Claire Loeser: Outstanding Student in Elementary Education

Claire Loeser of Saco, Maine is the 2025 Outstanding Student in Elementary Education in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. Loeser was a member of University Singers and a Student Ambassador. She graduates with a Child Development and Family Relations minor.

Parent(s): Terry and David Loeser and stepdad Jamie

Why did you choose to come to UMaine?

I chose to come to UMaine because it felt like a place I would feel at home. Leaving my family was an overwhelming and daunting experience, but when I visited UMaine I was met with a sense of comfort and possibility. I knew I would be supported as I explored new paths for my future, and discovered my passions outside of my career.   

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

The biggest role models that I have had the pleasure of collaborating with during my time at UMaine have been my two mentor teachers from student teaching and my 100-hour placement, Erin Vose and Cory Feero. Throughout my time with Mrs. Vose and Mrs. Feero, they helped me build the confidence I need to be myself in the classroom, supported me every step of the way, and taught me what it really means to be an educator. They welcomed me fully into their classrooms from my first days as their student teacher, which gave me the safety to fully embrace the student teaching experience. I’m so grateful that Mrs. Vose and Mrs. Feero cared not only for my success as an educator, but my well being and level of comfort in the classroom. I owe my ability to be a compassionate and humorous educator, while still maintaining leadership in the classroom, to them and their guidance. Student teaching is one of the biggest challenges I have faced in my time at UMaine and I wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without the support that Erin Vose and Cory Feero gave me. I will always be so grateful to have worked with them!

What has coming to UMaine enabled you to explore beyond academics?

Coming to UMaine has enabled me to explore many of my interests beyond being an educator. My first year I joined University Singers, the audition choir on campus, and I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without that opportunity. Singing has always been a passion of mine, and for the past four years I have been lucky enough to sing with a group of 60-plus students around the world. Through University Singers I have met some of my best friends, held on to my passions, and found a forever family. In addition to University Singers, I have been able to experience being a Student Ambassador for UMaine through the Admissions Office. I was able to give tours to prospective students, lead orientation groups, and give a speech to part of the incoming freshman class during orientation. This allowed me to grow as a leader and hopefully leave an impact on the students who are just beginning their UMaine journey!

Favorite UMaine memory:

My favorite UMaine memory is going on an international tour of Italy with the University Singers! Over the course of about 12 days we travelled to Rome, Florence, Vicenza, Venice and Lecco. I feel so blessed to have been able to sing with some of my closest friends in the most beautiful spaces. Traveling with 60-plus people was chaotic at times, but it was so magical to have such a large group of people come together to share their love for music. The memories I made will be with me forever and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience that I wouldn’t have gotten elsewhere.

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

After graduating I will celebrate with a much needed family vacation to Disney before moving back home to Southern Maine! I look forward to a summer of nannying in Portland, game nights at home, and dedicating more time to my hobbies. Somewhere along my career path I would love to teach abroad and experience different learning cultures around the world. Long-term, I hope to teach in my hometown school district and give back to the community that gave me such a wonderful education experience. 

Special thank you message: 

Thank you Mom, Jamie, Mckenzie, Alan, Camden and Colton for supporting me through my entire academic journey. You have shown up for me through all the ups and downs, cheered for me at every concert, and trekked up to Orono more times than I could have hoped for. I couldn’t have asked for a more loving family. Thank you to my dad and Papa for watching over me and inspiring me to be a passionate educator, and a joyful person. Thank you to Emma and Erin for being the best student teacher buddies and for making me laugh no matter how stressed we are!