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…
Maine DOE Update – September 4, 2026
From the Maine Department of Education News & Updates 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year State Finalists Announced Four Maine educators have been announced as state finalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. Abby McCoy, a Chemistry and Forensic Science Teacher at Lewiston High School; Adrianne Shetenhelm, an English and Alternative Education Teacher at Windham…
Joint Maine DOE and DHHS Guidance on IEPs and MaineCare Sections 28 and 65 Services – Repeat and Expanded Virtual Session
The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), will provide an additional training on September 11, 2026, repeating and building upon the virtual training that was held on August 26, 2026. This training will cover the recently issued joint guidance related to Individualized Education Programs…
Maine Educators have FREE Access to Family Math Academy Professional Learning Series
The Center for Family Math at the National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement (NAFSCE) and the Consortium for Engaging Families Across Maine (CEFAM) are hosting a free professional learning opportunity for Maine educators to support student learning and family engagement across Maine. The Family Math Academy is a free, limited-space professional learning opportunity designed for family coordinators…
Maine Department of Education to Offer Professional Learning Webinar Series on Multi-Tiered System of Supports
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) will offer a virtual professional learning series focused on school-level implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) beginning September 29, 2026. The series will provide school teams with opportunities to deepen their understanding, reflect on their current implementation, consider how to begin, and/or identify action steps to strengthen…
Maine Engagement and Attendance Center Continues Bringing Statewide Partners Together to Strengthen Student Attendance
Back left to right – Ayesha Hall, Bryan Lescord, Julie Smyth, Marcy Whitcomb, Courtney Angelosante, Sue Gallant, Alexandra Cookson, Monique Sullivan, and Tamara Ranger. Front left to right – Shelley Chasse-Johndro, Intern Piper Hallen, Jennifer Belanger, Ann Hanna, and Sarah Nelson (arriving after the photo – Jess Anderson) On June 17, educators from the Maine…
National Grant Opportunity for Public School Districts
The national program Public School Districts’ Opioid Recovery Trust (PSDORT) has announced that applications are open for a grant opportunity to help public school districts in recovering from the opioid epidemic by supporting students harmed by the opioid epidemic. The funds target students who were born with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome or students who have…
Maine DOE Launches Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Literature Grant Program
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Literature Grant Program, a funding opportunity designed to expand and strengthen the teaching of Wabanaki Studies. School entities, including school administrative units (SAUs), private schools approved for public tuition purposes, Indian Education Schools, and Education in Unorganized Territories (EUT) schools are…
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. In its 16th year, the conference theme will be, “The…
Maine DOE Launches Democracy Lab to Bring Civic Learning to Life
In recognition of Constitution Day on September 17, the Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce Democracy Lab, a new facilitator’s guide designed to support educators and students in exploring the nation’s founding ideals. This interactive resource examines principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence, including natural, unalienable rights, equity, the consent of the…
Maine DOE Newsroom 