Gorham Superintendent Heather Perry Named Finalist for AASA National Superintendent of the Year Award

Gorham School District Superintendent Heather Perry has been named one of four finalists for the AASA National Superintendent of the Year® Award, a prestigious honor administered by The School Superintendents Association (AASA), which recognizes exceptional leadership, professionalism, communication, and community engagement among school leaders nationwide.

“I am deeply honored to be named a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year,” Perry said. “This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our students, staff, families, and community in Gorham. Public education is truly a team effort, and I am proud to serve alongside educators and leaders who are so deeply committed to creating meaningful opportunities for every child.”

In October, the Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA) named Perry the 2026 Maine Superintendent of the Year, citing her work to improve student achievement, address Maine’s educator shortage, and partner with local businesses to expand students’ career aspirations. On Monday, December 15, 2025, Perry was announced as a finalist for the national award—marking the first time a Maine superintendent has reached finalist status since the award’s inception in 1988.

“We are beyond thrilled that Heather Perry has been named a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year,” Eileen King, Executive Director of MSSA, said. “Heather is a true beacon of educational leadership, and I am so pleased that she is being recognized on the national level for her extraordinary commitment to students and families in Gorham and across our state. She is a role model, a problem-solver, a collaborator, and a steadfast advocate for public education.”

Perry has served as superintendent of the Gorham School District for the past decade. Under her leadership, the district has focused on reaching every student—particularly those who have been historically underserved. Through partnerships with businesses and community organizations, Gorham has expanded career pathways and aspirations, resulting in significant growth in student participation in internships, career mentorships, and career and technical education (CTE) programs. The district now reports a graduation rate exceeding 96 percent.

Perry has also played a key role in addressing Maine’s educator workforce shortage. In 2022, Gorham piloted an innovative educator apprenticeship program designed to recruit and retain school staff while supporting career advancement through a combination of coursework and on-the-job training. The program has since expanded to dozens of school districts across Maine.

Prior to her tenure in Gorham, Perry worked as a teacher and administrator in the Machias area and served as superintendent in RSU 3 and the Greenville School Department. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of MSSA and previously served on AASA’s executive committee. Perry is also a nationally respected voice on school leadership, with published work regularly featured by AASA.

The National Superintendent of the Year® Award will be announced live during AASA’s National Conference on Education, held February 12-14, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.

This story was submitted by the Maine School Management Association (MSMA). To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

MEDIA RELEASE: Mainers Encouraged to Nominate an Educator for State/County Teacher of the Year

Nominations for the Maine Teacher of the Year program are open through Friday, January 30, 2026.

STATEWIDE, Maine—Nominations are now open for the Maine Teacher of the Year program, which celebrates excellence in teaching and elevates the importance of the teaching profession. Traditionally, Maine selects a County Teacher of the Year from each of Maine’s 16 counties. One of those educators is later named State Teacher of the Year and also becomes Maine’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year.

Maine’s State and County Teachers of the Year serve as ambassadors of the teaching profession and advocate for the quality education of Maine students. Throughout their year of service, these teachers have the opportunity to create a greater public awareness about the inspiring work happening in Maine schools, amplify the voices of fellow educators, and assist in ongoing efforts to strengthen Maine’s educator workforce. They receive ongoing professional learning and participate in county-, state-, and nation-wide leadership opportunities.

Anyone—from students, to parents, to school administrators and colleagues, to community members—is encouraged to nominate an educator for the Maine Teacher of the Year program! Nominations are open now through Friday, January 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. To nominate, please fill out this form. Self-nominations and nominations from family members will not be accepted.

Becky Hallowell, 2025 Maine State Teacher of the Year, said her journey began with a nomination for 2024 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year. She shared the impact that the past year has had on her life:

“The experiences I have had as Maine Teacher of the Year have been transformative. I made connections throughout our state and nation with astounding educators, supportive community members, and cutting-edge business leaders. I encourage everyone to nominate an influential teacher for Maine County Teacher of the Year recognition. The nomination itself tells teachers that they are seen and appreciated. Additionally, every County Teacher of the Year joins a collaborative cohort that works to bring out the best in all teachers across the state.”

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine, a business-led organization with a mission of championing college and career readiness, work collaboratively to manage and administer the Maine Teacher of the Year program. Funding is provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Geiger, Maine State Lottery, and Unum, with support from the Maine State Board of Education and the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association. Through the generous support of these businesses, there is no cost to the local school district when the Maine Teacher of the Year is out of the classroom on their official duties.

“The Maine Department of Education proudly supports the Maine Teacher of the Year program, an excellent opportunity every year to celebrate the dedicated, talented educators in our state whose hard work often goes unrecognized,” Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin said. “We encourage all Mainers to consider nominating a teacher who has made a positive impact on their local community.”

“We are thrilled that nominations are now open for 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year,” Jason Judd, Ed.D, Executive Director of Educate Maine, said. “Maine has wonderful educators across all 16 counties, and we hope you will consider nominating an educator in your community for this important recognition.”

Teachers who are nominated for the Maine Teacher of the Year program must:

Hold the appropriate professional certification for their teaching position;
Be a certified, in-good-standing, pre-K—grade 12 teacher in a state-accredited public school—including career and technical education and adult education centers, public charter schools, or publicly supported secondary schools (i.e., private schools that enroll 60 percent or more publicly funded students, sometimes referred to as “town academies”);
Be actively teaching students at least 50 percent of the workday at the time of nomination and during their year of recognition;
Maintain their teaching position and remain in the county for which they are selected throughout their year of recognition;
Have a minimum of five years of teaching, three of which are in Maine.

The 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year will be announced in May. Through a selection process designed by educators, that pool will then be narrowed to semi-finalists and state finalists before the 2027 Maine State Teacher of the Year is announced in the fall.

The Maine Teacher of the Year program is committed to a nomination and selection process that ensures people of all backgrounds are represented. Educate Maine and the Maine DOE champion that commitment by encouraging the nomination of educators from culturally diverse experiences and backgrounds.

For more information about the Maine Teacher of the Year program, please visit the Maine Teacher of the Year website.

Becky Hallowell, 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, has used her platform to promote outdoor education.

The 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year cohort poses with Governor Janet Mills.

Julia Edwards, a choral music teacher in RSU 16, was named 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year.

Maine School Nutrition Teams Sharpen Skills Through No-Cost Regional Culinary Trainings

With the support and participation of the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Child Nutrition Team, Full Plates Full Potential, in collaboration with the MaineHealth Center for Health Improvement, hosted another successful season of the Culinary Skills for School Meals training over the summer. This learning opportunity is a five-day, hands-on training, designed to strengthen the culinary skills of school nutrition professionals.

Culinary Skills for School Meals has been offered annually during the summer months since 2023, attracting an increasing number of participants every year and expanding its reach across Maine. Funded by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants, Full Plates Full Potential collaborates with the Healthy Eating Active Living Team, a program of the MaineHealth Center for Health Improvement, to host these no-cost events in regional locations across Maine.

This year, trainings were held at Kennebunk High School, Edward Little High School in Auburn, Mount Blue in Farmington, and Presque Isle High School. The four trainings reached 98 participants from 32 school districts, with Auburn and Presque Isle hosting for the first time.

During the training, participants acquired techniques and kitchen efficiency skills, all aimed at enhancing the quality and appeal of school meals and increasing students’ consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, plant-based proteins, and lean meats.

In a 2024 post-training evaluation, participants were asked to share their experiences and describe any changes they had made since completing the culinary training. Examples of feedback include:

“[I] learned knife and culinary skills, recipe ideas, and ways to cook and serve veggies to increase appeal.” – middle school cafeteria staff
“[I’m] expanding my thinking outside of the box and jazzing up ho-hum items simply and nutritiously.” – middle school cafeteria staff
“There are many ways to prepare an item (fruits, vegetables).” – elementary school cafeteria staff
“[I learned] how easy it is to enhance flavors with simple seasonings and techniques.” – elementary school cafeteria staff
“[I’m] definitely letting the kids try something before just jumping off the deep end and hoping they like it.” – high school cafeteria staff
“It helped me to gain confidence.” – elementary school cafeteria staff

Planning is underway for the 2026 training dates and locations. For more information, please visit www.letsgo.org/culinaryskills.

This story was submitted by the MaineHealth Healthy Eating Active Living Program. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Maine DOE Update – December 12, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine DOE Announces 2026 United States Senate Youth Program State Delegates

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce that Katarina Ousback of Scarborough High School and WanTing Huo of the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) have been selected as Maine’s delegates to the 2026 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). They will join 102 exceptional student leaders from across the nation for Washington Week this spring, where they will engage directly with U.S. Senators, Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet officials, and other national leaders. Each delegate will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Saco Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Pre-K–Grade 5 School Campus After 20-Year Wait

The Saco School Department and City of Saco marked a historic milestone on December 4, 2025, as families, city officials, students, educators, and construction partners gathered for the official groundbreaking of the district’s transformative new pre-K–grade 5 school campus, representing the long-awaited transformation of the district’s elementary learning environments. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Second of Three Statewide Professional Learning Days Scheduled for January 16: EngageMEnt – Cultivating Innovative Teaching and Learning

Maine educators are invited to attend a statewide professional learning experience on Friday, January 16, 2026, hosted by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Offices of Teaching and Learning and Innovation. This is the second of three free, statewide events, designed for educators, ed techs, administrators, and pre-service educators, scheduled for the 2025-2026 school year. The first took place in October, and the third is scheduled for Friday, March 10. | More

Save the Date for the Third Annual ‘I Belong’ Youth Summit

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, in collaboration with the Transition Maine Regional Transition Collaborative Fellows, invites you to save the date for the third annual “I Belong” Youth Summit, to be held at Central Maine Community College in Auburn on May 21, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information regarding registrations for middle and high schools will be released soon. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Saco Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Pre-K–Grade 5 School Campus After 20-Year Wait

Pictured: Saco School Department’s New Elementary School Assistant Principal (Grades 1-5) Tom Partridge, Fairfield School student Caroline Libby, Fairfield School student Maris Posey, Young School student Nathan Smith, Young School student Olivea Desmarais, New Elementary School Principal (Grades 1-5) April Noble, Young School student Anna Broaddus, Fairfield School student Alex Hadiaris, New Primary School Principal (PreK-K) Wendy LeBlanc, Young School student Cameron Blunt, Fairfield School student Nathan Kupresanin, New Primary School Assistant Principal (pre-K–kindergarten) J’Aime Walker, and New Elementary School Assistant Principal (Grades 1-5) Jeff Mears. Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography

Following more than two decades of planning, the community-backed bond and state funding—covering approximately 72% of the total $140 million project—have paved the way for this exciting initiative to move from vision to reality. The campus will consist of two new elementary schools on a shared site to serve all pre-K through grade 5 students in a unified and equitable setting.

“This project has been years in the making, and today’s groundbreaking represents far more than bricks and mortar; it’s about creating opportunity, equity, and excellence for every child in Saco,” Jeremy Ray, Saco Superintendent of Schools, said. “Our students will learn in spaces designed to spark curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. They will thrive together in facilities built for their success.”

The new campus will feature two climate-controlled buildings: a primary building for pre-K through kindergarten students and an elementary building for grades 1-5 students—with flexible classroom spaces to adapt to evolving teaching methods, enhanced safety and security systems, a dedicated unified arts wing, and expanded outdoor learning opportunities, ensuring that every elementary student has access to the same high-quality facilities. The two buildings being located on one campus will allow the district’s youngest learners to have fewer transitions, providing for more stability—and educators will have access to the resources and environment necessary to inspire students.

Saco School Department’s Chief of Operations Chris Indorf, Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, Assistant Superintendent Margaret Parkhurst, New Elementary School Principal (Grades 1-5) April Noble, and New Primary School Principal (pre-K–kindergarten) Wendy LeBlanc Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography

Maine Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Megan Welter, State Architect Scott Brown, Saco Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, Maine State Board of Education Chair Paulette Bonneau, Maine State Board of Education Member Ed Morin, and Assistant Superintendent Margaret Parkhurst Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography

Saco School Department Assistant Superintendent Meg Parkhurst, City of Saco’s City Council member Jeffrey Onnen, Council Member Douglas Edwards, Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray, City of Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail, Council Member Joshua D. Parks, Council Member Nathan D. Johnston, and Council Member Tricia Huot Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography

A project of this scale requires strong leadership. At the December 4 event, Superintendent Ray highlighted the administrators who will lead the new schools forward. The new grades 1-5 Saco Elementary School will be led by current C.K. Burns School Principal April Noble, supported by Assistant Principals Jeff Mears and Tom Partridge. The new pre-K through Kindergarten Saco Primary School will be led by current Fairfield School Principal Wendy LeBlanc, supported by Assistant Principal J’Aime Walker. These individuals provide strong instructional leadership, a collaborative spirit, and a dedication to student success that will help define the culture and identity of the schools. By naming these leaders early, the administration can engage deeply in the design and preparation of the buildings, help shape the educational programs, collaborate with staff, and begin establishing a vision for each school.

City of Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail added, “This major investment reflects the values of Saco’s families in our shared future when they supported the bond and the state’s strong commitment when it covered more than $100 million of the cost. For 20 years, Saco has waited for this opportunity—and together, we are building a brighter future for every student who calls this city home.”

Assistant Superintendent Meg Parkhurst thanked the community for their support, the students and staff for providing feedback on the design, and the project architect for their work. Rob Tillotson, president and owner of Oak Point Associates, also spoke, sharing insight into the design process and expressing excitement about the project’s positive impact on the community and its students.

“As we build these schools for the future, we are also entering a transformative new era for the Saco School Department,” added Ray. “The construction of this pre-K–grade 5 campus will consolidate our current elementary schools—Young, Fairfield, C.K. Burns, and our dedicated pre-K program—into one unified system. We honor the proud history of these schools, and we recognize the deep memories they hold for generations of families. But we also know that what we are creating here today will offer even greater opportunities, designed for the way students learn now and the way they will learn tomorrow.”

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered at Saco Public Works for light refreshments and a community conversation about the construction timeline, projected opening dates, and the long-term vision for the campus. Construction is expected to be completed by Fall 2028, at which time a community-wide open house will be scheduled.

This story was submitted by Saco School Department. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

School Interest Form Available for Third Annual ‘I Belong’ Youth Summit

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, in collaboration with the Transition Maine Regional Transition Collaborative Fellows, invites you to save the date for the third annual “I Belong” Youth Summit, to be held at Central Maine Community College in Auburn on May 21, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information regarding registrations for middle and high schools will be released soon. A school interest form is now available for those planning to bring students to the event: Access the School Interest Form here.

The “I Belong” Youth Summit invites schools from across Maine to join a transformative initiative designed specifically for transition-aged students with disabilities. This dynamic gathering goes beyond traditional career fairs to offer meaningful exploration, skill-building, and work-based learning opportunities tailored to each student’s interests and abilities. Check out this article about the second annual “I Belong” Youth Summit.

By participating in this event, you will become part of a statewide movement to reshape post-secondary pathways for all Maine students with disabilities. Your involvement creates ripple effects of opportunity:

Students discover career paths they may never have considered, building confidence and practical skills for their future.
Educators gain valuable resources, evidence-based practices, and direct connections with industry partners.
Businesses develop tomorrow’s workforce, while fulfilling community engagement goals.

Help your students find where they belong in Maine’s future workforce. The “I Belong” Youth Summit provides a student-centered environment for youth to explore career pathways at their own pace, connect with potential employers, and envision new possibilities for their lives after school. Together, we can create a more inclusive, opportunity-rich future for Maine’s students with disabilities.

For more information, please contact Tracy Whitlock, Maine DOE Special Projects and Educator Supports Coordinator, at tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov.

Second of Three Statewide Professional Learning Days Scheduled for January 16: EngageMEnt – Cultivating Innovative Teaching and Learning

Maine educators are invited to attend a statewide professional learning experience on Friday, January 16, 2026, hosted by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Offices of Teaching and Learning and Innovation. This is the second of three free, statewide events, designed for educators, ed techs, administrators, and pre-service educators, scheduled for the 2025-2026 school year. The first took place in October, and the third is scheduled for Friday, March 10.

These professional learning days are scheduled to align with the dedicated professional development days of many school administrative units (SAUs). Educators may register for both remaining events or just one. Participants may attend in-person at one of the University of Maine System campuses—University of Maine Orono (UMaine), University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), and the University of Southern Maine (USM)—or join remotely via livestream from anywhere in the state. Educators will also be able to access materials on-demand after the event. All participants are eligible for contact hours.

No matter your role in public education—whether you’re an early childhood educator; a science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) enthusiast; a literacy coach; a pre-service teacher; or someone looking to deepen their practice in inclusive education—there will be something at these events for you. The engaging workshops on offer, crafted by Maine DOE staff, are designed to inspire, energize, and equip educators with the tools required to meet the needs of today’s learners.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

Play-based and early childhood assessment
Wabanaki Studies integration
STEAM and numeracy
Literacy through graphic novels
UDL (Universal Design for Learning) and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) frameworks
Supporting multilingual learners
Technology integration
Environmental education

Each professional learning day will start with morning workshops from 9-11:30 a.m., followed by a lunch break (on your own) from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and ending with afternoon workshops from 12:30-3 p.m. There are 50 seats available per in-person workshop session, while the remote option offers unlimited space. Registration is required in advance. You may register here. Those who cannot participate day-of may access asynchronous recordings of sessions here once they are posted.

In partnership with the University of Maine System, this statewide professional learning initiative is made possible through a valued collaboration with UMaine, UMF and USM. The Maine DOE is grateful to these institutions for opening their doors to educators from across the state. This partnership helps to ensure that accessible, high-quality, and regionally grounded professional learning is available to every Maine educator, whether attending in-person or joining remotely.

For questions or more information, please reference this flyer or contact Beth Lambert, Maine DOE Chief Teaching and Learning Officer, at beth.lambert@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Announces 2026 United States Senate Youth Program State Delegates

The USSYP, founded in 1962 and supported annually by the U.S. Senate, recognizes high school students who demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership, public service, and civic engagement. More than 6,000 students nationwide have participated in the program, including Maine’s own U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who often credits her USSYP experience and meeting Senator Margaret Chase Smith as a defining moment in her decision to pursue public service.

About Maine’s 2026 USSYP Delegates

Katarina Ousback, a senior at Scarborough High School, is a student leader with a deep passion for government and service. She serves as Student Council President and has held numerous leadership roles, including District Governor for the New England and Bermuda District of Key Club International and a U.S. Senate Page for Senator Susan Collins. Katarina has testified on legislation, participated in National History Day at both the state and national levels, and completed more than 350 hours of community service. Her teachers and school leaders describe her as mature, thoughtful, and deeply committed to strengthening her community through civic action.

Left to Right: Halsey Frank, a representative from Susan Collins' office; Katarina Ousback, Karen Fox, a representative from Senator Angus King's Office; and Dan Chuhta, Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education. — Left to right: Halsey Frank, a representative from Senator Susan Collins’ office; Katarina Ousback; Karen Fox, a representative from Senator Angus King’s Office; and Dan Chuhta, Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education.

WanTing Huo, a junior at MSSM, currently serves as the Youth Council Representative for the League of Women Voters of Maine. She is an active advocate for youth civic engagement and a leader across several statewide and community organizations. WanTing has served as a Lieutenant Governor for Key Club International, a 4-H Agriculture Ambassador, and a member of the Maine Youth Action Network’s Youth Grantmaking Council. She is also the co-founder of SpeechSphere, a nonprofit that provides free language education to underserved youth in multiple countries. Her nominators describe her as curious, dedicated, and a natural connector of people and ideas.

Left to right: Rob Constantine, MSSM Principal; Trisha House, a representative from Susan Collins' office; WanTing Huo, Beth Lambert, Maine DOE Chief Teaching and Learning Officer; and Jordyn Madore, a representative from Senator Angus King's Office. — Left to right: Rob Constantine, MSSM Principal; Trisha House, a representative from Susan Collins’ office; WanTing Huo; Beth Lambert, Maine DOE Chief Teaching and Learning Officer; and Jordyn Madore, a representative from Senator Angus King’s Office.

A Strong Cohort of Maine Finalists

This year’s applicant pool was among the strongest the state has seen, with students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement, leadership experience, and commitment to public service. Ten finalists were invited to participate in the state interview process, representing high schools from across Maine.

“Each one of these students reflects the best of Maine. They are thoughtful, engaged, community-minded young leaders,” said Beth Lambert, Chief Teaching and Learning Officer at the Maine DOE “Katarina and WanTing bring a remarkable combination of talent, service, and purpose, and we are proud to have them represent our state on the national stage.”

About the United States Senate Youth Program

During Washington Week, delegates will participate in policy discussions, attend briefings with key federal agencies, and hear directly from Senators, congressional staff members, and national policymakers. The program aims to encourage students to pursue careers in public service and to deepen their understanding of the democratic process. The $10,000 scholarship awarded to each delegate supports undergraduate studies and is intended to help prepare the next generation of civic leaders.

The Maine DOE congratulates Katarina Ousback and WanTing Huo on this extraordinary achievement and looks forward to celebrating their continued leadership at the state and national levels.

To learn more about the USSYP, visit https://ussenateyouth.org/.

Maine DOE Update – December 5, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine DOE Announces Nominees for 2026 RISE Award

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the nominees and top 10 finalists for the 2026 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. | More

Maine DOE Launches GIS World Language Educator Map to Support Expansion of World Language Opportunities Statewide

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is introducing a new resource designed to support the expansion of world language opportunities for students across the state: the Graphic Information System (GIS) World Language Educator Map. | More

Opportunity for SAUs to Save on Goods and Services Through State’s Master Agreements

Is your school administrative unit (SAU) looking for cost-saving measures? Maine schools can use some of the State’s Master Agreements to benefit from State pricing on goods and services from many vendors. | More

Nominations Open for Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) Awards

Nominations are now open for the Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) Walter J. Taranko School Librarian of the Year, Support Staff Educator of the Year, and Administrator of the Year Awards. All nominations are due February 15, 2026. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Portland High School Senior Becomes Published Author Through The Telling Room

Portland High School senior Ramona Rowe will head to college next year with an extraordinary achievement already under her belt: She’s a published novelist. | More

Lewiston Public Schools Expands Access to Music for All Students Through Title IV, Part A Funding

Lewiston Public Schools (LPS) is striking a new chord in terms of student engagement and equity. Through a strategic Title IV, Part A investment, the district has transformed its instrumental music program, ensuring that every student—regardless of financial circumstances—has access to the joy and opportunity of music education. | More

Connecting Students to Maine’s Trucking Industry: Career Exploration Unit Highlights Trucking and Skilled Trades

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is committed to expanding career pathways that lead students toward meaningful, in-demand professions. In partnership with the Maine Motor Transport Association (MMTA), the Maine DOE is proud to highlight the “Go. Your Way. Maine” workforce development campaign and Career Exploration Unit, an experiential learning resource designed to introduce students to careers in Maine’s trucking industry. | More

Medomak Valley High School Student Wins Logo Design Contest for Maine Attendance Campaign

The Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC), a cross-departmental collaborative within the Maine Department of Education (DOE), is excited to announce the winner of its logo design contest, launched earlier this fall as part of Attendance Awareness Month in September. | More

From Maine to the Main Stage: Maine FFA Members Receive National Recognition in Indianapolis

In October, the Maine FFA was proudly represented by five amazing chapters at the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo, held in Indianapolis, Indiana. The National FFA Convention brings in thousands of FFA members from across the country, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While at the convention, members and advisors have an opportunity to attend outstanding workshops facilitated by national staff, visit the ever-growing career expo, and network with agribusiness professionals from all industry sectors. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Registration Open for the 2026 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Employee Health Promotion and Wellness Program is pleased to be hosting the 2026 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit on Thursday, January 29 and Friday, January 30 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. This year’s theme is, “Finding Strength Through Hope.” | More

Maine DOE and Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Launch Asynchronous School Health Webinar Series

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Coordinated School Health Team is excited to announce the launch of the School Health Webinar Series, presented in partnership with the Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This series is designed for Maine school health professionals, pediatricians, school health advisors, and others working to support student health and well-being. | More

Registration Open for Maine Curriculum Leaders Association Spring Conference, with Focus on MTSS and UDL Integration

The Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA) will host its annual Spring Conference on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. This year’s theme is, “MTSS: The Umbrella for Making UDL Work in Every Classroom.” The event will focus on enhancing coherence between the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—a top priority identified through member feedback. | More

Registration is now open for the School-Based Behavioral Health ECHO©, a free, monthly, case-based learning collaborative for school-based health center staff, school health personnel, and others who care for the health of children in school settings. This opportunity is available through the Maine Pediatric & Behavioral Health Partnership Program and is sponsored by MCD Global Health. Staff from the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of School and Student Supports previously hosted an ECHO© series and will participate in this series as subject matter experts. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Launches GIS World Language Educator Map to Support Expansion of World Language Opportunities Statewide

Available on the Maine DOE World Languages webpage, this interactive map provides a statewide view of where world language instruction is offered and the language options available. On the map, each Maine school offering world language instruction appears as an interactive point, displaying the school administrative unit (SAU) that the school is a part of, as well as the language(s) taught.

By making this data visible and actionable, the map makes regional trends easier to identify, supporting intentional planning, targeted recruitment, and stronger collaboration among higher education institutions, SAUs, and educator preparation partners. Ultimately, the goal of the map is to help SAUs and higher education partners make informed decisions about program expansion, teacher learning possibilities, and long-term language-learning sequences.

These insights directly support the development of pre-K–12 pathways that prepare students for the Maine Seal of Biliteracy, the state’s recognition of students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language.

Please note: This map was created using SAU-reported data from the Maine DOE’s NEO reporting system. If you believe this information is inaccurate, please check with your SAU’s data personnel and contact Maine DOE Bilingual/Multilingual Education Specialist Melanie Junkins at melanie.junkins@maine.gov.

Monthly World Language Office Hours

To support statewide use of this tool, the Maine DOE is launching monthly office hours for educators, administrators, and partners. These sessions will:

Offer guidance on using and interpreting map data.
Highlight strategies for building or expanding world language pathways.
Connect educators across Maine to share promising practices.
Explore how the 5 Cs of the Maine Learning Results (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities) can be leveraged to strengthen programs.

These office hours are intended to create a space for collaboration, problem solving, and shared vision building, helping to ensure that all students, no matter where they live, can access high-quality language learning. Registration for office hours is required. You may register here: World Language Educators Office Hours.

For more information, please contact melanie.junkins@maine.gov.