OAKLAND -- SAD 47 Superintendent James C. Morse Sr. was in China -- the country -- during this year's Maine School Superintendents' Conference.

That left Education Commissioner Susan Gendron without her choice for Superintendent of the Year.

Gendron caught up with Morse on Tuesday during education workshops at Messalonskee High School.

In front of teachers and administrators from four school systems, Gendron praised Morse as an academic visionary.

In SAD 47, she said, Morse has helped change the roles of teachers from instructors who impart knowledge to facilitators who encourage the pursuit of knowledge.

"Jim has led the SAD 47 district to incredible heights," she said.

Gendron also referred to Morse as a support person she calls upon when she struggles in determining state education policies.

Morse said he didn't expect the honor.

He also made plain that one of his proudest accomplishments was being able to host education guru Willard Daggett -- president of the International Center for Leadership in Education -- for Tuesday's workshops.

Morse took over as SAD 47's top administrator in 1997. He previously was superintendent of the Maine School of Science & Mathematics in Limestone.