There is Still Time to Nominate Maine Educators for Teacher of the Year Awards!

Nominations are now open for the 2021 County Teachers of the Year and 2022 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.

Nominations can be made through the Maine Teacher of the Year Website and will be open through 5:00 pm on Feb. 5, 2021. Nominations will be accepted from students, parents, school administrators, colleagues, college faculty members, and associations (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:

Hold the appropriate professional certification for their position
Be employed by a Maine public school
Be actively teaching students at least 50% of full-time at the time of nomination and during the year of recognition
Have been teaching for a minimum of five years – three of which are in Maine
Remain teaching in the County for which they are selected during year of recognition

The 2021 County Teachers of the Year serve as advocates for teachers, students, and the efforts underway in Maine’s public schools to prepare students for success in college, career and civic life. They serve as advisors to the Department of Education and state-level education stakeholders across Maine. Additionally, the County Teachers of the Year join a of cohort of teacher leaders that actively work together for the betterment of education in Maine. County Teachers of the Year receive on-going professional learning and participate in many state and county leadership opportunities. The 2021 County Teacher of the Year cohort will be recognized in a special announcement in May and the Teacher of the Year Gala in the fall.

The 2022 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.

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.

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 RELEASE: School Psychologists Recognized for Outstanding Service in Maine

The Maine Association of School Psychologists (MASP) recently announced that Lisa Backman from Windham Raymond School District is the 2020 Maine School Psychologist of the Year. This award acknowledges a member of MASP who demonstrates excellence in school psychology practice, and leadership in the profession.

“Beyond the role of evaluators, school psychologists fill a crucial role in school communities providing consultation and collaboration in intervention systems and supporting school staff through professional development and technical assistance,” Erin Frazier, Maine Department of Education Director of Special Services. “These individuals are critical to SAUs efforts to provide a continuum of services to all children.”

Mrs. Backman has been providing psychological services to the Windham-Raymond School District, RSU #14 for the past 20 years, and as an adjunct professor at St. Joseph’s College. She is a trusted professional within her school community among students, staff, and families. Lisa’s building principal stated that he believes they are “fortunate to have her calm demeanor, as well as her extensive knowledge of research-based practices and Special Education law to help make the IEP process one that aligns with our mission.” In fact, he shared that he “often encourages teachers to talk with Lisa when struggling to meet the unique needs of learners. Teachers appreciate this support and report being able to implement effective practices from her feedback.”

Elizabeth (Lisa) Howe of Gorham Public Schools received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her devotion through years of service to her local school district as well as to the profession at the state level. On top of her superb work at the district level, Lisa has volunteered many hours of her time over the years in numerous positions with MASP. These have included participation at the committee level as well as serving as Secretary for MASP. Lisa has been a very diligent and collaborative contributor.

Jill Adams, Executive Director of the Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities (MADSEC) received an Outstanding Advocate for School Psychologists 2020 honor for her her tireless work for the students of Maine.

Erin Frazier, Maine DOE Director of Special Services also received an Outstanding Advocate for School Psychologists 2020 awarded for her ongoing championing for the field of School Psychology while navigating the challenges brought throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Maine Department of Education recognizes there is a critical shortage of school psychologists in the state that is long standing,” noted Frazier. “These positions are critical to fulfill child find responsibilities and support effective programming for students.”


Lisa Backman Windham/Raymond School District 2020 Maine School Psychologist of the Year	Lisa Howe Gorham Public Schools Lifetime Achievement Award

Jill Adams Executive Director Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities (MADSEC) 2020 Outstanding Advocate for School Psychologists	Erin Frazier Director of Special Services Maine Department of Education 2020 Outstanding Advocate for School Psychologists

Seeking Nominations for Alternative Educator of the Year

The Alternative Education Association (AEA) of Maine is looking for nominations for the AEA of Maine Educator of the Year award.

The purpose of this award is to recognize an Alternative Educator who has provided exceptional opportunities and advancements for Maine’s at risk students. This is a GREAT way to recognize those in Alternative Education who are doing outstanding work and brings attention to the amazing work that is being done around our State.

Click Here for the Alternative Educator of the Year Guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact Lenny Holmes at lholmes@bonnyeagle.org.

Six Maine Educators Named in Boston Globe’s Fenway Bowl Honor Roll

The Fenway Bowl has named several outstanding people in the field of education in New England, and we are proud to say that 6 Maine educators have made the list!

In partnership with Cross Insurance, Samuel Adams, and Boston Globe Media, Fenway Bowl checked in with schools and associations across New England seeking the names and stories of educators, college professors, school administrators and staff members who are making a big impact in their community.

Congratulations to the 6 educators in Maine who were named as part of this wonderful recognition:

Michael Davis
Principal
Walton Elementary School, Auburn, ME

Melissa Guerrette
NBCT, 5th grade teacher
Oxford Elementary School

Bill Tracy
Principal
Hampden Academy

Jennifer McGee
Principal
Atwood Primary School

Dr. Flynn Ross
Chair, Teacher Education Dept.
University of Southern Maine

Alison Babb-Brott
Grade 2 teacher
St. George School

Read the full story here!

A huge THANK YOU to all of Maine’s educators, administrators, and staff members who work hard everyday to ensure that students and communities throughout Maine have support, resources, and opportunities to learn and grow. The Maine Department of Education appreciates everything that you do!

Seeking Nominations for Foreign Language Teacher of the Year – 1/15 Deadline

Each year at its annual conference, the Foreign Language Association of Maine (FLAME) recognizes those who have achieved outstanding results in teaching modern or classical languages. The FLAME Advisory Board invites you to nominate one of the many excellent language teachers who practice their profession here in Maine!

What are the criteria for nomination?

Nominees must have at least two years of FLAME membership.
Nominees must have a minimum of five years experience in teaching modern or classical languages.

Who may make a nomination?

A FLAME member
A teaching colleague
A school administrator

What is the procedure?

The nominator must submit a letter of nomination, including information about the nominee’s

Address, telephone number and email address
Teaching assignment
Educational background
Teaching experience
Special achievements, honors or awards

The nominator must include his or her contact information (address, telephone number and email address)

The nominator must arrange for submission of letters of recommendation from the following:
At least one colleague (not necessarily a modern or classical language teacher)
At least one supervisor (principal, head of department or superintendent)
At least one former or current student

In making its decision, the FLAME Advisory Board will consider the following kinds of evidence:

How has the nominee demonstrated best practice?
How has the nominee contributed to the teaching and learning of a modern or classical language?
What are some teaching practices and activities that the nominee uses to improve students’ language proficiency and motivation?
What kinds of professional growth activities (including travel relevant to teaching) has the nominee participated in?
How has the nominee served the students, the school or the school district?

The nominator must arrange for delivery of all documents to Christopher Gram, FLAME Awards Committee Chair, Carrabec High School, P.O. Box 220, North Anson, ME 04958. The postmarked deadline for submission is January 15, 2021.

For additional information, contact Christopher at: cagram@carrabec.org or (207) 635-2296.

Thoughts from a Virtual Session with 2020 National Teacher of the Year Tabatha Rosproy

On Wednesday, December 2, 2020, the Maine Department of Education welcomed 2020 National Teacher of the Year Tabatha Rosproy for a virtual question and answer session with Maine educators. Joining from her home in Kansas, Tabatha introduced herself and greeted a group of early childhood educators from the public, private, and special education sectors in Maine and beyond.

Ms. Rosproy spent the one-hour session discussing early childhood topics of interest in Maine, as well as responding to questions from participants. Tabatha’s honesty and passion for the field was evident through her down-to-earth and personable demeanor with session participants. By the end of the hour, it was apparent that Maine and Kansas aren’t all that different. And, although early childhood education has gained some traction nationally, there is still room for growth.

Key takeaways from the session included the value in making connections with colleagues and families, promoting classroom inclusion, and growing school leadership. Tabatha also emphasized the importance of early childhood educators “bring(ing) their seats to the table.” She encouraged each educator to, “Be an advocate for your students and get involved in your classroom, school, district and state.” She went on to inspire educators to think of leadership as an “activity, not a position.” Tabatha suggested it takes courage to do the right thing but that educators should feel empowered to be advocates, not reliant on individuals in positions of power. She also reminded participants that early childhood is not just the early grades of public school, but birth through eight years old. This time in a child’s development is critical and special. and they need a whole system of supporters, not just teachers.

When interacting with families, Tabatha shared that engagement and communication are crucial to building positive relationships and learning atmospheres. “Think of it like a bank account, you make deposits and withdrawals. The deposits are those positive daily comments about each child. The withdrawals are the occasional conversations of concern and goals for growth. Let’s make regular deposits!”

By the end of the hour, participants were thankful for Tabatha’s insights. While Tabatha has many doors open for her now, she shared she “has a hard time not seeing herself in the Pre-K classroom.” When asked what final advice she has for early childhood educators, she responded, “Keep speaking up! In some way, keep using your voice.”

For more information about Tabatha Rosproy and CCSSO’s National of Teacher of the Year Program, visit https://ntoy.ccsso.org/. You can also follow Tabatha on social media at: @NTOY20 on Facebook, @NTOY2020 on Instagram, and @TabathaRosproy on Twitter.

Any questions or comments about this opportunity can be directed to Nicole.madore@maine.gov.

MEDIA RELEASE: RSU 38 Students Create Ornaments for National Christmas Tree Display in Washington, D.C.

RSU 38 Students Create Ornaments for National Christmas Tree Display in Washington, D.C.

Students from 56 schools across the country, including Maine Regional School Unit (RSU) 38 serving Maranacook area students, have designed one-of-a-kind ornaments for the 2020 National Christmas Tree display on the Ellipse in President’s Park. These unique ornaments will adorn 56 smaller trees that surround the National Christmas Tree. The trees represent each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia as part of the America Celebrates ornament display. This year, several ornaments from each school will also be displayed inside the White House.

“We are so proud of Visual Art Educator Nicole Blake and her students in RSU 38 for their dedication to creating original-design ornaments for both the state of Maine tree and the tree that appears in the Blue Room of the White House,” said Jason Anderson, Maine DOE Visual and Performing Arts Specialist.

The America Celebrates ornament program is a collaboration of the National Park Service (NPS), the U.S. Department of Education and the National Park Foundation (NPF). The U.S. Department of Education worked through state art and education offices, which identified elementary, middle and high schools to participate in the America Celebrates program. The project is funded by the NPF.

From state flowers to notable landmarks, students created ornaments that celebrate their state, district or territory. Students from RSU 38 pictured with the the ornament they designed can be seen below:

56 schools designed ornaments for the 2020 National Christmas Tree display in President’s Park:

Alabama: Shelby County High School
Alaska: IDEA Homeschool
American: Samoa Lupelele Elementary School
Arizona: Pinnacle High School
Arkansas: Wooster Elementary School
California: Riverside STEM Academy
Colorado: Meeker High School
Connecticut: Berlin Public Schools
Delaware: Newark High School
District of Columbia: Columbia Heights Education Campus (CHEC)
Florida: Port Salerno Elementary
Georgia: Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School
Guam: Agana Heights Elementary School
Hawaii: Governor Wallace Rider Farrington High School
Idaho: Mountain Home High School
Illinois: Richland County Community Unit School District
Indiana: Brown County High School
Iowa: Karen Acres Elementary School
Kansas: Rolling Ridge Elementary School
Kentucky: Dishman-McGinnis Elementary School
Louisiana: Parkway Elementary School
Maine: Regional School Unit #38
Maryland: Hyattsville Middle School
Massachusetts: All Saints Academy
Michigan: Brimley Area School District
Minnesota: St. Alphonsus Catholic School
Mississippi: Terry High School
Missouri: Nixa Public School
Montana: The Polaris School
Nebraska: Chadron Public School
Nevada: Damonte Ranch High School
New Hampshire: Amherst Middle School
New Jersey: Delaware Township School
New Mexico: Harrison Schmitt Elementary School
New York: Champlain Valley Educational Services
North Carolina: West Buncombe Elementary School
North Dakota: Kindred Public School District
Northern Mariana Islands: Grace Christian Academy
Ohio: Liberty Tree Elementary School
Oklahoma: Jenks High School
Oregon: Howard Street Charter School
Pennsylvania: Neshaminy School District
Puerto Rico: Escuela Dr. Francisco Hernández y Gaetán
Rhode Island: Frank E. Thompson Middle School
South Carolina: J.G. McCracken Middle School
South Dakota: Hill City High School
Tennessee: Beaumont Magnet Academy Elementary School
Texas: Caldwell High School
U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Croix Educational Complex High School
Utah: Union High School
Vermont: Milton Town School District
Virginia: Appomattox Regional Governor’s School
Washington: Tukes Valley Middle School
West Virginia: Robert L. Bland Middle School
Wisconsin: St. Thomas More High School
Wyoming: West Elementary School

The America Celebrates display is one of the highlights of the National Christmas Tree experience. The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was held virtually on Thursday, Dec. 3, you can see a recording of it at thenationaltree.org. This year’s show featured the recorded lighting of the National Christmas Tree, holiday performances and more.

Since 1973, the National Christmas Tree has been a living tree which can be viewed year-round in President’s Park – one of America’s 422 national parks! A 30-foot Colorado blue spruce currently serves as the National Christmas Tree.

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MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE Farm to School Cook-off Takes on New Format

people cooking in industrial kitchen — Competitors cooking the 2019/2020 Cook-off.

AUGUSTA –The Maine Department of Education, Child Nutrition team is holding its annual Farm to School Cook-off in SY 2021 as usual, except this year it will look a bit differently. The cook-off is a statewide culinary competition for teams of school nutrition professionals and students to promote local foods in school meals. This voluntary competition is made available to all school districts in the state.

On a “typical” year, the cook-off would involve three regional competitions that take place in locations across the state (including CTE culinary arts centers), and a finals competition in the Child Nutrition Culinary Classroom. To adapt to these ever-changing times, the format for the 2021 cook-off will be as follows:

Round 1– virtual cook-off (March 2021). Teams will submit videos of their breakfast and lunch meals to be posted on the Child Nutrition website, where voting will take place. The top three teams will advance to round 2.

The video presentation will include details on local ingredients, techniques used, feasibility, and anything else the team would like to share.

Round 2– final cook-off (May 2021). The top teams will compete in the Child Nutrition Culinary Classroom in Augusta! The 2021 Farm to School Cook-off champion will be awarded a plaque and the opportunity to be spokespeople in the 2022 cookbook. Please note all necessary precautions will be taken, including face coverings and social distancing of teams in the culinary classroom. The Child Nutrition team will be monitoring any changes needed to this format to ensure the safety of all participants.

Each team will prepare a breakfast and lunch meal within a specific time frame using at least three ingredients that are grown, raised, caught, or manufactured in the State of Maine and meet Summer Food Service Program meal requirements as well as one USDA food. Local eggs and local parsnips will be used as “challenge” ingredients in the competition. All recipes will later be shared in a Maine farm to school cookbook to be used in future summer meals programs.

Interested school districts can find more information and the link to register on the Maine Child Nutrition website. The registration deadline is December 18, 2020. For more information on Maine’s Farm and Sea to School program, visit https://www.maine.gov/doe/farmtoschool.

Honoring RISE Award Finalist Debra Baldacci From Bangor

Deb Baldacci is a devoted Lunch Accountability Clerk at Fruit Street School in the Bangor School Department. She was recently nominated for the RISE Award and honored by the Maine Department of Education (DOE). The RISE Award (Recognizing Inspirational School Employees ) honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service.

“Mrs B, as she’s affectionately known as, commits to memory the names of each student, their sibling, teacher and preferences for food choice. She gently encourages students to do their best and make healthy choices. She notices everything and seeks out counsel when wondering about one of her students changes in behavior.”

“As a specialist in the school, I know that if I have a student who comes to my office saying they had no time for breakfast, I can take that student to her office to work out how to solve that problem. She will without hesitation stop what she’s doing to show care and concern for any child, whether that be asking if they need more breakfast, or notice something special about a student.”

“She looks to fill any needed training for her staff by sharing with them information within the school day process that they might to need know. She takes it upon herself to see that tasks are completed even if they are not specifically assigned to her or her staff.”

“Everyone knows Ms. B. I have students that years later, I might see, and they will ask about Ms. B. She has put everyone as a priority so that they consider her to be the safe harbor when times are difficult, and they seek out to share good news. She’s our rock.”

When asked about her job, this is what Deb had to say:

“I feel very fortunate to work at Fruit Street with such a wonderful staff and students.”

RISE Award nominations were submitted from across the state by local educational agencies, school administrators, educators, professional associations, nonprofits, parents and community members this fall. More information on the Maine RISE Award can be found here the national RISE Award can be found here.

Honoring RISE Award Finalist Andrew Hutchins From Mt. Blue

Andrew (Andy) Hutchins is a dedicated Food Services Director for Regional School Unit 9 in Mt. Blue. He was nominated for the RISE Award and honored by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) as a finalist. The RISE Award (Recognizing Inspirational School Employees ) honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service.

Amanda Barry, Theresa True and Cindy Fortier, colleagues and community members nominated Andy for the award. Here are a few of their thoughts about him:

“No matter how busy he is he is always going to every school in our district to make sure everything is all set and making sure things are running as smooth as possible. When faced with a problem he is quick to resolve. He is committed is roll as Food Director of RSU 9.”

“He excels in everything. He is generous and patient. He has a calming demeanor. Has an excellent can do attitude that spreads to his employees.”

“When COVID reared its ugly head in March Andy was there pushing, working all hours to make sure that we all had a plan to be able to make sure we would be able to get meals to our community children. We had handfuls of volunteers within a day.”

“He is a pleasure to work for/with, the way he treats and acts around people make it easy for people to want to lend a helping hand when there is more work to be done.”

“He is an amazing human who is always pushing forward for the best for the students and his employees.”

When asked what he loves most about his job, this is what Andy had to say:

“School nutrition programs provide such an essential service in our communities. I am blessed to lead a team of foodservice heroes who deliver that service every day with a smile.”