AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci will honor 18 teachers nominated for the 2008 Maine Teacher of the Year program at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, in the State House Hall of Flags.

The teachers include Peter J. Devine of Dexter Regional High School, Joseph A. Fagnant of Houlton High School, Lisa Hackett of Dr. Lewis Libby School in Milford, Charles E. Johnson of Mount Desert High School, Rosemarie Smith of Waterville Senior High School and Kris Vigue of Stearns High School in Millinocket.

Teachers were selected by nominating committees in their school administrative units.

Nominees will undergo an intensive selection process, including school visits, portfolio reviews and final interviews before the winner is announced in September. The final decision will be announced in August.

Other nominated teachers include the following:

. Pamela Abzan, Lewiston Regional Technical Center.

. Donna Albert, Walton Elementary School, Auburn.

. Erica Barcelo, Noble High School, North Berwick.

. Charlena Beganny, Carrie Ricker and Libby Tozier Schools, Litchfield.

. Jennifer Blair, Massabesic High School, Buxton.

. Lucille C. Bowers, Bonny Eagle Middle School, Buxton.

. Jeanne Drews, Turner Elementary School.

. Martin M. McKeon, Sanford High School.

. Andrea M. Napolitano-Romer, Riverton School and Community Center, Portland.

. Geoffrey Nelson, Westbrook Regional Vocational Center.

. Henri St. Pierre, Cheverus High School, Portland.

. George D. Shabo, Loranger Middle School, Old Orchard Beach.