Anita Bernhardt, the Maine DOE’s science and technology content specialist for the past six years, has been named the Department’s new coordinator for standards and instruction. The restructured position reflects the Department’s efforts to better support all Maine schools in their improvement efforts.
In her new role, Bernhardt will guide teacher effectiveness efforts; oversee the Department’s support work involving content areas, proficiency-based education and higher education; and oversee outreach by Maine DOE staff to assist locally-led district implementation of standards and instructional best practices. The Department is also currently seeking a coordinator for assessment and accountability who will work closely with Bernhardt, as a key element of instruction is the effective use of assessment data.
Bernhardt joined the Department as a “distinguished educator” in 2004 to guide the revision of Maine’s Learning Results, a massive undertaking that updated Maine’s standards in all eight content areas. In 2007, she became the Department’s science and technology content specialist, working with teachers and partner organizations across the state to build understanding of science standards and best practices. As part of that work, she has engaged Maine educators in statewide and cross-state conversations and development of upgraded standards that set higher expectations for student learning in science.
Bernhardt has received numerous recognitions and is a Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She previously taught science at Falmouth Middle School, where she assumed leadership roles in the areas of cross-disciplinary instructional practices and staff development. She represents the commissioner on the Governor’s STEM Council and is secretary and board member for the group that represents science specialists from the 50 state education agencies.
More information
- Anita Bernhardt
Coordinator for Standards and Instruction
207-624-6835
anita.bernhardt@maine.gov