Category: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Language, Learning, and Leadership in Maine: Supporting Multilingual Learners with Disabilities through University and State Collaboration

Pictured: From left to right: Associate Professor of Special Education Dr. Sarah Howorth, Assistant Professor of Special Education Dr. Melissa Cuba, Director of Maine DOE Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education Erin Frazier, and Maine DOE State ESOL Specialist Jane Armstrong presenting at the National Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

In a powerful display of statewide collaboration, representatives from the University of Maine (UMaine) and the Maine Department of Education (DOE) joined forces in March to present at the 2025 National Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Conference. The session, Supporting Multilingual Learners with Disabilities through University and State Collaboration,spotlighted Maine’s groundbreaking efforts to support multilingual learners (MLs) with disabilities, showcasing the newly-updated Identifying and Serving Students Who Are Multilingual Learners with Disabilities: Policy and Resource Guide, alongside innovative university programming that prepares educators to support MLs with disabilities.

The presentation was led by Dr. Melissa Cuba, UMaine Assistant Professor of Special Education, and supported by Dr. Sarah Howorth, UMaine Associate Professor of Special Education, in partnership with Maine DOE Director of the Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education Erin Frazier and the English for Speakers of Other Languages State Specialist, Jane Armstrong.

Together, the group highlighted the unique context of the state, tracing the evolution of collaborative efforts, and showcased key contributions to address the dual needs of language acquisition and disability support, including UMaine’s Graduate Certificate in Multilingual Special Education, Maine Access to Inclusive Education Resources (MAIER), and the comprehensive policy and resource guide for educators on identifying and serving MLs with disabilities.  

UMaine’s Multilingual Special Education program is uniquely designed to prepare educators to effectively support MLs with disabilities through a blend of linguistic, cultural, and special education expertise. What sets this 15-credit online graduate program apart is its interdisciplinary curriculum, which includes courses that target language development, such as:

  • ERL 531: Linguistic Diversity, Multilingualism, and the Classroom
  • ELL 570: Methods of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
  • ELL: 572: Second Language Acquisition

 It also offers specialized training through:

  • SED 502: Strategies for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students with Disabilities
  • SED 545: Intervention for Reading Difficulties

If working with children birth to five, SED 545 is combined with SED 529: Developmentally Appropriate Reading Instruction for Diverse Young Learners. Together, these courses provide a rich foundation in language development, culturally-responsive pedagogy, and targeted academic interventions, empowering educators to create inclusive and effective learning environments for diverse student populations.

The collaboration with the presentation and the co-construction of this iterative guidebook reflects Maine’s growing commitment to inclusive and equitable education, with a focus on multilingualism, disability inclusion, and culturally-responsive practices. The collaboration also underscores the valuable role of higher education institutions like UMaine in supporting these efforts, through research, educator preparation, and training informed by real classroom experiences.

The Maine guidebook serves as a vital resource for school administrative units (SAUs), offering practical tools, guidance, and examples to ensure that linguistic diversity and disability are not barriers to learning but rather opportunities to build inclusive, responsive educational environments.

“This work is a reflection of Maine’s commitment to inclusive education that sees and supports the whole child,” Frazier said. “By bridging the expertise of higher education and state systems, we are empowering educators to confidently identify, support, and celebrate multilingual students with disabilities.”

This work aligns with and strengthens Multi-Tiered Systems of Support by ensuring that academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports are responsive to the diverse identities and experiences of all students.

As part of the Maine DOE’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education, Teacher Leader Fellow Melissa Frans, has played a vital role in co-facilitating a dynamic six-part professional learning series, designed to support educators working with MLs with disabilities. Through her leadership, Frans has further illuminated the critical intersection between language acquisition and disability services, emphasizing the importance of collaborative practices with linguistically-responsive IEP development. You can see the recordings of this webinar series on the Maine DOE Multilingual Learners with Disabilities webpage.

As Maine experiences growing linguistic and cultural diversity in its schools, this guidebook, along with the collaboration behind it, provides a model of proactive, inclusive, and research-informed practices that other states may consider replicating. Additionally, the Maine DOE Event Calendar has an array of opportunities available to support educators in fostering inclusive and effective learning environments.

For further information or questions about multilingual programming, please contact Maine DOE State ESOL Specialist Jane Armstrong at Jane.Armstrong@maine.gov. For further information or questions about the guidebook, please contact the Maine DOE Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education Director Erin Frazier at Erin.Frazier@maine.gov.

Continuing Webinar Series on Expanding Multilingual and Multicultural Opportunities in School

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to continue the Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series with its second session, Incorporating Indigenous and Critical Needs Languages into the Curriculum, on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. via Zoom.

This professional learning opportunity highlights the transformative potential of multilingual and multicultural education in Maine schools. General education teachers, administrators, and district leaders are strongly encouraged to attend and explore strategies to leverage the international partnerships established through the Maine DOE’s Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).

Why Attend?
Participants will:

  • Learn actionable strategies for integrating Indigenous languages, like Wabanaki, and critical-need global languages, such as Mandarin and Portuguese, into classrooms.
  • Explore partnership-driven resources, such as teacher exchange programs and virtual collaborations that enrich language learning.
  • Discover how to align language instruction with workforce development goals, preparing students for global careers.

Special Highlights
This session will feature insights from:

  • Bri Lolar, Maine DOE State Wabanaki Studies Specialist
  • Cynthia Huang, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office

Both experts will share real-world examples and practical applications for embedding critical languages into diverse classrooms.

Please use this link to register.

This series aims to demonstrate how Maine schools can utilize the unique opportunities afforded by the Maine DOE’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) partnership agreements with countries like Spain, China, Taiwan, Portugal, Germany, and France. Don’t miss this chance to explore the benefits of global engagement for your students and educators! Let’s work together to empower Maine students with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in an interconnected world.

For more information, please contact Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships, at ayesha.hall@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Announces Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is thrilled to announce the Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series, a comprehensive professional learning opportunity designed to equip educators, administrators, and school administrative unit (SAU) leaders with strategies and resources to celebrate multiculturalism and expand multilingual pathways.

This series is part of the Maine DOE’s broader commitment to recognizing language and culture as essential assets in education. Attendees will learn practical steps to integrate world language instruction, embrace Indigenous and critical languages, and leverage international partnerships to create dynamic, globally-connected classrooms.

What to Expect

This five-part virtual series will equip participants with strategies to recognize language and culture as assets, build robust multilingual programs, and leverage global partnerships to enhance learning opportunities for Maine students.

Who Should Attend

This webinar series is open to:

  • Superintendents, principals, and SAU leaders seeking to enhance student outcomes through multilingual pathways.
  • Seal of Biliteracy coordinators, bilingual/multilingual directors and coordinators, bilingual/multilingual educators, and world language educators eager to access resources and international connections to strengthen their programs.
  • Educators and community partners committed to equity, cultural awareness, and global learning opportunities.

Why Multilingualism Matters

Multilingualism is more than an educational goal; it is a key driver of student success in a global economy. Students who master multiple languages develop critical thinking skills, cultural competence, and career readiness for a world that values communication and collaboration. By investing in language programs, Maine schools can position themselves as leaders in equity and global engagement.

When and How to Participate

The Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series will be held virtually, making it accessible to participants statewide. The first session is scheduled for Monday, January 6. You may register using this link.

The full schedule for this series is as follows:

  • January 6, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
  • February 3, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
  • March 3, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
  • April 7, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
  • May 5, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

Take the Next Step Toward Global Leadership

The Maine DOE invites you to participate in this innovative series and join the movement to celebrate multilingualism and multiculturalism in Maine schools. For more information, please contact Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships, at ayesha.hall@maine.gov.

Supporting Black, Indigenous, and Educators of Color: The Maine DOE BIPOC Educators Network

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to promote the BIPOC Educators Network, an independent network the Maine DOE has established, dedicated to empowering and supporting Black, Indigenous, and other educators of color across the state. This network complements the work of The Third Place, which actively fosters inclusive spaces for connection and professional development through efforts like SHIFT Maine by Maine Initiatives.

On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the BIPOC Educators Network is holding its next meeting virtually. This will provide another vital opportunity for BIPOC educators to connect, share experiences, and access tailored resources that promote professional growth and community building. This network plays an instrumental role in building a diverse and resilient workforce of educators committed to enhancing equity and excellence in Maine schools.

Educators who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, or people of color are encouraged to get involved by completing the BIPOC educator information form with their career details, expectations, and interests. Please use this link to join the BIPOC Educators Network event on December 10.

This collaboration highlights the Maine Department of Education’s commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment for educators of all backgrounds. It celebrates and elevates the unique contributions of Black, Indigenous, and other educators of color, while reinforcing the Maine DOE’s dedication to educational equity and excellence. By supporting educators who reflect the diverse identities and experiences of their students, this initiative advances the Maine DOE’s mission to ensure equitable opportunities for all Maine learners.

Please contact Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships, at ayesha.hall@maine.gov for more information.

Deering High School Hosts French, Gabonese, and Central African Ambassadors in Celebration of Global Education and Cultural Exchange

On Oct. 25, 2024, Deering High School in Portland welcomed a distinguished delegation of international leaders, including Laurent Bili, French Ambassador to the United States; Noël Nelson Messone, Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic to the United States; and Martial Ndoubou, Ambassador of the Central African Republic to the United States. This event was made possible through a partnership with the French Institute for Culture and Education, whose Education and Cultural Project Manager, Marceau Crespo de Nogueira, invited schools in Maine to participate in this unique cultural exchange.

Organized in collaboration with the DeFranco Heritage Center and supported by the Maine Department of Education (DOE), this gathering brought together students, educators, and dignitaries to celebrate the rich heritage and connections within the Francophone community. This event highlighted the value of educational partnerships in fostering multicultural understanding and global citizenship.

Melanie Junkins, Multilingual and Bilingual Education Specialist at the Maine DOE, addressed the assembly, emphasizing the role of language learning in connecting cultures and communities.

“Language learning opens doors to connection and cultural exchange, and French holds a special place—both globally and here in Maine—bridging communities and fostering collaboration across continents,” Junkins said.

Junkins also highlighted Maine’s Seal of Biliteracy, which honors students who are proficient in two or more languages and represents the State’s dedication to multilingual education.

At the event, students and educators presented on French heritage initiatives and discussed the rising popularity of French language programs in Maine, which have seen substantial enrollment growth over the past decade. The ambassadors engaged with students through a Q&A session and shared insights into the roles of cultural ties in international relations.

Left to Right: Jane Armstrong, Maine DOE State ESOL Specialist; Martial Nboubou, Ambassador of the Central African Republic to the United States; Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships; Page Nichols, Maine DOE Chief of the Office of Innnovation Melanie Junkins, Maine DOE Multilingual and Bilingual Education Specialist; Noel Nelson Messone, Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic to the United States; and Charles Mugabe, Director of Refugee Services, Catholic Charities of Maine
Deering High School students speaking with Mr. Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States
Left to right: Melanie Junkins, Maine DOE Multilingual and Bilingual Education Specialist; Jane Armstrong, Maine DOE State ESOL Specialist; Mr. Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States; Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships; and Page Nichols, Maine DOE Chief of the Office of Innovation

As Maine continues to embrace multiculturalism, events like this serve as powerful reminders of the importance of language and cultural education in preparing students to be globally-engaged citizens.

For more information, please reach out to Maine DOE Multilingual and Bilingual State Specialist Melanie Junkins at Melanie.Junkins@maine.gov.

 

Maine Department of Education Provides Free Professional Learning Opportunities Through the Pine Project

The Pine Project. This first-in-the-nation Maine DOE initiative aims to foster inclusive school environments by helping readers to explore themes of immigration, diversity, and belonging.

In September, every school administrative unit (SAU) in Maine received a Welcoming Library: Pine Collection, made up of 30 picture books that reflect the diverse experiences of immigrant families and their children. Embedded in these books are social-emotional learning (SEL) discussion questions that educators can refer to when facilitating impactful classroom conversations. Alongside the library, The Pine Project also offers a professional learning series, which features self-guided training for educators on how to use these books to teach critical skills like self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building, and responsible decision-making.

The Pine Project professional learning modules follow the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework. Educators are encouraged to engage with the modules sequentially, taking time for reflection, deeper thinking, and personal engagement before advancing to the next module. The training focuses on key themes like identity, agency, belonging, collaborative problem-solving, and curiosity, featuring insights from leading Maine educators, as well as immigrant and first-generation authors.

You can access The Pine Project’s free professional learning modules here.

Melanie Junkins, Multilingual and Bilingual Education Specialist with the Maine DOE, and Kirsten Cappy of I’m Your Neighbor Books are leading The Pine Project. Content creators include lead educator Michelle Amato, consulting educator Melissa Guerrette, and project assistants Ange Ishimwe and Dhananji Rathnayake. Other team members are Michelle Amato, Aris Ayala Cruz, Dezh Azaad, Abusana Micky Bondo, Xavier Botana, Kirsten Cappy, Leonarda Carranza, Louise El Yaafouri, Melissa Guerrette, Ange Ishimwe, Terry Catasús Jennings, Francie Latour, Anne Sibley O’Brien, Muon Thi Van, Andrea Wang, and M.O. Yuksel.

The Pine Project represents a significant advancement in promoting equity and understanding in Maine schools. Educators are encouraged to fully utilize these resources, revisiting unfamiliar topics as needed and exploring the concepts further using the available online tools.

The Pine Project is part of Maine’s Whole Student Pandemic response and was developed through Federal Emergency Relief Funding. Visit the Maine DOE website to learn more.

 

 

Training Opportunity: Moving the Needle on Inclusivity in Teaching and Learning

This event is open to all school personnel. 

The Maine Department of Education (Maine DOE) is hosting a training opportunity focused on learning around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), and the impact that increasing understanding of DEIJ can have on teaching practices, instructional strategies, classroom management in every discipline area, as well as school climate. 

Think about the following: 

  • Have you looked at your curriculum and teaching practices with a lens of inclusion? 
  • Are your materials representative of all students and their families? 
  • Are your practices and use of language inclusive of all students and families? 
  • Is there any evidence of diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice? 

If you answered not sure or no to any of the questions, this training is a great place to start. The 2-day interactive training will include an exploration of foundational concepts in DEIJ and what it looks like in curriculum, instructional strategies, classroom management practices, and school climate. Following the 2-day training, there will be virtual Community of Practice sessions offered during the school year to reflect on DEIJ implementation in the classroom and school community. Trainers and Maine DOE specialists will also be available for technical assistance during this time. 

Dr. Sarah Benes (she, her, hers) is the consultant for this initiative. Sarah is an assistant professor at Southern Connecticut State University in health education and physical education. In addition, she is the co-owner of Lighthouse Wellness & Health Education Consulting, and the current Past-President of SHAPE America. The training is being delivered and facilitated by health education and physical education teacher leaders and Maine DOE specialists. 

Event Details:  

  • Burton Cross Building, Augusta 
  • Wednesday, September 25th, and Thursday, September 26th  
  • 8:00 am – 3:00 pm each day 
  • The fee for this training is only $50 (the fee assists with the cost of food). The Maine DOE covers all other expenses. 

Register here. 

Financial Assistance: There are five-$150 scholarships available to help with substitute pay, mileage, and lodging to support attendance.  The form to apply for a scholarship is here. 

Email susan.berry@maine.gov or carolyn.gross@maine.gov with questions and/or before registering if using a PO for payment. 

Eliot Elementary School Civil Rights Team Takes the Great Kindness Challenge

The Civil Rights Team at Eliot Elementary School has been working hard to make their school a better place to be. The Civil Rights Team is made up of 21 grade three students who engage their school community to think and talk about race and skin color, national origin and ancestry, religion, disabilities, gender, and orientation (in an age-appropriate manner).

“Our team works to make our school a safe and accepting place for all of our students,” said Civil Rights Team Advisor Marissa Armitage. The Civil Rights Team Project is a statewide initiative coordinated by the State of Maine Office of the Attorney General.

Grade 3 students have been spreading the message of acceptance and standing up for what’s right. They’ve been thinking about important issues, hosting important conversations, and changing the climate of the school to be more inclusive.

To combat bias-based harassment, the Civil Rights Team recently hosted an assembly for the Great Kindness Challenge, a weeklong national campaign in January where students in schools across the U.S. are challenged to complete as many acts of kindness as possible using a customizable checklist. Armitage says the Civil Rights Team was outstanding at modeling citizenship during their week of kindness this year.

“The Great Kindness Challenge is just one example of [the Civil Rights Team] initiative,” said Armitage. “I’m really proud of the way our students have shown up as leaders. They set the tone for the rest of the school,” she added.

Armitage tells us that the Civil Rights Team has many more plans for schoolwide initiatives throughout the year.

Find more information about The Great Kindness Challenge here.

This story was a collaboration with Eliot Elementary School. To submit a story from your school, fill out our good news submission form.

Scarborough HS Learning Commons Gives Students the Power to Reframe Discussion on Social Awareness and Society

(Pictured: Scarborough High School Students pose with Maine Department of Education Director of Strategic Partnerships Ayesha Hall.)

Scarborough High School’s school library, the Learning Commons is celebrating current fiction to encourage curiosity, discover ideas and perspectives, and inform self-understanding and awareness of the world we live in. It was part of this learning journey that students recently engaged in a book event that helped empower them to reframe the way we think about the society we live in.

Two years ago, School Librarian Deirdre Dupree had the idea of creating book events to encourage, support, and celebrate reading. In the first year implementing the book events Dupree, along with Library Ed Techs Mackenzie Crouse and Jeff Ertman began by using, among other standards, the CASEL framework beginning with self. They held four events throughout the year using memoirs, set the book event “curriculum” with an essential question, and solicited staff from different departments to help them facilitate and deliver their curriculum.

Held during one of the school’s four blocks in the school day, students participate through two pathways, either teachers can sign up to bring their class to the event or students who have a scheduled study hall during the block the book event is taking place can sign up to attend individually.

This year the team moved on to social awareness and society and have been working with folks who have expertise on these two social issues. Recently they called on Maine Department of Education Director of Strategic Partnerships Ayesha Hall, a school psychologist and former SEL & Equity Resource Coordinator for Lewiston Public Schools to help them host their most recent event.

With 70 students and staff present, the group embarked on a guided discussion of the young adult book, “The Unkindness of Ghosts” by Rivers Solomon.

As part of this discussion, students were asked the question: Is it important for societies to be fair?

As the conversation began, Hall explained what happened next, “Students were like ‘What kind of question is this? The only people who would answer no to this question are the individuals who benefit from the unfairness in the first place.’,” remarked Hall. “I was blown away…”

Getting curious, Hall asked the students to pose a more appropriate question to which the students worked together to come up with the following: How do we break down/analyze systems to ensure they are equitable?

The discussion helped the students reframe the question in a way that digs deeper into the question of equity in society but also helps work toward a solution.

“Engaging with literature allows readers to empathize with the experiences of characters in humanizing ways. This allows for reflection and understanding while honoring each individual’s journey as we move in the world,” Dupree concluded.

“It was an honor to host the conversation with them!” Hall added.

Dupree says the Scarborough Learning Commons’ next event is tentatively scheduled for the end of March.

College and Career Success Coordinator Alice Shea Recognized for Her Work and Advocacy on Behalf of Asylum Seekers in Maine

(Pictured [left] Addie Laroche who nominated Alice for the award and [right] Alice Shea, Maine College and Career Success Coordinator)

Alice Shea, College and Career Success Coordinator for Adult Education Hub 8 and Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) was recognized with a 2023 Alumni Award from Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. Alice received the 2023 Lucy Wheelock Award in recognition of her work and advocacy on behalf of asylum seekers in Maine. Alice’s work to promote access to education and high-quality employment will have an impact on the New Mainer population her students, their families, and Maine’s workforce for generations to come.

College and Career Success Coordinators are part of the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan (MJRP) which has committed $6 million dollars to address the workforce development needs of those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Maine’s Department of Education, Adult Education team is using these funds to help eligible adults and employment sectors recover from the stresses of the pandemic through a variety of academic and job training supports.

Addie Laroche, the Director of Maine Partnerships, nominated Alice Shea. Addie previously held the position of the Director of Career and Transfer Services at SMCC. Laroche introduced Shea at the award ceremony and spoke about why they had chosen Alice as the recipient of this year’s award.  She shared the following:

“The Lucy Wheelock Award recognizes someone who has shown incredible dedication to their community, advocating for social justice and systemic change. When Alice Shea began her work at Maine’s largest community college, she quickly understood that there was a community that was facing significant challenges in terms of access to educational resources, housing, food security, and many other necessities that so many people take for granted. The state’s New Mainer population, those who have been forced out of their home countries and are seeking asylum in Maine, quickly identified Alice as a key resource on campus.

She has been instrumental in developing remedial preparation classes for students entering high-demand fields, securing access to English Language Acquisition support, education, technology, and extending the resources in our campus’s food bank. Not only has she served this community with a passion, but she’s ignited that passion within her colleagues. Alice had shared with the college’s executive team that she had helped secure housing for a student, but the student didn’t have a single piece of furniture. That Friday afternoon, the college’s highest level of staff banded together to tap into their networks, ensuring that the student had furniture to call their own that weekend. The President of the College showed up with a truck on Saturday morning to deliver it himself.

The work that Alice does with the New Mainer and greater SMCC and Portland community, as well as the drive that she shares with the rest of the community, cannot go unnoticed. Creating systemic change for new Mainers is not only instrumental in helping to improve the opportunity and security for themselves and their families, but is a key factor to sustaining the workforce in fields like healthcare and technology across the entire state. Behind all of that is Alice’s support, advisement, and passionate advocacy.”

In Shea’s acceptance speech, she thanked the Mills administration for Maine’s free college initiative and Maine Jobs Recovery Plan for funding positions and projects that support marginalized people in Maine’s communities.

Since the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan took effect in October 2021, the Mills Administration has delivered direct economic relief to nearly 1,000 Maine small businesses, supported more than 100 infrastructure projects around the state to create jobs and revitalize communities, and invested in workforce programs estimated to offer apprenticeship, career and education advancement, and job training opportunities to 22,000 Maine people.

For more about Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, visit maine.gov/jobsplan.

To read the bios of Maine’s College and Career Success Coordinators, and learn more about the programs, click here. 

For more information about the awards and past recipients, click here.