Talya Edlund reacts to winning Maine's Teacher of the Year award Monday morning. Edlund has said going through the teacher of the year process "shoved me out the door and has given me a reason to think about the choices I make." Whitney Hayward/Staff Photographer

Pond Cove Elementary principal Kelly Hasson mimes the stack of applications the school received for the open third grade teacher position. Edlund was hired to fill the position.

Pond Cove Elementary students wait for the awards ceremony for third grade teacher Talya Edlund.

Mason Cross, 8, a student in Edlund's class, watches his teacher speak after winning the Maine Teacher of the Year honor.

Edlund gets a hug from principal Kelly Hasson.

Cape Elizabeth Pond Cove Elementary third grader Ezra Gough, 8, whoops and cheers for teacher Talya Edlund as she accepts the Maine Teacher of the Year award.

Edlund embraces her son Gus Vettese, 4, after being named Maine Teacher of the Year.

Edlund is surrounded by her students as it's announced she won the Maine Teacher of the Year award.