Merrimack School Teacher One Of 4 Finalists For NH Teacher Of The Year

CONCORD, NH — Four teachers have been named finalists for teacher of the year for 2023, including an elementary school educator from Merrimack.

Susan Bradford, a third-grade teacher at the James Mastricola Elementary School in Merrimack, is one of four finalists. Christian Cheetham, who teaches ninth through 12th grades at Alvirne High School in Hudson; Jennifer MacLeod, an eighth-grade educator from Hollis Brookline Middle School; and Curt McDermott, who teaches ninth through twelfth grade at Goffstown High School, were the other finalists.

More than 120 teachers were nominated — the most ever, with 44 applicants moving forward in the process for the nomination.

“The Teacher of the Year process highlights the profound impact that good educators have on families, students, and their local communities,” Ryan Terrell, a member of the selection committee and the state board of education member, said. “Our 2023 finalists exemplify the high bar set by New Hampshire’s history of K-12 academic excellence — a model for the country.”

The selection committee will visit each finalist in their classroom in late September, with a final recipient selected by Oct.1.

Valerie Sununu, the first lady of the state, said she was fortunate to be a part of the selection committee because, while spending time with the teachers, the members learned what drove them to be educators. She called the process inspiring and compelling.

“I will continue to do everything I can to shine a spotlight on excellence in education and to build bridges between the profession and the community,” Sununu said.

New Hampshire businesses and organizations have provided generous gift donations to the semi-finalists. Those organizations include Lake Sunapee Chamber of Commerce, NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs, Copper Door, Great New Hampshire Restaurants, Settlers Green, One Trusted Adult, White Mountain Puzzle, Candle Tree Soy Candles, White Mountain Community College, izzit.com, Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce, Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce, Valley Originals, Mt. Washington Chamber of Commerce, Port City Pretzels, and Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce.

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