From the Maine Department of Education
News & Updates
Maine DOE Releases Wabanaki Studies Resource Guide for Indigenous Heritage Month in November
As Native American Heritage Month approaches, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) invites educators and communities to engage students in learning about the enduring presence, contributions, and rich cultures of the Wabanaki Nations, who have lived in the place we now call Maine for more than 13,000 years. | More
Reminder: Information Regarding School Bus Crossing Arm Retrofitting
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is administering $5.9 million in state funding to reimburse school administrative units (SAUs) for retrofitting school buses that do not have front crossing arms. SAUs may choose to have this work completed by a vendor or local garage, or they may use their own in-house mechanic and bill for associated labor costs. SAUs will be reimbursed up to $3,000 per school bus for eligible equipment and labor costs associated with each crossing arm installation. This program is anticipated to run through June 30, 2027. | More
Pine Tree Programming Returns for Third Year, Bringing Hands-On Computer Science to Maine Students
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce the return of Pine Tree Programming, a statewide initiative that brings hands-on computer science learning to Maine students through engaging, after-school programming with micro:bits. | More
Maine DOE Launches Statewide Computer Science Landscape Study
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has launched a new statewide Computer Science Landscape Study to better understand how computer science, computational thinking, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and emerging technologies are currently being experienced in Maine schools. The Maine DOE has contacted Maine educators directly by email to request their participation in the study. | More
Help Spread the Word – Applications Open for Maine DOE 2026–2027 Student Cabinet
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Student Cabinet, a group of students who meet with DOE leaders to share perspectives on educational initiatives, opportunities, improvements, and policy. Applications are due November 15, 2026. | More
Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories
Dedham School’s Mountain Biking Team Builds Skills, Trails, and Community
For the past seven years, Dedham School in AOS #47 has provided middle school students with an opportunity to build skills, explore the outdoors, and connect with their peers through its Mountain Biking Team. | More
At Erskine Academy, a student-led Cinco de Mayo celebration has grown into much more than an annual fiesta. What began four years ago as a creative way to raise funds for classroom activities and supplies has evolved into a celebration of language learning, student leadership, and a growing commitment to earning the Maine Seal of Biliteracy. | More
How The Portland Public Schools’ Nature Program Preps Kids for School
Reading to worms from picture books, digging in the dirt and transforming pinecones into bird feeders—all those fun learning activities are part of a unique, nature-based Portland Public Schools summer program helping rising kindergartners and first-graders get ready for school. | More
Lewiston Teacher Named Finalist for National History Teacher of the Year
The Maine Department of Education congratulates Donna Olsen, a history teacher at Lewiston High School and Maine’s 2026 History Teacher of the Year, as one of 10 finalists for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s 2026 National History Teacher of the Year Award. Olsen’s advancement to the final stage of this prestigious national award demonstrates her dedication to Lewiston High School students, the Lewiston community, and history education across Maine. | More
Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.
Professional Learning/Training Opportunities
Maine Computer Science Education Summit to Bring Statewide Partners Together to Strengthen Education
Educators, administrators, community partners, industry leaders, and others invested in computer science education are invited to attend the Maine Computer Science Education Summit on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Westin Portland Harborview. | More
The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services, is pleased to offer Young Mathematicians— a professional learning opportunity designed for early care and education professionals serving children ages 3–6. The dates and location for Track 1 have been updated. | More
Reminder: Registration is Open for the Maine School Safety Specialist Program
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Maine School Safety Center’s (MSSC) free training for the School Safety Specialist Program is open to schools and school administrative units (SAUs). The School Safety Specialist (SSS) Program helps schools and districts fulfill the requirements of Public Law 2023, chapter 254, to have a designated employee having oversight regarding school safety. | More
View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.
