Nominations are now open for the LifeChanger of the Year Award, a national program sponsored by National Life Group that recognizes and rewards K-12 educators and school employees across the country. The program celebrates those who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.
The National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science have announced that Erin Hullinger, a science teacher from Bonny Eagle Middle School in Buxton, ME, is among ten teachers from eight states who have been selected to participate in the prestigious National STEM Scholar Program, a unique professional development program providing advanced STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) training, national network building and project support for middle school science teachers nationwide.
Created in partnership between the National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University (WKU), the National STEM Scholar Program selects ten teachers each year from a national pool of applicants based solely on the description of a “big idea” Challenge Project the applicant would implement in their classroom if funds were available. Selected projects are chosen for maximum impact in middle school classrooms where research shows lifelong STEM career decisions are being made. STEM Scholars convene on WKU’s campus for a week of advanced STEM training and finalize their projects with input from their STEM Scholar class colleagues.
The 2023 National STEM Scholar class will be hosted by The Gatton Academy from May 29th to June 2nd on the campus of WKU in Bowling Green, KY. The other National STEM Scholars include:
Laura Cummings, Haleiwa, HI – Sunset Beach Elementary School
James “JJ” Frye, Leitchfield, KY – Grayson County Middle School
Emily Harer, St. Paul, MN – Global Arts Plus – Upper Campus
Patricia “Pati” Huntington, San Diego, CA – Farb Middle School
Jennifer “Jenny” McCall, Lexington, KY – Winburn Middle School
Michele Mitnitsky, Sanibel, FL – The Sanibel School
Teresa Robertson, Munfordville, KY – Munfordville Elementary School
Sarah StCyr, Sulphur, LA – W.W. Lewis Middle School
Kandice Taylor, Jackson, MS – Brinkley Middle School
Studies show that middle school students who become excited about science are the ones who will pursue STEM courses in high school and major in them at the technical and college level. At a pivotal time in decision-making that will open or close the door to opportunity, however, nearly 50% of 8th graders in America lose interest in pursuing the STEM-related subjects increasingly required for 21st-century jobs.
Now in its 8th year, there are 80 National STEM Scholars representing middle schools in 33 states. 91% teach in public schools, 41% teach in mid- to high-poverty schools and 38% teach in communities with a population under 15,000. A unique requirement of the program is the responsibility for STEM Scholars to share lessons learned with colleagues in their home schools, districts or states, magnifying impact over multiple classrooms and years. By June 2023, National STEM Scholars will have directly and indirectly impacted more than 104,000 middle school students in the U.S.
Joshua Schmidt is the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Achievement in Instructional Technology Award from the collaborative program in Instructional Technology and the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development.
Joshua is a MLTI Ambassador with the Maine Department of Education (DOE) (MLTI stands for Maine Learning Technology Initiative). This two-year distinguished educator role allows him to provide instructional coaching and professional learning to educators all over the state. As a member of the MLTI 2.0 team, Joshua has been working on creating asynchronous professional development videos, trainings on new resources, individual teacher support, and even a new podcast, Teaching with Tech. Joshua also loves to use the new skills from his instructional technology program to bring more computational thinking and STEAM-based strategies to schools and classrooms.
Prior to his work at the DOE, Joshua was a middle school math teacher at China Middle School for five years. He helped create their 3D printing program and led the professional development and data committee along with being a team leader for two years. Before teaching in Maine, Joshua taught in South Dakota for seven years, where he worked closely with TIE (Technology and Innovation in Education). His work with customized learning and data-informed practices gave him the opportunity to present twice at the National Customized Learning Summit, which helped lead him to Maine.
When he’s not working, Joshua loves to spend time with his wonderful wife, Krista, and their energetic three-year-old, Corrin.
This writeup was written by the UMaine College of Education and Human Development.
Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities (MADSEC) has announced its 2023 Honorees of the Year working in the field of Special Education in Maine schools.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) joins MADSEC in congratulating these individuals on their recent honor as well as thanking all the professionals who work in the field of special education supporting students.
MADSEC will be honoring the awardees at their annual Directors’ Academy in June.
Catherine (Cathy) Emerson, Special Education Support Staff of the Year, Educational Liaison, Stillwater Academy
Patricia (Pat) Menzel, Special Education Administrator of the Year, Special Services Director, MSAD #72
Christina (Chris) Lee, Special Education Teacher of the Year, Houlton Middle School, RSU #29
Justis Smith, Special Education Professional of the Year, Speech Language Pathologist, Maine Indian Education
Sixteen Maine teachers were announced as 2023 County Teachers of the Year today at a ceremony in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State Capitol during Teacher Appreciation Week. Governor Janet Mills joined Maine Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Dan Chuhta, Educate Maine Executive Director Jason Judd, State Board of Education Chair Fern Desjardins, 2023 Maine Teacher of the Year Matthew Bernstein, and Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association Co-President Heather Whitaker to announce and honor the new class of County Teachers of the Year.
More than 500 teachers across Maine were nominated by a member of their school community and these 16 outstanding educators were selected as County Teachers of the Year by a panel of teachers, principals, and business community members within their county. They range from having taught six years to 30, include elementary, middle, high school, and adult education teachers, and teach subjects ranging from science, reading, and social studies to graphic communications, health, and physical education.
Maine County Teachers of the Year serve as ambassadors for teachers, students, and schools throughout their year of service. Throughout the summer, they will continue to participate in an intensive Maine State Teacher of the Year selection process and Maine’s Teacher of the Year will be announced in the fall.
“As the daughter of a longtime public school teacher, I have the deepest respect and admiration for the Maine educators who work tirelessly to equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need to have bright futures,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I congratulate this year’s County Teacher of the Year honorees for their commitment to excellence in education, and most importantly, for their outstanding work in teaching our children.”
“These 16 extraordinary teachers were nominated by colleagues, parents, and students for their passion, leadership, dedication, and the difference they make in the lives of their students and school community. They make each student feel seen and valued, inspire everyone around them, and engage their students in rich, meaningful learning. I want to offer my sincere appreciation for everything that you do and it’s such an honor to celebrate you as Maine’s County Teachers of the Year,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin.
“We’re excited to announce the tenth County Teacher of the Year cohort in 2023 – a group of outstanding educators who will serve as ambassadors for students, teachers, and quality education in Maine. We’re honored to work alongside them during this year of recognition and are confident that they will continue to inspire and make a positive impact on their students, schools, and communities,” said Educate Maine Executive Director Jason, Judd.
2023 County Teachers of the Year:
Androscoggin: Tanya Perreault, Kindergarten Teacher, Spruce Mountain Primary School, Livermore, 2023 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year
Aroostook: Emily Rosser, 1st Grade Teacher, Caribou Community School, 2023 Aroostook County Teacher of the Year
Cumberland: Joshua Chard, 2nd Grade Teacher, East End Community School, Portland, 2023 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year
Franklin: Maryam Emami, High School Digital Learning and Social Studies, Rangeley Lakes Regional School
Hancock: Miranda Engstrom, Elementary Reading Recovery and Gifted and Talented Teacher, Lamoine Consolidated School
Kennebec: Sharon Gallant, High School Science and Engineering Teacher, Gardiner Area High School
Knox: Donna Munro, 4th Grade Teacher, Union Elementary
Lincoln: Edith Berger, 6th Grade Writing and Social Studies Teacher, Miller School, Waldoboro, 2023 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year
Oxford: Lacey Todd, Middle School Special Education Teacher, Mountain Valley Middle School, Mexico, 2023 Oxford County Teacher of the Year
Penobscot: Jessica Archer, Middle School Special Education and Adult Education Teacher, Orono Middle School
Piscataquis: Dawn McLaughlin, Elementary Physical Education and Health Education Teacher, Milo Elementary School
Sagadahoc: Rob Messier, High School Math Teacher, Mt. Ararat High School, Topsham
Somerset: Katie Flannery, 3rd Grade Teacher, Bloomfield Elementary School, Skowhegan, 2023 Somerset County Teacher of the Year
Waldo: Catie Ray, Kindergarten Teacher, Gladys Weymouth Elementary School, Morrill, 2023 Waldo County Teacher of the Year
Washington: Colleen Maker, High School Science and Engineering Teacher, Washington Academy, East Machias, 2023 Washington County Teacher of the Year
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the 59th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.
The Maine scholars include (hometown, scholar, school, location):
ME – Falmouth – Patrick Michael Wahlig, Falmouth High School, Falmouth, Maine.
ME – Falmouth – Coco Leqi Xu, Falmouth High School, Falmouth, Maine.
“U.S. Presidential Scholars have always represented the future of our country and the bright promise it holds. I want each of these remarkable students to know: your passion and intellect, pursuit of excellence, and spirit of service are exactly what our country needs,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “On behalf of President Biden, I am delighted to join your family, friends, and communities in celebrating your accomplishments. Aim high, share your talents, and continue embracing opportunities to lead as your exciting future unfolds.”
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as a demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership.
Of the 3.7 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,000 candidates qualified for the 2023 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT or ACT exams or through nominations made by chief state school officers, other partner recognition organizations and YoungArts, the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists.
As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 scholars in the arts and 20 scholars in career and technical education.
Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,000 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
The Presidential Scholars Class of 2023 will be recognized for their outstanding achievement this summer with an online recognition program.
A complete list of 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at http://www.ed.gov/psp.
Teachers from 47 National History Day (NHD) Affiliate programs across the nation have been nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award. The award is sponsored by Patricia Behring in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students. Maine teacher, Christa Boeykens-Bui has been nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award. Ms. Bui is a gifted and talented teacher for Noble Middle School in Berwick.
Each National History Day affiliate may nominate one high school and one middle school teacher for this award. Every nominee for the $10,000 award is a teacher who demonstrates a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through the innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day Contest. All nominees will receive $500.
“This award recognizes the very best educators from across the nation and beyond,” said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “These educators are leaders and innovators in the teaching of history. They engage their students with hands-on, inquiry-based learning with primary sources. I congratulate them on their well-deserved nominations.”
The national winner will be selected by a committee of experienced teachers and historians and announced on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the National History Day National Contest Awards Ceremony in College Park, Maryland. Nominees’ work must clearly illustrate the development and use of creative teaching methods that engage students in history and help them make exciting discoveries about the past.
The Maine Department of Education congratulates Christa Boeykens-Bui and Noble Middle School for this outstanding recognition. Thank you for all you do to support Maine students!
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce four Maine educators who have been recommended to national selection committees for the 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program for grades 7-12.
PAEMST is the nation’s highest honor for teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM, including computer science). Nominees complete a rigorous application process that allows them to demonstrate deep content knowledge and their ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. Maine applicants were reviewed by mathematics and science selection committees comprised of previous Maine PAEMST awardees and content area experts. Our state-level finalists will be honored at the Educator Summit this summer.
Up to three state-level finalists for each content area are forwarded to a panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the national level who will assess the applications before recommending nominees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education. The teachers chosen to be Presidential Awardees will be notified by the White House, honored at various ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.
Join us in congratulating the 2023 PAEMST State Finalists and wishing them luck in the national selection process.
In the mathematics category, one applicant was selected as state finalists:
Elizabeth Hayden, Bonny Eagle High School
In the science category, three applicants were selected as state finalists:
Martha Cobb, Waterville High School
Jennifer Hatch, Medomak Valley High School
Diana Allen, Sanford Middle School
Nominations will open in the fall of 2023 for the 2024 PAEMST Awards. This round of awards will honor mathematics, science, and engineering (STEM, including computer science) teachers working in grades K-6. Consider a great teacher you know for nomination this fall or nominate yourself! Learn more about the award and how to nominate a teacher here.
The Maine Association of School Nurses announced a call for nominations for the Maine School Nurse of the Year (SNOY) 2022-23. This award recognizes an outstanding school nurse for his/her contributions to the school and community they serve. The award provides recognition to an individual who demonstrates leadership in 6 areas of practice: care provision, program management, health education, professional development, community involvement, and research.
The individual selected will receive a $500 cash award and be recognized at the October 2023 Maine School Nurse Fall Institute.
We are accepting applications now. Attached you will find the nomination form and the information necessary to begin this process. The application deadline is April 25, 2023. For more information, please click here.
If you know a school nurse who inspires you with his/her dedication to their school community, please consider nominating him/her for this prestigious award!
All information is also located on the MASN website.
Reference letters (3-5) with at least one from administration
Curriculum Vitae
Written report addressing the six content areas
2.) Submit original and 3 copies by April 25, 2023 to SNOY Coordinator, Erin Taylor. Email etaylor@capeelizabethschools.org for mailing address.
Questions? Please contact: Erin Taylor, School Nurse at Pond Cove Elementary School by calling 207-799-7339 x3113 or emailing etaylor@capeelizabethschools.org.
The Maine Association of School Nurses announces a call for nominations for the Maine School Nurse of the Year (SNOY) 2022-23! This award recognizes an outstanding school nurse for his/her contributions to the school and community they serve. The award provides recognition to an individual who demonstrates leadership in 6 areas of practice: care provision, program management, health education, professional development, community involvement, and research.
The individual selected will receive a $500 cash award and be recognized at the October 2023 Maine School Nurse Fall Institute.
We are accepting applications now. Attached you will find the nomination form and the information necessary to begin this process. The application deadline is April 25, 2023. For more information, please click here.
If you know a school nurse who inspires you with his/her dedication to their school community, please consider nominating him/her for this prestigious award!
All information is also located on the MASN website.
Reference letters (3-5) with at least one from administration
Curriculum Vitae
Written report addressing the six content areas
2.) Submit original and 3 copies by April 25, 2023 to SNOY Coordinator, Erin Taylor. Email etaylor@capeelizabethschools.org for mailing address.
Questions? Please contact: Erin Taylor, School Nurse at Pond Cove Elementary School by calling 207-799-7339 x3113 or emailing etaylor@capeelizabethschools.org.
Maine DOE Newsroom 