Laura Hatfield: Outstanding Graduate Student in Special Education

Laura Hatfield of Montville, Maine is the 2026 Outstanding Graduate Student in Special Education in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. Originally from New Hampshire, Hatfield moved to Montville in 1995 where she and her husband raised two daughters. In 2023, Regional School Unit (RSU) 3 — the rural school district that includes Montville — was unable to fill a special education teacher position that required work in multiple schools. Hatfield had worked in one of the schools for 15 years as an educational technician and decided to take the leap. She enrolled in 91¸£Àû’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in special education (high-incidence disabilities concentration) and as a result of the coursework she has completed will be eligible for special educator teacher certification when she graduates this year.

Why did you choose 91¸£Àû for graduate school?

I chose 91¸£Àû for graduate school because of the warm and encouraging responses I received from the special education faculty, and because I could complete my coursework online. This made it feel doable as someone who lives in a rural area and who teaches full time.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91¸£Àû better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91¸£Àû?

I have had the opportunity to learn from many excellent professors during my time in graduate school. Specifically, I want to thank Dr. Joo Young Lee for the noticeable care she weaves into her teaching and detailed feedback, and for encouraging me to continue my educational journey. Thanks to Dr. Melissa Cuba and Dr. Debrajean Scheibel who greatly expanded my knowledge in critical issues pertaining to special education. Finally, Dr. Sara Flanagan’s positivity and extensive knowledge have inspired me to be the best educator (and graduate student) that I can be! I’m truly grateful for the ability to help my students make meaningful progress and gain confidence.

What advice do you have for incoming graduate students to help them get off to the best start academically?

Although it can be scary to take on school while you are working, it’s important to remember that your professors truly want you to succeed. Reaching out if you have questions or need help is encouraged. A strategy that helped me stay organized was to keep sticky-note checklists on my laptop to see upcoming assignments and due dates at a glance.

What’s on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?

I plan to continue teaching in the schools where I currently teach. I am so often inspired by the resilience and growth of the students I work with. Their hard work and determination motivates me to be the best educator that I can be. I am also fortunate to have many role models whom I have the pleasure of working with in our district. My sincere thanks to Lisa Roux, Brett Leavitt, Jodie Dupuy, and Cindy Fonger for believing in me.

Special thank you message:

A special thank you goes to my husband, Ben, for his unwavering encouragement, and for being willing to take care of whatever he could so I could give my best effort to my studies. I’m also so grateful for our daughters who lead by example and who aren’t afraid to get out of their comfort zone to grow and learn.