The Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA) has announced that nominations are now open for the Instructional Coach of the Year award. Nominations close on May 1, 2026.

To nominate someone for Instructional Coach of the Year, please send a nomination letter describing how the nominee is a highly effective, student-centered instructional coach to the Instructional Coach of the Year selection committee at director@mainecla.org. Please provide details about the structure and organization of the nominee’s coaching program/practice and how it impacts student learning and the school/SAU culture and community. 

Nomination letters should be sent as a PDF or Google document; please include your email and phone number, as well as your nominee’s email and phone number.

You may visit the MCLA website for more detailed information about the criteria, nomination process, and timeline for the Instructional Coach of the Year award. For further information and with questions, please contact MCLA at director@mainecla.org.

The Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA) has announced that nominations are now open for the Curriculum Leader of the Year award. Nominations close on May 1, 2026. 

To nominate someone for Curriculum Leader of the Year, please send a nomination letter describing how the nominee is a champion of learning—both in and outside of their school administrative unit (SAU). (Please see criterion number three on the MCLA website.)

You may email your nomination letter to the Curriculum Leader of the Year selection committee at director@mainecla.org. Please provide details about how the nominee’s curriculum, instruction, and assessment leadership impacts teachers and students in their SAU, as well as the nominee’s leadership activities outside of their SAU. 

Nomination letters should be sent as a PDF or Google document; please include your email and phone number, as well as your nominee’s email and phone number.

You may visit the MCLA website for more detailed information about the criteria, nomination process, and timeline for the Curriculum Leader of the Year award. For further information or with questions, please contact MCLA at director@mainecla.org.

Nominations are open for the 2026-2027 Maine School Nurse of the Year award, an annual recognition through the Maine Association of School Nurses (MASN). The application deadline is April 17, 2026.

This award recognizes an outstanding school nurse for their contributions to the school and community they serve. Nominees must demonstrate leadership in six areas of practice: care provision, program management, health education, professional development, community involvement, and research.

The selected individual will receive a $500 cash award and be recognized at the School Nurse Summer Institute in July.

To nominate someone for Maine School Nurse of the Year, please compile a nomination packet, including:

• A completed nomination form (found on the MASN website linked below)
• Three to five reference letters, with at least one from an administrator
• The curriculum vitae/resume of the nominee
• A written report addressing the aforementioned six areas of practice

Nomination packets must be submitted by April 17, 2026, to Maine School Nurse of the Year Coordinator Erin Taylor. Please either send your nomination packet via email to etaylor@capeelizabethschools.org or email Taylor to request thebest mailing address for submission of a physical packet. You may also contact Taylor with any additional questions.

If you know a school nurse who inspires you with their dedication to the school community, please consider nominating them for this prestigious award! Visit the MASN website to learn more.

Credit: Maine School Counselor Association

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) joins the Maine School Counselor Association (MESCA) in congratulating Kathy McNamara, school counselor at Montello Elementary School in Lewiston, for being named 2026 Maine School Counselor of the Year.

This announcement occurred during National School Counseling Week, celebrated annually during the first full week of February, at an event held in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State Capitol. This year, MESCA hosted events from February 2-6, 2026, to recognize and celebrate the essential role that school counselors play in supporting student success.

Administered by MESCA, the Maine School Counselor of the Year Award is part of a national recognition program honoring school counselors who lead outstanding, comprehensive counseling programs at the elementary, middle, or high school level. McNamara was selected for her data-driven approach, strong leadership, and deep commitment to supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students.

McNamara delivers a comprehensive school counseling program, rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and evidence-based practices.

“Through collaborating with colleagues and participating in school activities, I help create inclusive spaces where everyone can contribute and succeed,” McNamara said.

McNamara’s partnerships with classroom teachers have helped students apply critical social-emotional skills learned during classroom lessons.

“Her insight, empathy, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable partner in supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic growth,” Montello Elementary School Multilingual Teacher Sharon Wood said.

McNamara earned her bachelor’s degree in communications and her master’s degree in counselor education from the University of Southern Maine. She has served as the school counselor at Montello Elementary School since 2016. Prior to that, she worked as a school counselor at Bonny Eagle High School in Standish and Elm Street School in Mechanic Falls.

“At the heart of Kathy’s work is a deep commitment to helping every member of our community feel safe, seen, and supported,” Montello Elementary School Principal Tiffany Sax said. “She builds trust through compassion, responsiveness, and genuine care. Families know they can turn to her for guidance and support, and students know they have a trusted adult who will listen, advocate, and help them navigate challenges.”

As the 2026 Maine School Counselor of the Year, McNamara will participate in several speaking engagements and professional events throughout the coming year. She will be honored at the American School Counselor Association annual conference in Columbus, Ohio, in July 2026, and invited to attend a formal gala in Washington, D.C., in winter 2027.

For more information, visit the Maine School Counselor Association website or contact MESCA Board Chair Kelly Wright at chair@maineschoolcounselor.org.

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is joining Volunteer Maine in encouraging schools across the state to submit nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism, which recognize outstanding individuals, teams, and organizations that are making a meaningful impact through volunteer service. Nominations are open now through March 9, 2026.

Since 1987, the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism have celebrated and recognized the role of citizen volunteers in the success and vitality of Maine communities. School leaders are encouraged to help identify and recognize students, educators, staff members, families, volunteers, and community partners who step up to serve when and where they are needed. Sharing this opportunity within your school community can help to ensure that Maine’s dedicated volunteers receive the recognition they deserve.

Several award categories are available, including opportunities specifically well-suited for school communities:

Youth Roll of Honor (non-competitive)

• Nominees must be 18 years old or younger.
• Nominees must have volunteered at least 50 hours in the prior year.

Submit a nomination for the Youth Roll of Honor category here.

Adult Roll of Honor (non-competitive)

• Nominees must be 19 years old or older.
• Nominees must have volunteered at least 500 hours in the prior year.

Submit a nomination for the Adult Roll of Honor category here.  

Individual and Group Categories (Competitive)

• Maine Volunteer of the Year: Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving lives and communities through volunteer service in Maine.
• Young Maine Volunteer of the Year: Recognizes a volunteer under the age of 20 who exemplifies active citizenship and community leadership.
• Outstanding Volunteer Team: Recognizes a team of volunteers that has made a significant community impact. (Please note: Fundraising activities are not eligible.)

Submit a nomination for the Individual and Group Categories here.

Organization Categories (Competitive)

• Outstanding Business Volunteer Program: Recognizes employers that foster strong workplace volunteer programs and cultures of service. (Please note: Fundraising activities and donations are not eligible.)
• Outstanding Non-Profit Volunteer Program: Recognizes volunteer programs operated by non-profits, schools, municipalities, or government units that have driven meaningful community improvements.

Submit a nomination for the Organization Categories here.

The Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism provide an opportunity to shine a light on the individuals and groups who strengthen communities across Maine. School leaders are encouraged to submit nominations and share this opportunity widely to help ensure that deserving volunteers are recognized.

The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Camp Chamberlain, Maine National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, located at 23 Blue Star Avenue in Augusta.

For more information, visit VolunteerMaine.gov.

Do you know an outstanding early childhood professional who works with children from birth through age eight (8) in a childcare program, public school, private school, or home-visiting setting? If so, please consider nominating them for the 2026 Week of the Young Child® Outstanding Early Childhood Professionals Spotlight. The nomination deadline is February 13, 2026.

Established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Week of the Young Child® highlights the importance of early childhood education and the foundational role it plays in a child’s success. It is also a chance to celebrate the early care and education professionals who nurture and support children and families during this critical stage of growth and development.

This annual recognition program, offered through collaboration between the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Early Learning Team and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services’ Early Care and Education Division, honors dedicated professionals who make a meaningful impact on young children and families. Last year’s inaugural Early Childhood Professionals Spotlight received more than 280 nominations! Those individuals were celebrated at the 2025 annual Early Childhood Education Conference in Portland.    

Recognize an outstanding early childhood professional by submitting a nomination through the 2026 Week of the Young Child® spotlight nomination form. The submission deadline is Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Nominees will be contacted prior to the Week of the Young Child®, which will take place from April 11-17, 2026.

For more information, please contact Michelle Belanger, Maine DOE Pre-K Partnership Specialist, at michelle.belanger@maine.gov or Meg Swanson, Program Manager, at megan.swanson@maine.gov.