Registration Open for ‘MCSTOYA Connects: Neurodivergent Reads 2026’ Summer Learning Experience

The Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA), in partnership with the Maine Council for English Language Arts (MCELA), is inviting educators from across Maine to participate in MCSTOYA Connects: Neurodivergent Reads 2026, a summer professional learning experience focused on neurodiversity, inclusive practices, and the power of literature to foster understanding, empathy, and connection.

Open to educators, librarians, counselors, specialists, administrators, and preservice teachers, the program offers participants a flexible and engaging way to learn alongside colleagues while exploring books and resources that support neurodivergent students.

This experience is designed to provide both choice and community through two connected opportunities: a self-paced summer book club and an in-person gathering that brings participants together to deepen their learning and share ideas.

Flexible Summer Book Club

Participants can choose from a curated collection of books featuring neurodivergent characters, experiences, and perspectives. Readers may engage with one title or several throughout the summer, either independently or collaboratively with colleagues.

The 2026 reading list includes selections for:

Picture-book readers
Middle-grade readers
Young-adult readers

Featured titles explore themes and experiences connected to autism, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), anxiety, bipolar disorder, sensory processing differences, and broader neurodivergent identities.

Organizers also encourage participants to support local libraries and independent bookstores when selecting books for the program.

In-Person Learning and Connection

The summer experience culminates with an in-person gathering on August 12, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Colby College in Waterville.

The event will feature:

Book discussions
Featured speakers
Professional learning workshops
Classroom application strategies
Opportunities to connect with educators from across Maine

Participants will also receive contact hours, practical resources to bring back to their schools, and a free book for their classroom library.

The event will also include presentations from:

Stephanie Vansoest, speech-language pathologist and neurodiversity-affirming advocate
Kim Leo, Clinical Director of Mental Health Services at Brett DiNovi & Associates North

Together, Vansoest and Leo will explore ways educators can better support neurodivergent students through literacy, inclusive practices, relationship-centered learning, and increased understanding of diverse learner needs.

Educators interested in participating in the event can register here.

With questions about this program, please contact mainestoya@gmail.com.

Registration Open for ElevatED 2026: Maine DOE Annual Summit and Every Teacher a Leader Conference

Registration is now open for ElevatED 2026, a dynamic summer professional learning experience designed to inspire, connect, and support Maine’s education workforce through meaningful collaboration and practical learning opportunities.

Hosted through a partnership between the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine/the Teach Maine Center, ElevatED combines two familiar and impactful conferences into one engaging three-day event: the 2026 Maine DOE Annual Summit and the second annual Every Teacher a Leader Conference. ElevatED will take place from July 29-31, 2026, at Thomas College in Waterville, bringing together educators, school staff, instructional leaders, and education advocates from across the state for high-quality professional learning, networking, and inspiration.

Attendees may choose to register for one or both conference experiences. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register early as spots are limited and available only on a first-come, first-served basis.

Maine DOE Annual Summit

The Maine DOE Annual Summit on July 29, 2026, is tailored to Maine’s broad education workforce. It offers attendees the opportunity to engage in timely, relevant, and solution-focused sessions led by educators, experts in the field, and partners from across the state and beyond.

This year’s Summit keynote speaker is internationally recognized educator and neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, who will present “From the Laboratory to the Classroom – Principles of Learning,” exploring the science of how students learn and what that means for classroom practice and school leadership. Dr. Horvath will also lead two in-depth follow-up sessions titled “Your Brain Your Life – Foundations of Thinking and Learning.”

The Summit agenda reflects the wide-ranging priorities and interests of Maine schools, offering sessions focused on instructional practice, school climate, student engagement, family partnerships, career pathways, inclusion, policy, wellness, and more.

Attendees can look forward to sessions including:

Reducing Bias-Motivated Harassment in School
Early Learning in Nature: A Standards-Aligned Outdoor Curriculum Framework
Belonging Matters: Retaining Diverse Educators Through Connection and Community
The Power of Storytelling: Sharing the Good News of Public Education
Evidence-Based Practices Promoting Increased Attendance
Connecting Youth to Community-Based Career Pathways
Using Forests as a Teaching Tool
Building Bridges: A Framework for Family Engagement in Maine
Cultivating Resilient Schools Through the Practice of Mattering
Introduction to School-Based Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management
Maine Seal of Climate Literacy
Inclusive by Design: Leveraging Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Responsive Interactions to Support Inclusive Practices in Pre-K-2 Classrooms
What’s Changing in Essential Programs and Services (EPS) School Funding – and Why It Matters

In addition to sessions, attendees will also have access to informational tables, resources, and on-site support. Attendees will be able to connect with Maine DOE staff, including members of the Maine DOE Certification Team, who will be available to answer certification questions and provide guidance and support.

The Maine DOE Annual Summit registration cost is $120, which includes a light breakfast and lunch. Those interested in attending the Summit may register here.

The Maine DOE is pleased to share that registration costs for the Summit will be waived for eligible staff members working directly with students in schools identified as TSI (Targeted Support and Improvement), ATSI (Additional Targeted Support and Improvement), or CSI (Comprehensive Support and Improvement) under Maine’s Model of School Supports (MMSS). Eligible school administrative units (SAUs) may receive coverage for up to $1,200 in registration costs (the equivalent of 10 staff members).

To avoid upfront registration costs, eligible participants should:

Select “pay by invoice” during registration.
Enter the promotional code “MMSS.”
Provide the name of the identified school.

MMSS participants should not pay using procurement or credit cards. The Maine DOE will process invoices once attendance is confirmed.

Please note that schools identified for CSI support that receive School Improvement Grant (SIG) funding may also use those funds for travel and lodging expenses (in accordance with local SAU travel policies).

Every Teacher a Leader Conference

The Every Teacher a Leader Conference will take place July 30-31, 2026, and is designed specifically for classroom teachers, featuring teacher-led sessions that elevate educator voice, leadership, innovation, and collaboration.

The conference includes breakfast and lunch on both days, along with an optional educator dinner on July 30, 2026, from 6-8 p.m.

The cost to register is $120. Those interested in attending the conference may register here.

Lodging Information

ElevatED attendees are responsible for booking their own lodging accommodations, if they plan to stay overnight. There are options available on the Thomas College campus:

Learn more and book Thomas College lodging accommodations here.

Annual Mentor Trainings: Supporting New Educators with Research-Based Best Practices

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Educator Excellence Team is excited to be hosting its Annual Mentor Trainings in locations across Maine this August and September.

This no-cost professional learning opportunity is intended for teachers interested in mentoring new educators or educators who are new to their school administrative unit (SAU). It is designed to support and strengthen educator mentorship statewide by providing attendees with the tools, knowledge, and community needed to make a meaningful impact.

Registration is open now through July 20, 2026.

What’s New

The Annual Mentor Training builds upon prior collaborative work with teacher leaders, administrators, and higher education and technical assistance center partners. It has recently been updated with the latest research and best practices in mentoring and inclusive education. Designed with direct input from educators, the training follows a scaffolded approach to provide a more personalized, just-in-time learning experience.

The training format is as follows:

A one-day, in-person session from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
One virtual follow-up session (two hours, mid-year)
Contact hours awarded for all training components
Training offered at no cost

The one-day, in-person sessions are scheduled in multiple locations across the state. Participants should select the date/location that is most convenient for them:

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 – York County Community College in Wells
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 — Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor
Thursday, August 20, 2026 – Bates College in Lewiston
Friday, September 18, 2026 – A session will also be held in Aroostook County in collaboration with CACE (Central Aroostook Council on Education). Registration information will be sent directly from CACE to SAUs in Aroostook County.

Additional Benefits for Participants

Access to a mentor forum through EnGiNE, the Maine DOE’s learning management system, for ongoing support, networking, and resource sharing with mentors throughout the state
Community of practice meetings offered virtually in the fall and spring
Updated materials and resources available for SAUs to use locally with new mentors
Office hour sign-up available during the school year for ongoing support

Testimonials

Participants from the 2024-2025 training session shared:

“This will help me to start a mentorship off on the right foot. Thank you!”

“It is never too late to invest in the success of future teachers! Be proactive and engage others before they leave the system.”

“Like our students, we all learn in different ways, and we need to find a way that will help the mentee the best.”

“I realize the important role I could have in a new teacher’s life.”

Participants said as a result of the training, they better understand:

Different ways to support new educators and to help them feel confident and successful.
How to ask questions to guide rather than just tell educators what to do.
Building relationships with mentees is crucial to mentoring.
Mentoring is a process of continued partnership, feedback, and constructive conversations.

Be the mentor who makes a difference! Sign up today for the free regional training that best fits your schedule. (Registration links for each location are hyperlinked above.) Pre-work and specific location instructions will be emailed three weeks prior to each session.

Please note that registration will close on July 20, 2026, and a maximum of 50 participants is allowed per location. A minimum of 12 participants is required in order to run a session.

With questions about this year’s Annual Mentor Trainings, please contact Maine DOE Educator Excellence Coordinator Christina O’Neal, PhD, at christina.l.oneal@maine.gov.

Registration Open for New School Nurse Orientation in August

On August 12, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Coordinated School Health Team will host its annual New School Nurse Orientation in Augusta.

If you have hired or plan to hire a new nurse for your school over the summer, please be sure to include the New School Nurse Orientation in their new hire work plan. This daylong event is a specialized program designed to help nurses transition into the unique specialty of school nursing.

The New School Nurse Orientation will be followed up with continued learning opportunities, connections, and support facilitated by the Maine DOE Coordinated School Health Team, which includes school nurse regional liaisons.

When: August 12, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Rooms A&B at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) building, 109 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333
Cost: $25
Registration: For more information, and to see the agenda and register, please visit theevent website. Attendees must register in advance.

The Coordinated School Health Team is part of the Maine DOE Office of School and Student Supports. For further information or with questions, please contact DOESchoolandStudentSupports@Maine.gov.

Rural THRIVE Foundations Program Supports Maine’s Early-Career Educators

As schools across Maine continue to welcome and support new educators, the Rural THRIVE Foundations program is helping early-career teachers to build confidence, strengthen instructional practice, and establish meaningful professional connections during their first years in the classroom.

Rural Thrive is a project of the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. It is funded with $3.3 million in Congressionally Directed Spending awarded to the University of Maine System to provide ongoing professional development, mentorship and other evidence-based support, with the goal of leading to better resilience and retention among rural educators and school leaders, as well as improving PK-12 student outcomes.

This year, nearly 30 early-career educators from across the state participated in Foundations programming. Participants consistently reported valuing the opportunity to receive dedicated support from experienced educators outside of their immediate supervisory context, connect with peers across districts, and build professional relationships that helped them feel more supported as they transitioned into teaching.

The Foundations “Guided Trail” pairs new teachers with experienced educators from across Maine for weekly virtual mentorship meetings, reflective classroom observation, and monthly Communities of Practice focused on practical strategies and professional growth. Participants also attend a small number of in-person gatherings, including a statewide Spring Retreat.

The program is designed to complement—not replace—district mentoring and induction supports by providing additional professional connections and dedicated reflective support outside of an evaluative context.

Rural THRIVE Foundations is a mostly virtual opportunity, making participation accessible for educators across Maine’s rural and geographically diverse communities. Participants who complete program expectations may receive up to $1,000.

The program is open to educators beginning their teaching careers in Maine public schools and aims to help new teachers feel supported, connected, and prepared for long-term success in the profession.

Additional information about Rural THRIVE Foundations is available here. Questions may be directed to Laura Bean at laura.bean@maine.edu.

Webinar Opportunity for Maine School Leaders: Preparation Saves Lives – Strengthening Your School’s Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention Protocols

In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, the Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA), the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), the Maine Department of Education (DOE), and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Maine have collaborated to provide a webinar, “Preparation Saves Lives – Strengthening Your School’s Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention Protocols,” scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 9-10 a.m. This webinar is intended for school leaders, including superintendents, principals, and members of comprehensive health and safety planning teams (sometimes referred to as crisis management teams).

Recognizing that many school leaders have had to navigate leadership following crises—particularly those involving the death of a student due to suicide—this webinar will provide the tools needed for summer reflection and planning for suicide prevention, response, and recovery. Mary Gagnon, Senior Director of Prevention and Workplace Well-Being for NAMI Maine, will share her experiences over the past two years in supporting school administrative units (SAUs) with this work. She will provide resources and lessons learned to help school leaders prepare for and respond to crises, including the death of a student or other school community member following a suicide.

The following tools will be shared with participants throughout this webinar:

A checklist to help participants review their school’s suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention protocols, ensuring alignment with national best practices
Sample protocols for suicide prevention, intervention, or postvention, which participants are welcome to use within their SAU
A sample calendar with month-by-month suggestions for how suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention can be sustained

Those interested in attending may register for the webinar here.

In a show of support for those living with mental illness, and in an effort to fight stigma, the planning team from MSSA, Maine CDC, Maine DOE, and NAMI Maine, will wear green in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Please consider participating.

From Ideas to Impact: Early Learning Solutions Lab CoP Expands Through 2026

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services, is continuing a monthly Early Learning Solutions Lab Community of Practice (CoP) as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen Maine’s mixed delivery system for early childhood education.

The landscape of early childhood education in Maine is evolving. The expansion of public preschool programs and recent legislation transitioning special education services for children ages three to five from Child Development Services (CDS) to public schools underscore the growing need for a strong, coordinated mixed delivery system. Such a system—one that intentionally integrates public schools and community-based early care and education (ECE) providers—is essential to ensuring all children have equitable access to high-quality early learning opportunities from birth through the early elementary years.

Building and sustaining a robust mixed delivery system requires communities and educational institutions to move beyond siloed approaches and embrace collaborative, inclusive strategies that respond to the diverse needs of children, families, and educators in their communities. As such, early childhood administrators and educators from both public schools and community-based programs are invited to join the Early Learning Solutions Lab CoP, which focuses on strengthening mixed delivery from a community-centered approach. By creating consistent opportunities for collaboration, reflection, and shared learning, this work helps ensure that all children and families have access to coordinated, high-quality early childhood experiences.

Building on the strong engagement and success from earlier sessions, the Early Learning Solutions Lab CoP will meet monthly from May through December 2026. The CoP will be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 1:30-2:45 p.m. Those interested in participating may register here.

Each month will focus on a key topic, with opportunities for participants to learn from subject matter experts, explore practical tools, and engage in meaningful discussion. Participation in all CoP sessions is not required but is highly encouraged.

A tentative schedule is as follows:

Month	Topic	Resources
May 26	The Basics	Infant-Toddler and Preschool Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS)
June 23	Sustainability Planning	Help Me Grow
July 28	Nature-Based Approaches	Maine Prevention Councils
August 25	K Transition as a Whole-Year Approach	Early Childhood Education Consultation for ME
September 22	Community Partner Panel Discussion	Early Childhood Special Education website
October 27	Whole Family Partnership/Engagement	Ages and Stages Questionnaire
*November 17	Data Sharing and Partnership	Early Intervention health resource
*December 15	Early Learning Solutions Lab Celebrations and Highlights	Maine Roads To Quality/Maine DOE supports

*scheduled for the third Tuesday of the month, due to a holiday

With questions, please contact Maine DOE Early Learning Team members Michelle Belanger at Michelle.Belanger@maine.gov or Sue Gallant at Sue.Gallant@maine.gov.

Maine DOE to Offer School Finance Regional Trainings in the Summer of 2026

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) School Finance Team is pleased to announce a series of in-person regional training sessions to be offered throughout the summer of 2026. School and school administrative unit (SAU) staff engaged in financial operations, compliance, and program administration are encouraged to attend. This includes, but is not limited to, superintendents, business managers, finance staff, and special education administrators.

The topics to be covered in all training sessions include:

The Essential Programs and Services (EPS) funding formula, including changes from LD 2226
Account coding
MaineCare
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) funding
Education Service Centers (ESC)
School closure cost analysis

Each training session will begin at 8:30 a.m. and run until about 3 p.m. Plans for specific venues are still being finalized, but the general locations and training dates are as follows:

Portland area—Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Farmington area—Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Augusta area—Thursday, July 23, 2026
Aroostook area—Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Bangor area—Wednesday, August 5, 2026

To register for a training session, please complete this form. Further information about training sessions will be available via the Maine DOE Event Calendar as the training dates approach. Please note that individual registrations are required for each person planning to attend a training session.

With questions, please contact Charlotte Ellis at charlotte.ellis@maine.gov.

Leading Early Learning Fellowship: A Professional Learning Series for Elementary School Administrators

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the fifth cohort of the Leading Early Learning Fellowship, which will launch during the 2026-2027 school year. Applications will be accepted through July 10, 2026.

As more Maine elementary schools expand their preschool offerings and implement whole-student approaches across the pre-K through grade 3 span, elementary administrators have expressed a need for professional learning tailored to early learning leadership. In response, the Maine DOE, in collaboration with two statewide early childhood organizations—the Maine Roads to Quality Professional Development Network and the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children—created the Leading Early Learning Fellowship, a dynamic professional learning series designed to meet these needs and support leadership development. Since its launch in 2021, the Fellowship has served five cohorts of elementary school leaders.

“Participating in the series has helped me to look at the decisions we make about our instructional programming and school community through the lens of early learning and what is developmentally appropriate for our youngest learners,” a participant from the first cohort said.

The Fellowship offers rich opportunities for participants to deepen their understanding of early learning pedagogy and best practices for supporting students and educators across pre-K through grade 3. The experience includes a blend of asynchronous learning modules, facilitated online professional learning communities, and in-person gatherings, which support participants in achieving the following outcomes:

Increasing their knowledge of early childhood development and pedagogy.
Strengthening early childhood leadership abilities within their school administrative units (SAUs) and communities.
Identifying resources and key components of high-quality early childhood programming.
Engaging with a network of colleagues to grow their understanding of early childhood.

“I really enjoyed the variety of materials and activities in which we were engaged—videos, utilizing the observation and reflection tools, and the readings. Also, it was a great group of people to interact with, both online and in-person,” a participant from the third cohort said.

To learn more, please review the informational guide, which includes full program details and the application link. The 2026-2027 cohort will include up to 30 participants. Again, applications will be accepted through July 10, 2026. Once capacity is reached, a waiting list will be created.

For additional information, please contact Maine DOE Director of Early Learning Lee Anne Larsen at leeann.larsen@maine.gov.

Limited Seats Available for Educators at No Cost for “Navigating Grief in the Classroom” Series

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sponsoring a limited number of seats for Maine educators to attend The Kita Center’s “Navigating Grief in the Classroom” series at no cost through the upcoming learning cohort, which begins on May 6, 2026, and ends on June 10. This series of weekly, virtual sessions equips educators, counselors, and school staff with the skills to support grieving students with dignity, connection, and emotional literacy.

Participants will learn to understand grief in the school setting, strengthen self-care practices, foster belonging, practice dignity-centered communication, and create emotionally safe spaces for students. Workshops include hands-on reflection activities, practical strategies to use immediately, and opportunities to connect with a supportive learning community. Developed by a psychologist and former educator specializing in grief, loss, and suicide prevention, this series helps staff respond to grief in the classroom with confidence, compassion, and skill.

Steven Karaiskos, PhD, will facilitate this six-part, virtual series. Workshops run on Wednesdays from 4-5:30 p.m. between May 6 and June 10, 2026.

Maine educators interested in this professional development opportunity are encouraged to apply using this form. Please contact mary.c.caron@maine.gov with any questions.