CONCORD, NH (May 19, 2026) — The New Hampshire Teacher of the Year selection committee is pleased to announce the three finalists for New Hampshire’s 2027 Teacher of the Year.

The finalists are:

• Rebecca Fortgang teaches French at Pembroke Academy in Pembroke. She has been teaching for 16 years. “My classroom extends beyond grammar and vocabulary. 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,” said Fortgang.

• Katherine (Katie) McDonough teaches Latin at Rundlett Middle School and Concord High School in Concord. She has been teaching for 13 years. “For students to develop intrinsic motivation to learn, they must feel belonging in the classroom and joy in their work,” said McDonough. “ … 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.”

• Christa Powers teaches math at Pinkerton Academy in Derry. She 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. 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.”

“Our candidates this year have been truly exceptional, top-tier educators in every sense of the word. Narrowing the field to 11 semifinalists was incredibly difficult, and selecting just three finalists felt nearly impossible because each educator brings such unique strengths, creativity, and passion to the profession,” said Dr. Ronna HasBrouck, chair of the New Hampshire Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. “I am confident that each of the finalists would represent New Hampshire exceptionally well on the national stage and continue to showcase the very best of our state and its unwavering commitment to students.”

The Teacher of the Year Selection Committee will now schedule visits to observe each of the finalists in their classroom environment. An award winner will be announced in June.

“New Hampshire is proud to celebrate three incredible educators who have been named Teacher of the Year finalists. These outstanding professionals embody educational excellence and reflect the very best of what our schools offer,” said Commissioner Caitlin D. Davis of the New Hampshire Department of Education. “Their commitment to students makes a meaningful difference every day, helping young people realize their full potential.”