Congratulations to Jamie Swenson, South Portland Middle School Chorus Teacher, who was was awarded the Maine Music Educators Association Educator of the Year for Middle School!

Below is what was shared about Jamie:

Jamie is the heartbeat of the South Portland music department—and if you’ve spent even a few minutes around her classroom, you understand why. For 17 years, she has built a vocal music program that welcomes students of every background and ability. It’s a program that doesn’t just create strong musicians, but helps shape thoughtful, compassionate, and confident young people.

For most of those years, Jamie traveled between the two middle schools- Memorial and Mahoney. She honored what made each school unique, while creating spaces where every student felt safe to take risks, find their voice, and be heard. When the two middle schools eventually merged, bringing nearly 900 students together under one roof, something remarkable happened: the community Jamie had built came together, too. Today, nearly half of our student body participates in the SPMS choral program— a testament to the culture she created long before the buildings became one.

While her middle school program has been an essential pipeline to our high school, Jamie’s impact stretches across the entire district. She has served on the Middle School Building Leadership Team, representing all related arts teachers, and for the past five years, she has led us as Music Department Chair. In that role, she has helped define a vision for our program. Jamie worked alongside our team to develop common essential learning targets, aligning both classroom and ensemble instruction. She helped design a curriculum that thoughtfully connects key transitions, especially from 4th to 5th grade and from 8th to 9th, so that students experience music not as isolated moments, but as a continuous, meaningful journey.

Just as importantly, Jamie has strengthened our voice. She makes sure music education is part of the conversation at every level, advocating for equitable access and for the resources our programs need—not just to exist, but to truly thrive. Because of her, our department is not only heard, but respected.

And then there’s the magic she brings beyond the classroom. As director of our drama program, Jamie has brought many productions to life in ways that energize our entire school community. Her shows are not just performances, they are invitations. Invitations for students of all experience levels to step in, try something new, and be part of something bigger than themselves. Whether it’s a seasoned performer or someone stepping on stage for the very first time, Jamie creates an environment where every student belongs, and where every student can shine.

At the heart of it all, Jamie inspires courage. She encourages her students to be brave, to take risks, and to embrace who they are, knowing they are supported every step of the way. And she inspires her colleagues just as deeply- challenging us to grow, to reflect, and to keep finding better ways to serve our students. 

We asked our students to describe Mrs. Swenson in just one word, and their responses said it all: thoughtful, dedicated, kind, inclusive, a cheerleader, creative, funny, and inspiring. 

Simply put, Jamie doesn’t just build programs. She builds community, she builds confidence, and she builds people.