Maine DOE Update – September 18, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Celebrating Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with Governor Janet Mills and adult education programs across Maine, is celebrating Adult Education and Family Literacy Week (AEFLA), September 13-19, 2026. | More

Maine Schools Invited to Explore an Environmental Sustainability Collaboration with French Education Partners

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Académie de Nantes in France, invites Maine schools and school administrative units (SAUs) to express interest in a new international sustainability collaboration for the 2026–2027 school year. | More

Maine Seal of Biliteracy Program Celebrates Strongest Year Yet

Maine students are earning the Seal of Biliteracy in record numbers, with an 18 percent increase in the number of students earning the distinction this year and an 11.5 percent increase in Maine high schools offering the opportunity. | More

Reminder: 2026-2027 Program Information and Application Procedures for National Board Certification Scholarship Fund and Salary Supplement

There are two National Board Certification programs governed by Maine State Statute (20-A MRSA Section 13013-A). For teachers who have not yet achieved National Board Certification, a scholarship program exists to provide funds to help defray certification costs. For teachers who have already achieved National Board Certification, there is a salary supplement program. In both cases, applications are submitted to the Maine Department of Education (DOE) by a teacher’s school administrative unit (SAU). Please see below for an overview of these two valuable programs and our streamlined application procedures. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Maine School Safety Center Announces Release of First Phase of School Bus Safety Training Modules

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), Maine School Safety Center (MSSC), is pleased to announce the release of the first phase of training modules developed for school bus drivers. The training modules are available in EnGiNE, the Maine DOE’s online professional learning platform. | More

Professional Learning and Resources to Support Improved School Attendance

The Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC), a statewide collaboration working to strengthen student engagement and attendance and to address chronic absenteeism in Maine schools, is focused on weaving together Maine Department of Education (DOE) initiatives to coordinate practical tools and opportunities for educators to learn from one another to improve student attendance | More

Registration is Open for the Maine School Safety Specialist Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Maine School Safety Center’s (MSSC) free training for the School Safety Specialist Program is open to schools and school administrative units (SAUs). The School Safety Specialist (SSS) Program helps schools and districts fulfill the requirements of Public Law 2023, chapter 254, to have a designated employee having oversight regarding school safety. | More

Maine DOE to Offer Office Hours for Home Instruction Points of Contact

The Maine Department of Education is offering quarterly Office Hours for the 2026-2027 school year to support all Home Instruction Points of Contact (PoC). | More

Building Number Sense: Early & Foundational Numeracy – A Free 3-Part Learning Series for PreK-8 Educators

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to offer a free professional learning series to support educators in helping all students develop deep number sense and flexible mathematical thinking across preK through grade 8. Participants should plan to attend all 3 sessions at their selected regional location. | More

Reminder: Registration Open for 16th Annual PBIS Conference

Maine’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (Maine PBIS) program, a collaboration between the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the University of Maine System (UMS), will host its annual conference on November 19, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine Seal of Biliteracy Program Celebrates Strongest Year Yet

(Images courtesy of Augusta School Department, The Portland Public Schools, and Bangor School Department)

The Maine Seal of Biliteracy recognizes graduating students who demonstrate proficiency in English and one or more additional languages. The statewide recognition celebrates students’ dedication to language learning and highlights bilingualism and multilingualism as valuable assets that support academic, career, and community opportunities.

“This year’s growth reflects the dedication of Maine students, families, educators, and school and district coordinators who support language learning and help students pursue the Seal of Biliteracy,” said Melanie Junkins, Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Maine at Presque Isle “The Seal recognizes a significant achievement and affirms that bilingualism and multilingualism are lifelong skills that benefit students throughout their education, careers, and lives.”

Recognizing Language as an Asset

For many Maine students, bilingualism and multilingualism are part of their everyday lives. Students may speak another language with family members, study a world language in school, or develop language skills through community, cultural, and international experiences.

The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes these experiences and abilities as assets.

The distinction provides students with an opportunity to show what they can do in English and an additional language through approved assessments and established criteria. Earning the Seal requires preparation, persistence, and strong language skills across multiple areas of communication.

The Seal also supports the goals of the Maine Learning Results, including the World Languages standards, which emphasize communication and intercultural understanding. These skills help prepare students to participate meaningfully in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Seal gives students a meaningful way to celebrate their language skills while recognizing an achievement that can continue to serve them beyond high school.

Resource Kit Supports Growing Interest

The continued growth of the Seal of Biliteracy program reflects increasing awareness of the value of multilingualism and the opportunities available to Maine students.

The Maine Seal of Biliteracy Resource Kit supports schools and educators by providing tools to promote the Seal, communicate with students and families, and build awareness of the process for earning the distinction.

As more schools use the Resource Kit to share information and encourage students to consider the Seal, students have more opportunities to learn how their bilingual and multilingual abilities can be recognized and celebrated.

Increasing awareness is an important part of expanding access to the Seal. Students need to know that the opportunity exists and understand the steps they can take to earn it.

Schools can support students throughout their educational journey by encouraging continued language learning, supporting students in developing their home and heritage languages, and providing opportunities to develop and demonstrate proficiency in a world language.

An Earned Distinction and Lifelong Skill

Earning the Seal of Biliteracy is a significant accomplishment. The distinction recognizes students who have demonstrated proficiency in English and an additional language and provides a formal acknowledgment of their achievement as they transition from high school to college, career, and civic life.

For students, the Seal can serve as evidence of valuable skills they carry with them beyond graduation. The ability to communicate across languages and cultures can support future educational opportunities, careers, relationships, and community engagement.

This year’s 18 percent increase is more than a program statistic. It means more Maine students being recognized for their dedication to language learning and for skills they have worked hard to develop.

The growth also reflects the work of educators, families, and communities across the state who recognize the languages students speak and study as important assets.

As Maine celebrates its strongest year yet for the Seal of Biliteracy, these students’ achievements highlight the value of bilingualism and multilingualism and the importance of providing opportunities to demonstrate their full range of knowledge and skills.

More Maine students than ever are earning recognition for their biliteracy, affirming that the languages they speak, study, and develop are valuable assets in schools, work, and life.

Explore statewide Maine Seal of Biliteracy Statewide Data on the Maine Seal of Biliteracy Dashboard.

Learn more about the Maine Seal of Biliteracy and access the Resource Kit at the Maine Department of Education’s Seal of Biliteracy resources.

Building Number Sense: Early & Foundational Numeracy – A Free 3-Part Learning Series for PreK-8 Educators

The focus will be on strong Tier I inclusive instructional strategies, the use of multiple representations, and real-world problem solving to support learning for all students, including those with disabilities. Educators will engage in hands-on learning experiences and have opportunities to apply inclusive instructional strategies in their own settings between sessions.

Participants will receive a copy of Understanding the Math We Teach and How to Teach It by Marian Small, and the series will connect participants with resources in the Maine DOE Numeracy Playbook. Educators may earn up to 24 contact hours. Participants will select their preferred regional location when registering and should bring their own lunch to each session.

The following regional series are available:

Northern Maine Series – Presque Isle

Where: University of Maine (MPR Room) – Presque Isle
When:
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Thursday, January 21, 2027
- Friday, March 26, 2027
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Central Maine Series – Bangor

Where: Husson University (Family Center) – Bangor
When:
- Friday, October 16, 2026
- Thursday, January 14, 2027
- Wednesday, March 31, 2027
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Southern Maine Series – Falmouth

Where: The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing – Falmouth (Mackworth Island)
When:
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Friday, January 15, 2027
- Tuesday, March 30, 2027
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Register here.

For more information or questions, please contact Maine DOE Inclusive Education Mathematics Specialist, Jen Robitaille at jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov, or Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist, Michele Mailhot at michele.r.mailhot@maine.gov.

Registration is Open for the Maine School Safety Specialist Program

School Safety Specialist (SSS) Program prepares participants to:

Support and assist administrators in coordinating the review, editing, and updating of Emergency Operations Plans for their district and/or school building each year.
Involve appropriate stakeholders in the development of district/school- level emergency operations planning through the formation of a safety team to include the following: police and fire departments, emergency management agency, emergency medical services (EMS), local medical facilities, community members, administrators, parents, and students.
Network with appropriate stakeholders to enhance school safety at the SAU and school level.
Act as a resource for other individuals in the SAU on issues related to school safety.
Work with the Maine School Safety Center to provide professional development for faculty and staff on school safety-related issues that encourage a safe school environment.

The details of the program:

Cohorts start at the beginning of every other month and have 6 weeks to complete. The first cohort of this school year begins in October.
All work is done asynchronously and takes approximately 20-25 hours to complete.
Work is divided into badges. Each badge is earned when participants review interactive modules and complete a quiz and reflection questions. Incident Command System (ICS) courses are included in the SSS coursework and are accessed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website.

Benefits of participation:

Become a safety leader in your school.
Earn digital badges and contact hours for recertification.
Become a partner with the Maine School Safety Center
Join a community of practice and network with safety specialists across the state.

If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, fill out the School Safety Specialist interest form.

The Maine School Safety Center has a School Emergency Management Coordinator who can help with resources, training, and guidance on emergency management in schools. The areas include, but are not limited to:

Emergency Operations Plans
Emergency Exercises and Drills
Implementation of Multi-Disciplinary Teams
Implementation of Safety Teams

For further support or information regarding School Emergency Management, reach out to Maine DOE School Emergency Management Coordinator, Jack Peck Jack.Peck@maine.gov.

For further information about the services offered by the Maine School Safety Center, visit the Maine School Safety Center website.

Maine Schools Invited to Explore an Environmental Sustainability Collaboration with French Education Partners

This opportunity is designed to connect students and educators through French language education, climate literacy, outdoor learning, environmental action, cultural exchange, and global learning. Building on Maine’s international partnership with the Académie de Nantes, the campaign offers schools a flexible way to explore shared learning with French partner schools while connecting with work that many Maine students and educators are already leading in their own communities. Participation is open to schools and educators across subject areas, including French language education, outdoor learning, environmental science, sustainability, and student leadership.

Through the Maine–France Sustainability Collaboration Campaign, students will have the opportunity to learn across cultures, compare environmental challenges in their local communities, exchange ideas, practice or apply French language skills, and consider how local action contributes to a more sustainable future.

We hope to cultivate intentional connections for Académie de Nantes and Maine schools working in areas such as climate literacy, environmental sustainability, outdoor learning, French language and culture, student leadership, civic engagement, or project-based learning. It may also be of interest to schools supporting students pursuing the Seal of Climate Literacy or developing career-connected learning opportunities.

Schools can choose an approach that fits their interests, capacity, and learning goals. Some options are pairing with a school in France, collaborating with a classroom for a short-term project, or creating a shared student project or showcase.

Collaboration Examples

Partner classrooms could exchange information about environmental concerns in their communities, compare sustainability practices, or complete related local projects involving composting, recycling, school gardens, outdoor stewardship, sustainability planning, or climate literacy experiences. Students could then share what they learned through presentations, posters, videos, webpages, or a joint virtual event.

Through these experiences, students can strengthen communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while developing greater cultural understanding. The campaign also gives students an authentic opportunity to see how environmental challenges connect communities across national borders and how young people can contribute to solutions close to home.

Help Shape the Collaboration

Maine DOE is inviting public schools and SAUs to take part in developing the Maine–France Environmental Sustainability Collaboration. Schools that are interested should complete the Maine–France Sustainability Collaboration Interest Survey to indicate their current environmental and climate literacy work, the type of collaboration they prefer, topics they may want to explore with a partner school, and the support they may need to make the partnership successful.

An information session will be held on October 15 at 3:30 p.m. to provide additional details, answer questions, and discuss ways schools can participate. Following the meeting, interested schools will be contacted about potential school pairings and collaboration opportunities.

Outreach and planning are underway, with interested schools exploring possible connections and projects during the 2026–2027 school year.

Download a flyer about this annoucement (PDF)

Learn more about the Maine-France Sustainability Collaboration Campaign (PDF)

For additional information, contact Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships, at ayesha.hall@maine.gov.

This announcement was co-developed by Abigail Rasquinha, a Maine DOE Extended Learning Opportunities student contributor, 2026 Scarborough High School graduate, and Northeastern University Freshman.

Professional Learning and Resources to Support Improved School Attendance

To support this work, MEAC has cultivated a growing collection of resources and professional learning opportunities on data use, family engagement, school leadership, progress monitoring, and Tier 1 attendance strategies.

Check out the MEAC webpage to find updated resources and tools, including the Maine Attendance Toolkit. For more information on how the toolkit can strengthen your classroom, school, or district practices, view this four-part recorded series highlighting aspects of the Attendance Toolkit:

Consider adopting the MEAC motto to support attendance efforts: “Rooted in Learning, Growing Every Day: Be Pine Tree Present!”

September is National Attendance Awareness Month, and MEAC will add Maine-themed resources throughout the month to help educators improve attendance. One resource to support our Maine educators is this Pine Tree Present Fact Sheet.

MEAC has also developed a two-page Attendance Tracker designed to help families monitor missed school days and identify when additional support may be needed. The resource pairs a family-facing tracker with Maine DOE’s Evidence-Based Interventions and Attendance Support Plan. Educators can share copies with families or design their own to support their learning community. Research shows that families underestimate how quickly absences add up throughout the school year.

Count ME In!, a state partner and member of MEAC, has a collection of attendance communication tools. These tools support clear, proactive, and relationship-centered outreach with students and families. Find those resources here and sign up for the monthly newsletter today: Count ME In! Attendance Help for Maine Schools, Teachers, Principals and Students | Everyone Counts!

This month, MEAC will launch a virtual Attendance Support Series for those seeking technical assistance from data experts at Maine DOE and school personnel throughout the state, including classroom teachers, building administrators, school counselors, and attendance team members.

The series’ topics are aligned with the natural rhythm of the school year and will highlight positive relationship-building and effective use of data, barrier identification and intervention, and reflection and planning for next steps.

Monthly attendance topics:

Dates Each session will take place from 3:30-4:30 p.m.	Topics
September 17, 2026	Using Attendance Data to Drive Action
October 22, 2026	Building Routine, Relationships, and Relevance
November 19, 2026	Creating Emotionally and Physically Safe Learning Environments
December 17, 2026	Using Consistent, Growth-Focused Attendance Messaging
January 21, 2027	Removing Logistical and Emotional Barriers to Learning
February 25, 2027	Strengthening School-Home Partnerships
March 18, 2027	Engaging Families Through Proactive, Supportive Outreach
April 29, 2027	Implementing Positive Recognition and Motivation Strategies
May 20, 2027	Establishing Early Warning Systems and Team-Based Responses

Please use this link to register for the Attendance Support Series.

For further information and questions about MEAC, please visit the Maine DOE MEAC webpage or reach out to Sarah Nelson, Maine DOE Attendance and Engagement Specialist at  Sarah.Nelson@maine.gov.

Maine School Safety Center Announces Release of First Phase of School Bus Safety Training Modules

The self-paced modules are designed to provide school bus drivers and school transportation professionals with the information and resources they need to train students in safe school bus riding practices. One of the goals of this initiative is to establish consistent safety standards across Maine so that students throughout the state receive the same safety messages from their school bus drivers.

The training modules were developed using nationally recognized school transportation safety guidance and best practices, including resources and recommendations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the National Congress on School Transportation (NCST), and other recognized school transportation safety organizations.

The modules use a “train-the-trainer” approach. School bus drivers across Maine will complete the modules followed by a short quiz at the end of each course. The training provides drivers with consistent information and talking points they can use when teaching students about staying safe on and around the school bus.

The first phase includes modules to teach students about:

Waiting at the Bus Stop
Crossing in Front of the Bus
The Danger Zone
Loading and Unloading Practices
Riding on the Bus
Respect on the Bus
Emergency Exits
Railroad Crossing Awareness

Each module also includes an information sheet for parents and families. Schools may share these materials with parents so they are aware of the safety topics being taught to their children and can reinforce the same messages at home.

To access the modules, log in to EnGiNE. EnGiNE is the Maine DOE’s online professional learning platform. Those who do not already have login credentials can easily create them using their school email address. For support in creating an account and/or using EnGiNE, please visit the EnGiNE Support Page.

When a module is completed by the school bus drivers, the transportation directors will be able to access the information and keep proof of the training on record.

The Maine School Safety Center is proud to be part of Maine’s continued efforts to strengthen school transportation safety throughout the state. These training modules provide schools and transportation programs with a consistent resource for teaching students how to safely ride, board, exit, and interact around the school bus.

By providing school bus drivers with consistent training materials and safety messages, Maine can work toward a standardized approach to student school bus safety education across the state, while incorporating nationally recognized safety guidance and best practices.

For more information, please reach out to Maine DOE Transportation Specialist Cheryl Brackett at Cheryl.Brackett@maine.gov.

Celebrating Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with Governor Janet Mills and adult education programs across Maine, is celebrating Adult Education and Family Literacy Week (AEFLA), September 13-19, 2026.

AEFLA Week is a chance to recognize that adult education is about helping Maine adults move forward—from strengthening basic skills to earning a high school credential, from a credential to college, and from education to a career. Acknowledging the lasting impact education can have on generations of families across Maine. As part of this week’s AEFLA recognition, Governor Mills has issued a proclamation. The proclamation states, in part:

“Thousands of adults in Maine need assistance to qualify for better-paying and more fulfilling jobs to achieve a post-secondary education, or to improve their English language skills.” It continues, “Success in these endeavors leads to adults becoming more effective family members, citizens, and workers.”

Read the Governor’s proclamation in full here.

As Maine celebrates AEFLA Week, we recognize Maine Adult Education programs as one of the most important components of the workforce and education system. Across more than 65 local programs, Maine Adult Education, helps adults earn high school credentials, strengthen basic skills, learn English, prepare for college, and gain the skills and credentials employers need.

The impact is substantial. Last year, more than 12,400 adults participated in Maine Adult Education programs. 1,113 adults earned high school credentials, and adult learners earned more than 3,000 certifications and credentials in high-demand career fields.

The numbers tell part of the story; the local stories tell the rest. Whether it is a parent earning a diploma after years away from school, a newcomer learning English while preparing for a career, or a worker earning a credential for a growing industry, Maine Adult Education helps people turn education into opportunity.

A second chance at a high school credential

For adults who did not complete high school, adult education provides a flexible pathway to a Maine Adult High School Diploma or the HiSET, Maine’s high school equivalency credential. HiSET preparation combines instruction, assessment, and individualized support, giving adults a pathway to the same legal standing as a high school diploma.

From basic skills to a better job

Maine’s AEFLA-funded adult basic education programs help adults build skills in reading, writing, mathematics, English-language proficiency, and problem-solving—the foundational skills people need to succeed at work, in college, and in their communities.

Increasingly, those foundational skills are connected directly to career pathways. Adult Education, for example, offers pre-apprenticeship programs that combine contextual education in math or literacy, digital literacy, work readiness, and career exploration with pathways into healthcare, the trades, early childhood education, and banking to name a few.

Opening the door to college and careers

For adults ready for the next step, Maine College and Career Access (MCCA) is a comprehensive program that provides academic preparation, advising, mentoring, and support for those transitioning into postsecondary education or training. Adults can receive help with academic skills, career planning, and the transition to a credential or degree that leads to high-quality employment.

The program helps adults move from a high school credential to community college or university, turning a diploma or HiSET into a launch point rather than an endpoint.

Across Maine, this work is strengthened through partnerships among adult education programs, employers, CareerCenters, colleges, libraries, and community organizations. Maine’s system is intentionally designed as a career pathway and service system, linking basic education, high school completion, college transition, and workforce training rather than treating them as separate services.

This AEFLA Week, Maine can celebrate adult education for what it is: an essential part of the state’s education system, workforce strategy, and economic future.

To learn more about Maine Adult Education, visit the Maine DOE website. To explore adult education programs in your region, view the Adult Education Provider Listing.

WIOA Title II funds received from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) supplement the implementation of adult education programming. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ED or the U.S. government.

Maine DOE to Offer Office Hours for Home Instruction Points of Contact

The Maine Department of Education is offering quarterly Office Hours for the 2026-2027 school year to support all Home Instruction Points of Contact (PoC).

The Office Hours are being provided during two separate times: 8:30-9:15 a.m. and 3:00-3:45 p.m., on the following Wednesdays to accommodate as many PoCs as possible:

September 30, 2026
December 16, 2026
March 10, 2027
May 12, 2027

Attendees may choose the time that is most convenient for them. The agendas are identical, but the questions that arise will depend on the attendees. These sessions are intended to allow Home Instruction Points of Contact to connect directly with Maine DOE School Approval and Enrollment Specialist Sierra Wood regarding questions that have arisen. If time allows, POCs will collaborate and share effective practices in providing Maine families with accurate, timely guidance.

Here are some questions to guide discussion during these office hours:

What is your method of communicating regularly with all home instruction families? When information is shared by the Maine DOE, how is it then shared with home instruction families?
How are you reviewing assessment progress reports that are due September 1 each year, and what further supports might be helpful with this?
What technical supports would be most helpful to you in your responsibilities as the local home instruction point of contact?
What practices do you have in place that others could benefit from regarding deadlines for Notices of Intent and Assessment reminders?

Home Instruction Points of Contact may register for one or both of the two office-hour sessions below:

Please share this information with your school administrative unit’s Home Instruction Point of Contact. To find Home Instruction Point of Contact information, please visit the Maine DOE’s NEO data system.

With questions or potential topics for discussion, please contact Sierra Wood, Maine DOE School Approval and Enrollment Specialist, at Sierra.Wood@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Update – September 11, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Launching Dirigo Schools of Distinction Framework in 2026-2027 School Year

We are excited to share the Dirigo Schools of Distinction (DSD) framework as a resource for Maine schools. DSD is intended to celebrate Maine schools that are making a meaningful difference for students, staff, and communities. DSD also offers a clear, supportive roadmap for schools and school administrative units (SAUs), as they consider where to focus time, energy, and resources to strengthen student outcomes. | More

Reminder: Recognize Your Outstanding School Staff: RISE Award Now Accepting Nominations

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) invites students, friends, families, community members, educational organizations or associations, co-workers, and supervisors to nominate school employees for the RISE Award. Anyone can nominate! | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

From Trees to Table: RSU 74 Alternative Education Students Turn a Sugaring Project into a Lesson in Grit and Teamwork

For students in RSU 74’s Alternative Education program, learning this spring started in the forest and ended with maple syrup on ice cream. A month-long maple sugaring project gave students an opportunity to experience the full process of making maple syrup while building skills in observation, data collection, problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance. | More

Better Together: County Teachers of the Year Open Their Classroom Doors to Learn From One Another

In the very early morning hours of August 28, Marcy Soucy, a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at Fairmount School in Bangor and the 2026 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year, headed north. And not just north, north north, to the picturesque, close-knit community of St. Agatha, Maine, to visit fellow educator and 2026 Aroostook County Teacher of the Year Kathy Theriault, the high school math teacher at Wisdom Middle and High School, part of MSAD #33. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Registration Open for EngageMEnt 2026-2027: Cultivating Innovative Teaching and Learning

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Offices of Teaching and Learning and Innovation are pleased to announce that registration is now open for EngageMEnt 2026-2027, a statewide professional learning opportunity designed to support educators in exploring innovative, engaging, and impactful practices for teaching and learning. Offered in partnership with the University of Maine and University of Southern Maine, EngageMEnt creates opportunities for educators from across the state to learn, collaborate, reflect, and apply new ideas in their classrooms, schools, and communities. The initiative also provides opportunities for practicing educators and pre-service educators to learn alongside one another while exploring current educational priorities and practices. | More

Maine DOE to Host Virtual ‘For ME Instructional Programming’ Professional Learning Communities for Pre-K through Grade 2 During 2026-2027 School Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with teacher leaders from across the state, is once again offering professional learning communities (PLCs) for educators and caregivers implementing the For Me Instructional Programming, which include Pre-K for ME, K for ME, 1st Grade for ME, and 2nd Grade for ME. | More

Maine Educators Invited to Explore Genealogy and Local History Through New Professional Learning Cohort

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning invites educators to apply for American Ancestors: Unlocking Maine’s Story, a free professional learning cohort that begins with an in-person kickoff on October 13, 2026, at the University of Maine at Farmington from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cohort is designed to help educators use genealogy and local history to strengthen classroom learning. | More

Registration Open for 16th Annual PBIS Conference

Maine DOE Launches Free Virtual Literacy Learning Series

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Offices of Teaching and Learning and Special Services and Inclusive Education invite educators and education professionals—including teachers, administrators, literacy specialists, and educational technicians—to participate in a free virtual literacy professional learning series during the 2026–2027 school year. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.