Category: Employment

We’re Hiring! AmeriCorps Program Manager with the Maine Department of Education 

AmeriCorps Program Manager with the Maine Department of Education 

$24.77-$36.89 hourly range 

Are you seeking an opportunity to utilize your education and leadership experience to support future educators and students simultaneously?  This opportunity to join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) will allow you to expand your impact in education through management with two different cohorts of AmeriCorps members focused on supporting Child Development Services (CDS) preschool classrooms (CDS AmeriCorps) and incoming high school students in two rural schools (Maine AmeriCorps Mentors for Success).   

Child Development Services, a quasi-state agency providing special education services to eligible children from birth to 5 years old, has partnered with First4 AmeriCorps to make this opportunity possible through a program that includes receiving valuable early education training and supports, gaining vital hours of experience and mentoring in CDS preschool programs available throughout the state, and working with students with disabilities.  In another program focusing on older students, the Maine DOE Office of School and Student Supports has partnered with two rural high schools in York County to provide AmeriCorps members to support incoming high school students.   

Your management and leadership of Maine DOE and CDS AmeriCorps programming will ensure students statewide experience improved outcomes in the areas of school readiness and success and provide a cohort of future Maine educators with the training and experiences needed to successfully launch their careers in education.  

To apply for this exciting opportunity to positively impact students and prepare future Maine educators, please send your cover letter and resume to Danielle McKay at danielle.mckay@maine.gov by Friday, July 14. 

Maine DOE AmeriCorps Program Manager Position 

The primary focus of this position is assisting in planning, research, development, and coordination of a CDS AmeriCorps initiative for special education services provided in preschool settings and a Maine AmeriCorps Mentors for Success (MAMS) pilot in two rural high schools in York County.  The program manager supports the development of CDS AmeriCorps and Maine AmeriCorps Mentors for Success through the coordination of community partnerships, providing targeted professional development and coaching for Americorps members, partnering with technical assistance providers, and supporting alternative pathways to becoming certified to teach or provide services in early childhood and secondary settings. More specifically, the program manager promotes the development and implementation of policies and procedures to improve outcomes for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and to improve mental health for students with limited access to enrichment opportunities due to socioeconomics, geography, etc.  

Types of decisions THE POSITION has authority to make: 

Makes decisions in collaboration with the Maine DOE and CDS regarding how best to support the tasks associated with the detailed timeline for the coordination of CDS AmeriCorps volunteers and Maine AmeriCorps Mentors for Success. 

Makes decisions in collaboration with the Maine DOE and CDS regarding managing, training, and supporting personnel, timelines, professional development, and data to support two AmeriCorps grants. 

Make decisions in collaboration with the Maine DOE and CDS including development and coordination of long-term initiatives and programs, including securing stakeholder involvement and training for the coordination of CDS AmeriCorps and Maine AmeriCorps Mentors for Success programming. 

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

  • Knowledge of management practices, organizational change technologies, and human resources management. 
  • Knowledge of project management principles and applications.  
  • Knowledge of staffing requirements and training development principles, practices, and techniques.  
  • Ability to plan, assign, and collaborate on managing the work of professional and technical staff members.  
  • Ability to plan, direct, and manage moderately complex tasks for the timeline and implementation plan proposed by CDS and Maine DOE.  
  • Ability to understand complex issues and negotiate amicable resolutions within a group setting.  
  • Ability to anticipate and analyze problems, reach logical conclusions, and make sound decisions.  
  • Ability to understand current policies and evaluate changing environments in order to recommend or implement changes or additions to policies.  
  • Ability to manage multiple complex, diverse, and concurrent activities.  
  • Ability to coordinate community partnerships.  
  • Ability to plan and assign the work of overseeing AmeriCorps volunteers.  
  • Ability to communicate effectively and write clearly and effectively.   
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.  
  • Ability to use information management tools, systems, and applications. 

POSITION responsibilities: 

  1. Assists the Maine DOE’s Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education and Office of School and Student Supports teams by presenting work issues that impact program management in order to provide input for decision making. 
  2. Plans, organizes, and directs a team of AmeriCorps members for a variety of projects in order to accomplish the purpose of the proposed CDS AmeriCorps and Maine AmeriCorps Mentors for Success initiatives. 
  3. Leads and oversees the program team through a process to include progress monitoring on the recruitment and retainment of the AmeriCorps volunteers. 
  4. Analyzes, prioritizes, and identifies issues in order to support effective collaboration. 
  5. Develops, coordinates, and implements high quality professional development to AmeriCorps volunteers. 
  6. Maintains and collects data, accurate schedules, budget, and additional information in order to ensure timely access and reporting for the Department on the progress of the initiatives. 
  7. Manage, supervise, evaluate, and support AmeriCorps members serving statewide to provide high quality programming in schools
  8. Facilitates communication with teams in order to discuss on-going project issues and facilitate collaboration.
  9. Conducts analyses and recommends alternative approaches to senior leadership in order to inform decision making. 
  10. Support both initiatives to ensure proper execution of the initiatives and adherence to federal guidelines. 
  11. Serve as a liaison between the Maine DOE certification team and AmeriCorps members to support AmeriCorps members in applying for Ed Tech I, II, and III endorsements. 
  12. Manage workflow to ensure timely completion of tasks in order to meet required timelines as well as Departmental needs. 
  13. Provide timely response to all constituent inquiries in area of responsibility in order to provide high level of customer service and transparency.
  14. Compile highlights and stories of the AmeriCorps programming to promote through DOE communications channels.
  15. Complete other duties/projects as assigned in order to meet Maine DOE’s OSSIE and OSSS.

 

 

Seeking School Leadership Coaches for 2023-2024 School Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is looking for experienced school leaders to join the ESEA Federal Programs Team as a part-time contracted School Leadership Coach for the 2023-2024 school year. A School Leadership Coach serves as a thought partner to school leadership teams, is a broker of information and resources, builds capacity with school leaders and school leadership teams, and supports school leaders and school leadership teams on their continuous school improvement journey.

What is a School Leadership Coach?

A School Leadership Coach Supports principals and School Leadership Teams in establishing and reinforcing evidence-based processes that will improve teaching and learning in schools and/or across districts. A highly effective School Leadership Coach meets principals where they are through personalized and individualized support. An effective leadership coach also works toward a Problem of Instructional Practice through guidance and conversations during Leadership Team meetings. Helping schools identify strengths and leveraging those to address the growth areas needing improvement. Effective leadership is central to sustainable school and district improvement. Engaging educational leaders – both individually and as members of School Leadership Teams – in the design and implementation of effective change processes is aimed at strengthening the culture and capacity of schools to improve student outcomes.

Manie DOE School Leadership Coaching Requirements

Candidates for the position of Maine DOE School Leadership Coach are required to have a Master’s Degree in Education and experience in school improvement reform and demonstrated experience in data-driven processes and interventions that were significant contributions to a current or past position. Knowledge of state and federal accountability standards, experience in state and local assessment systems, and strong planning and facilitation skills are helpful. Effective written and oral communication skills and a commitment to utilizing our communication and storage platform tools are required. School Leadership Coaches use the following core tenants to guide their work:

Creating Community

  • Develop positive, trusting relationships
  • Model effective interpersonal communication
  • Identify underlying beliefs and assumptions
  • Work collaboratively rather than being viewed as an “expert”
  • Foster a professional learning community

Bringing Focus

  • Promote the development and use of several goals focused on student achievement
  • Focus the efforts of all members of the school community on goals
  • Align programs and practices to identified goals
  • Be familiar with CNA/SAU Consolidated Plan and school-level CNA (if applicable), for the purposes of alignment, consistency, and fidelity

Leading Change

  • Understand the theory and practice of organizational and individual change
  • Assess the extent to which the school culture supports planned changes and know how to improve school culture as necessary

Developing Accountability

  • Encourage skillful use of data to inform decision-making
  • Share best practices in student assessment
  • Provide support in the use of data to improve instructional effectiveness
  • Promote a culture of distributed accountability

Building Capacity

  • Encourage the development of leadership team staff
  • Encourage reflective practice within the leadership team
  • Assess organizational structures
  • Develop the capacity of the leadership team to align and balance curricula

Growing Professionally

  • Keep current on educational literature
  • Continue collaboration to learn from and with peers in similar roles

If you are interested in applying to become a School Leadership Coach, please contact Cheryl Lang, ESEA Federal Programs Director at Cheryl.Lang@maine.gov or 207-441-8059

Public Pre-K Expansion Distinguished Educator Opportunity

As part of Maine’s Jobs and Recovery Plan (MJRP), the Maine Department of Education (DOE) was awarded $10 million in American Rescue Plan funding to support the expansion of public pre-k opportunities in Maine.  To assist with the provision of technical assistance and professional learning for the new and expanding pre-k programs being funding through this opportunity, the Maine DOE is seeking a Distinguished Educator to be part of its Early Learning Team.  Under the Distinguished Educator program, the Maine DOE contracts with a public school system or community agency to borrow an educator for a designated period, in this case the 2023-24 school year.  Following service in the program, the Distinguished Educator returns to their sending school system/community agency.

Maine educators who meet the qualifications described below are strongly encouraged to consider applying for this opportunity. Distinguished educators share their expertise with the Maine DOE and other Maine educators while also growing as professionals through a range of new and exciting experiences. The application period for this position will remain open until April 25, 2023.  Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to Lee Anne Larsen, Director of Early Learning (leeann.larsen@maine.gov).  Candidates selected for interviews will be notified by May 5, 2023.

Questions may be directed to Leeann.Larsen@maine.gov.

Maine Department of Education Distinguished Educator Public Pre-K Expansion Technical Assistance Provider

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Public Pre-K Technical Assistance Provider engages in professional work related to planning and providing technical assistance and professional learning for public preschool programs, including programs in partnership with Head Start and private providers.  The position conducts technical assistance visits, including observations of classrooms, and reviews data to help support program improvement.  The position is part of the Early Learning Team within the Maine Department of Education’s Office of Innovation.  The position coordinates regularly with the DOE’s Early Childhood Specialist and Public Pre-K Consultant.  Statewide travel is required.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS of this position include but are not limited to:

  • Delivering appropriate technical assistance and professional learning to enhance program implementation — may specifically address evidence-based early childhood curriculum, learner-centered instruction, differential learning, assessment, developmental education and/or experiential learning, developing and implementing MOUs with community providers, etc.
  • Providing interpretation and explanations of statutory provisions to local school authorities, CDS contracted providers, and the public.
  • Supporting SAU compliance with the Chapter 124 Public Preschool Program Standards and providing technical assistance related to program improvement.
  • Analyzing data contained in SAU annual reports of pre-k programming.
  • Other duties applicable to support of public pre-k expansion efforts, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED to successfully perform the work assigned:

  • Experience with the early childhood general education and special education communities in Maine and with public school education in Maine.
  • Knowledge of current learning research and exemplary early childhood educational instructional strategies in all early learning domains.
  • Knowledge of current and emerging state and federal legislation, rules and regulations impacting early childhood education, including Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) childcare licensing and Child Development Services (CDS).
  • Knowledge of exemplary evidence-based early childhood curriculum, learner-centered instruction, differential learning, assessment, developmental education, and experiential learning, and understanding of the relationships among these areas.
  • Knowledge of and experience with Maine’s College and career Ready Learning Results and Maine’s Early Learning and Development Standards.
  • Knowledge and experience with developing and implementing public pre-k programs in partnership with community providers (e.g. Head Start, Child Care, etc.).
  • Knowledge of community involvement issues in education policy decisions and operations.
  • Ability to interpret and explain statutory provisions to local school authorities, community providers, and the public.
  • Ability to effectively provide information, technical assistance, professional development and program development support and expertise.
  • Ability to use technology-based communications (i.e., Internet, Web) and e-mail systems and both laptop and desktop computer systems, word processing and data applications.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Ability to effectively facilitate meetings, organize and manage multiple projects.
  • Ability to apply and facilitate group dynamics and to use exemplary interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively, develop positive working relationships, and involve stakeholders at the local and state level.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  A Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and two (2) years of professional level experience in public pre-k programming is required.  A Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and five years of early childhood teaching and/or administrative experience is preferred. CLASS Observer certification at the pre-k level is also preferred.

Seeking Five Distinguished Educators for MLTI Ambassador Positions

Are you passionate about professional growth and technology? Do you want to make a difference in Maine schools? Do you want to join a team of likeminded educators? Are you currently teaching in a Maine public school? This might be the opportunity you’ve been looking for!

The Maine Department of Education is hiring five distinguished educators, known as “MLTI Ambassadors,” to join our team in supporting MLTI professional learning. These are full-time, two-year, contracted, remote positions. The MLTI Ambassador team comprises of both second-year and first-year distinguished educators. They work both collaboratively and individually to provide professional learning offerings and work with MLTI schools and educators to implement the MLTI program.

Ideal candidates will be excited about instructional coaching and innovative technology practices in education, eager to work with other teachers, have outstanding communication skills, and experience with upper elementary, middle, and/or high school pedagogy.

Distinguished educator positions are set up as an exchange agreement between the Department of Education and your local school district. Through the agreement, the Department pays your local school for the duration of your contract as a distinguished educator, allowing your school to temporarily fill your vacant position and continue to pay you your current rate while you work as a distinguished educator. Once the two-year contract is complete, you will be able to return to your position within that district.

Still have questions? Contact either our Digital Learning Specialist Jonathan Graham at jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov or (Acting) Learning Through Technology Team Coordinator Emma-Marie Banks at emma-marie.banks@maine.gov.

Seeking Experienced Project Manager for the Maine Learning Technology Initiative

The Learning Through Technology Team, in the Office of Innovation, is looking for an experienced Project Manager for the Maine Learning Technology Initiative.

Overview:

The MLTI Project Manager: provides leadership and guidance to the MLTI program team, partners, and vendors; effectively manages program resources and/or vendors in coordination of competing priorities to ensure the needs of MLTI schools are met and align with program and Department of Education priorities; executes project management deliverables within program budget, deadlines and; coordinates implementation and execution of the MLTI program working with program team, partners, and vendors.

Scope:

  • Manages two project support staff.
  • Manages mid-size projects or very large projects with limited supervision
  • Utilizes Microsoft project management tools to plan, organize, and coordinate management of the overall program and projects with high visibility.
  • Oversees planning and provides guidance on the MLTI program and other project annual budgets.
  • Prepares reports and presentations to summarize the status of projects and program deliverables
  • Plans and facilitates program and project meetings with the MLTI program team, partners, and vendors.
  • Analyzes program evaluation and implementation against State of Maine Statute
  • Incorporates evaluation findings and changes into future program and project planning
  • Coaches program and project team to ensure activities are undertaken and completed
  • Assists employees in compliance with all human resources policies, procedures & guidelines of conduct
  • Provides leadership and guidance to MLTI program team, program partners, and vendors in support of program deliverables and priorities
  • Ensures compliance to policies and procedures throughout the MLTI program and projects.
  • Manages all marketing for MLTI program including overseeing website and working directly with Department communications team on social media and newsroom releases.
  • Manages all communications to key stakeholders and ensures program team are aware of significant changes to project status in a timely manner
  • Provides guidance through the creation and implementation of MLTI program procedures and process. Ensures the MLTI program team have a clear understanding of program process and procedure.
  • Provides guidance to the MLTI program team on state procurement rules and regulations as it pertains to implementation of program and projects.
  • Provides overall guidance, and reporting of all MLTI program and project activities to the LTT Coordinator.

Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree. *Business Administration, or Business Management preferred.
  • 3-5 Years of project management experience. *PMP-Project Management Certification preferred.
  • 1-3 years personnel management experience.
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills with ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.
  • Demonstrated ability to build strong collaborative business and technology relationships
  • Proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities, making sound business decisions
  • Self-driven and have excellent problem-solving skills
  • Detail oriented and have well-developed organizational skills
  • Individual must have exceptional interpersonal skills, ability to maintain confidentiality, flexible and possess a high degree of initiative and motivation
  • Proven record of providing excellent internal and external Customer service

Salary:

$110,000 annually. This is a contracted position and will not include state benefits.

Application:

Interested and qualified candidates should apply here. Applications close on midnight on Sunday, February 26th.

Please contact Beth Lambert, Director of Innovative Teaching and Learning, at beth.lambert@maine.gov with questions.