ADMINISTRATIVE LETTER: Guidance regarding The Credentialing of Education Personnel requirements

Administrative Letter: #26
Policy Code: GCFC
To: Public School Administrators, Teachers
From: Pender Makin, Commissioner
Date: 3 July 2019
Subject: Amendments to Chapter 115, certification and credentialing

The Legislature recently authorized a series of changes to Chapter 115 through Public Law 2019 Chapter 101 Resolve, that is scheduled to go into effect on September 19, 2019. Until then, the Department will continue to apply the pre-existing language of Chapter 115. The Department will notify you when changes become effective.

Title III Immigrant Children & Youth Subgrant

Each year, one Maine LEA is awarded the Title III Immigrant Children & Youth Subgrant. The purpose of the subgrant is to provide supplemental programs to enhance the education of immigrant students. The subgrant is awarded to the LEA that has experienced the greatest increase in the enrollment of immigrant students, based on the average immigrant enrollment of the two prior years as compared to the current year. For school year 2019-20, the Department will notify the subgrant recipient of its award once October 1 student enrollment counts are finalized. The LEA will then have the remainder of the grant period to expend these funds. The anticipated amount of the FY20 Immigrant Children & Youth Subgrant is $5949. If you have any questions related to Title III, please contact April Perkins at april.perkins@maine.gov.

Employee of the Week: Eric Buckhalter

Assessment Team Office Associate, Eric Buckhulter is being highlighted this week as the Maine DOE’s Employee of the Week! Learn a little more about Eric in this brief question and answer:

What are your roles with DOE?

I am the Office Manager, Management Analyst, and Web Content Editor for the Assessment team. I perform admin duties, process contracts, and manage the content available on the assessment team’s web pages.

What do you like best about your job?

I enjoy assisting teachers and superintendents when I’m given the opportunity. Anything I can do to make their day run a little smoother has the potential to have a positive impact on students, and that’s who we’re all here to serve.

What do you like to do outside of work for fun?

Spending time with my family and friends, singing, travelling, acting, cooking, drawing, and looking for any unique opportunities to socialize.

Free School Safety Presentation

I Love You Guys Foundation School Safety Presentation Coming to Maine

What: Standard Response Protocols and Standard Reunification Method for schools and districts, and an After Action Review of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting.

When: 31 July 2019- William Cohen Middle School, Bangor. 8:00-12:00

2 August 2019- Windham High School, Windham. 8:00-12:00

Audience: Maine school superintendents, principals and staff; local first responders; county emergency management agency staff.

Presenter: Scott Parker, Scott Parker, “I Love You Guys” Certified Trainer for the Standard Response Protocols and Standard Reunification Method; National school safety subject matter expert; supported the development of the Maine Model plan in 2007; certified SRP and SRM Train the Trainer in 2013; has worked with over 20 school districts and academies in Maine; currently working with 8 school districts in Maine.

Cost: Free, supported by National School Safety Organization, “I Love You Guys Foundation”

Registration: Advance registration will be required. Contact: ScottParker.preparedness@gmail.com

Technical Assistance: A new Update Standard Response Protocol and Standard Reunification Method will be available for attendees after this training.

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