if I have taught a student how to problem solve and to reason, then they will find success in whatever their future career path may hold, as they can work through any struggle that may present itself.”

Ronna HasBrouck, the chairwoman of the selection committee, called the finalists “truly exceptional, top-tier educators in every sense of the word.” She said it was “incredibly difficult” and “nearly impossible” to decide.

“I am confident that each of the finalists would represent New Hampshire exceptionally well on the national stage,” she said, “and continue to showcase the very best of our state and its unwavering commitment to students.”

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