Clare Delay, a seventh grade teacher at Hollis Brookline Middle School, was recently chosen as a semi-finalist for the 2027 Teacher of the Year award. Courtesy photo

HOLLIS – Clare Delay, a seventh grade teacher at Hollis Brookline Middle School, is one of 11 Granite State educators to be chosen as a semi-finalist for the 2027 Teacher of the Year award.

Delay joined Hollis Brookline in 2023 as a science teacher. She is also the faculty advisor of the school’s Garden Club as well as the greenhouse manager. In addition, she is involved in the Homework Club and U-Knighted for All.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Mary Washington and a Master’s degree in education from New England College.

Principal Patrick West said Delay’s place in the semi-finals is “incredibly well-deserved.”

“Clare has played a key role in strengthening our seventh grade science curriculum by helping align it more closely with the Next Generation Science Standards and the K-12 science progressions within SAU41,” he said. “Drawing on her background in science museum education, she has brought a hands-on, engaging approach to teaching that has made science more meaningful and accessible for students.”

According to the state Department of Education, the semi-finalists were selected from a pool of 124 nominees and 51 applicants.

The other educators who made it to the semi-finals include Gabriel Cohen of Concord High School, Sean Curran of Cooperative Middle School in Stratham, Pamala Custer of Hanover High School, Rebecca Fortgang of Pembroke Academy, Amy Landry of East Derry Elementary School in Derry, Kimberly Lynch of Green Acres Elementary School in Manchester, Leslie Markowski of Troy Elementary School, Katherine McDonough of Rundlett Middle School in Concord, Kristen Nivison of Henry W. Moore School in Candia and Christa Powers Pinkerton Academy in Derry.

“The impact these educators are making in their classrooms and school communities is something to be proud of and I’m grateful for the heart and determination they bring to their work,” said Education Commissioner Caitlin Davis. “We have so many talented and committed educators in New Hampshire, and this program helps to shine a spotlight on those who are making a profound difference in the field of education, helping students to grow, learn and excel.”

The finalists will be chosen in May and the winner is expected to be announced in June.