Registration Now Open for EngageMEnt 2026-2027: Cultivating Innovative Teaching and Learning

EngageMEnt 2026-2027

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Offices of Teaching and Learning and Innovation are pleased to announce that registration is now open for EngageMEnt 2026-2027, a statewide professional learning opportunity designed to support educators in exploring innovative, engaging, and impactful practices for teaching and learning.

Offered in partnership with the University of Maine and University of Southern Maine, EngageMEnt creates opportunities for educators from across the state to learn, collaborate, reflect, and apply new ideas in their classrooms, schools, and communities. The initiative also provides opportunities for practicing educators and pre-service educators to learn alongside one another while exploring current educational priorities and practices.

Building on the success of last year’s implementation and participant feedback, EngageMEnt 2026-2027 has been designed as a year-long learning experience that supports both professional growth and implementation. Rather than attending a single workshop, participants will join a cohort of educators who will continue learning together throughout the school year. The Maine DOE is hopeful that this model will support meaningful changes in practice that ultimately benefit Maine students.

What’s New for 2026-2027?

This year’s model includes:

  • An in-person fall session on October 9, 2026
  • A virtual winter follow-up experience
  • An in-person spring session on March 19, 2027

On both the fall and spring dates:

  • Morning cohorts meet from 9-11:30 a.m.
  • Afternoon cohorts meet from 12:30-3 p.m.

This structure is designed to provide educators with opportunities to learn, implement new ideas in practice, reflect on their experiences, and reconnect with colleagues to deepen their learning.

Explore a Wide Range of Learning Opportunities

This year’s cohort offerings include topics such as:

  • Early literacy and numeracy
  • Literacy and numeracy across content areas
  • Outdoor and place-based learning
  • Climate education
  • Technology and learning
  • Multilingual learner supports
  • Community partnerships
  • Civic engagement and student advocacy
  • Arts integration and creative learning
  • Wabanaki Studies

Participants may register for one cohort or, if desired, one morning cohort and one afternoon cohort.

Cohorts will begin at either the the University of Maine at Orono or University of Southern Maine in October and continue at the partner campus in March, providing opportunities for educators to connect with colleagues from across the state while experiencing both university settings.

A complete guide to cohort offerings, facilitator information, and session descriptions is below.

Registration Information

Registration for EngageMEnt 2026-2027 is now open.

Participants registering for two cohorts should select one morning cohort and one afternoon cohort. Participants are encouraged to review the cohort descriptions carefully before registering.

Register here.

Questions regarding EngageMEnt 2026-2027 may be directed to Beth Lambert, Maine DOE Chief Teaching and Learning Officer, at Beth.Lambert@maine.gov.

The following cohorts begin at the University of Southern Maine on October 9, 2026, and will continue at the University of Maine at Orono on March 19, 2027:

Morning Cohorts (9-11:30 a.m.):

CohortFacilitator(s)Description
Playful Literacy Strategies for Early Learning, Preschool-Grade 2      Maine DOE Early Learning TeamExplore literacy-rich, play-based practices that support joyful and purposeful learning in early childhood settings.
Applied Learning LabCee Belolan, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction SpecialistExperience practical approaches to designing engaging, student-centered learning through active application and reflection.
Numeracy Opportunities Within and Across Content AreasMichele Mailhot, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction SpecialistLearn how to identify and intentionally incorporate numeracy opportunities across disciplines using Maine’s Numeracy Playbook resources.
Inquiry, Advocacy, Authentic Learning: Leading Students from Apathy to ActivismGeoff Wingard, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction SpecialistSupport student voice, inquiry, and civic engagement through meaningful and authentic learning experiences.

Afternoon Cohorts (12:30-3 p.m.):

CohortFacilitator(s)Description
The Importance of Numeracy Foundations, Preschool-Grade 2Maine DOE Early Learning TeamExplore foundational numeracy development, learning trajectories, and play-based strategies that support mathematical thinking in young learners.
From Data to Art: Visualizing, Performing, and Creating with InformationCee Belolan, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction SpecialistLearn creative ways to help students communicate information through the visual and performing arts.
Diving into Indigenous Literature with Book KitsBrianne Lolar, Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies SpecialistExplore Indigenous literature resources and instructional strategies that deepen engagement and understanding.
Beyond the Classroom: Community Partnerships that Enrich Student LearningAyesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic PartnershipsExplore strategies to build community partnerships that enhance student learning and foster authentic connections.

The following cohorts begin at the University of Maine at Orono on October 9, 2026, and continue at the University of Southern Maine on March 19, 2027:

Morning Cohorts (9-11:30 a.m.):

CohortFacilitator(s)Description                                      
Digging Deep into LiteracyErik Wade, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction SpecialistExplore how outdoor and authentic learning experiences can strengthen literacy development and interdisciplinary connections.
From Standards to Solutions: Engaging Students in Climate Action Through Maine’s Learning ResultsGlenn Cummings, Maine DOE Director of Green Schools, and Teddy Lyman, Maine DOE Climate Education SpecialistConnect climate education, civic engagement, and standards-based learning through authentic student action.
Wonder Is a Literacy PracticeHeather Martin, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist, and Kathy Bertini, Coordinator of the Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction TeamDiscover literacy strategies that foster curiosity, inquiry, discussion, and meaningful student engagement.
Less Noise, More Learning: Reframing Technology Use in SchoolsMaine DOE Learning Through Technology TeamExamine thoughtful approaches to technology use that support student learning, engagement, and well-being.

Afternoon Cohorts (12:30-3 p.m.):

CohortFacilitator(s)Description
Digging Deep into NumeracyErik Wade, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction SpecialistExperience hands-on approaches to numeracy through outdoor learning, observation, measurement, and authentic problem-solving.
Trail Guides: Helping Create a Cultural Shift to Place-Based LearningSharon Gallant, Maine DOE RREV coach; Elaine Bartley, Maine DOE Innovative Research and Design Director; and Teddy Lyman, Maine DOE Climate Education SpecialistExplore strategies for integrating place-based and outdoor learning into everyday instructional practice.
Got Skills? Literacy in Every DirectionHeather Martin, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist, and Kathy Bertini, Coordinator of the Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction TeamExplore practical literacy strategies that can be applied across content areas and learning environments.
Cultivating Brilliance: Maximizing Multilingual Assets and Accelerating Literacy Outcomes in an Integrated MTSS FrameworkJane Armstrong, ESOL State Specialist, and Bryan Lescord, MTSS State SpecialistLearn asset-based approaches that support multilingual learners within an integrated MTSS framework.