Nominations Open for Maine School Nurse of the Year

The Maine Association of School Nurses (MASN) announces a call for nominations for the Maine School Nurse of the Year (SNOY) 2024-25! This award recognizes an outstanding school nurse for his/her contributions to the school and community they serve. The award provides recognition to an individual who demonstrates leadership in 6 areas of practice: care provision, program management, health education, professional development, community involvement, and research.

The individual selected will receive a $500 cash award and be recognized at the July 2024 Maine School Nurse Summer Institute.

We are accepting applications now. The nomination form and the information necessary to begin this process can be accessed on the MASN website. The application deadline is May 3, 2024. For more information, please click here.

If you know a school nurse who inspires you with his/her dedication to their school community, please consider nominating him/her for this prestigious award!

All information is located on the MASN website.

Directions:

1.) Completed nomination packet must include:

Nomination Form
Reference letters (3-5) with at least one from administration
Curriculum Vitae
Written report addressing the six content areas

2.) Submit original and 3 copies by April 25, 2023 to SNOY Coordinator, Erin Taylor. Email etaylor@capeelizabethschools.org for mailing address.

Questions? Please contact: Erin Taylor, School Nurse at Pond Cove Elementary School by calling 207-799-7339 x3113 or emailing etaylor@capeelizabethschools.org.

South Portland Educator Named English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Teacher of the Year

(Pictured L to R: EMME President Stephanie Carbonneau, awardee Sheanna Zimmerman and Director of Multilingual Programs in South Portland April Perkins)

Sheanna Zimmerman of South Portland Schools was awarded the English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Teacher of the Year by the Educators for Multilingual Maine (EMME) on March 8, 2024.

EMME President Stephanie Carbonneau. and 2024 ESOL Teacher of the Year Sheanna Zimmerman

“The last two years have been the most incredible and fulfilling years of my career. As many of you know, South Portland welcomed hundreds of new multilingual students and families in a short time. I had the honor of supporting our district as we developed a multilingual intake and orientation process, hired multilingual specialists, expanded our ESOL programming, and doubled the size of our ESOL team. I’m proud of these accomplishments and want to thank our South Portland administration and teachers who have continued to embrace opportunities for growth.”

From all of us at the Maine Department of Education, congratulations Sheanna!

Educators for a Multilingual Maine (EMME) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote and improve the teaching and study of languages and cultures of the world. EMME also strives to further the common interests of teachers, students, and others in Maine, for whom languages play an important role. EMME was formerly known as FLAME, the Foreign Language Association of Maine.

Learn more about EMME or the ESOL Teacher of the Year award, please visit the EMME website or reach out to EMMC at communications@emmaine.org.

Reminder: National History Teacher of the Year Nominations Open Until April 30

Nominate an outstanding teacher in your community for the 2024 National History Teacher of the Year! Each year, Gilder Lehrman recognizes first-rate K-12 teachers who find creative ways to bring history to life in their classrooms. Winners are selected from each state and US territories and become finalists for the national award. State winners will receive $1,000 each. The national winner will receive a $10,000 prize and a ceremony in their honor in New York City.

Go to www.gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy to submit your nomination. The deadline to submit a nominations is April 30, 2024.

For more information about the History Teacher of the Year award, please contact Jaime Beal, Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist at jaime.beal@maine.gov

Katahdin Schools’ Nutrition Team Receives National Award for Innovation

(Pictured: members of the nutrition team at RSU 89.)

Four school districts in Alaska, Iowa, Maine, and Ohio received awards for their trailblazing and innovative efforts to improve the nutritional quality of meals for their students. This announcement was made in front of nearly 850 school nutrition professionals at the School Nutrition Association Legislative Action Conference during National School Breakfast Week recently.

Regional School Unit 89, Maine’s own Katahdin Schools received the “Innovation in Preparation of School Meals” award for incorporating more scratch cooking into menu items, such as homemade sub rolls using their oatmeal bread recipe, homemade croutons, pickles, and roasted chickpeas.

RSU 89 has also partnered with a local farm, Keep Ridge Farm in Benedicta to source produce like squash, onion, eggs, carrots, and kale. They host monthly taste tests allowing the student body to determine what the next new menu item will be.

“At our annual Thanksgiving meal, we featured Keep Ridge Farm roasted squash, local farmer Steve Crouse’s potatoes that we boiled and mashed, and turkey from USDA Foods in our homemade gravy and homemade stuffing,” said Denise Tapley Proctor, food service director at RSU 89. “The meal was well received by the community, and the reactions of our kids make us love the change in direction our school is making to more scratch cooking.”

The three school districts that received awards are the first winners of the Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards, jointly created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Action for Healthy Kids as part of USDA’s Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative, also known as HMI. These awards celebrate school districts that embrace opportunities to take their school meals to the next level. HMI is one of several ways that the Biden-Harris Administration is supporting schools to provide kids with nutritious meals that support their health and well-being.

Here are more pictures of the RSU 89 nutrition team preparing mashed potatoes from Keep Ridge Farm, homemade oatmeal rolls, USDA hamburger made into hamade gravy, USDA corn, and homemade apple strawberry crisp:

Statewide Student Writing Contest Winners Announced by MCSTOYA and MCELA

The Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA), in partnership with the Maine Council of English Language Arts (MCELA), has announced the winners of the second annual Student Writing Contest that showcased the outstanding talent of students and the incredible impact of teachers in Maine.

“The Student Writing Contest aims to lift students’ voices in recognizing teachers’ impact on their lives in ways both small and large,” MCSTOYA and MCELA said in a joint statement. “In only our second year, the submissions exceeded our expectations. We are touched by the stories of caring and supportive teachers from across our state and from every grade span.”

After careful consideration, the judges have selected the following students as the winners:

PK-2

1st Place: Giles Urwin, Grade 2, The Center for Teaching and Learning, Edgecomb
2nd Place: Avery Barnett, Grade 2, Elm Street School, Mechanic Falls
Honorable Mentions:
- Po Salko, Grade 1, Kate Furbish Elementary School, Brunswick
- Brenden Onyon, Kindergarten, Poland Community School
- Anais Hernas, Grade 2, Daniel W. Merritt School, Addison

Grades 3-5

First Place: Adeline Inman, Grade 5, The Center for Teaching and Learning, Edgecomb
Second Place: Abisag H. Castillo Marrero, Grade 4, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Brunswick
Honorable Mentions:
- Arthur Douglas, Grade 5, Oxford Elementary School
- Josie Mains, Grade 5, Oxford Elementary School

Grades 6-8

First Place: Isla A. Litton, Grade 8, Cape Elizabeth Middle School
Second Place: Arianna Brooks, Grade 8, Bruce M Whittier Middle School, Poland
Honorable Mentions:
- Ruby Glenn, Grade 7, Coastal Christian School, Waldoboro
- Zabina Zimmermann, Grade 8, Cape Elizabeth Middle School

Grades 9-12

First Place: Jocelyn Davis, Grade 9, Oak Hill High School, Wales
Second Place: Sebastian Milstein-Jones, Grade 9, Casco Bay High School, Portland
Honorable Mentions:
- Shukri Ibrahim, Grade 9, Casco Bay High School, Portland
- Nataly Fitzpatrick, Grade 12, Nokomis Regional High School, Newport

“We are incredibly proud of all the students who participated. Teaching can be so incredibly hard, and on really tough days, you can start to question yourself and whether or not you make a difference. But how can you not be uplifted by the words of these students,” said Heather Webster, Co-chair of the Writing Contest Committee.

Our youngest writers in grades PK-5 share:

“He shows us things in little steps…”

“[she] makes me feel safe/by knowing me so well.”

“She changed my life, made me think smarter…”

Students in grades 6-12 echo these thoughts in more complexity:

“She makes you feel seen in a room jammed with people.”

“He pushed me to my limits…every day he was in class he taught me a new life lesson.”

“[She] saved me, my spark, and life and she has continued to help me guide myself…to become the person I am today and dream to be.”

And of course, the sentiment that shines through every submission is “all I want to say is, truly, thank you.”

The winners will receive Amazon Gift Cards in the amounts of $125.00, $60.00, and $30.00, and their work will be featured on the MCELA website.

MCSTOYA and MCELA extend their gratitude to the judges for their time and dedication in evaluating the entries. Additionally, we thank all the participating schools, teachers, and students for contributing to the success of this contest.

Nominations Open 2024 Outstanding Biology Teacher Award

The National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) has opened nominations for the 2024 Outstanding Biology Teacher Award! Every year, the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) program attempts to recognize an outstanding biology educator (grades 7-12 only) in each of the 50 states; Washington, DC; Puerto Rico, Canada; and overseas territories.

Candidates for this award do not have to be National Association of Biology Teachers members, but they must have at least three years of public, private, or parochial school teaching experience. A major portion of the nominee’s career must have been devoted to teaching biology/life science, and candidates are judged on their teaching ability and experience, cooperativeness in the school and community, and student-teacher relationships.

Outstanding Biology Teacher Award recipients are special guests of Carolina Biology Supply Company at the Honors Luncheon held at the National Association of Biology Teachers Professional Development Conference, receive gift certificates from Carolina Biological Supply Company, resources from other sponsors, award certificates, and complimentary one-year membership from the National Association of Biology Teachers.

Submit your nomination here. The deadline to submit nominations is March 1, 2024.

For more information about the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award, please contact Ken Vencile, Maine Outstanding Biology Teacher Award Director at ken.vencile@fivetowns.net.

Nominations Open for Alternative Educators of the Year

The Alternative Education Association of Maine is looking for nominations for the Alternative Educators of the Year. The Association is looking to recognize one or more individuals for their outstanding work in Alternative Education.

Please consider someone who has:

Demonstrated a positive impact on the academic programming for Alternative Education students or at-risk students.
Been an advocate for Alternative Education at local or state levels.
Helped develop and/or maintain an effective Alternative Education program.
Shown a dedication to Alternative Education through a commitment to professional growth and development.

If you know of someone who fits any of these criteria and would like to nominate them, please take a moment and fill out the form below and help us recognize those deserving educators whose work helps some of our most in-need students.

Alternative Educators of the Year Nomination Form.

For further information reach out to Alternative Education Association of Maine Presented Lenny Holmes at lholmes@bonnyeagle.org.

National History Teacher of the Year Nominations Open

Go to www.gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy to submit your nomination. The deadline to submit a nominations is April 30, 2024.

For more information about the History Teacher of the Year award, please contact Jaime Beal, Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist at jaime.beal@maine.gov

Celebrate National School Counseling Week Feb. 5–9

National School Counseling Week 2024, “School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused,” sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 5–9, 2024, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are positively impacted as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

School counselors are actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents; in working in partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; in focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves.

“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career options and social/emotional skills,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.”

More than 100,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week’s festivities. Many schools will be hosting special events and activities to call attention to the countless benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.

As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, the Maine School Counselor Association (MESCA) will be gathering in the Hall of Flags at the State House on February 9th at 2:30pm. School counselors, educators, and administrators are invited to join our school counselors in recognizing their positive contributions to Maine schools.

For more information, please contact Ken Rautiola, Mental Health Distinguished Educator, Maine Department of Education at kenneth.a.rautiola@maine.gov – office hours 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Media Release: One Week Left to Nominate a Teacher for Maine Teacher of the Year

Nominate Someone Today at mainetoy.org/nominate

Current County Teachers of the Year Release Video Encouraging Nominations

Maine communities have one week left to nominate a teacher for 2024 County Teacher of the Year and 2025 State Teacher of the Year. Maine’s County and State Teachers of the Year serve as advocates for teachers, students, and public education in Maine.

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine announced that nominations were open at the start of the month and have already received hundreds of nominations from across the state. Maine’s current County Teachers of the Year released a new video on social media encouraging people to nominate an outstanding teacher today. You can view the video here.

“Maine is home to amazing teachers who educate, inspire, innovate, nurture, and go above and beyond each and every day for their students, schools, and communities. The Maine Teacher of the Year program recognizes the extraordinary contributions of educators across our state and gives them a megaphone to share the great things happening in Maine public schools. Please nominate an outstanding teacher in your life today,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin.

Nominations can be made through a form on the Maine Teacher of the Year Website through 5:00 pm on January 31, 2021. 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).

Requirements:

Hold the appropriate professional certification for their teaching position;
Be a certified, in good standing, PK-12 teacher in a state-accredited public school, including a career and technical education and adult education center, a public charter school, or a publicly supported secondary school (a private school that enrolls 60 percent or more publicly funded students, sometimes referred to as “town academies”);
Be actively teaching students at least fifty percent of the workday at the time of nomination and during their year of recognition.
Maintain their teaching position and remain in the county for which they are selected throughout the year of recognition.
Have a minimum of five years of teaching – three of which are in Maine.

“I can’t begin to tell you what an incredible journey this has been for me. More than once I’ve said, ‘Every educator should have this experience.’ Everyone knows an outstanding teacher. Nominate them and change their lives,” said Sharon Gallant, teacher at Gardiner Area High School and 2023 Kennebec County Teacher of the Year.

“Being nominated for Lincoln County Teacher of the Year began a journey that changed my life and celebrated my school and my district. There are so many astoundingly wonderful teachers in Maine. Nominate one and start the journey afresh,” said Edith Berger, a teacher at Miller School in RSU 40/MSAD 40 and 2023 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year.

“This process has been one of the most unimaginable ones I’ve ever had the opportunity to be a part of. I’m endlessly thankful to be a part of this outstanding family since May 10th, 2023. These people are extraordinary in every way possible. I’m sure you know a wonderful educator–nominate them today! Help recognize the stellar work happening in Maine classrooms,” said Miranda Engstrom, a teacher at Lamoine Consolidated School and 2023 Hancock County Teacher of the Year.

“This experience has completely changed the way I think about myself as a teacher. It forced me to step out of my comfort zone, helped me find my voice, and introduced me to some of the most amazing educators and friends that I have ever met. I’m so excited to meet, support, and learn from the 2024 cohort of Maine County Teachers of the Year,” said Lacey Todd, a teacher at Mountain Valley Middle School and 2023 Oxford County Teacher of the Year.

“Life changing. Seriously life changing. Nominate an amazing teacher today,” said Joshua Chard, a teacher at East End Community School in Portland and Maine’s 2024 Teacher of the Year.

Beyond serving as advocates for education, Maine’s County and State Teachers serve as advisors to the Maine DOE and state-level education stakeholders across Maine. Additionally, County and State Teachers of the Year join a cohort of teacher leaders who actively work together for the betterment of education in Maine. They also receive ongoing professional learning and participate in many state and county leadership opportunities.

The 2024 County Teachers of the Year will be announced in May. The 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year will be selected from the 16 county honorees. Through a selection process designed by educators, the field will be narrowed to semi-finalists and then 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.

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 educational 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 and County Teacher of the Year Association.

“Educate Maine is proud to administer the Maine Teacher of the Year program in partnership with the Maine Department of Education,” said Dr. Jason Judd, Educate Maine Executive Director. “Our County and State Teachers of the Year represent the outstanding work taking place in classrooms across our state. This program is dedicated to celebrating educators, enhancing their recognition, cultivating a network of teacher leaders, and amplifying their voices to strengthen the teaching profession in Maine.”

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. Help us promote the Teacher of the Year Program by using the promotional materials on our website!