Category: Awards and Honors

Philip Rossetti Named a National Assistant Principal of the Year Finalist

The Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) announced that Maine Assistant Principal of the Year, Philip Rossetti, Assistant Principal of Windham High School, is a Finalist for the National Assistant Principal of the Year. He will be honored by the MPA at its annual awards banquet at their Spring Conference on April 29th at the Samoset Resort in Rockport.

The announcement highlighted Rossetti’s belief that people make mistakes, but it’s what they do after that defines who they are. He’s used this principle to transform how Windham High School manages student behavior, focusing on restorative justice to hold students accountable and repair the harm they caused their school community. This restorative approach has improved school safety and reshaped school culture, fostering stronger relationships between students and turning mistakes into opportunities to learn.

Reflecting on Rossetti’s selection as a 2022 NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year Finalist, MPA Executive Director Dr. Holly Blair noted, “It is exciting that Mr. Rossetti has been recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) as a finalist for the National Assistant  Principal of the Year.  This is the first time that Maine has had a finalist in the program. Mr. Rossetti is an exceptional Assistant Principal and very much deserving of this honor. We are very proud of him.”

Rossetti started his educational career as a social studies teacher at Windham High School in 1996. In 2015, Mr. Rossetti became the Assistant Principal of South Portland High School before returning to Windham High School 2016 where he continues to serve as Assistant Principal. He is a member of the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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

“When I look at each of your faces, I get so excited because I am looking at the best examples of reflective changemakers in the state. I am hoping tonight, you realize how much power you have as an educator and your role as change-maker,” said Hillary Hoyt, National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), 2021 Waldo County Teacher of the Year, and 2022 Maine Teacher of the Year Finalist.  Hoyt was the keynote speaker at the February 7, 2022 virtual pinning ceremony honoring and recognizing Maine’s new and renewed NBCT’s.

This week, 16 educators were celebrated for being newly certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.  These outstanding educators join more than 400 teachers across the state who have undergone this highly reflective professional learning experience, including 32 of their colleagues who were recognized for renewal of their National Board Certification this year.

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.  Education Commissioner Pender Makin; Deputy Commissioner Daniel Chuhta, MEA President and NBCT Grace Leavitt; NBCTs of Maine Chair and NBCT, Heidi Goodwin; Membership and Outreach Coordinator and NBCT Matt Madore; NBCT and Treasurer Susan O’Brien; and Keynote Speaker Hillary Hoyt, NBCT all shared words of admiration and congratulations.

The journey to National Board Certification, described by Maine educators as rigorous, 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.

Grace Leavitt, MEA President and NBCT reflected on her personal journey to become certified, then addressed the honorees, “You must truly be the most remarkable of most remarkable. Not only did you take on the challenge, but you persisted despite the fact that we have been in a global pandemic for two years.”

Commissioner Pender Makin, just returning from a memorable day in Windham added, “What a complete honor to be able to close out my day in celebration of you.  You each thought, ‘I am going to stretch myself to my absolute limit, dig in deep and engage in this process.’ I am in absolute awe of your work, commitment, of your professional integrity and fortitude that got you through this experience.  Thank you to everyone for everything you do for your students and the profession!”

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.

Closing out the evening, Susan O’Brien shared, “This evening we witness 16 newly certified NBCT’s. Tonight you witnessed 32 veteran NBCT’s being honored for renewing their certificates. These are reflective educators who are forever learning, improving, and leading. I am proud to share a screen with those who go above and beyond with their sparkling pedagogy and engaging content!”

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!

16 New National Board Certified Teachers:

Name District School Grade/subject NB Certificate Achieved
Wyndee Mocciola Grosso Westbrook Saccarappa School  1st Grade/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Carolyn Nichols RSU 1 Morse High School 11 & 12 Biology Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Mary Carbone n/a Thornton Academy High School Science Science/Early Adolescence
Joseph Carbone n/a Thornton Academy High School Science Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Jessica Cardosi n/a Thornton Academy High School Science Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Alice Ford Generalist/Middle Childhood
Jodi Bisson RSU 22 Earl C. McGraw 2nd Grade/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Meagan Mattice Augusta Public Schools Gilbert School Kindergarten/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Stacy Jardine LaBree RSU 22 Reeds Brooks Middle School English and Math English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Elizabeth Carlson RSU 21 Kennebunk High School Language Arts English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Kathryn Giampetruzzi Lewiston Public Schools Connors Elementary School ELL Coach English as a New Language/Early and Middle Childhood
Krystle Catell MSAD 28 Camden-Rockport Middle School Special Education Teacher Gr 5 Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Garrett White Scarborough Schools Scarborough Middle School Art Gr 6-8 Art/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
Kassandre  (Kassie) Dwyer Athens Public Schools Athens Community School  Gr 6 – 8 Social Studies- History/Early Adolescence
Becky Marks RSU 12 Windsor Elementary School Gr. 1 Generalist/Early Childhood
Eva Platt Portland Public Schools Multiple schools Library Media Specialist Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood

 

32 National Board Certified Teachers who achieved “Maintenance of Certification” (MOC) – (This is the new “renewal process” for NB)

 

Name District School Grade/subject NB Certificate Maintained
Valerie Dominski RSU 51 Mabel I Wilson School Gr 3/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Maureen Driscoll RSU 51 Mabel I Wilson School Library Media Specialist Library Media/Early Childhood – Young Adulthood
George “Rad” Mayfield RSU 34 Old Town HS Science 9 – 12 Science/Adolescence –& Young Adulthood
Megan Bendson Five Town CSD Camden Hills Regional High School Social Studies 9 – 12 Social Studies/History Adolescence & Young Adulthood
Troy Wagstaff RSU 26 Orono High School School Counselor School Counseling Early Childhood – Young Adulthood
Denise Allen MSAD 51 Greely High School Health/

Science

9 – 12

 Health Education – Early Adolescence – Young Adulthood
Blair Atherton Bacon Portland Public Schools Lincoln Middle School Teaching Strategist Literacy: Reading Language Arts, Early & Middle Childhood
Jessica Sleeper Rosado RSU 21 District-wide ELL Teacher English as a New Language: Early and Middle Childhood
Paula Bourque Augusta Public Schools Multiple Schools Literacy Specialist Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood
Maureen Cooper Augusta Public Schools Gilbert School Gr 1 – all Generalist/Early Childhood
Caroline Eldridge Augusta Public Schools Hussey School Gr 2 – all Generalist/Early Childhood
Brenda Longway RSU 10 Mountain Valley Middle School Gr 7 – 8 Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early childhood through Young Adulthood
Tonya Prentice Tremont Public Schools Tremont Consolidated School Science/Gr 5- 6 Generalist/Middle Childhood
Jena Kerns Portland Public Schools Longfellow School Gr 1 -2/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Danielle Waite Millinocket Public Schools Granite Street School Gr 1 – all Generalist/Early Childhood
Heather Girsa Millinocket Public Schools Stearns Jr/Sr High School Math Math/Early Adolescence
Tracy Vassiliev Bangor Public Schools James F. Doughty School Science & Applied Science Science/Early Adolescence
Jennifer Boehmer Bangor Public Schools James F. Doughty School English, Gr 6 English Language Arts/Early Adolescence
Heidi Bullen RSU 44 Crescent Park School Gr 3/all Generalist/Middle Childhood
Brenda Wight RSU 44 Crescent Park School Gr 2/all Generalist/Middle Childhood
Alice Lee RSU 44 Crescent Park School Gr 2/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Renee Charette RSU 44 Telstar Middle School Gr 8/math Generalist/Middle Childhood
Gina Lavoie RSU 44 Crescent Park School Gr 2/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Michelle Fraser Wiscasset Public Schools Wiscasset Middle/High School English Composition Gr 9 & 10 English Language Arts & Young Adulthood
Molly O’Guinness Carlson Wiscasset Public Schools Wiscasset Middle/High School Special Education Teacher 7 – 12 Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood – Young Adulthood
Lori Fowler Lewiston Public Schools Montello School Pre-K/all Generalist/Early Childhood
Robyn Rose Lewiston Public Schools Montello School Special Education

Gr 4 – 6

 Exceptional Needs Specialist/early Childhood – Young Adulthood
Sara Lucas RSU 11 Helen Thompson School Gr 2/all Generalist/Early Childhood
William Hinkley RSU 40 Medomak Valley High School Algebra Gr 10 – 12 Mathematics/

Adolescence – Young Adulthood
Nancy Coty Wells Wells High School Health Education 9 – 12 Health Education/Early Adolescence – Young Adulthood
Kevin O’Shaughnessy Wells Wells High School Psychology, World After 1945 9 – 12 Social Studies – History/Adolescence – Young Adulthood
Cara Colgan Westbrook Saccarappa School Gr 4/all Generalist/early Childhood

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 25 certificate areas, from preschool through 12th grade.

Maine offers an annual salary supplement for teachers who have achieved National Board Certification and scholarships to support up to 30 teachers, annually, in attaining National Board Certification.

Contact information for National Board Certification in Maine:

NBCTS of Maine:

Heidi Goodwin: nbct.heidi@gmail.com

Susan O’Brien: nbct.susan@gmail.com

Maine Education Association:

Grace Leavitt: gleavitt@maineea.org

Maine Department of Education:

Emily Doughty: Emily.doughty@maine.gov

Maine Teachers and School Staff Highlighted on News Center Maine as part of 2022 #LoveTeaching and #LoveSchoolStaff Campaign

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and News Center Maine have partnered on a two-week campaign to highlight the amazing work of Maine teachers and school staff. This marks the second year in a row for the partnership, with News Center Maine airing video clips of people working in Maine schools, talking about where they work and why they love what they do.

Starting on Valentine’s Day, the first day of the national #LoveTeaching campaign, and running through February 27th, the videos feature Maine’s education workforce in all regions of Maine working in the many different roles in Maine’s schools. Video messages from teachers will air on News Center Maine’s morning and evening news shows from February 14th – 20th and video messages from school staff videos will air the week of February 21st – 27th.

“Teachers and school staff do heroic work each and every day to teach, nurture, feed, transport, coach, and support our young people,” said Education Commissioner Pender Makin. “And they’ve overcome enormous challenges throughout the pandemic to provide the education and support students need. Teachers and school staff are our heroes and we’re thrilled to partner with News Center Maine so that teachers and school staff can talk about their schools, students, communities, and what drives their passion to work in our schools. And they can get some love from their communities in return.”

During the campaign, News Center Maine will also be soliciting videos from community members across Maine, inviting them to celebrate their local teachers and school staff members, thanking them for all their hard work. Students and their families, as well as fellow educators, are encouraged to give a video shout out to say, “Thank you!” and send along to News Center Maine. One can share a video by:

  • Using the Near ME tool of their mobile app
  • Texting them to 207-828-6622
  • Posting them on social media and using the hashtag # LoveTeaching or #LoveSchoolStaff

Be sure to watch News Center Maine, WCSH 6/WLBZ 2 now through February 27th to see the faces of the amazing people working to educate young people in our state and hear from students and families who are sending in their messages of appreciation and love.

Videos will continue to be added here once they are highlighted on the air.

Maine Celebrates School Counselor of the Year with a Surprise Assembly at Alfred Elementary

Pictured left to right: Kelly Weaver, MESCA Board chair; Jaclyn Chaplin, Counselor of the Year; Nicole Breton, MESCA board of Directors

The Maine School Counselor Association (MESCA) recently announced the 2022 Maine School Counselor of the Year as Jacklyn P. Chaplin, the School Counselor at Alfred Elementary School in RSU 57. The Maine School Counselor of the Year Award (SCOY) is a program of MESCA that honors school counselors who are running a top-notch, comprehensive school counseling program at either the elementary, middle, or high school level.

“I strongly believe that a school counselor plays an important role in helping students have a positive school experience,” Mrs. Chaplin wrote. She has advocated for the profession and supported students through a comprehensive and data-driven model. She has implemented aspects to create a 5th grade Peer Helper Program. “This leadership program has several components that provide fifth graders with an opportunity to be role models in the school while also enhancing their leadership, decision-making, empathy, and communication skills,” Chaplin said.

Mrs. Chaplin earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Maine and obtained her master’s degree in counselor education from Rivier College. She has been working as a school counselor since 2004. She has been at Alfred Elementary School since 2005 and has also been the school counselor at Shapleigh Memorial School and Lyman Elementary School in RSU 57.

“Jackie serves all stakeholders for the greater good of our community. I say community as opposed to school because she has single-handedly helped to make Alfred Elementary a second home for all, where every student and staff member feels safe and at home,” said Mrs. Poulin, the Principal of Alfred Elementary.

Mrs. Kim Raymond, the school counselor at Leroy H. Smith School in RSU 22, was Maine’s 2021 SCOY and was recently honored in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Chaplin will have several speaking engagements and event appearances in the year ahead. She will be invited to a formal Gala in Winter 2023 and honored at the American School Counseling Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in Summer 2023.

The Maine School Counselor of the Year is announced as part of National School Counseling Week (#NSCW), celebrated annually during the first full week in February. This year, the Maine School Counselor Association has events planned from February 7 through February 11th to celebrate National School Counseling Week. For more information, view the MESCA website.

Please contact MESCA Board Chair Kelly O’Brien Weaver for more information: kweaver@rsu22.us.

President Biden Honors Two Maine Teachers with Highest U.S. Award for Science and Mathematics Teachers

This week, President Joe Biden named 104 teachers as recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for the 2020 awards cycle. Among the awardees are two outstanding Maine K-6 science teachers: Michele (Mickie) Flores who teaches at Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School in Deer Isle and Cindy Soule who teaches at Gerald E. Talbot Community School in Portland.

Mickie Flores
Mickie Flores

Mickie Flores is in her 36th year of teaching and currently teaches 6th and 7th graders at Deer Isle-Stonington where she alternates years of instruction between a focus on life science, physical science, and earth science. Flores was also the 2015 Hancock County Teacher of the Year through Maine’s Teacher of the Year Program

Cindy Soule
Cindy Soule

Cindy Soule is in her 20th year of teaching with all but one year in Portland. She began her career in special education and shifted to being a classroom teacher nearly fifteen years ago. She is currently a 4th grade teacher. Soule is also the 2021 Maine Teacher of the Year and 2020 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year through Maine’s Teacher of the Year Program.

The PAEMST award was established in 1983 and each year the awards criteria alternates between kindergarten through sixth grade and seventh through twelfth grade teachers. Award recipients represent schools from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools, and the U.S. territories.

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.

A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels 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 National Science Foundation (NSF), which manages PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), provides each recipient $10,000.  Award recipients also receive a certificate signed by the President. For more information, please visit www.paemst.org.

Maine School-Based Community Service Projects Honored with Spirit of America Education Tribute

Spirit of America, a public charity which honors volunteerism in Maine, recently announced six school-based community service projects and two people as winners of its Education Tribute.

The Spirit of America Education Tribute award honors a local person, project, or group for commendable community service. The people and projects nominated for the award are school-wide projects and people that promote teamwork and cooperation, and involve youth, families, and community members.

Maine Spirit of America’s appointed committee or School Districts selected the following winners:

  • Barbara Astbury – a bus driver at MSAD 11 who dedicated her 40+ year career to driving school buses.
  • Monmouth Academy & Monmouth Memorial School in RSU 2 – Students participating in student government worked together with community partners to “Stuff the Bus” for the food pantry and help the Cotrell Taylor fund for families in need during the holidays.
  • Amanda Condon – a School Resource Office (SRO) for the Saco School Department’s Prek through middle school students who embodies the best qualities of a female leader and role model. Read more about Officer Condon here.
  • Laynee’s Sole Purpose – a project started by 8-year-old Laynee Kirby from Caribou Community School that aims to provide shoes for kids in need. Read more about the project here.
  • Lewiston High School’s “The Store Next Door” Project – Since 2006, Lewiston High School has created in-depth supplemental services to help eliminate barriers to education for youth and families experiencing high mobility and homelessness by addressing students’ basic needs. Read more about The Store Next Door on their website or Facebook Page.
  • Maine FFA Association’s Homelessness and Food Insecurity Project – a valuable statewide community project that gave FFA students the opportunity to address issues of homelessness and food insecurity. Learn more about the project here.
  • Piscataquis Community Elementary School’s “Behind the Mask” Project – a group of students and educators from Piscataquis Community Elementary School published a book called “Behind the Mask.” Almost all of the content was written and/or drawn by the kids. They presented the books to individuals and organizations who helped the school get through a difficult year (2020-2021 school year) during a school assembly. Read more about the project here.
  • Re-Designing Saco Middle School Entrance – a project that brought together art, science, community service, and social emotional learning for 6th grade Saco students by having them redesign the entrance to their school with a mosaic garden. Read more about the project here.

To learn more about Spirit of America and their Education Tribute, visit their website: https://spirame.org/.

Maine Students Selected for United States Senate Youth Program

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) has announces that high school students Ms. Eleanore Jean Allan-Rahill and Ms. Fallon Maria Eggett will join Senator Susan M. Collins and Senator Angus S. King in representing Maine during the 60th annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held March 6 – 9, 2022.

Eleanore Allan-Rahill of Orono and Fallon Eggett of Veazie were selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104 member national student delegation who will each also receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the 2022 program will be held online, through a comprehensive and highly interactive virtual education and leadership forum.

The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since inception. Originally proposed by Senators Kuchel, Mansfield, Dirksen and Humphrey, the Senate leadership of the day, the impetus for the program as stated in Senate testimony is “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world.”

Each year, this extremely competitive program provides the most outstanding high school students – two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity – with an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service.

In addition to the program week, The Hearst Foundations provide each student with a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history, and public affairs. All expenses for Washington Week are also provided by The Hearst Foundations; as stipulated in S.Res.324, no government funds are utilized.

Ella Allan-Rahill
Educator Shanna Goodall and Maine DOE Social Studies Specialist Joe Schmidt posing with Eleanore after giving her the news of her selection.

Eleanore Allan-Rahill, a senior at Orono High School, serves as the secretary of the Junior Board for the Maine chapter of Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV). She counts CISV as one of the most impactful organizations in her life and has held various local leadership roles and has attended national and international conferences through the organization. She was selected to represent her school at the Hugh O’Brian Maine Youth Leadership Seminar and New England Student Leadership Conference. She was the captain of her soccer team and is involved with other sports alongside the Gender Sexuality Alliance, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, Spanish National Honor Society, Book Club, and mentoring younger students at her school through the “Riot Buddies” program. Eleanore has also received the Grade 10 English award, the National Bronze Award for Spanish achievement, and the Maine Youth Environmental Leader Scholarship to attend Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki.

Fallon Eggett
Maine DOE Social Studies Specialist Joe Schmidt visiting Fallon’s school to give her the news of her selection.

Fallon Eggett, a senior at Bangor High School, serves as a representative on the Class Council. She holds leadership positions in Rho Kappa, the national Social Studies honor society, and Debate. She prides herself on engaging actively as the Bangor Junior ROTC executive officer and drill team commander, earning awards for her work within those ranks, such as the JROTC Superior Cadet award in grades 9-11, and the JROTC Order of the Daedalians award. She has been recognized as a National Merit Scholar semifinalist, and with the Speaking and Service Award from the National Speech and Debate Association. Fallon counts participation in the debate, drill, rifle, and lacrosse teams, and the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute among her valued affiliations.

Chosen as alternates to the 2022 program were Mr. Max Provencher, a resident of Prospect, who attends Searsport District High School and Ms. Stephanie Clisham, a resident of Winterport, who attends Hampden Academy.

Delegates and alternates are selected by the state departments of education nationwide and the District of Columbia and Department of Defense Education Activity, after nomination by teachers and principals. The chief state school officer for each jurisdiction confirms the final selection.

During the program week, the student delegates will attend online meetings and briefings with senators, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, among others.

For more information please visit: www.ussenateyouth.org.

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine Honors 11 Inspirational School Employees Through RISE Award

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) today announced the state finalists for the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award.

In two special outdoor gatherings held today at East End Community School (Portland Public Schools) and Marcia Buker Elementary School (RSU 2), Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin presented Maine’s two State-level Honorees each with certificates and flowers and thanked them for their service. Award nominators and members of their school community were also present to show their gratitude and share inspirational messages about how these individuals have impacted their community.

Created by Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education, the RISE Award honors classified employees in the education workforce who provide exemplary service.  The Maine DOE in coordination with the Office of Governor Janet T. Mills has selected 11 finalists from a pool of over eighty exceptional nominees submitted from across Maine by local educational agencies, school administrators, professional associations, nonprofits, parents/caregivers, students, and community members.

“As the daughter of a longtime public school teacher, I know how hard our teachers work every day to provide a quality education. These last few years have brought even greater challenges, and I am grateful to teachers across Maine who have risen to the occasion to educate our children and keep them safe,” said Governor Mills. “On behalf of all Maine people, I sincerely congratulate our RISE award winners on this well-deserved honor, and I thank them for all they do for our state.”

“Today I have been privileged to honor and recognize two of the thousands of heroes who are ensuring that Maine children have access to safe and successful schools,” said Commissioner of Education Pender Makin.  “These dedicated staff members support teachers and families, and ensure that the health, safety, nutritional and academic needs of students are met day after day. Without their dedication and hard work, our schools, our communities, would falter. I urge all Maine people to join me in recognizing these two individuals, and in thanking our entire education workforce, who continues to rise above and deliver on behalf of their students.”

RISE nominees demonstrate excellence in the following areas: (A) Work performance; (B) School and community involvement; (C) Leadership and commitment; (D) Local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work); (E) Enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools.

Of the 11 finalists, two state-level honorees have been selected and submitted to the U.S. Department of Education to represent Maine for consideration in the national RISE Award. The U.S. Department of Education will announce one national honoree and present the individual with an award in the spring. Each of Maine’s finalists will be honored with a letter from the Commissioner of Education and receive spotlights on the Maine Department of Education website.

Maine’s RISE State-Level Honorees:

Deb Bodge
Administrative Assistant/Secretary
Marcia Buker Elementary School, RSU 2

“Mrs. Bodge has been a foundation for Marcia Buker School for many years. Not only has she been resilient during the COVID crisis, but she continues, each day to know about each child and how their worlds work. She also does it all with a smile. She is a rock for our little school and is completely deserving of such an honor,” said one of her nominators, Julie York.

Betsy Paz-Gyimesi
Spanish Family and Community Engagement Specialist
Multilingual and Multicultural Center, Portland Public Schools (PPS)

“Betsy bridges the home/school divide for our families, is a fierce advocate in ensuring that students access programs and services that would nurture and advance their academic performance and social/emotional well-being,” said nominator Maureen Clancy, PPS Language Access Coordinator.

Maine’s RISE Finalists:

Kelly Brown
School Nurse
Kennebunk Elementary School, RSU 21

Vicki Dill
Head Cook, Food Services
Whitefield Elementary School, RSU 12

Jessie Eastman
School Nurse
Lincoln Elementary School, Augusta School District

Leland Gamache
Bus Driver/Custodial Staff
Libson Community School, Lisbon School Department

Ellen Kimball
Food Service Staff
T.W. Kelly Dirigo Middle School, RSU 56

Brittany Layman
Health and Wellness Coordinator/School Nurse
Earl C. McGraw Elementary School, RSU 22

Martha Thompson
Education Technician- Carpentry
Portland Arts and Technology High School
.
Melinda Williams
Special Education-Education Technician
Sanford School Department

Paula Quirk
Main Office Clerk
Waldo T. Skillin Elementary School, South Portland Public Schools

For a full description and picture of each of the nominees and finalists, visit the Maine Department of Education’s RISE webpages.

For more information about the RISE award including a description of a classified employee, visit the U.S. Department of Education Website. To learn more about Maine’s process including criteria and frequently asked questions, visit the Maine Department of Education Website.

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine’s Teacher of the Year Journey Starts with Your Nomination

Help Honor and Elevate Maine Teachers. Nominations Now Open for County and State Teacher of the Year Program

MAINE – Nominations are now open for the 2022 County Teachers of the Year and 2023 Teacher of the Year. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate educators who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and who inspire the achievement of all students.

“Our educators have continued to inspire, educate and care for their students during dynamic and difficult times,” said Commissioner of Education Pender Makin. “We encourage education colleagues, students, and community members to nominate an educator who exemplifies the committed heroes in our classrooms and schools.”

Nominations can be made through a nomination form on the Maine Teacher of the Year Website now through 5:00 pm on Feb. 4, 2022. Nominations will be accepted from students, parents, caregivers, community members, school administrators, colleagues, college faculty members, and associations/organizations (self-nominations, and nominations from family members are not accepted).

To be considered for the County and Maine Teacher of the Year award, a person must:

Maine’s County and State Teachers of the Year serve as advocates for teachers, students, and public education in Maine. They serve as advisors to the Department of Education and state-level education stakeholders across Maine.  Additionally, County and State Teachers of the Year join a cohort of teacher leaders that actively work together for the betterment of education in Maine. They also receive on-going professional learning and participate in many state and county leadership opportunities.

The 2022 County Teachers of the Year will be announced in May. The 2023 Maine Teacher of the Year will be selected from the 16 county honorees. The field will be narrowed to eight semi-finalists, and then three state finalists before the Maine Teacher of the Year is announced by Maine’s Education Commissioner at a school assembly in the fall. Each year, State and County Teachers of the Year are honored at the annual Teacher of the Year Gala also held in the fall.

MEDIA TOOLKIT
Help us promote the Teacher of the Year Program! Our goal is to expand and diversify our nomination pool!

About the Program:

Graphics:

Video Testimonials:

On behalf of, and in partnership with Maine Department of Education, the Maine Teacher of the Year program is administered by Educate Maine, a business-led organization whose mission is to champion college, career readiness, and increased education attainment. Funding is provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Dead River Co., Geiger, Hannaford, the Maine Lottery, the Silvernail Family, and Unum, with support from the State Board of Education and the Maine State Teacher of the Year Association.

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 Department of Education champion that commitment by encouraging the nomination of educators from all culturally diverse experiences and backgrounds.

“We are proud to administer the Maine Teacher of the Year program in collaboration with the Maine Department of Education,” said Dr. Jason Judd, Educate Maine Executive Director. “Our unique program is a partnership between business and education designed to honor the good work of teachers, elevate the profession, provide professional growth opportunities and amplify the voice of classroom teachers.  The network of State and County Teachers of the Year is a valuable resource for our state and we often call upon their expertise to guide and inform our work.”

“We are grateful for our partnership with Educate Maine and for their commitment to a program that elevates the voice and role of Maine educators,” said Commissioner Makin. “We are also grateful for our sponsors and the network of Maine’s County and State Teachers of the Year for their ongoing advocacy and leadership.”

Through the generous support of Maine businesses, there is no cost to the local district when the Teacher of the Year is out of the classroom on their official duties, which includes representing educators state-wide and nationally through safely distanced in-person and virtual events that highlight the important work of Maine schools, communities, and educators.

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

Media Contact: Dolly Sullivan, Educate Maine at dolly@educatemaine.org

 

Maine State Board Member Elected as Secretary-Treasurer of National Board

The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) has announced the election of Fern Desjardins, chair of the Maine State Board of Education, as secretary-treasurer for a two-year term on its board of directors.  Desjardins previously served a two-year term as new member representative on the NASBE and was also chair of NASBE’s Public Education Positions Committee.

Janet Cannon, a member of the Utah State Board of Education, became NASBE’s board chair at the close of the organization’s virtual Annual Conference and business meeting this year and Christine Benson, a member of the Illinois State Board of Education, was voted NASBE’s chair-elect also.

A former Superintendent of Schools in MSAD #33, Desjardins has spent a 43-year career in public education in Maine and has served on Maine’s State Board of Education since 2018. She has taught graduate level courses for UMaine as an adjunct faculty member in their outreach programs in Aroostook County for almost a decade.  She holds a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership and a Master’s Degree in Language Arts from UMaine, a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from USM, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from UMFK.

“NASBE’s board of directors plays an important role in helping the organization achieve its mission of developing, supporting, and empowering state boards to fully embrace their role as citizen leaders,” said NASBE President and CEO Robert Hull. “This board is primed to work closely with incoming President and CEO Paolo DeMaria to expand the robust work of developing state boards’ capacity to lead in these important times of high needs and unprecedented resources.”

NASBE serves as the only membership organization for state boards of education. A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, NASBE elevates state board members’ voices in national and state policymaking, facilitates the exchange of informed ideas, and supports members in advancing equity and excellence in public education for students of all races, genders, and circumstances. Learn more at www.nasbe.org.