The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning invites educators to apply for American Ancestors: Unlocking Maine’s Story, a free professional learning cohort that begins with an in-person kickoff on October 13, 2026, at the University of Maine at Farmington from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cohort is designed to help educators use genealogy and local history to strengthen classroom learning.
The cohort is designed for educators serving students in grades 4–8, with an emphasis on English language arts, social studies, and humanities instruction. Participants will explore how interdisciplinary learning can strengthen literacy and historical thinking while engaging students in meaningful research and inquiry. Genealogical research provides students with meaningful opportunities to work directly with primary sources and historical evidence. Throughout the cohort, educators will explore ways to support students in investigating family and community histories, examining archival materials, developing questions, evaluating sources, and sharing their discoveries.
The approximately 30-hour cohort includes both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Participants will engage in an in-person kickoff, four monthly one-hour virtual synchronous meetings, and two to eight hours of online individual or small-group coaching with American Ancestors, depending on each group’s needs. The remaining time will be completed asynchronously through the Maine DOE learning management system, EnGiNE. Approximately half of the cohort will consist of synchronous learning, with the exact balance depending on participants’ coaching needs.
The initiative brings together organizations with expertise in Maine history and education, including American Ancestors, the Maine Historical Society, the Maine Genealogical Society, and the University of Maine at Farmington. Participants will collaborate with staff from these organizations, historians, archivists, Maine DOE specialists, fellow educators, and community partners to develop interdisciplinary learning experiences that integrate literacy, history, research skills, and inquiry-based learning. These partners will provide access to historical resources, archival expertise, and perspectives that can help bring Maine’s diverse history into the classroom.
Participants can earn professional development contact hours and may qualify for a $500 implementation grant to support classroom projects incorporating genealogy, local history, research, and interdisciplinary learning.
To expand access to professional learning opportunities across Maine, preference will be given to educators from underserved areas. Overnight accommodations will be provided for participants traveling more than 50 miles to the University of Maine at Farmington.
A limited number of spots are available. Apply online.
For more information, please contact Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Geoffrey Wingard at Geoffrey.Wingard@maine.gov
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