Category: Awards and Honors

Maine DOE’s Joshua Schmidt Named Outstanding Achievement in Instructional Technology by UMaine

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.

MADSEC Names 2023 Special Education Honorees of the Year

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.
To learn more about MADSEC and these awards visit their website: https://www.madsec.org/ 

Press Release: Maine’s 2023 County Teachers of the Year Announced

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:

The Maine Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year Program is administered through a collaborative partnership with Educate Maine. To learn more about the Teacher of the Year Program visit: https://www.mainetoy.org/. The event was also broadcast live on the Maine Department of Education’s YouTube page.

Two Maine Students Named 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars

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.

Noble Middle School Teacher Nominated for National Patricia Behring History Teacher of the Year

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!

Read more about National History Day® (NHD) here.

Four Maine Educators Named State Finalists in 2023 Presidential Awards for Mathematics and Science Teachers (PAEMST) 

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
Elizabeth Hayden, Bonny Eagle High School

In the science category, three applicants were selected as state finalists: 

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. 

 

Reminder: Nominations Open for 2022/2023 Maine School Nurse of the Year

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.

Directions:

1.) Completed nomination packet must include:

  • Nomination Form
  • 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.

Nominations Open for 2022/2023 Maine School Nurse of the Year

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.

Directions:

1.) Completed nomination packet must include:

  • Nomination Form
  • 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.

Reminder: Nominations Open for the 2023 National History Teacher of the Year

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is seeking nominations for the 2023 National History Teacher of the Year.

Each year the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History recognize first-rate K–12 teachers who find creative ways to bring history to life in their classrooms. Winners are selected from each state and US territory, and become finalists for the national award.

State History Teachers of the Year receive:

  • $1,000
  • Recognition at a ceremony in their state
  • Free entry to the Gilder Lehrman Teacher Symposium
  • Free classroom materials

The National History Teacher of the Year receives $10,000 and is honored at a ceremony in New York City.

The deadline for 2023 nominations is April 30, 2023. Learn more and nominate a teacher at gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy.

Download a flyer (PDF)

Maine’s National Board Certified Teachers Honored in Virtual Pinning Ceremony

“National Board taught and reminded me of the importance of being a beginner. At first, I thought it was about achievement, but it became very apparent not too long into the process that being a beginner is something to embrace,” said keynote speaker Sarah Brown Wessling, National Board Certified Teacher and 2010 National Teacher of the Year.  She added, “National Board puts the focus on the process of learning, we learn how our students learn.  That is the thing that is so beautiful about this process. Once we understand the how and the why, it makes us stronger teachers and colleagues.”

On January 26th, twenty Maine educators were celebrated for being newly certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards during Team National Board Certified Teaching (NBCT) week. These outstanding educators join a growing network of teachers across the State who have undergone this highly reflective professional learning experience, including 61 of their colleagues who were recognized for National Board Certification renewal.

The pinning ceremony was hosted by the Maine Education Association (MEA) and the National Board Certified Teachers Network of Maine (NBCTs of Maine). Among those in attendance to celebrate were family members, colleagues, administrators, fellow NBCT’s, state legislators, and Maine Department of Education staff.  Words of congratulations were shared by Maine’s Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Daniel Chuhta; MEA President and NBCT Grace Leavitt; NBCTs of Maine Chair and NBCT, Heidi Goodwin; National Board Certified Teachers Network of Maine Chair and NBCT Matt Madore; and Keynote Speaker Sarah Brown Wessling.

The journey to National Board Certification, described by Maine educators as rigorous, deeply reflective, personally reassuring, and professionally rewarding, requires nearly 400 hours of time and effort to achieve.  Educators must submit a detailed portfolio that includes examples of student work, video recordings of classroom teaching, a reflection piece focused on student assessment and learning, and demonstrated mastery of the content of their chosen certification area. This evidence must meet the Five Core Propositions and the National Board Standards, a body of knowledge that is maintained by teachers. Practicing teachers, through a peer-review process, assess the portfolios.

“Attaining National Board Certification not only demonstrates that you are an accomplished teacher but also that you have a deep commitment to teaching and learning and, most importantly, to the students you work with and support in reaching their potential. It is really a huge achievement,” said Grace Leavitt.

NBCT’s and Professional Learning Facilitators Heidi Goodwin and Jennifer Dorman led this year’s pinning ceremony.  Attendees each had the opportunity to introduce themselves and be “pinned” by a family member or friend at home.

In pursuing and achieving National Board Certification, the following teachers have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their students, schools, and districts. Please join us in congratulating them!

New National Board Certified Teachers:

Name School/SAU NB Certificate Achieved
Julie Bradstreet

 

 James H Bean School, RSU 18 Generalist/Early Childhood
Matthew Buchwalder

 

 Lincoln Academy Science/Early Adolescence
Larissa Costello Dike-Newell School, RSU 1 Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Lindsey Davis Leroy H Smith Elementary School, RSU 22 Generalist/Early Childhood
Dawn Dickey Madison Elementary School, MSAD 59 Generalist/Early Childhood
Beth French Kermit Nickerson School, RSU 71 Generalist/Early Childhood
Nesrene Griffin Connors Elementary, Lewiston Public Schools Generalist/Middle Childhood
Emily Hachey Benton Elementary School, MSAD 49 Generalist/Middle Childhood

 
Dorothy Dawson Hall George B Weatherbee School, RSU 22 Generalist/Middle Childhood

 
Alison Hinson (Formerly) Bonny Eagle, MSAD 6 Career and Technical Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Jennifer Howes Connors Elementary, Lewiston Public Schools Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
Sarah Latzke Connors Elementary, Lewiston Public Schools English as a New Language/Early and Middle Childhood
Kimberly Mitchell Hampden Academy, RSU 22 Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Amber Richard

 

 Portland Arts and Technology High School, Portland Public Schools Career and Technical Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Stephanie Robison Frank H Harrison Middle School, Yarmouth School Department English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Robin Seeker

 

 Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth Public Schools Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Kristin Smythe

 

 Thornton Academy Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Amanda Van Tine Ellsworth High School, Ellsworth School Department Social Studies-History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Sarah Wishart-Rogers Benton Elementary School, MSAD 49 Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
Haley Wotton Thomaston Grammar School, RSU 13 Generalist/Early Childhood

 

National Board Certified Teachers who achieved “Maintenance of Certification”

Name National Board Certificate Maintained
Leslie Applebaum

 

 English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Ryan Avery Science/Early Adolescence
Emily Barriault English as a New Language/Early and Middle Childhood

 
Jennifer Briggs

 

 Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Rebekah Brockway

 

 Generalist/Middle Childhood
Ashley Bryant

 

 English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Peggy Callahan

 

 English as a New Language/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Courtney Cole

 

 Generalist/Early Childhood
Andrea Cram

 

 Mathematics/Early Adolescence
Debra Demos

 

 Generalist/Early Childhood
Robbin Dilley

 

 Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Jennifer Dorman

 

 English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Louis Dorogi

 

 Social Studies-History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Katie Dutil

 

 Generalist/Early Childhood
Joseph Feeney Social Studies-History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Stephanie Fogler

 

 

 Generalist/Early Childhood
Patricia Forster

 

 English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Leslie Gallant

 

 Generalist/Early Childhood
Heather Geoghan

 

 Physical Education/Early and Middle Childhood
Julia Gibson

 

 Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Kelley Goodfield

 

 Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Heidi Goodwin

 

 Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
Mark Gorey

 

 English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Melissa Guerrette

 

 Generalist/Middle Childhood
Elizabeth Hayden

 

 Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Nell Herrmann

 

 Science/Early Adolescence
Holly Houston

 

 Art/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Hillary (Hoyt) Bellefleur

 

 Generalist/Middle Childhood
Jason Kash

 

 Social Studies-History/Early Adolescence
Johna King

 

 Generalist/Early Childhood
Marcella Lessard

 

 Career and Technical Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Abigail Luchies

 

 Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Jeanne Lysobey

 

 Science/Early Adolescence
Rebecca Maiorano

 

 English as a New Language/Early and Middle Childhood
Megan Markgren

 

 Generalist/Middle Childhood
Georgianna McAllister

 

 Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
Ryan Middleswart

 

 English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Luanne Mudgett

 

 Mathematics/Early Adolescence
Mary Murphy Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Jennifer Noel

 

 Generalist/Early Childhood
Kelly O’Brien Weaver

 

 School Counseling/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Jenine Olson

 

 English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Dawn Pendergrass

 

 English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
 

Laura Phelps

 Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood

 
Jill Plourd

 

 Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Cherie Poole

 

 Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
Megan Praschak

 

 Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Jamie Purnell

 

 Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Christina Rich

 

 Generalist/Early Childhood
Shelly Richardson

 

 Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Jaci Ritter

 

 Mathematics/Early Adolescence
Diane Rodrigue

 

 Career and Technical Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Patricia Scully

 

 Generalist/Early Childhood
Michelle Smith

 

 Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Justin Stygles

 

 Generalist/Middle Childhood
Melissa Sylvester

 

 Art/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Theodore Taylor

 

 Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Shawn Towle

 

 Mathematics/Early Adolescence
Amy Vacchiano

 

 School Counseling/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Rita Vigneault Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Lisa Walker Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood

 

National Board certification is voluntary and open to all teachers who have at least three years of classroom experience and a bachelor’s degree. Certification is available in a variety of certificate areas, from preschool through 12th grade.

Maine offers an annual salary supplement for eligible educators who have achieved National Board Certification.  Scholarships are also administered through the Department of Education. More information can be found by visiting the DOE’s National Board webpage.

Contact information for National Board Certification in Maine:

NBCTS of Maine:

Heidi Goodwin: nbct.heidi@gmail.com

Jennifer Dorman: jdorman@msad54.org

Maine Education Association:

Mallory Cook: mcook@maineea.org

Maine Department of Education:

Emily Doughty: Emily.doughty@maine.gov