Commissioner’s Update – April 12, 2012

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Over the past week, we’ve been acknowledging the all-important role of the teacher in the halls of the State House.

Last week, both chambers of the Legislature enacted legislation that helps teachers grow professionally by requiring regular, fair and constructive performance evaluations based on consistent, statewide standards. The legislation also requires that teachers’ professional development and ongoing training be informed by the results of their evaluations.

And on Tuesday, we had a chance to celebrate eight outstanding teachers who have been nominated for the honor of 2013 Teacher of the Year in a State House ceremony. We can learn a lot about good teaching from these eight teachers, who are representative of the thousands of excellent educators in Maine.

This week’s update includes information about the Teacher of the Year nominees and details about last week’s legislation, An Act to Ensure Effective Teaching and School Leadership.

Please note: There will be no Commissioner’s Update on April 19. The next Update will be published April 26. Have a pleasant vacation!

— Stephen Bowen



ACTION ITEMS

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Reporting

Please note: We generally provide notice of requirements only once. Please check the Reporting Calendar (link below) regularly for a list of ALL upcoming items.

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NEWS & VIEWS

Maranacook teachers create digital learning materials

Teachers across Maine will soon have access to digital resources full of interactive content that will help them bring middle school social studies and visual and performing arts lessons alive, thanks to the work of teachers at Maranacook Community Middle School. | More

Clear expectations, rigorous evaluations, continued growth

Educator effectiveness legislation passed last week sets clear performance standards for teachers, provides them with regular feedback, and supports their continued professional growth. Effective teachers, after all, are the most important school-based factor in influencing student achievement and success. By Stephen Bowen | More | Bowen hails ‘most significant’ education legislation this year

Two Teacher of the Year participantsTeacher of the Year nominees represent Maine’s great teachers

Eight nominees for the honor of 2013 Teacher of the Year shared a bit of their classroom and their teaching philosophy with legislators and the public at the State House on Tuesday. By David Connerty-Marin | More | 2013 Nominee Biographies | Photos

Scholarships available for special education teachers

Teachers who work with special-needs children in Maine schools but do not have full certification could be eligible for scholarship awards that will fund much of the course work necessary for earning full certification. | More

Upcoming professional development opportunities

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