Meet Julie Keblinsky, MACTE’s 2026 Teacher Educator of the Year

2026 MACTE Educator Spotlight Series

For Julie Keblinsky, helping teachers grow and succeed has always been a passion. As an administrator with AOS 91 and an adjunct professor at Eastern Maine Community College, she has helped prepare and mentor career and technical education (CTE) instructors, particularly those transitioning from industry careers into the classroom. Her dedication to supporting educators earned her MACTE's 2026 Teacher Educator of the Year Award.

Julie always knew she wanted to teach. Inspired by her high school history teacher, Mr. Martin, she pursued a career in education and landed her first teaching position at Minuteman Technical High School in Lexington, Massachusetts. There, students alternated weekly between academic classes and technical shops, giving Julie an appreciation for different learning styles and the importance of recognizing how each student learns best.

The school's supportive culture and emphasis on professional development made a lasting impression. Twenty-five years later, those experiences inspired her to begin mentoring new CTE teachers.

Today, one of Julie's favorite parts of her work is helping industry professionals discover their potential as educators. Many of the teachers she works with bring years of technical expertise but are learning how to translate that knowledge into meaningful classroom experiences. "Many industry experts realize their own high school did not honor how they learn," Julie explained. "I help them build classrooms that give their students the opportunities and support that they did not have as young learners."

Her philosophy is simple: "When you know better, you do better."

Julie especially enjoys watching new teachers build confidence in areas they once found intimidating, including technology. She also appreciates the supportive relationships that develop among CTE instructors, regardless of their industry backgrounds.

"CTE teachers quickly connect with each other, no matter their industry background," she said. "It is a very supportive cohort of folks. It is like joining a club."

Through her work developing and strengthening CTE teacher certification and mentoring programs, Julie helps instructors develop effective teaching strategies, connect academic learning with technical skills, and create classrooms where students can thrive.

The recognition was particularly special to Julie because mentoring teachers is something she does out of a genuine love for education. "Mentoring teachers is my passion project while I work as an administrator," Julie shared. "I love geeking out about pedagogy and teaching strategies. I am just happy that I am useful to folks."

Get to Know Julie

If your classroom or workday had a theme song, what would it be?

"My theme song is '9 to 5' by Dolly Parton. It has been my phone ring tone for some time now and captures the daily hustle of schools."

What's something about you that your colleagues might be surprised to learn?

"My parents are Deaf and ASL was my first language. Growing up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) taught me to live between two worlds. It shaped how I observe nuances and connect with others. That background helps me build bridges of understanding across different groups today."

If you weren't working in education, what do you think you'd be doing?

"I would work in Human Resources. My core passion is helping people grow and succeed. I love building supportive cultures where individuals reach their potential."