Building Number Sense: Early & Foundational Numeracy – A Free 3-Part Learning Series for PreK-8 Educators

Building Number Sense (1)

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to offer a free professional learning series to support educators in helping all students develop deep number sense and flexible mathematical thinking across preK through grade 8. Participants should plan to attend all 3 sessions at their selected regional location.

The focus will be on strong Tier I inclusive instructional strategies, the use of multiple representations, and real-world problem solving to support learning for all students, including those with disabilities. Educators will engage in hands-on learning experiences and have opportunities to apply inclusive instructional strategies in their own settings between sessions.

Participants will receive a copy of Understanding the Math We Teach and How to Teach It by Marian Small, and the series will connect participants with resources in the Maine DOE Numeracy Playbook. Educators may earn up to 24 contact hours. Participants will select their preferred regional location when registering and should bring their own lunch to each session.

The following regional series are available:

Northern Maine Series – Presque Isle

  • Where: University of Maine (MPR Room) – Presque Isle
  • When:
    • Tuesday, October 20, 2026
    • Thursday, January 21, 2027
    • Friday, March 26, 2027
  • Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Central Maine Series – Bangor

  • Where: Husson University (Family Center) – Bangor
  • When:
    • Friday, October 16, 2026
    • Thursday, January 14, 2027
    • Wednesday, March 31, 2027
  • Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Southern Maine Series – Falmouth

  • Where: The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing – Falmouth (Mackworth Island)
  • When:
    • Wednesday, October 14, 2026
    • Friday, January 15, 2027
    • Tuesday, March 30, 2027
  • Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Register here.

For more information or questions, please contact Maine DOE Inclusive Education Mathematics Specialist, Jen Robitaille at  jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov, or Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist, Michele Mailhot at  michele.r.mailhot@maine.gov.