Category: Awards and Honors

Six Maine Students Awarded Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship

The Alternative Education Association of Maine has selected six students to receive this year’s Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship. As they graduate from their respective programs, these six individuals have each been awarded $500. With many trials and triumphs throughout their school experiences, each graduate has an inspirational story and passion for their education that makes them a perfect recipient of this award.

Ericka Dunn
Ericka Dunn

Recipient Ericka Dunn is graduating from Houlton’s Summit Academy and will continue her education at Southern Maine Community College with plans to become an elementary school teacher. As a second-year Early Childhood Education student, Dunn has been praised for the effort and care she puts into teaching her class. “Ericka is an honest, hard-working student who is one of the most responsible seniors I have ever met,” said her nominator.

Delany Adams
Delany Adams (right)

Graduating from the Nu Program in Brewer, scholarship awardee Delany Adams has overcome adversity and excelled academically. Through her responsibility with her schoolwork and her impressive attendance record, Adams has been described by her nominator as “a model student for why this program was started.” Adams will be continuing her education at Unity College pursuing studies in animal sciences with hopes of starting an animal rescue one day.

McKayla Geroux
McKayla Geroux

McKayla Geroux is receiving the scholarship after graduating early from Orono High School’s CORE program. While balancing her regular course load, additional college courses, and her job at a local home for developmentally disabled humans, Geroux has been passionate about bringing positivity to her community. “I just want to give as much as I can to others,” said Geroux, who has started a positivity rock garden and created countless fun art projects for her work. After graduation, she plans on attending college to become a dental hygienist.

Leah Hashem
Leah Hashem

Awardee Leah Hashem is a graduating senior from Noble High School’s Multiple Pathways program. She will be attending the University of Southern Maine and plans on becoming an elementary school art teacher. While working extremely hard to improve her academic skills in her final years of high school, Hashem has been greatly admired by her peers and teachers for her enthusiastic energy and the effort she puts into her schoolwork. “Leah has an ability to experience joy that is one-of-a-kind,” said her nominator. “Her passion and enthusiasm for learning and life is contagious.”

Anna Puckett
Anna Puckett

Graduating from Brewer High School’s Alpha program, scholarship recipient Anna Puckett has been an honors student and a role model for other alternative education students. Puckett has overcome obstacles in her academics and personal life while still maintaining a high standard of grades and attendance. As described by her nominator, Puckett is “a young lady who comes from very humble beginnings and has a very selfless heart for others.” Puckett will be continuing her education at Eastern Maine Community College pursuing studies in social work, as she hopes to one day become a trauma counselor and work with children overcoming traumatic life events.

Dominic Ramirez
Dominic Ramirez

Dominic Ramirez is receiving the scholarship as he graduates from Sanford High School’s alternative education program. After spending many years transferring schools and feeling disengaged from his learning, Ramirez found an excitement and passion for his education when he began his alternative education program, saying it was the best change he has ever made. His time in the program inspired him to consider community college, and he will be attending York County Community College in the fall to study behavioral health.

The Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship was established by the Alternative Education Association (AEA) of Maine in 2022 after the untimely passing of beloved education colleague and champion Martin Mackey. The scholarship recognizes Mackey’s dedication to education as a career and especially in remembrance of his passion for working with students on Alternative Education pathways. AEA aims to award as many funds as they can raise to as many students as they can each year. In 2022 they awarded $2,000 to one student and this year they decided to split the scholarships among 6 students because of the excellent applicant pool.

To learn more about the Alternative Education Association of Maine visit their website or reach out to Alternative Education Association of Maine President Lenny Holmes at lholmes@bonnyeagle.org.

Maine DOE Joins MCLA in Honoring Caitlin Dailey and Christine Hesler as 2023 Top Curriculum Leaders

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) joins the Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA) in honoring Caitlin Dailey, Math Coach at Oxford Elementary School and Hebron Station School and K-6 Math Coordinator for Oxford Hills School District MSAD 17, as the 2023 Instructional Coach of the Year, and Christine Hesler, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for RSU 14, as the 2023 Curriculum Leader of The Year.

Caitlin Dailey
MCLA 2023 Instructional Coach of the Year

Caitlin Dailey, is currently the Math Coach at Oxford Elementary School, also supporting Hebron Station School as a Math Coach, and is the K-6 Math Coordinator for Oxford Hills School District MSAD 17.  Caitlin has been a coach for eleven years working in Augusta, Lewiston, and now MSAD 17.  Caitlin has a notable passion and expertise in math, a deep repertoire of tools and resources to offer, and is undoubtedly highly skilled in instructional strategies. She is equally interested in collaboration and willing to follow the needs and requests of the teaching staff.  Caitlin is highly effective while also humbly acknowledging that even as a coach, she is a learner alongside her colleagues as teammates. She not only leads teachers through coaching cycles but also is an active participant in the school’s PLC meetings, creating and sharing protocols.  In addition, Caitlin has collaborated with the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance to support teachers in implementing math interventions and spearheaded a multi-year district-wide professional development program. Caitlin believes that developing strong relationships is the key to a successful coaching model.  MCLA is proud to honor Caitlin Dailey as the 2023 Instructional Coach of the Year.

Christine Hesler
MCLA 2023 Curriculum Leader of The Year

Christine has been the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for RSU 14 since 2012. Since then, Christine has been instrumental in elevating practices in her district regarding curriculum and assessment transparency and continuing to support staff as they refine their instructional practices. From developing an instructional coaching model in RSU 14 to providing rich professional development throughout each school year, Christine has been an exemplary educational leader with a laser focus on students. Some of Christine’s outstanding work includes, leading the district’s remote learning team, utilizing technology to provide a high level of transparency and accountability as it relates to curriculum, instruction and assessment, and mentoring instructional coaches to maintain a focus on highly effective practices.  Christine consistently partners with her colleagues to reflect and refine processes and practices each year.  Not only has Christine excelled within her district but is always willing to share her knowledge with others.  Christine has led professional development for the Greater Sebago Education Alliance and continues to be an involved member of the Maine Curriculum Leaders Association. Christine’s enthusiasm and positive attitude are contagious, as every encounter with her sparks new ideas, a high level of professional collaboration, and unending support.  MCLA is pleased to honor and celebrate Christine Hesler as the 2023 Curriculum Leader of the Year.

For more information about the awards for the MLCA, please visit their website: https://www.mainecla.org/.

Career and Technical Education Students of the Year Honored at Annual Awards Ceremony

(Pictured: Student Jiaying (Carmen) Zhong [left] displays an award for CTE Student of the Year for her exemplary work in the Engineering & Architectural Design program at Oxford Hills Tech in Norway. Standing next to her is MACTE Executive Director Dave Keaton [right])

Shawn Moody
Shawn Moody

The Maine Association of Career and Technical Education (MACTE) held its annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Student of the Year Award Ceremony recently at Lewiston’s Regional Technical Center’s The Green Ladle restaurant.

The event featured a keynote address from Shawn Moody, founder and owner of Moody’s Collision Centers in Maine and long-time advocate for career and technical education in Maine. Emceed by Westbrook Regional Vocational Center Director Todd, the event’s main highlight was the recognition of a student from each of Maine’s 27 CTE Schools who were selected and honored for their exemplary work in their respective programs.

Students were in attendance with their friends and family members. They were honored by Executive Director Dave Keaton during the presentation.

The Maine Department of Education joins our partners at MACTE and CTE schools across Maine in congratulating these students and thanking the CTE schools and instructors who provided them the opportunities to strive.

2023 Maine Career and Technical Students of the Year

Alexander Hassell
St. John Valley Tech.
Automotive Technology 		 Taylor Mason
Hancock County Tech, Ellsworth
Hospitality Travel and Tourism 		 Noah Rousseau
Mid Coast Tech, Rockland
Outdoor Leadership and Firefighting 		 Alecssander Freitas
Lake Region Tech, Naples
Law Enforcement II 
Addion Davis
Van Buren Tech
Business Technology 		 Andrew Doughty
Tri County Tech, Dexter
Firefighting/EMT 		 London Putnam
Capital Area Tech, Augusta
Culinary Arts 		 Jocelyn Coombs
Region 10, Brunswick
Metal Fabrication Welding 
Chase Hobbs
Caribou Tech
Commercial Driver’s License & Large Equipment Maintenance & Operation 		 Braden Richard
St. Croix Tech, Calais
Welding 		 Abigayle Reed
Bath Tech, Bath
Cosmetology 		 Emerson Roy
PATHS, Portland
Careers in Education 
Parker Sawyer
Presque Isle Tech
Industrial & Farm Mechanics 		 Estrella Paredes-Vazquez
Coastal Wash Tech, Machias
Health Occupations 		 Mckella Ford
Foster Tech, Farmington
Early Childhood Occupations 		 Joseph A Lopes
Westbrook Tech, Westbrook
Electrical 
Braden White
Region Two, Houlton
Auto Collision 		 Kricket Thompson
Waldo County Tech, Waldo
Culinary Arts 		 Jiaying (Carmen) Zhong
Oxford Hills Tech, Norway
Engineering & Architectural Design 		 Pichrithylen (Sreylen) Thor
Biddeford Tech, Biddeford
Computer Technology 
Esmae Stockley
Region Three – Lincoln
Registered Medical Assistant 		 Riley Enright
Somerset Tech – Skowhegan
Outdoor Leadership 		 Titus Billings
Region 9 – Mexico
Outdoor Skills and Leadership & Building Construction 		 Eli Bartlett
Sanford Tech, Sanford
Landscape and Horticulture 
Maggie Lincoln
United Technologies – Bangor
Insurance Producer & Business Management		 Adam Brann
Mid Maine Tech – Waterville
Culinary Arts		 Hannah Dube
Lewiston Tech – Lewiston
Medical Science & Certified Nursing Assistant 

To learn more about MACTE visit their website: http://mainecte.org/. To learn more about Career and Technical Education in Maine visit: https://www.maine.gov/doe/learning/cte

 

LifeChanger of the Year Award Accepting Nominations

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.

Click here to learn more about the criteria and to submit a nomination. Anyone can make a nomination (by name or anonymously).

To learn more about the program, visit www.lifechangeroftheyear.com.

Buxton Science Teacher from Bonny Eagle Middle School Selected as 2023 National STEM Scholar

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.

For more information about the National Stem Cell Foundation, visit their website: www.nationalstemcellfoundation.org.

For more information about The Gatton Academy their website: https://www.wku.edu/academy/

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.