The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to share resources throughout the month of September to draw attention to the importance of attendance and engagement in Maine schools. Our hope is that this will help to set a strong foundation for the 2025-2026 school year.
To help your schools and school administrative units (SAUs) maintain their focus on attendance, we have curated a collection of actionable steps for your consideration:
Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed September as School Attendance Awareness Month in Maine! Please share this information with your school boards and communities at-large. You can find a link to the proclamation here.
Bookmark the Maine DOE’s Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC) webpage—and encourage an administrator on your team to submit a “good news” story through the linked form. We are hoping to highlight examples of how local schools and SAUs have found success in addressing attendance and engagement among their students.
Involve your school/SAU in our messaging campaign! Over the summer, MEAC held the Maine AttendanceCampaign Name and Slogan Contest. “Rooted in Learning, Growing Every Day: Be Pine Tree Present!” was selected as the winning campaign name/slogan and will become an integral part of Maine’s attendance celebration, highlighting how educators and staff are supporting their learning communities through increased attendance and engagement. Now, we invite every school in Maine to host their own logo design contest based on this campaign name/slogan and send the winning logo our way by October 10, 2025! Each school can determine the parameters of their contest; we simply want to offer the opportunity for potential statewide recognition. Please keep an eye out for details at the end of the month regarding where to send the winning entry—and in the meantime, create your contest opportunity.
Check out Maine’s Count ME In! website. Sign up for the monthly newsletter, get data-informed ideas to approach attendance improvement, and learn about ongoing professional development events.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming MEAC Office Hours, a new, year-long series of monthly virtual office hours focused on evidence-based strategies to support increased attendance. These meetings will occur on the third Thursday of each month from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Please register here.
MEAC is part of the Maine DOE Office of School and Student Supports. Please contact Maine DOE Student Engagement Specialist Sarah Nelson at Sarah.Nelson@maine.gov, if you have questions or would like additional information.
During the first session of the 132nd Maine Legislature, Resolve 2025, Chapter 72 was passed. This resolve directs the Maine Department of Education (DOE) to communicate to school administrative units (SAUs) and private schools the importance of adopting Seizure Action Plans. It also directs the Maine DOE to provide information and assistance, if requested.
Why This Matters According to estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2022, there were approximately 456,000 children under the age of 17 in the U.S. that had epilepsy, a brain disorder that causes seizures. Seizure Action Plans are personalized documents that outline how to recognize, respond to, and care for students experiencing seizures. They are critical tools for fostering safe learning environments for those with a known seizure disorder. Having staff trained in recognizing seizures and seizure first aid can increase the safety and health outcomes of those with known seizure disorders, as well as those who may have a seizure for the first time while at school. This effort aligns closely with the Maine DOE’s commitment to provide guidelines on the provision of school health services.
Guidance and Resources from the Maine DOE To support schools in implementing Seizure Action Plans, the Maine DOE has compiled a suite of resources as part of its Chronic Conditions Management materials:
Adopt protocols to ensure best practices in training, emergency response, and ongoing monitoring. Free, on-demand training is available through the Epilepsy Foundation for school personnel and school nurses to help them better care for students with seizure disorders.
Contact your School Nurse Regional Liaison for direct technical assistance, if desired:
Through this targeted communication to support SAUs and private schools in adopting Seizure Action Plans and accessing existing training resources, the Maine DOE continues its commitment to ensuring student and school safety, health, and wellbeing. The Coordinated School Health Team within the Office of School and Student Supports stands ready to assist schools in measures that strengthen preparedness, empower educators and staff, and—most importantly—protect students who live with seizure disorders.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to remind you of two National Board Certification programs, governed by statute:
For teachers who have not yet achieved National Board Certification, a Scholarship Fund exists to help defray certification cost.
For teachers who have already achieved National Board Certification, there is a Salary Supplement Program available.
In both cases, applications are to be submitted to the Maine DOE by a teacher’s school administrative unit (SAU). Please see the information below for an overview of these two valuable programs, as well as streamlined application procedures. Applications for both programs will open on August 14, 2025, but you may consider gathering the required information from eligible educators in your SAU/school now.
This is a wonderful way to support and reward teachers, and we would encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Please contact Christina O’Neal, Maine DOE Educator Excellence Coordinator, with questions at christina.l.oneal@maine.gov.
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification
An SAU, or a publicly supported secondary school, may request scholarship funds on behalf of its teachers who meet the eligibility requirements. For further details, including eligibility requirements, please visit the Maine DOE’s National Board for Professional Teaching Standards webpage.
Scholarship Funds Application Procedure: By October 15 of each year, per statute, the Superintendent of Schools of an SAU, or the administrator of a publicly supported secondary school, Education Service Center (under Chapter 123), or CTE Region, may request scholarship funds on behalf of a teacher who has met all of the eligibility requirements.
Please complete the following form, once it opens on August 14: 2025-2026 National Board Scholarship Form. Information required includes teacher name, NEO staff ID, teacher email, school name, position title, number of years teaching in Maine, components submitted to NBPTS, scholarship funds requested, and all other funds received.
Important Dates:
August 14-October 15: Scholarship application window
November 15: Scholarship applicant notification
December 15: Scholarship funds sent to SAUs, publicly supported secondary schools, or CTE regions
Salary Supplements for NBTS-Certified Teachers: Per statute, any public school teacher, or teacher in a publicly supported secondary school, who has attained certification from NBPTS no later than July 1 of the fiscal year, and who meets eligibility requirements, shall receive the annual supplement for the school year.
The amount of the salary supplement for each fiscal year is appropriated by the Maine Legislature. As outlined in statute, free and reduced poverty levels are determined by the annual free and reduced lunch data collection. The Fiscal Year 2025 ED 534 report will be used to determine the 2025-2026 school year salary supplement award amounts.
Salary Supplements Application Procedure: By October 15 of each year, the Superintendent of Schools of an SAU, or the administrator of a publicly supported secondary school, Education Service Center (under Chapter 123), or CTE Region, must file with the Commissioner a certified list of National Board-certified teachers employed by the SAU, publicly supported secondary school, or CTE Region who are eligible to receive the salary supplement.
Please complete the following form, once it opens on August 14: 2025-2026 National Board Salary Supplement Form. Information required includes teacher name, NEO staff ID, school name, ED 534 (free and reduced %), position title, and a copy of the NBPTS certificate.
Important Dates:
August 14-October 15: Scholarship application window
By February 15: Salary supplement funds sent to SAUs, publicly supported secondary schools, or CTE Regions
Please contact Christina O’Neal, Maine DOE Educator Excellence Coordinator, with questions at christina.l.oneal@maine.gov.
Augusta, MAINE—Four Maine educators representing counties from the coast to the highlands are state finalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. Julia Edwards, a choral music teacher at Poland Regional High School; Bridget Wright, an English teacher at Lincoln Academy; Benjamin Johnson, a Latin teacher at Hampden Academy; and Dawn Lee, a school library/media and unified literacy teacher at Morse High School, were selected from the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year cohort to move forward in the Teacher of the Year process. | More
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, in partnership with the Maine Department of the Secretary of State and the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission, is excited to announce the launch of “Civics on the Road,” a traveling educational initiative designed to engage students in hands-on civic learning. | More
Ask South Berwick parent Mary Hayes about this past year, and she would tell you that it has been “life-changing”—particularly for her adopted four-year-old, Matthew. Hayes took Matthew in through foster care when he was two years old and says he experienced some trauma early in life. When Matthew started attending daycare last year, he struggled behaviorally and did not do as well as her older son. | More
In 2020, a small but determined team of educators at St. George Municipal School Unit embarked on a bold innovation journey—one that culminated in a major milestone over the summer. Guided by district leadership and a committee of teachers, families, school board members, and business owners, the team grounded its vision of a new, innovative facility in the community’s past, present, and future. | More
The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with teacher leaders from across the state, is once again offering professional learning communities (PLCs) for educators and caregivers implementing the For ME programs, which include Pre-K for ME, K for ME, 1st Grade for ME, and 2nd Grade for ME. | More
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, in partnership with the Maine Department of the Secretary of State and the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission, is excited to announce the launch of “Civics on the Road,” a traveling educational initiative designed to engage students in hands-on civic learning.
Kicking off on Constitution Day, September 17, 2025, at Main Street Middle School in Madison, Civics on the Road will bring an immersive mobile learning experience to one school per month across the state throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
This program provides students with an opportunity to participate in the debates, decisions, and responsibilities that shape our democracy. Learners rotate through interactive, interdisciplinary stations, ranging from mock debates and government games to primary source analysis, media literacy, and voting simulations.
Through these experiences, students explore civic identity, practice historical decision-making, and recognize the power of participation, leaving the experience with a deeper understanding of democratic values and their own civic potential.
What Schools Can Expect
Interactive Stations: Activities such as Game Show Government, Meet the Declaration, and Debate and Advocacy bring civic themes to life.
Culminating Town Hall: Students take on roles as speakers, journalists, or campaign designers in a full-group deliberation and vote.
Flexible Scheduling: The core experience can be adjusted to fit the length of time available and can be tailored for elementary, middle, and high school learners.
Professional Learning: Schools receive pre-visit background material to prepare students, plus the option for after-school professional development to help educators extend civic learning throughout the year.
Students will leave with tangible takeaways, such as artifacts of their participation, that reinforce the experience.
The Maine DOE, the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission, and the Maine Department of the Secretary of State encourage schools, community partners, and local leaders to join in this statewide effort to mark 250 years since the founding of the United States through civic education.
“This is more than a history lesson; it’s an invitation for students to see themselves as civic actors,” Geoff Wingard, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist, said. “Through playful simulation and serious engagement, we are building agency, understanding, and a lifelong connection to democracy”.
Schools that are interested in hosting Civics on the Road can fill out this form or contact Geoffrey Wingard at Geoffrey.Wingard@maine.gov for more information.
Ask South Berwick parent Mary Hayes about this past year, and she would tell you that it has been “life-changing”—particularly for her adopted four-year-old, Matthew. Hayes took Matthew in through foster care when he was two years old and says he experienced some trauma early in life. When Matthew started attending daycare last year, he struggled behaviorally and did not do as well as her older son.
“My biggest concern was that he was becoming the ‘bad’ kid,” Hayes said. “[Matthew] was the only one getting kicked out of class. … I was like, ‘Oh no; great start to life.’”
Matthew was placed on a waiting list with Child Development Services (CDS) to receive one-on-one support, and Hayes admits that the wait her family experienced was frustrating. She said it was unclear how long it would be until Matthew got the services, which were essential before starting kindergarten. Hayes had to cut back on hours at her job to dedicate more time to caring for Matthew, taking a toll on her family financially and mentally.
The “life-changing” moment that Hayes described came with a call one day from Scott Reuning, Director of Special Services at RSU 35. The school district had implemented universal pre-K for 50 years and made the decision to opt into Cohort 1 of the transition of Early Childhood Special Education services for children ages three through five from CDS to school administrative units (SAUs). As a result of this participation, Matthew could enroll in RSU 35.
“I’m not exaggerating when I say it was like a miracle,” Hayes said. “I cried. It was amazing.”
“I wasn’t aware of the pay-off I was going to get until it came,” Reuning said of the CDS transition.
Reuning explained that RSU 35 joined Cohort 1 just three weeks before the start of the 2024-2025 school year. While that tight turnaround was initially somewhat daunting, he said the district was able to get itself in place to begin welcoming children by the time school started. Reuning credited school leadership for being “all in” as a reason for that success.
Throughout the past year, RSU 35 has even been able to accept some children from neighboring districts, as well. Reuning said the feedback from parents about the services that their kids are receiving has been positive.
“Parents are extremely happy,” Reuning said.
RSU 35 students (photo credit: RSU 35)
The long-term benefits of providing these services to children at an early age was another reason that RSU 35 made the choice to join Cohort 1. RSU 35 IEP Coordinator Andrea Biniszkiewicz said that she has seen amazing progress in students so far and believes that will translate to when they are school-aged.
“As they get older, I think we’re going to see students have more skills because in the past, they weren’t always getting the services that they needed,” Biniszkiewicz said.
RSU 35 teacher Laurie DuBois said she is grateful for the obvious benefits of the CDS transition in the moment, too—like having an opportunity to connect more closely with families.
“Enrichment, inclusivity, relationship, familiarity, consistency, community, and comfort are among many words that I describe as positive impacts,” DuBois said, later adding, “I am incredibly proud that RSU 35 became a Cohort 1 district to meet the critical needs for families within our community.”
Going into this coming school year, Matthew will be in the pre-K class at RSU 35. Hayes said that she is no longer worried about how he might do—and neither are his teachers.
“He feels good about himself. He thinks he’s smart; he wants to go to school. That’s a different kid,” Hayes said.
Hayes said ultimately, she is grateful for the immense support she has received from RSU 35 and hopes that her parent friends in other districts can receive similar help.
“Having all of these professionals who I felt like were on my team was a total game-changer,” Hayes said. “I felt like we were all a team looking out for Matty.”
RSU 35 and the Maine DOE Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education contributed to this article, written as part of a series highlighting the ongoing efforts of CDS and public schools in providing comprehensive educational services to Maine’s children with special needs. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.
In 2020, a small but determined team of educators at St. George Municipal School Unit embarked on a bold innovation journey—one that culminated in a major milestone over the summer. Guided by district leadership and a committee of teachers, families, school board members, and business owners, the team grounded its vision of a new, innovative facility in the community’s past, present, and future.
St. George Municipal School Unit was one of the first recipients of the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Rethinking Responsive Education Ventures (RREV) grant, a $16.9 million federal grant awarded to Maine in 2020. The state was one of only 11 to receive the funding, with more than $10 million eventually distributed to 42 school districts. St. George received $350,000 to kick-start its building design process, curriculum development, and capital campaign.
St. George Municipal School Unit’s ambitious goal was to use the RREV grant to help create the nation’s first pre-K—8 Career and Technical Education (CTE)/Makerspace building. This innovative space—the GRACE Innovation Center—would honor the rich heritage of the St. George community, while preparing students for the challenges of today and tomorrow. A key inspiration for the project was the Lillius Gilchrest Grace Institute, a nonprofit founded in 1936 by the Grace family in memory of Lillius Grace, a St. George native. The Grace Institute offered classes to St. George students in home economics and manual arts for more than 70 years, laying the groundwork for the modern CTE/Makerspace vision.
“Many have been with us since we began this journey more than three years ago,” Mike Felton, former St. George Municipal School Unit superintendent and new GRACE Innovation Center executive director, said of the team members who helped to guide this project. “[They had] a vision for re-engaging students in learning and reimagining public education by returning to our roots—hands-on, minds-on learning connected to career and community.”
On August 14, this dream became a reality with the grand opening of the GRACE Innovation Center in St. George. The celebration drew in hundreds of community members and special guests, including U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree, St. George school board members, St. George students, and Steel-Pro CEO and president Steve Ladd. Maine DOE Office of Innovation staff who partnered with St. George Municipal School Unit and supported this project were honored to also attend and celebrate the hard work of so many passionate educators and community members.
“Congratulations to the entire St. George team for your vision, dedication, and relentless pursuit of innovation in utilizing this RREV grant to create meaningful opportunities for your students,” Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin said. “Your work is a shining example of all that is possible when community, history, and forward-thinking education collide.” “This building, this project, this school, this community—it’s about building and creating our future together. Our imaginations will not be limited by what others say is possible. When someone says, ‘Isn’t that a big vision for a small community?’—we know the answer,” Felton said during the event. “We can give our kids a better today and tomorrow. We can lead the nation in returning to hands-on, minds-on learning and valuing the trades. We can do all that as a small fishing community on a peninsula in Maine. We can do this because we’re a small fishing community on a peninsula in Maine that never forgot our roots and created a new building with an old soul.”
While many additional fundraising efforts helped St. George Municipal School Unit to reach its $4.5 million goal, the RREV grant played a crucial role. It funded educator stipends for work to develop a pre-K—8 CTE curriculum and helped to support architectural designs, site planning efforts, and construction. At the August 14 event, the RREV Mobile Learning Van was present to showcase all of the innovative pilots that RREV supported.
“I’m pretty sure this is the best million dollars that Washington has ever spent,” U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree remarked during the event. “You are truly creating a role model for communities all over the country.”
This story was written in collaboration with St. George Municipal School Unit.To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with teacher leaders from across the state, is once again offering professional learning communities (PLCs) for educators and caregivers implementing the For ME programs, which include Pre-K for ME, K for ME, 1st Grade for ME, and 2nd Grade for ME.
These monthly virtual PLCs are designed to deepen understanding of program design and implementation. Participants will explore units and components in greater depth through real-world examples, shared practices, open discussion, and student work. Whether you are new to a program or have been using it for several years, these PLCs offer valuable support for teachers, ed techs, instructional coaches, and other staff.
Pre-K for ME PLCs Sessions will be held virtually from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month:
October 6, 2025
November 3, 2025
December 1, 2025
January 5, 2026
February 2, 2026
March 2, 2026
April 6, 2026
K for ME, 1st Grade for ME, and 2nd Grade for ME PLCs Sessions will be held virtually from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month:
October 14, 2025
December 9, 2025
February 10, 2026
April 14, 2026
Registration
While regular attendance is encouraged, participants do not need to commit to every session. Access details will be provided upon completion of registration.
Please register by Friday, September 26, 2025. You may do so using the following links:
For Pre-K for ME PLCs, contact Marcy Whitcomb, Maine DOE Public Pre-K Consultant, atmarcy.r.whitcomb@maine.gov.
For K for ME, 1st Grade for ME, and 2nd Grade for ME PLCs, contact Nicole Madore, Maine DOE Early Childhood Specialist, at nicole.madore@maine.gov, or Maine DOE Director of Early Learning Lee Anne Larsen at leeann.larsen@maine.gov.
Congratulations to Julia Edwards from Androscoggin County, Bridget Wright from Lincoln County, Benjamin Johnson from Penobscot County, and Dawn Lee from Sagadahoc County.
Augusta, MAINE—Four Maine educators representing counties from the coast to the highlands are state finalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. Julia Edwards, a choral music teacher at Poland Regional High School; Bridget Wright, an English teacher at Lincoln Academy; Benjamin Johnson, a Latin teacher at Hampden Academy; and Dawn Lee, a school library/media and unified literacy teacher at Morse High School, were selected from the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year cohort to move forward in the Teacher of the Year process.
“Congratulations to the four 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year state finalists,” Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Pender Makin said. “Your dedication to your students, innovation in your teaching, and contributions to your communities have all led up to this well-deserved moment of recognition. Thank you for your commitment to public education in Maine, helping to raise our state’s next generation of leaders and thinkers.”
One of the four state finalists will be named 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year, an honor bestowed annually upon one educator in Maine. This announcement will occur in October after the final stages of the selection process are complete. Maine’s Teacher of the Year serves as an advocate for the teaching profession, as well as Maine schools and students, and represents Maine in the National Teacher of the Year Program.
Each teacher was nominated for this recognition by a member of their community because of their exemplary service in education and dedication to their students. A distinguished panel of teachers, principals, and business community members selected them from a pool of hundreds of other nominated educators. The Maine DOE, Educate Maine, the Maine State Board of Education, and the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA) announced the state finalists.
“These four state finalists embody the exemplary teaching we see in classrooms across Maine,” Jason Judd, Ed.D., Executive Director of Educate Maine, said. “There are so many inspiring and innovative teachers across Maine, and we look forward to working with and supporting the finalists and all of the 2025 County Teachers of the Year. They are amazing teacher-leaders and ambassadors for their profession, and most importantly, they make a difference in students’ lives every day.”
“The Maine Teacher of the Year state finalists represent the very best of our profession: educators who inspire curiosity, foster a love of learning, and make a lasting difference in the lives of students every day,” Paulette Bonneau, Chair of the Maine State Board of Education, said. “Their dedication and innovation embody the strength of Maine’s schools and the promise of our future.”
“These finalists are all exciting educators, committed to the growth of their students beyond academics,” Becky Hallowell, 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, said. “They each honor the whole student and find ways to deepen the connection of their students to the community. I have already learned so much from all the finalists and look forward to learning even more about their practice. Maine is fortunate to have these four teachers representing the great work of educators happening across our state.”
“We are excited to celebrate and learn alongside these remarkable finalists, whose voices and leadership continue to strengthen education in Maine,” MCSTOYA co-presidents Hillary Bellefleur and Heather Whitaker said. “They reflect the creativity, commitment, and heart that define our profession. The difference they make in their classrooms and communities is inspiring, and we look forward to championing their work, as they highlight the many strengths and ongoing growth of Maine’s public schools.”
More about the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year state finalists:
Julia Edwards Choral Music Teacher, Poland Regional High School 2025 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year
“What a joy it is to collaborate with stellar peers through the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year program! I am grateful for the opportunity to represent my students, colleagues, teachers, mentors, and family in advocating for Maine schools and music education. Above all, it is inspiring to learn from peers and to witness the work that Educate Maine and the Maine DOE do to amplify the good that is happening in our state’s schools.”
Julia Edwards is the choral music teacher at RSU 16’s Poland Regional High School and Bruce Whittier Middle School in Poland, Maine. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, where she studied oboe and served as a teaching fellow for the Children’s Chorus of Springfield. She returned home to Bridgton, Maine after graduating college to teach elementary music in North Conway, New Hampshire for two years before accepting her current position in the fall of 2012.
Edwards’ leadership experience at Poland Regional High School includes coordinating the “Roundtable” grade-level advisory program and serving as coordinator for the all-virtual learning program during the hybrid school year. As an advocate for professional collaboration, she served on the District Professional Learning Committee, where she proposed and co-created RSU 16’s annual district-wide conference. She finds the most joy, however, in working with her students. Edwards believes that all students deserve access to an excellent music education, regardless of their background, identity, or geographical location. Cultural curiosity and musicianship are at the core of her teaching philosophy, and she has worked to create many intercultural and intergenerational experiences for her students and community.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Edwards has served as a guest clinician and manager for district and state festivals in Maine and has presented on pedagogical topics for state, regional, and national conferences. She recently moved into the role of president for the Maine chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, where she is working to expand community singing opportunities throughout the state. As an advocate for cultural curiosity, Edwards has designed a Cultural Context Curriculum, which helps students to develop tools for ethically and enthusiastically exploring the world around them, as well as skills to be better world citizens. She believes music and community are synonymous, and she loves participating in the music community as a listener and performer.
Outside of teaching, Edwards enjoys skiing; cross-stitching; playing concerts with her folk band, Bold Riley; and exploring the Maine outdoors with her husband, two children, and rowdy dog, Baxter.
Bridget Wright English Teacher, Lincoln Academy 2025 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year
“I am honored to be a Maine Teacher of the Year state finalist and am grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received from my family and school community. As an English teacher, I know that good teaching, just like good writing, is a process that can’t happen in isolation; I look forward to engaging with educators from around the state to continue building a community rooted in collaboration, celebration, and support.”
Bridget Wright is a high school English teacher at Lincoln Academy in Newcastle, Maine. Wright attended the University of Maine at Farmington for both her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, English and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She is the 2025 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year.
Wright believes that curiosity is essential to lifelong learning and is committed to providing her students space and support to engage in healthy academic risk-taking. She knows that no one becomes a stronger learner by using the same formulaic strategies. Given time and encouragement to explore, especially when it leads to roadblocks and revisions, students end up becoming confident writers, readers, researchers, and critical thinkers.
Teaching writing is one of Wright’s favorite parts of English, and she founded student-staffed writing centers at two schools, including Lincoln Academy. She has developed programming to help others establish writing centers of their own and was featured in Dr. Rich Kent’s second edition of “A Guide to Creating Student-Staffed Writing Centers.” A presenter at multiple conferences across Maine and New England, including the Maine Council for English Language Arts conference, Wright loves collaborating with and learning from other educators. She has been a Civil Rights Team advisor for a decade and is deeply devoted to ensuring students of all identities and backgrounds feel welcome and safe in their school communities. In addition to teaching English, her school’s Flexible Learning Block model allows her to engage students in everything from weaving and knitting to Dungeons & Dragons.
Wright served as a dorm parent for more than seven years, and this experience greatly shaped how she helps students to build community both in and out of school. She has previously served as a leadership team member and department head, as well as Maine Council for English Language Arts board member and secretary. She currently sits on Lincoln Academy’s Governance Committee and runs the Writing Center program in addition to supporting the development of Lincoln’s senior project curriculum.
When not teaching, Wright can usually be found crafting while listening to audiobooks. She loves knitting, spinning, and weaving and is also a sewist who makes her own clothes. She resides in a little house in the woods with her husband, Andrew, and her beloved cat and dog.
Benjamin Johnson Latin Teacher, Hampden Academy 2025 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year
“Being named a state finalist for Maine Teacher of the Year is a great honor, but I wouldn’t be here without my students. Their curiosity, passion, and voices inspire me daily, reminding me why teaching is a worthwhile profession, and I am honored to represent them and all the great educators across Maine as we celebrate the power of learning that connects classrooms to the wider world.”
Benjamin Johnson teaches Latin and AP Seminar to 9th through 12th graders at Hampden Academy in Hampden, Maine. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classics, with a concentration in Latin, and Biology, with a concentration in Microbiology, from Cornell University and a master’s in Latin from the University of Florida. He is the 2025 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year.
Johnson is a strong advocate for giving students an active role in their education. As a Latin teacher, he believes that studying the origins of our modern practices helps students to better understand the world they live in. He emphasizes inquiry, curiosity, and student voice in every lesson. His classroom blends traditional language study with innovative technology, ensuring that tools support the essential relationships between students and teachers. He oversees both Hampden’s and Maine’s Junior Classical Leagues, organizations that provide engaging opportunities for students of the classics, and he regularly leads trips to Italy and Greece for his students.
Johnson is also an innovator in the Latin classroom, and he advocates for the use of technology to supplement and support, rather than replace, the student-teacher relationship. He runs the LatinTutorial YouTube channel with more than 125,000 subscribers, and he has created digital tools such as Latintutorial.com and Hexameter.co, resources used by tens of thousands of learners worldwide. Johnson serves as Instructional Team Leader for World Languages at Hampden Academy and is a leader in his local education association. He recently served on the AP Latin Development Committee and helped to revise the national curriculum and assessment for AP Latin. Johnson also teaches classics and Latin courses at the University of Maine.
When he isn’t teaching, Johnson can be found spending time with his family, biking around Bangor, drinking good coffee, or happily wrangling unruly prepositions to end sentences with.
Dawn Lee School Library/Media and Unified Literacy Teacher, Morse High School 2025 Sagadahoc County Teacher of the Year
“Growing up, I witnessed the transformative power of education through a family member who learned to read at the age of 76, shaping my belief that education changes lives and strengthens communities. Today, I celebrate how educators across Maine nurture collaboration, curiosity, creativity, community, and innovation, sustaining families for generations. As a Maine Teacher of the Year state finalist, I am grateful for the platform to honor and share these stories and for the steadfast support of my students, colleagues, community, and family, who remind me daily of the inspiring learning unfolding in our schools.”
Dawn Lee is a school library media specialist and teacher at Morse High School in Bath, Maine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from Miami University and a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina. A passionate advocate for inclusion, Lee is a founding leader of her school’s nationally recognized Unified Literacy program, where students with and without intellectual disabilities connect through the power of reading, writing, and art. Lee’s pioneering spirit led her to create Maine’s first Unified Academics Conference, a statewide platform celebrating inclusive education. Presenting at numerous state and regional conferences, Lee, her co-teacher, and their students have inspired educators and administrators to establish similar inclusive academic programs.
In her role as a school librarian, Lee champions equity through diverse book collections and community programs, including partnerships with the Maine Humanities Council, creating a safe space where all students can learn and thrive. Recognizing the silent struggles that many of her students face, she established the Morse High School Food Pantry in 2008, which has supported students and families experiencing food insecurity for 18 years. What began as a small, staff-supported initiative has grown into a student-led program distributing more than 1,000 pounds of food each month, offering free daily snacks, sponsoring a community fresh produce table, and providing personal hygiene products and school supplies.
Lee serves on her school district’s Community, Connections, and Belonging Committee, contributing to districtwide efforts that foster inclusion and strengthen community engagement. She is a board member of her local public library and the Bath Area Backpack Program, which provides food for Midcoast Maine families, and advises the Can We? Project, supporting high school students in developing communication skills to engage as active citizens. Deeply committed to helping students discover the joy of learning, Lee strives to create student-centered spaces that spark curiosity and encourage exploration. She embraces a pedagogy that centers student voice in the learning design process, ensuring curriculum is meaningful and relevant. Through this approach, her students actively engage in projects that connect them to their community and the wider world, including participation in Wreaths Across America and the Smithsonian Virtual Exchange Program.
Lee’s innovative teaching and leadership have earned her multiple fellowships and grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum to support projects that promote inclusive programming, community engagement, and curriculum innovation. In recognition of her dedication to students and community, Lee has received the Dr. Patricia Ames Distinguished Teacher Award, been named the 2025 Sagadahoc County Teacher of the Year, and been honored as a Midcoast Maine Outstanding Woman Community Member.
Outside of the classroom, Lee enjoys absorbing the quiet beauty of an art museum, curling up with a good book, exploring new corners of the world for fresh inspiration, and spending time with her daughter and son-in-law.
For more information about the Maine Teacher of the Year program, and to see a list of Maine County Teachers of the Year and Maine State Teachers of the Year, click here.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to wish all students, educators, administrators, and school staff a wonderful back-to-school season! As the 2025-2026 school year begins, please consider perusing the virtual Maine DOE Back-to-School Backpack, which contains information and resources that may be useful to school and district leaders. | More
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is proud to launch the Seal of Biliteracy Resource Kit,a comprehensive, multilingual outreach package designed to promote biliteracy, expand participation, and celebrate language diversity across Maine’s schools and communities. Let’s celebrate Maine’s multilingual future, one student, one language, and one Seal at a time! | More
The 2025 Maine Department of Education (DOE) Annual Summit on August 5 and 6 featured a moving celebration of teacher excellence, honoring educators who embody the very best of teaching and leadership. Colleagues, leaders, and supporters from across the state gathered to recognize and celebrate recipients of the Maine History Teacher of the Year, the Milken Educator Award, and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). | More
When John McDonald took on his role as superintendent of RSU 13 more than a decade ago, a goal of his was to establish a pre-K program to serve young children in the community. A grant of about a million dollars and a partnership with Penquis kickstarted that work, but the process was not seamless. McDonald noted that over the years, classroom numbers fluctuated, and budget woes resulted in some cutting back of services. There was, however, a very positive outcome of this effort. | More
This summer, the Intercultural Community Center (ICC) of Westbrook—proud recipient of a 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant—hosted an extraordinarily impactful seven‑week “Wonders of Water” program, welcoming 60 middle schoolers from the Westbrook School Department to a free and transformative aquatic adventure. | More
Laughter and music rang out in the gymnasium at East Belfast Elementary School on August 7 and 8, 2025, as early childhood educators from RSU 71 and Waldo County Community Action Partners Head Start participated in Playmaker University, designed to help early childhood professionals strengthen their relationships with children. | More
This summer, 20 ambitious students from Portland, Deering, and Westbrook High Schools did something extraordinary: They started training to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) before even entering their junior or senior years. | More
In the summer of 2024, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) offered educators free access to professional literacy learning through Steps to Literacy modules from the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) Institute for Learning & Research. Nearly 650 educators completed more than 20,000 hours of professional learning in the science of reading, phonological awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, language expression, writing, emerging literacy, vocabulary, dyslexia, and English language learning. In the following spring, school teams completed AIM modules and participated in monthly communities of practice. | More
You are invited to join the Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC) in a new series of monthly virtual office hours. These sessions will focus on exploring Tier 1 evidence-based strategies to support increased attendance. Sessions will be held on the third Thursday of each month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., beginning September 18, 2025, and running through May 21, 2026. | More
The Can We? Project, based at Waynflete School, has announced Beyond the Cohort—a yearlong professional learning initiative designed for Maine high schools interested in embedding constructive dialogue as a core part of school culture. | More
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