Author: Maine Department of Education

WEBINARS: Using Computer Science MOOSE Modules #CSEdWeek #MaineTeachesCS

Are you wondering how to integrate computer science into your classroom? Join Maine teachers and the DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction & MOOSE Teams to learn about using the Computer Science MOOSE modules.  The MOOSE modules are interdisciplinary, project-based modules designed by Maine teachers that introduce students to computational thinking, programming, and data science.

Elementary Webinar

Middle/High School Webinar:

For more information contact Jaime Beal Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist at jaime.beal@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Staff Jean Zimmerman and Susan Berry Honored by Maine AHPERD

The Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Maine AHPERD) recognized Maine Department of Education (DOE) Health Education and Health Promotion Specialist Susan Berry and Maine DOE Health Education & Physical Education Consultant Jean Zimmerman for their outstanding contributions to Health Education and Physical Education in Maine. The recognition was received at the annual Maine AHPERD conference at the Samoset Resort earlier this month.

“It was the first time the organization held an in-person banquet since 2019,” said Maine DOE Director of School and Student Supports Julie Smyth, who works directly with Berry and Zimmerman. “Both Susan and Jean were unaware that the other was receiving recognition, so it was quite a special evening,” she added.

Jean Zimmerman
Jean Zimmerman

Jean Zimmerman received the Worthy of Praise Award for her leadership, involvement and service in the State of Maine to the professions of Health Education and Physical Education. Jean is the Maine DOE lead for the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey.  Jean has helped develop State documents including the 2007 and the 2022 Maine Learning Results for Health Education and Physical Education and the key concepts for Health Education and has served on the Maine AHPERD board for many years.

“Karyn Bussell, Skowhegan educator and member of the MAHPERD Awards Committee shared Jean’s long list of contributions to the field of Health and Physical Education – from her days of being the first female staff person for the St. Joseph’s College Department of Athletics to her time at the Maine DOE in her many roles supporting the field,” said Smyth of the event. “Jean received a standing ovation from the crowd of 100+.” Congratulations, Jean!

Susan Berry
Susan Berry

Susan Berry received the 2022 Distinguished Leadership Award. Susan is currently the Health Education and Health Promotion Specialist at Maine DOE. This award recognizes Susan’s lifelong commitment to Health Education in the State of Maine. Susan is involved with the Society of State Leaders of Health and Physical Education, and she has been on the Maine AHPERD Board and served as President. Susan is a beacon of excellence, high intention, and sincere effort. The breadth and depth of Susan’s skills and passion for her work have had a huge impact on Health Educators in Maine.

As stated in the announcement my Maine AHPERD representatives, “In recognition for profoundly affecting the way the MAHPERD organization accomplishes its day to day business.  As a result of your leadership and dedication, MAHPERD has become a strong and united organization.  Your tireless efforts have strengthened our professional organization and have encouraged others to take leadership roles, prompting professionalism through work.”

Smyth reported that Berry’s entire family was in attendance to help celebrate this honor. Congratulations, Susan!

Five Maine Educators Honored as Teachers of the Year by Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance

The Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Maine AHPERD) recognized five Teachers of the Year at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine earlier this month.

Pictured L to R:

Emily Ellis
Oxford Elementary School
Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Amy Wheaton
Sumner Memorial High School
High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Kristen Allen
Mountain Valley High School
High School Health Education Teacher of the Year

Kawika Thompsom
Day Mountain Regional Middle School
Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Clairlynn Roundtree
Brunswick Junior High School
Middle School Health Education Teacher of the Year

Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD) Honor Awards are presented to MAHPERD members in recognition of their excellence to their profession by demonstrating outstanding dedication to their students and profession. To learn more about MAHPERD visit maineahperd.org.

Important Survey About Outdoor and Environmental Learning At Your School!  

The 2022 Census of Community-Based Outdoor and Environmental Learning in Maine is now open for responses from teachers, principals, early childhood educators, and out-of-school educators. We hope you will take some time to participate and represent your school! Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2022CBEL to take this 20-minute survey and share your incredibly important perspective on this work.  We will be raffling off a grand prize $1000 gift card to L.L. Bean for anyone who has submitted a complete response, and weekly $250 gift cards to the Outdoor Learning Store in November. 

Results from our 2019 survey had direct positive impacts for outdoor and environmental learning in Maine and were used to: 

  • Increase funding from both state and private foundations for school programs 
  • Inform professional development opportunities for educators 
  • Justify legislative priorities, including the recently passed Climate Education bill  

The more responses we get to our 2022 survey, the better we will be able to understand and support you in your outdoor and environmental learning work in Maine so please share the survey with your colleagues. We’re looking for information to find out the status of all of these amazing projects and work in Maine, especially after the significant investment of funds by the Department of Education and others.

To take this 20 minute survey please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2022CBEL. Even if your school is not doing this type of work, please take the survey and tell us why. The survey will close on November 30th so please get your responses in soon!  

The Census is being sponsored by Teach ME Outside, a partnership of the Maine Math and Science Alliance, Maine Environmental Education Association, and the Nature Based Education Consortium. For more information about the Census and Teach ME Outside, please visit teachmeoutside.org  

 

WEBINAR: Adult Education EF-M-39 Data Report – 11/29

The Maine Department of Education’s Data Team will be posting a webinar on the Adult Education EF-M-39 report in NEO on Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 from 10:00am – 10:30am. Anyone who is responsible for reporting adult education data from districts is encouraged to attend.

This webinar will provide a brief overview of how to access the Adult Education EF-M-39B report in NEO and requirements for reporting Adult Education to the Maine Department of Education. This report has a direct correlation to subsidy that school administrative units will receive, therefore accurate, complete, and timely data is necessary.

To attend the webinar please use the link here. The webinar will be recorded and available on the Maine DOE’s MEDEMS Helpdesk Website following the webinar.

This report will open on December 1, 2022 and will be due on December 15, 2022.

For questions about this webinar please contact MEDMS.Helpdesk@maine.gov or call 207-624-6896

Students From Across Maine Come Together for In-Person 2022/2023 Student Cabinet Meeting

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) convened its first meeting of the 2022/2023 Student Cabinet in mid-October. It is the first time the Department has been able to host an in-person Student Cabinet meeting since 2019.

In its 4th year, the Student Cabinet program has allowed the Maine DOE to integrate student voice into decision-making on education issues that impact their journey through Maine’s education system. In past years, students have helped in identifying mental health needs at school, raised issues of racial equity, and helped brainstorm ways to individualize learning.

Representing all 16 counites of Maine, both newly appointed students and students serving their 2nd year on the Cabinet spent the day meeting with representatives from the Maine DOE including Commissioner Makin to talk about education issues important to them and their peers. They also toured the Capitol Complex with Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and learned about local education systems from a state-wide perspective with Maine School Management Association (MSMA) Executive Director Steve Bailey. The students closed out the day participating in group activities to brainstorm ideas around project-based learning and instruction.

Student Cabinet talking with Commissioner Makin
2022/2023 Student Cabinet and members of the Maine DOE
students touring the capitol complex
students taking photos with Secretary Bellows
students touring the capitol complex

In between and during activates, the day was an excellent opportunity for students to get to know one another, talk about Maine’s education system, and share their ideas for improvement.

To learn more about the Maine DOE Student Cabinet visit the Maine Department of Education’s Website.

Resources to Support Schools Following Today’s Active Shooter Threats

School leaders, educators, and public safety officials worked heroically today to keep students, staff, and schools safe, provide clear communication to families, and follow emergency preparedness plans in response to the active shooter threats that occurred at multiple schools across Maine.

Today’s school threats caused fear and uncertainty across our state, and we know that many students, staff, and school communities may need additional supports to help process the experience. Reassuring students, staff, and families that school is a safe and supportive environment is an important step after any event like this.

The Maine Department of Education continues to offer support and resources to promote the safety and wellbeing of students, families, and educators and we urge you to reach out to us for assistance.

  • The Office of School and Student Supports (O3S) understands that as parents, educators, students, and concerned community members, the intensity of emotions related to these incidences can become obstacles in engaging in everyday activities. O3S offers resources and trainings to bolster connectedness and safety. You can contact DOESchoolandStudentSupports@maine.gov for assistance.

Resources for Parents:

Resources For Educators:

  • The Positive Behavioral Intervention System (PBIS) Team has a collection of resources for supporting schools during and after crisis, coping tips for traumatic events, and materials to support educators and parents in supporting students after an incident of violence and talking to children about violence. You can find those resources here.
  • The Maine School Safety Center (MSSC) can support schools with their emergency planning needs to address preplanning, response, and recovery. The MSSC is available to assist with behavioral threat assessment and mental health trainings. You can learn more about MSSC’s services and contact staff here.

We are grateful to all of you for your efforts today, and every day, to make all Maine schools the safe and supportive environments our students need to thrive.

Collection of Resources for Supporting Maine Schools During and After Crisis

The Maine PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention System) Team acknowledges the difficulties that may arise for schools, families, and communities in response to the threats of violence in Maine schools today. We recognize that individuals will respond to these events differently, and some may require additional supports to process the experience. Reassuring students, staff and families that school is a safe, predictable, positive, and supportive environment is an important first step. Below are several recommended resources that may be consulted to support administrators, teachers, and families as they work to return to normalcy and re-instill a sense of security for themselves and their students in the coming days.

Comprehensive Resources

This comprehensive guide provides guidance to state, district, school, and classroom leaders on how to recover and return to school following a crisis. Specific guidance on practices that can be used immediately can be found within the guide targeted to specific levels.

Supporting Schools During and After Crisis

  • Critical Practices Overview p. 9
  • Critical Practices for Districts p. 26
  • Critical Practices for Schools p. 29
  • Critical Practices in the Classroom p. 36

This page provides links to a variety of resources for schools and families to use when supporting students after incidents of community violence.

Resources for educators supporting students after an incident of violence

Quick References

This guide helps parents and teachers to discuss violence and threats of violence with students, and to help re-establish a sense of safety.

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers

This resource provides concrete strategies for coping with increased stress after difficult situations.

Coping Tips for Traumatic Events and Disasters

This resource offers suggestions for family members when talking with youth after a crisis or unexpected events. It provides predictable youth reactions, how to support, and examples of things to do and say.

Parent Tips for Helping School-age Children

If you need additional support for your school or district, please contact pbis@maine.edu.

 

Maine DOE Update – November 10, 2022

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Let’s Celebrate the School Psychologists that Live and Work in the State of Maine!

This year’s National School Psychology Week theme, “Together We Shine,” honors the hope we feel after several challenging years and emphasizes the power of our collective efforts to overcome difficulties to ensure that all our students can thrive in school, at home, and in life. Throughout the week, schools across the country will be taking part in events and activities designed to highlight how school psychologists, teachers, and other school personnel work with students and families to reestablish their sense of being valued parts of a greater whole. |  More

Nominations and Applications Open for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)

Bilingual education, including language immersion programs, offer exciting and impactful interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students. Research shows that developing proficiency in two or more languages has cognitive, educational, economic, and sociocultural benefits. |  More

Nominations Open for LifeChanger of the Year Award

Nominations are now open for the LifeChanger of the Year Award, a national program sponsored by National Life Group that recognizes and rewards K-12 educators and school employees across the country. The program celebrates those who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership. |  More

Nominations Open for ‘Spirit of America Foundation’ School Award

Spirit of America Foundation, an Augusta based public charity established to honor volunteerism, wants to honor people, groups or projects across Maine who are helping our Maine schools. They are seeking nominations for their School Award. |  More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Matt Leavitt

Maine DOE staff member Matt Leavitt is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Matt.. |  More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Maine Professional Learning Community: The Rural Experience in America – Info Sessions Nov. 14 & 15

Funded by a grant from the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources program, NCHE (National Council for History Education) is proud to announce a 3-part colloquium for teachers focusing on Rural America. These free professional learning opportunities will help teachers develop place-based interdisciplinary units that connect students to their rural communities. Additionally, the Maine Department of Education will be hosting a bi-weekly professional learning community to support educators through these NCHE modules. The Professional Learning Community will incorporate the work developed by the Maine DOE interdisciplinary instruction specialists. |  More

USM to Host Special Performance of ‘The Thanksgiving Play’ By Larissa FastHorse (Sicangu Lakota Nation) for Educators w/ Post-show Talkback

The University of Southern Maine (USM) College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Theatre invites Maine educators to join them on Friday, November 18th at 7:30pm, Russell Hall, Gorham Campus for a special performance of The Thanksgiving Play, with a post-show talkback moderated by USM Professor/Director Rachel Price Cooper featuring guests: Dr. Shannon Epplett (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) Theatre Professor and consultant on USM’s production of The Thanksgiving Play, and Dr. Margo Lukens, University of Maine, Native American Literature & Theatre. |  More

WEBINAR: Developing Comprehensive and Equitable School Safety Programs that Consider the Whole Child, Whole School, and Whole Community

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Safe and Supportive Schools and its Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center will host a Webinar on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. This Webinar will highlight comprehensive approaches to school safety and emergency operations plan (EOP) development that include physical and psychological safety and well-being that are rooted in equitable approaches. |  More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

 

Nominations and Applications Open for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) 

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is currently accepting nominations and applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). PAEMST is the highest recognition that a Kindergarten through 12th grade science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science educator may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Since 1983, more than 5,100 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to mathematics and science education. Up to 108 awardees may be recognized each year.  Maine is proud to have honored over 80 exceptional educators for their contributions! 

Marshalyn Baker, Secondary Mathematics Awardee (1994) shared the value of accepting the nomination and the impact on her life, “Receiving this award took me on a professional and personal journey of a lifetime. I took on leadership roles with ATOMIM and NCTM Affiliate Services and the Board of Directors, met and worked with NASA scientists, and leveraged classroom resources and knowledge to better teach my students. I traveled extensively to speak at conferences and share and collaborate with a fabulous professional community. I felt valued and honored to be a mathematics educator from a rural state.” 

This current cycle will recognize educators teaching grades 7-12.  Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, colleagues, Higher Education partners, association members, or members of the general public—may nominate a teacher by completing the nomination form. To submit a nomination, you’ll need the teacher’s name, email address, and school contact information. Teachers may also initiate the application process themselves at www.paemst.org. 

2022-2023 One-Page Outreach Flyer

2022-2023 One-Page Outreach Flyer (Spanish)

Eligibility 

Applicants must: 

  • Teach science, technology, engineering, or mathematics as part of their contracted teaching responsibilities at the 7-12 grade level in a public (including charter) or private school; 
  • Hold at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; 
  • Be a full-time employee of their school or school district as determined by state and district policies, with responsibilities for teaching students no less than 50% of the school’s allotted instructional time; 
  • Have at least five years of full-time employment as a K-12 teacher prior to the 2022-2023 academic school year, with science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teaching duties during each of the past five years; 
  • Teach in one of the 50 states, the Department of Defense Education Activity schools, or the U.S. Jurisdictions of the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or as a group American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; 
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; and 
  • Not have received the PAEMST award at the national level in any prior competition or category. 

Why apply/nominate? 

Please consider nominating outstanding STEM teachers today! By nominating a teacher, you play an important role in elevating Maine’s education workforce.    

Recipients of this prestigious Presidential award receive the following: 

  • A certificate signed by the President of the United States. 
  • A paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. 
  • A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. An
  • opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation. 

Important Dates 

For secondary 7-12, the nomination deadline is January 9, 2023, and the application deadline is February 6, 2023.  Secondary 7-12 educators will be eligible to apply during the current cycle.  Nominations are encouraged early so that educators have ample time to submit applications!  

Questions? Contact: 

Emily Doughty, PAEMST Coordinator, Emily.doughty@maine.gov  

To learn more about the ways in which Maine is striving to attract, support, and sustain a strong educator workforce please visit the Teach Maine plan’s webpage: https://www.maine.gov/doe/exploreeducation/teachmaine.