enlarge Photo by John Ewing/Staff Photographer

Maine Teacher of the Year, Gloria Noyes, is honored at Congin Elementary School in Westbrook. Noyes gets a hug from her youngest son Maxwell after the presentation of the award.

WESTBROOK -- Congin Elementary School rocked with cheers, applause and tears this morning when fifth-grade teacher Gloria Noyes was named 2009 Maine Teacher of the Year.

Education Commissioner Susan Gendron presented the award during a surprise school assembly attended by students, staff, Noyes' family members and several past Maine Teacher of the Year winners.

"She believes in each and every one of you," Gendron said to about 300 students sitting on the gymnasium floor.

Noyes, who attended Congin School as a child, accepted the award with thanks to many people, especially her students throughout her 15-year career.

"You beautiful children ... are the reason I get up in the morning," she said with emotion. "You are my inspiration."

Noyes was selected from four finalists, including David Giroux, an automotive technology instructor at Maine Vocational Region 10 high school in Brunswick; Diana Tomasello Waterman, a music and chorus teacher at Alfred and Shapleigh Memorial elementary schools; and Michelle Gagne, a first-grade teacher at Sherwood Heights Elementary School in Auburn.

Nine semi-finalists participated in an intensive selection process that included a school visit and an oral presentation. A selection committee interviewed the four finalists before choosing a winner.

The selection committee included past award winners, principals, state education officials and business community members.

The award program is sponsored by the Maine State Teacher of the Year Association, the Maine Department of Education and the Maine State Board of Education. It is funded by Hannaford Supermarkets.