Category: Awards and Honors

MEDIA RELEASE: 2019 County Teachers of the Year Honored 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Kelli Deveaux (207) 624-6747 or kelli.deveaux@maine.gov

 Teachers from 15 of Maine’s counties were honored today in Maine’s State Capitol at an annual event in the Hall of Flags announcing the 2019 Maine County Teachers of the Year.

The group is the county finalists for Maine Teacher of the Year, an honor awarded each year to one teacher in Maine.

Commissioner of Education Pender Makin notes, “The MTOY program offers all of us the opportunity to celebrate the phenomenal work that is being accomplished every day in Maine’s public schools. Each of the County Teachers of the Year exemplifies a deep commitment to Maine’s students and a belief in the power of education to create positive and lasting change. They bring their compassion, creativity, and innovation to the art and science of teaching, amplifying the dreams and futures of their students.  In highlighting the accomplishments of these 15 educators, we are also honoring all of Maine’s teachers,  and the outstanding talents and dedication they bring to their classrooms and communities.”

The educators were each nominated by a member of their community for their exemplary service in education, and dedication to their students. They were selected by a distinguished panel of teachers, principals and business community members from a pool of hundreds of other nominated teachers in their communities.

2019 County Teachers of the Year: 

    • Androscoggin County: Shawn Rice, Edward Little High School, Auburn 
    • Aroostook County: Kim Barnes, Caribou Middle School 
    • Cumberland County: Heather Whitaker, Gorham Middle School 
    • Franklin County: Robert Taylor, Spruce Mountain Middle/High School, Jay 
    • Hancock County: Nell Herrmann, Blue Hill Consolidated School 
    • Kennebec County: Emily Bowen, Hall-Dale Middle/High School, Farmingdale
    • Knox County: Thomas Gray, Camden Hills Regional High School 
    • Oxford County: Linda Andrews, Buckfield Junior/Senior High School, Hartford -Sumner Elementary 
    • Penobscot County: Tracy Deschaine, Orono Middle School 
    • Piscataquis County: Bobbi Tardif, SeDoMoCha School, Dover-Foxcroft
    • Sagadahoc County: Charles Bingham, Morse High School, Bath
    • Somerset County: Katherine Bertini, Madison Junior High School
    • Waldo County: Ashley Reynolds, Captain Albert Stevens School, Belfast 
    • Washington County: Jeanna Carver, Jonesport Elementary School 
    • York County: Ethel Atkinson, Bonny Eagle Middle School, Buxton 

    *Lincoln County did not have a nominee who both met the criteria and completed the application process.

    As ambassadors for teachers, students, and quality education in Maine, these teachers will continue to participate in the intensive State Teacher of the Year selection process, including the submission of a video showcasing their classroom instructional practices.

    The field will be narrowed to eight semi-finalists who will begin working on their professional portfolio, a component of the National Teacher of the Year process. After the portfolio review and presentations to a select panel, the field is narrowed to three finalists. In October, the 2020 Maine Teacher of the Year will be selected after a school site visit and final interview. 

    The Maine Teacher of the Year is a program of the Maine Department of Education. It is with gratitude from the Maine DOE that the program is   administered by Educate Maine, a business-led organization working to ensure Maine’s students and workers are the best educated and highly skilled in the world. 

    For more information, visit www.maine.gov/doe/toy/ or Director of Communications, Kelli Deveaux at (207) 624-6747 or kelli.deveaux@maine.gov. 

Two Maine Students Named 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholars

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today announced the 55th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields. Maine’s two scholars are Rohan Ben Freedman, from Cape Elizabeth High School, and Emma Hargreaves, from Old Town High School.

“I want to congratulate this year’s class of Presidential Scholars on their achievement both inside of the classroom and out,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. “Their hard work and commitment to excellence, no matter what challenge they are tackling, will serve them well throughout their lifelong learning journeys. I have no doubt that many of tomorrow’s leaders are among this year’s class of Scholars.”

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 evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,200 candidates qualified for the 2019 awards, determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, or through nominations made by Chief State School Officers, other partner recognition organizations and the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts™ competition.

As directed by Presidential Executive Order, the 2019 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 7,500 of the nation’s top-performing students with an annual ceremony in Washington, D.C. 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 2019 ceremony will be held June 23, when each honoree will receive a Presidential Scholar Medallion.

A complete list of 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholars is available at http://www.ed.gov/psp.

For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program in Maine, contact Beth Lambert, beth.lambert@maine.gov, 207-624-6642.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Reminder – Maine DOE to Announce Maine County Teachers of the Year May 9, 2019

What:
15 Maine teachers will be announced and honored as part of the Maine Department of Education’s annual Maine County Teachers of the Year awards. The teachers were nominated by a member of their community, underwent a rigorous application process, and were chosen by a panel of teachers, principals and business community members.

Maine county teachers of the year serve as ambassadors for teachers, students, and quality education state-wide. The Maine County Teachers of the Year are available to make presentations to local and regional organizations. Through the summer, they will continue to participate in an intensive State Teacher of the Year selection process.

Who:
15 Maine teachers, representing 15 of 16 counties* Maine Department of Education Commissioner, Pender Makin; Executive Director of Educate Maine, Ed Cervone; State Board of Education, Wilson Hess; and 2019 Teacher of the Year, Joseph Hennessey.
*Lincoln County did not have a nominee who both met the criteria and engaged in the application process.

Where:
Hall of Flags, Maine State Capitol

When:
Thursday, May 9, 2018 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm

For more information contact Maine DOE Director of Communications, Kelli Deveaux at (207) 624-6747 or kelli.deveaux@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Kicks off Teacher Appreciation Week Early with Video Shout-outs to Maine Teachers #TeachMaine 

The Maine Department of Education will be releasing short video shout-outs starting on May 2nd of Maine DOE employees thanking Maine teachers who have influenced and inspired them.  

Teacher Appreciation Week runs May 6th through the 10th, and it is our hope that people throughout Maine, including students, will be encouraged to thank a teacher who has inspired or influenced them and share a video message through social media with the hashtag #TeachMaine. Please tag Maine DOE on Facebook and/or Twitter. We want to spread the word! 

This campaign is intended to honor and thank Maine teachers, and we appreciate your support in sharing positive messages. 

For further questions please contact Rachel Paling at rachel.paling@maine.gov. 

 

#DigCit4ME Challenge Highlights Top-finishers and Concludes with Webinar Opportunity on May 9th, 2019.

Since January 2019, educators across the state of Maine have been participating in a blended learning experience designed to support schools as they integrate Digital Citizenship concepts into various student learning opportunities. In particular, participants learned how the Health Education and Physical Education Standards intersected with the Common Sense Media Framework, as well as opportunities to explore these concepts within other content areas.

The #DigCit4ME Challenge featured in-person workshops (agenda and resources)  and an online game designed collaboratively between the Maine Department of Education and Alludo Learning.

Several educators asked questions about the process of designing a blended learning opportunity, so the Department will co-host a webinar where the team from Alludo Learning will discuss the pedagogy behind their design (including gamified learning, evidence-based learning, choice-based learning, and digital badging) and the Department will talk more about our process of designing this blended learning opportunity. Educators will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation.

Webinar Details:

Additionally, the Department would like to celebrate the participation and success of educators who joined the #DigCit4ME Challenge. Educators and districts competed in the online game, and the results are in:

Districts:

  • First Place: RSU18
  • Second Place: MSAD 17
  • Third Place: Boothbay Region Schools
  • Fourth Place: Falmouth Schools
  • Fifth Place (tie): RSU 10 and Yarmouth School System

Educators: *There were some educators who would have placed with high scores, but we didn’t have permission to print their names!

  • First place: Tim Hebda (Wayneflete School)
  • Second place: Matthew Drewette-Card (MSAD 46)
  • Third place: Maria Reinstein (RSU 10)
  • Fourth place (tie): Kelly Fraser (MSAD 44) and Carisa Hammer (MSAD 17),
  • Fifth place (tie): Allison Braley (RSU 25), Chris Kierstead (RSU 18), Ryan Palmer (MSAD 75), and Nick Shuman (York School Department)

Congratulations and thank you for everything you did to provide evidence of your learning!

Overall participation:

Credit: https://www.alludolearning.com/maine-doe-pilot?rq=digcit

For answers to questions or more information, please contact:

Amanda Nguyen
Digital Learning Specialist
Maine Department of Education
Amanda.Nguyen@maine.gov
Office: 207-624-6656
Cell: 207-441-5757

Students and Educators Invited to Vote for Winner of MLTI T-shirt Design Competition

Earlier this year, students were invited to submit entries to the 2019 MLTI T-Shirt Design Competition. The winning design will be printed on t-shirts that will be worn by 1,000 middle and high school students during the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) 2019 Student Conference. A panel of judges reviewed many entries, identified five finalists, and now invites students and educators to cast their votes for the winning design!

The final designs and ballot (as well as a running tally of votes) will remain available until the end of the day on Tuesday, April 30th. We ask that voters use the honor system and vote only once!

Vote here now!

Additionally, the top 20 student designers were offered free registration to the conference. Congratulations to the following students:

Freeport High School: Leora D., Grace W., Maya D., Reagan D., Jessie M., Corilie G., and Alexander L.

Veazie Community School: Lily C. and Rebekah J.

Saco Middle School: Lucas D.

Southern Aroostook Community School: Rose A., Selena B., Gracie B., Brianna D., Jaelyn F., Collin G., Esther G., Nathan M., and Breanne W.

Registration for the MLTI Student Conference remains open through Friday, May 3rd and is open to all Maine schools to send a group of students.

For answers to questions or more information, please contact:

Amanda Nguyen

Digital Learning Specialist

Amanda.Nguyen@maine.gov

207-624-6656

Teams advance to Farm to School Cook-off Finals Competition

 

The Maine Department of Education Child Nutrition office kicked off their 4th annual Farm to School Cook-off last month. Cook-off teams representing nine school districts from across Maine participated in the event. The teams, consisting of a student and school nutrition staff member, served up tasty and nutritious breakfast and lunch meals within a specific time frame that showcased Maine grown ingredients. Apples donated from Ricker Hill Orchards and dried black beans donated from Fairwinds Farm were used as “challenge” ingredients in the competition. The regional cook-off’s were hosted by the culinary arts programs at the Lake Region Vocational Center, Bath Regional Career and Technical Center and Eastern Maine Community College.

South Portland, RSU 12, and Cherryfield will be advancing to the Farm to School Cook-off finals competition on April 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Kennebec Valley Community College- Alfond Campus in Clinton. A panel of judges including a student, chef and school nutrition director, will score the dishes based on presentation, taste, creativity, and feasibility to be used in a school breakfast or lunch program. Other criteria will include food safety and time management.

The winning team will be awarded a plaque and have the opportunity to be spokespeople and participate on the judging panel for the cook off in School Year 2020.  Recipes used in the cook-off will later be shared with all schools in a Maine farm to school cook-book.

Members of the media are welcome to attend the final cook-off but need to confirm prior to the day of the event.

For more information about the event, please contact Stephanie Stambach at stephanie.stambach@maine.gov, or to confirm media coverage, contact: Kelli Deveaux at kelli.deveaux@maine.gov or 207-624-6747.

Maine’s National Board-Certified Teachers Celebrate at Pinning Ceremony 

 “The number one reason we do this (National Board Certification) is the students. Educators are about kids and we want our students to have the best teachers possible,” said Tami Fitzgerald, Director of Outreach and Engagement for the National Board of Professional Standards. Fitzgerald, who traveled to Maine from Washington DC for the event, was one of the featured speakers at the March 29, 2019 ceremony: a celebration honoring and recognizing Maine’s new and renewed National Board-Certified Teachers.

Friends, families, and colleagues throughout the state gathered at Cony High School to attend the ceremony, which was co-sponsored by the National Board-Certified Teachers of Maine Network and the Maine Education Association. Also speaking at the ceremony were Grace Leavitt, NBCT and President of the Maine Education Association; Melissa Guerrette, NBCT and Chair of the Maine NBCT Network; and Constance (Connie) Russell, NBCT and 2018 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year. 

In achieving National Board Certification, teachers demonstrated that their teaching meets the profession’s standards for accomplished practice through a rigorous, peer-reviewed and performance-based process, similar to professional certification in fields such as medicine. This comprehensive process includes four components: a computer-based assessment to test content knowledge and three classroom embedded portfolio entries which include student work samples, assessment practices, videos of teaching, and in-depth written reflections. Through the four components, teachers provide evidence of their ability to advance student learning and achievement.  

Due to the rigorous and personalized nature of this process, a common sentiment expressed by the speakers was the commitment –mental and emotional—that National Board Certification requires. Russell spoke about feelings of vulnerability and insecurity that arose as she shared her teaching samples at the candidate support workshops, “I was putting my teaching on the big screen, out there in front of people” and yet, as uncomfortable as it was, how she benefited from it, “at school we never had the kinds of conversations I was having with my National Board colleagues—I knew the feedback was making me better—I began craving it.” Fitzgerald echoed Russell, “teacher candidates are always asking, ‘how do I keep getting better, how do I reach higher?” 

The speakers also reflected on the new lens that National Board Certification gave them: a lens in which to view their students, standards, content, and teaching practice. Russel shared, “I started looking at every lesson, bulletin board, field trip, and guest speaker through the lens of how any of these activities would impact student learning.”   

Along with being congratulated and honored for achieving National Board Certification, the speakers told the new NBCTs that this is not the end of the journey. Honorees were encouraged to use their “NBCT-voice” to advocate for their students, schools, and to elevate the teaching profession.  

After the pinning was completed, the new NBCTs were given “tapping cards” – invitations for them to extend to their colleagues to begin their own journey toward National Board Certification.  

Maine’s new 2018 National Board Certified Teachers:

First name Last Name Employer

District

 Employer School
1. Jennifer Dorman RSU 54/MSAD 54 Skowhegan Area Middle School
2. Laura Phelps RSU 1 Phippsburg Elementary School
3. Matthew Leland Lincoln Academy
4. Seth Anderson Lincoln Academy
5. Gayle Martin AOS 92 Winslow Elementary School
6. Kelly O’Brien-Weaver RSU 22/MSAD 22 George B. Weatherbee School
7. Kristin Lorbeski RSU 11/MSAD 11 River View CMTY School
8. Anne Dalphin Portland Public School District Presumpscot Elementary School
9. Hillary Hoyt RSU 22/MSAD 22 Leroy H Smith Elem School
10. Ryan Avery RSU 11/MSAD 11 Gardiner Regional Middle School
11. Patricia Forster Five Town CMTY School District Camden Hills Regional High School
12. Michael Hayashida RSU 16 Poland Regional High School
13. Emily Powers Lewiston Public Schools Gov James B. Longley Elem School
14. Christina Rich RSU 55/MSAD 55 South Hiram Elementary School
15. Courtney Cole RSU 19 Etna-Dixmont Elementary School
16. Rebecca Humphrey Hanaburgh Falmouth School District Falmouth Elementary School
17. Gordon Crosby RSU 16 Poland Regional High School
18. Angela McLaughlin RSU 26 Asa C Adams Elementary School
19. Toni Barboza RSU 19 Etna-Dixmont Elementary School
20. Emilie Throckmorton Bangor School District Bangor High School
21. Luanne Mudgett RSU 55/MSAD 55 Sacopee Valley Middle School
22. Rebecca Maiorano Portland Public School District Presumpscot Elementary School
23. Katie Dutil Augusta School District Lillian P Hussey Elem School
24. Rebekah Brockway RSU 12 Windsor Elementary School
25. Pauline Leadbetter RSU 17/MSAD 17 Harrison Elementary School
26. Marie Dickson Lewiston Public Schools Thomas J McMahon Elem School
27. Venise Philbrick Lewiston Public Schools Martel Elementary School
28. Jennifer Lunt Portland Public School System Portland High School
29. Dawn Pendergrass Biddeford School District Biddeford High School
30. Jason Kash RSU 22/MSAD 22 Reeds Brook Middle School
31. Nell Hermann Union School Dist 93 Blue Hill Consolidated Elem School
32. Megan Markgren Portland Public School District Longfellow Elementary School
33. Sonya Logan RSU 55/MSAD 55 Sacopee Valley Middle School
34. David Boardman AOS 92 Mid-Maine Technical Center

For more information about National Board Certification: 

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards:  https://www.nbpts.org/ 

Tamara Ranger, MDOE Educator Excellence Coordinator:  tamara.ranger@maine.gov 

Melissa Guerrette, Maine NBCT Network Chair: nbct.melissa@gmail.com 

English Teachers Gather at the Summit!

Nearly 200 English teachers from across the state attended the Maine Council of English Language Art’s annual conference at the summit of Point Lookout in Northport last week. The conference began on Thursday with a celebration of poetry headlined by Maine Poet Laureate Stuart Kestenbaum. Kestenbaum read several of his poems, explaining how several started as a list of words handed to him by students, then transformed into moving and vibrant stories in verse.

On Friday, teachers supported teachers by providing 24 different opportunities to learn with and from each other. Topics included Teaching Trauma and Resilience Through Literature, The Dream-Centered Classroom, and Exploring Power, Social Justice, and Other Contemporary Issues Through Book Clubs in Middle and High School Classrooms.

The event ended with Gillian French, author of Grit and several other novels, reading from her works and encouraging place-based writing. A native of Bucksport, French embraces to beauty of Maine, the grittiness of its residents, and the sometimes challenging, sometimes uplifting experiences that come from rural living.

MCELA presented the 2019 Brassil Award, honoring distinguished Maine educators John and Claudette Brassil, to Stephanie Hendrix of Bangor High School. Hendrix teaches English and Humanities, is a doctoral student, integrates technology flawlessly into her instruction, and is quite active in theater. This award recognizes exceptional English language arts and literacy teachers who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, contributed to the profession, and shown a commitment to the community. MCELA is currently accepting nominations for the 2020 Brassil Award. Go to the MCELA Brassil Award page for further details.

Catch up on all the details on twitter with #MCELA2019

 

 

Nominations Sought for the 2019 Maine Curriculum Leader of the Year

The Maine Curriculum Leaders’ Association is excited to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2019 Curriculum Leader of the Year.

The Maine Curriculum Leader of the Year is a champion of learning both within and outside his or her district and has held a curriculum leadership role for at least five years.  Please see the nomination and selection criteria here, and note that nominations will be accepted until April 26.

Recommendation letters describing the nominee’s leadership of curriculum, instruction, and assessment should be emailed directly to director@mainecla.org.