Maine Solutionaries Project Fall Cohorts

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction Team is partnering with the Institute for Human Education to continue the Maine Solutionaries Project through the fall to educators interested in supporting students in applying their learning. This exciting project will provide an opportunity for educators in Maine to take a custom version of the Solutionary Micro-credential Program and participate in state-wide educator cohorts that focus on individual topics of interest. Not only will educators be able to participate at no cost, but they will also be eligible to earn a $1400.00 stipend upon completion of the program.

To participate in the first cohort, educators must attend a one-day in-person workshop at the Brunswick Hotel on Thursday, September 19th, followed by four one-hour group Zoom meetings plus a 1:1 Zoom meeting with the cohort facilitator or coach between Zoom meetings 3 and 4. In between the Zoom meetings, participating teachers will complete and submit work on the Learning Board. We understand that travel can be a concern, so we want to assure you that all travel expenses (mileage, lodging the night before if 2+ hours away, breakfast/lunch) are covered — those who complete the micro-credential by November 18th are eligible to earn a $1400.00 stipend.

To participate in the second cohort, educators must attend four in-person workshops in Brunswick Hotel on Thursday & Friday, October 24 & 25, and Thursday & Friday, Nov 7 & 8. There will be no Zoom meetings; all work will be done in person. Travel expenses are covered (mileage, lodging if 1+ hours away for 4 nights, and breakfast/lunch for both sessions). Participants must attend all four days — those who complete the micro-credential by November 18th get a $1400.00 stipend.

We understand how challenging it can be for educators to take time away from their classrooms to attend a four-day institute. However, this unique opportunity will equip you with a comprehensive plan to implement Maine Solutionaries within your classroom, enhancing both your teaching practices and your students’ learning experiences.

Spots are filling quickly, so visit the Maine Solutionaries Project website to learn more about this collaboration, view an informational webinar, or register for the project.

For more information, please get in touch with Kathy Bertini at Kathy.bertini@maine.gov or Erik Wade at erik.wade@maine.gov

Maine Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Conference Registration Now Open!

Join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education for the 14th Annual Maine PBIS Conference at the Augusta Civic Center on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM. The conference is a chance for Maine Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) leaders and implementers from across Maine and beyond to come together to celebrate, learn, and network together.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Ruthie Payno-Simmons, the founder of RPS Educational Impact and serves as the Associate Director at the Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center (MAP Center). She leads the coordination, design, and delivery of universal, targeted, and systemic equity-focused professional learning experiences and technical assistance to state and local agencies throughout the MAP Center’s 13-state region. Her keynote address is on, “Enhancing Positive and Supportive School Climate Through Storytelling and Rightful Presence.”

Conference Fees:

General (individual)- $195
Group (groups of 3 or more attendees)- $165
Student (full-time undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in 6 credits per semester for at minimum two semesters per year)- $85
Lead Presenter (those accepted to present; only lead presenters are at no charge; co-presenters will be charged the individual rate)- $0

For more information about the conference, to submit a proposal, sign up for a school showcase, and/or to register to attend the conference, visit the PBIS Conference Website.

Fall and Winter Professional Learning: Question Formulation Technique

The Maine Department of Education (DOE)  Interdisciplinary Instruction Team is hosting two asynchronous professional learning courses called Question, Reflect, Repeat: Introduction to the Question Formulation Technique.

The Question Formulation Technique is a powerful strategy to help students and adults ask their own questions, advocate for themselves, and participate in decision-making processes.

There will be two asynchronous sessions running from:

October 1 – November 1
January 6 – February 6

To learn more and register for this course, visit the Interdisciplinary Instruction Professional Learning page.

For questions, please contact Jaime Beal, Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist at jaime.beal@maine.gov

Maine DOE’s Annual Back to School Backpack of Resources

Happy back to school! The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has put together a virtual Back to School Backpack of resources and information to assist school and School Administrative Unit (SAU) leaders as a new school year begins. The Backpack contains resources related to school and student supports, health and safety, school nutrition, school administration and operations, teaching and learning supports, and strengthening the education workforce. You can access the DOE’s Back to School Backpack here.

You’ll find links to forms and information schools often need at the start of a new school year, resources that educators can use in the classroom, instructional supports and programs, and much more.

We wish you a wonderful back to school and a new school year filled with excitement, powerful learning, connection, and joy. Thank you for everything that you do for Maine schools and students.

Pre-K for ME, K for ME, and 1st Grade for ME Professional Learning Communities Offered

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and teacher leaders from across the state are teaming up to offer monthly professional learning communities (PLCs) for educators implementing Pre-K for ME, K for ME, and 1st Grade for ME in their classrooms.

These PLCs are provided to promote understanding of program design and to support successful program implementation. Program components will be explored in greater depth, and teachers will be encouraged to share practice and student work examples. Teachers, ed techs, instructional coaches, and any other staff implementing the programs are strongly encouraged to attend, whether you are new to using the programs or have been using them for a while.

This year’s PLC opportunities will be held virtually from 3:30 – 4:30 pm on the first Tuesday of the month:

October 1
November 5
December 3
January 7
February 4
March 4
April 1

Although it is highly encouraged, teachers and ed techs do not have to commit to attending every session. Details about how to access the sessions will be provided after registration is completed. Registrations for the PLCs should be received by September 20, 2024.

Register here for Pre-K for ME

Register here for K for ME and 1st Grade for ME

For additional information contact Nicole.Madore@maine.gov, or Marcy.R.Whitcomb@maine.gov.

Three Western Maine Administrators Share How Maine DOE Transformational Leaders’ Network Has Improved Their Leadership Practice

By Ann Dooling, Maine DOE Transformational Leaders’ Network Facilitator and Maine educator/administrator with 34 years of experience working in Maine schools.

As a principals’ facilitator for the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Transformational Leaders’ Network (TLN) in the Western Maine Region, I was recently asked why three dedicated, very busy, hard-working Western Maine principals have made it a priority to participate in the Transformational Leaders’ Network this year, as well as why they always make time to attend the small regional meetings.

The Transformational Leaders’ Network regional meetings are an offshoot of the larger Network. Three principals and I have met at a mutually determined location three times over the course of this school year.

First, let’s explain TLN. The Transformational Leaders’ Network (TLN) is a Maine DOE sponsored statewide community of principals who are engaged in learning about themselves and their leadership. The TLN meets once a month either in person, on Zoom, or in small regional meetings, and is led by a group of facilitators who are all current or former school administrators with backgrounds in Maine’s public education.

I asked Jodi Ellis, Principal of Meroby Elementary and Rumford Elementary in RSU 10; Tabitha Emery, Principal of Stratton Elementary School at Eustis School Department; and Leanne Condon Principal and Superintendent of Andover School Department what keeps them coming back month after month to the TLN meetings.

Leanne Condon

Tabitha Emery

Jodi Ellis

In their own words they shared:

The TLN offers me time to meet with other people who know what it is to be a building leader. It provides an atmosphere in which you feel much less isolated in your job as a school leader and know you have people who can empathize with you and who care about you!

The whole group TLN sessions are set up for the participants in terms of the activities, reading and discussion, along with the fact the books and articles are relevant and timely. Personally, I’ve used several of the checklists and rubrics from our books over this school year to make sure I’m on track with staff relationships and decision making. I’ve also successfully used the protocols, video clips, and articles from our TLN sessions with my staff.

The TLN facilitators are consummate teachers who know how to keep our time together focused, important and fun, which is really helpful as a new principal.

Finally, if you are looking for a supportive network of others who are facing similar struggles, this is the place for you!

I also asked these same three principals why they take the time to always attend our small regional meetings. Again, in their own words:

Honestly, self-care. The time we meet is worth its weight in gold! We talk, collaborate, share ideas, laugh, commiserate, be real, enjoy each other’s company, and feel good overall. During this time, you find yourself sitting at a table with a group of kind, compassionate educators who truly understand what you are talking about and that just feels good.

When we discuss common issues, we each have something to contribute. It is a time for deep conversations and relaxation with fellow educators who understand one another. Our TLN facilitator is as friendly and relaxed as we are, but she is always ready to ask in-depth questions to probe our thinking.

I look forward to these meetings every single time! These women have become a resource for me in my role as a school principal, they offer support, reassurance, and kudos to keep going.

We dream together about what education can be and walk out the door refreshed and ready to take on the next day.

If you are a school principal in the State of Maine, and in this role, believe you could benefit from the educational learning, self-discovery, and the comradery that the TLN offers, please consider joining the Transformational Leaders’ Network this coming 2024-25 school year!

To learn more, visit the Maine DOE Website or reach out to Christina O’Neal, Maine DOE Educator Excellence Coordinator at christina.l.oneal@maine.gov.

No Cost Educational Trip Leader Permit Training Available at Maine DOE Annual Summit

Does your school unit sponsor outdoor learning opportunities in one of the following categories?

Overnight trips away from potable water
Use of non-motorized watercraft on Maine’s waterways

Answering yes to either statement indicates that your school unit requires a school employee or approved volunteer to hold an Educational Trip Leader (ETL) permit to lead outdoor educational trips. Per the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, an educational institution conducting an outdoor educational trip that would normally require a registered Maine guide (trips overnight away from potable water and/or trips that occur on Maine’s waterways) shall provide for every 12 trip participants at least one educational trip leader who holds a valid educational trip leader permit and who is associated with the educational institution. If the person who is conducting the trip holds a valid Maine Guide’s license, then the educational trip leader permit is not required.

On August 6-8, during the 2024 Maine DOE Annual Summit, 18 educators in Maine have the opportunity to receive free Education Trip Leader (ETL) training. The course, Educational Trip Leader Permit and Wilderness First Aid (WFA), is being taught by Sarah Hubert, Registered Maine Guide, and Jeremy Hargreaves, owner of Northeast Whitewater.

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is partnering with Teens to Trails, Northeast Whitewater, and Camp Mechuwana to provide this hands-on training and certification.

Registration for the course is a 3-day commitment, as participants will be immersed in integrating the curriculum and training over the three days. Participants will need to provide their own overnight camping and personal gear and can sleep in their own tent or in a lean-to on the shores of Camp Mechuwana on the nights of Tuesday, August 6^th, and Wednesday, August 7^th.

For more information about the Educational Trip Leader Permits, please visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (ETL Permits) or call (207) 287-8000.

For questions regarding the Educational Trip Leader Permit/Wilderness First Aid course for the 2024 Educator Summit, contact Dr. Carolyn Gross (carolyn.gross@maine.gov /207-441-9043).

For general information about the 2024 Educator Summit, please visit the 2024 Maine DOE Annual Summit Event website.

In 2021, Chapter 927: Guides, Youth Camp Trip Leaders and Education Trip Leaders guidance was established by the Maine Legislature and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. An Educational Trip Leader Permit is required for schools and postsecondary institutions in the state of Maine that sponsor trips on waterways and lack of potable water. Read more about this legislation at Chapter 927: Guides, Youth Camp Trip Leaders and Educational Trip Leaders.

Summer Asynchronous Book Study Opportunities

Starting this July, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction Team will offer two asynchronous book studies.

The first book is “Dispositions” by Arthur Costa and Bena Kallick. It discusses how educators can nurture and develop positive student dispositions. It emphasizes the importance of attitudes, habits of mind, and character traits that contribute to successful learning.

The second book is “Assessing Student Learning by Design” by Jay McTighe and Steve Ferrara. This book explores the methods for aligning assessment with learning and designing assessments that provide meaningful feedback to students. It covers key concepts such as formative and summative assessments, performance tasks, and using assessment data to inform instruction.

Both asynchronous book studies include a free copy of the book, which will be mailed to you, and discussions on integrating the concepts into instruction, reflection, and collaboration through the EnGiNE learning management system. You can sign up for one or both book studies, and since they are asynchronous, you can work on them at your own pace.

Any questions about these book studies can be sent to Erik Wade at erik.wade@maine.gov.

Professional Development Conference For Rural Maine Educators

Island Readers & Writers (IRW) will host the Dear Teacher Conference in Bangor on October 10 and 11, 2024, for educators and librarians working with students in grades Pre–K through 8.

Registration is open for the Island Readers & Writers for the Dear Teacher 2024 professional development conference, which will be held at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on October 10 and 11, 2024.

This year’s keynote speaker is Anna Crowley Redding, a children’s book author and Emmy-award-winning journalist. The conference will span two full days and allow participants to register for intensive (three-hour) workshops. Workshop content focuses on three major themes: writing and narrative, arts and humanities, and rural, place-based education.

This conference is designed for educators, principals, support staff, and school librarians working with students in grades pre–K through 8 in rural Maine schools, tiny schools, geographically isolated schools, and schools with multigrade classrooms.

Last year’s debut Dear Teacher conference, held at the Collins Center for the Arts in Orono, ME, was hugely successful, with more than 100 attendees from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and New Brunswick, despite initially being displaced by the closure of the Hutchinson Center in Belfast, its original planned venue.

“The Dear Teacher conference is an opportunity to uplift and celebrate educators and librarians in rural communities. We are delighted to bring them together to listen and learn.” —Jan Coates, Island Readers & Writers Executive Director

The Dear Teacher conference is supported by the Maine Humanities Council and others.

Be a Part of Family Math Community of Practice

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking a total of 24 Elementary School educators to participate in a Family Math Community of Practice. This opportunity will provide valuable information and resources to bolster educators’ participation in the growing movement known as Family Math.

The National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement’s Center for Family Math, Erikson Institute’s Early Math Collaborative, and the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium’s Consortium for Engaging Families Across Maine are excited to partner together to offer the Family Math Community of Practice for K-5 teachers and other elementary school practitioners. The opportunity is based on the emerging movement to promote math activities within the context of family relationships and everyday life. The practices inherent in family math are designed to help children strengthen their math skills and develop a sense of confidence and enthusiasm in their math abilities. The movement empowers parents, organizations, and educators with knowledge, tools, and resources that help them feel excited about introducing and exploring mathematical concepts.

This Family Math Community of Practice is being offered at no cost to participants, has limited space, and is available for school-level educators, including K-5th grade classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, coaches, and school administrators. Learners must commit to participate in four 90-minute virtual sessions. The learning outcomes associated with this professional development opportunity include:

Gaining an understanding of Family Math – what it is, why it is important, and what it looks like;
Acquiring core competencies for engaging families in children’s math learning;
Adopting and sharing Family Math promising practices in K-5 classrooms and schools.

The Family Math Community of Practice will consist of two cohorts, and sessions will be held on the following dates in 2024 from 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm ET:

	Cohort 1	Cohort 2
Session 1	Tuesday, August 20	Thursday, August 22
Session 2	Tuesday, August 27	Thursday, August 29
Session 3	Tuesday, September 10	Thursday, September 12
Session 4	Tuesday, September 17	Thursday, September 19

Participating in a Family Math Community of Practice will qualify for 8 Contact hours through the Maine Department of Education (DOE).

Please share this registration link and encourage K-5th grade educators to register for the FMCOP by August 3, 2024. By August 10, 2024, participants will receive an email confirming whether they have been selected, along with a Zoom link and calendar invite.

Feel free to reach out with any questions to Holly Kreider, Ed.D, Director, NAFSCE Center for Family Math kreiderh@nafsce.org or Melanie Junkins, Maine DOE Family Engagement and Cultural Responsiveness Specialist (melanie.junkins@maine.gov)

This exciting opportunity is being provided at NO COST with the support of the Consortium for Engaging Families Across Maine, funded by the U.S. Department of Education.