Maine Youth Thriving is hosting a series of free, virtual (via Zoom) and in-person professional development sessions throughout the next several months in partnership with the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services.
These sessions will focus on:
Ways in which adverse and positive childhood experiences impact children’s development,
Ideas for supporting a stronger focus on positive experiences and for building resilience for young children, and
Strategies for how educators can address compassion fatigue and build their own resilience.
Maine Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a partnership between the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the University of Maine System. Maine PBIS offers a three-year intensive training and coaching model to support districts and schools in implementing Tier 1 PBIS with fidelity. Maine PBIS is accepting applications for a new PBIS Cohort Training. Applications are due by Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
PBIS is “an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health that creates safe, positive, equitable schools, where every student can feel valued, connected to the school community, and supported by caring adults.” (Center on PBIS, 2025).
What is PBIS Cohort Training?
Cohort Training: Involves a group of schools or districts working together through a structured training and coaching process.
Focus: To implement PBIS effectively and sustainably, highlighting:
Data-driven decision-making, using data to monitor implementation and guide interventions.
Systems and practices, establishing clear expectations, consistent procedures, and effective interventions.
Training and coaching, providing ongoing support and professional development to school staff.
Fidelity, ensuring that PBIS is implemented as intended.
Benefits:
Key Features of PBIS Cohort Training
Multi-year approach: Often spans several years to allow for sustained implementation and support.
Team-based: School teams participate in the training and coaching process.
Tiered approach: PBIS is a tiered framework, with Tier 1 being universal supports for all students; Tier 2 being for students at risk; and Tier 3 being for students with intensive needs.
Data-driven: PBIS relies on data to monitor implementation and make decisions.
Focus on prevention: PBIS emphasizes preventing problems before they occur.
Emphasis on positive behaviors: PBIS focuses on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors.
Collaboration: PBIS training often involves collaboration among schools, districts, and regional or state-level organizations.
You can learn more about Maine PBIS and the training model by exploring the following resources:
With the help of federal grant funds and some crafty educators and students in RSU 19, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is proud to present the Maine DOE Mobile Learning Van, designed to bring new and innovative peer-to-peer learning opportunities to schools and their communities across the state.
The vision for this van came out of the Rethinking Responsive Education Ventures (RREV) initiative, funded by the Education Stabilization Fund through the U.S. Department of Education’s Rethink K-12 Education Models grant. The grant’s purpose was to bolster Maine educators’ innovative efforts to support their students with agile, effective, and resilient learning experiences that improve learning outcomes for all students.
With large-scale, ongoing professional learning an important component of the RREV grant, the Maine DOE introduced the idea of using a mobile unit, rather than hosting conferences and events. This unit would travel throughout the state, supporting schools and educators—especially those that experience travel and financial barriers, which can prevent access to high-quality professional learning. Additionally, this field-based, peer-to-peer learning would create opportunities for educators statewide to connect with one another.
Initially, that mobile unit—a van—arrived as an empty Ford Transit van that didn’t look much like a mobile learning office. In the true spirit of innovation—and a strong belief in public education—the Maine DOE partnered with RSU 19 to tackle the challenge of turning this vision into a reality.
RSU 19’s Director of Technology Integration Kern Kelley headed that project alongside the Maine DOE’s Office of Innovation. Kelley is an award-winning educator, passionate about authentic learning and student-led projects. He has a reputation for preparing his students for a strong post-graduation future by providing them with opportunities in school to learn about 3-D design, computer programming, robotics, and other advanced technological skills.
Kelley got to work on this van with his Nokomis High School students, who were divided into two teams. One group of student builders worked on the van’s interior build-out, installing equipment like laptops, iPads, and Chromebooks (in line with the Maine Learning Technology Initiative), as well as cameras, microphones, an audio/video mixing device, a drone, a satellite link, two monitors for presentation in or behind the van, an internal interviewing station, a ramp for accessibility, and a tent and bag chairs for small outdoor presentation possibilities.
A second group of students—a documentary team—captured the van’s transformation through a website, YouTube videos, and interviews.
Using their creativity, inventive thinking, and construction skills, these students created the final product—the Maine DOE Mobile Learning Van, affectionately known as the “Marty Mobile”, named after the original RREV Director who died suddenly in April of 2022.
Once the van was nearly complete in the spring of 2024, the Maine DOE’s RREV team traveled to 25 of the participating RREV schools to celebrate the learning that had been made possible because of RREV award funding and the educators committed to making those innovative opportunities a reality. Video footage and audio interviews from those trips are posted on the RREV webpage.
After the spring RREV tours, the RREV team returned the van to RSU 19 for a final transformation over the summer. By the start of the 2024-2025 school year, most of the finishing touches—including equipment and technology—were in place.
Since then, the Maine DOE has conducted some test outings with the van during a few RREV Learning Tours (in MSAD 28, St. George Municipal School Unit, Wayfinder Schools, MSAD 59, and the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences), as well as a SLAM (Student Leadership Ambassadors of Maine) showcase in MSAD 60.
On March 12, 2025, the van visited the Maine School Safety and Transportation Conference at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. At the event, Kelley and his students accompanied members of the Maine DOE’s Office of Innovation to showcase how the van could be used to conduct interviews and capture footage from the field.
Keep an eye out for upcoming Maine DOE Mobile Learning Van stops, scheduled at locations across the state! Up next: In Aroostook County, the van will stop at Limestone Community School for a Learning Tour. Then, it will be at Fort Kent Middle School for the SLAM Showcase.
You can stay up to date on future professional learning and collaboration opportunities by checking out the Maine DOE Newsroom and Event Calendar.
In April, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is hosting McKinney-Vento Spring 2025 Regional Meetings to provide updates on federal, state, and local policies and discuss resources available to students and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
During these meetings, participants will learn about strategies for increasing local capacity to support McKinney-Vento-eligible students. Participants will have an opportunity to brainstorm solution-oriented approaches for affected youth in their schools and communities—and to network with colleagues from other schools and organizations.
The scheduled meetings are as follows:
Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties Wings for Children and Families, 900 Hammond St. #915, Bangor Thursday, April 3 8:05-10:30 a.m.
Washington and Hancock Counties Maine DHHS Regional Office, 38 Prescott Dr., Machias Thursday, April 3 1-3:30 p.m.
Aroostook County Maine Department of Labor, 66 Spruce St., Presque Isle Friday, April 4 9-11:30 a.m.
Mid-Coast, Kennebec, and Somerset Counties Burton M. Cross Office Building Room 103 A and B, 111 Sewall St., Augusta Tuesday, April 8 9-11:30 a.m.
Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties Edward Little High School, 77 Harris Street, Auburn Tuesday, April 15 9-11:30 a.m.
York and Cumberland Counties People’s Choice Credit Union, 23 Industrial Park Rd., Saco Tuesday, April 15 9:30 -noon
Registration for the McKinney-Vento Spring 2025 Regional Meetings is required. Participation is free. This event is appropriate for school staff or community-based organizations that support families and students experiencing housing instability. It is intended to be a space for connection and collaboration.
If you have questions, please contact Susan Lieberman, consulting McKinney-Vento Liaison Support Specialist, at susan.lieberman88@gmail.com or Signe Lynch, Maine DOE McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Specialist, at signe.lynch@maine.gov.
Pre-registration is open for the For ME Instructional Programming summer trainings.
Schools interested in registering educators should have a principal or instructional leader complete the form to indicate interest in summer trainings by May 16, 2025. In mid-May, schools that have expressed interest will be contacted to confirm participation and provide attendee details. Additional information on training locations and preparation requirements will be shared then.
Since 2018, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) has adapted and piloted open-source For ME Instructional Programming for early elementary grades, based on Boston Public Schools’ evidence-based Focus Curricula. These programs are developmentally appropriate, interdisciplinary focused, and aligned with Maine’s learning standards.
2nd Grade for ME is being piloted in Maine classrooms currently and will be available for the 2025-2026 school year.
While Maine schools are responsible for purchasing instructional materials, lesson plans and supporting documents are freely available on the Maine DOE’s website. Additionally, the Maine DOE provides initial training to support successful implementation.
Informational Overview
An informational overview of the programs was held via Zoom on January 23, 2025. The session covered program structures and materials needed for implementation. Educators unfamiliar with these programs are strongly encouraged to view the recording here.
Summer Training
Educators, schools, and programs implementing For ME programs in the 2025-2026 school year (pre-K to grade 2) are invited to in-person trainings to build program understanding and implementation success.
Who Should Attend:
School administrators (strongly encouraged)
Teachers of pre-K, kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade
Special educators, education technicians, and instructional coaches/curriculum leaders working with pre-K to grade 2 teachers
Training Details:
Time: Approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day
Cost: Free
Schedule:
Pre-K for ME Initial Training: July 28 and 29 at Hampden Academy; July 30 and 31 in Falmouth on Mackworth Island
K for ME Initial Training: July 28 and 29 in the Augusta/Waterville area (exact location TBD)
1st Grade for ME Initial Training: July 30 and 31 in the Augusta/Waterville area (exact location TBD)
2nd Grade for ME Initial Training: July 30 and 31 in the Augusta/Waterville area (exact location TBD)
Refresher Training for Pre-K Teachers: One-day refresher trainings will be offered in mid-August (between August 11 and 22) for teachers who have previously completed the initial Pre-K for ME training.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is offering a free professional learning opportunity for educators interested in becoming trained facilitators of professional learning communities (PLC), focused on emergent literacy for children ages 3-6.
The Professional Learning Community (PLC): Emergent Literacy modules support preschool and kindergarten teachers in implementing evidence-based language and literacy strategies. Designed to foster collaboration, these modules guide early childhood educators through discussion, hands-on activities, and reflective practice with peer and facilitator support.
The PLC includes four modules: Print Knowledge, Phonological Awareness, Vocabulary, and Oral Language. Each module consists of three sessions (12 total sessions), with flexible scheduling options. Facilitators will receive comprehensive materials, including a participant guide, a facilitator guide, a PowerPoint presentation, and videos. While groups of six to 12 teachers are recommended, larger groups may be accommodated, if engagement is maintained.
The ideal facilitator will be an educator with a strong understanding of emergent literacy, effective communication skills, and the ability to relate well to adult learners. Experience with group facilitation will be useful for the success of the facilitator.
Facilitators will participate in a day-long training session on May 14 in Augusta (travel costs covered) and a virtual training in early June. Between May and November of 2025, they will be expected to facilitate at least two PLC modules with at least six Maine educators in their regional area. They will be compensated $500 for each module that they facilitate between May and November of 2025. If facilitators want to seek compensation for facilitating more than two modules, they will need to seek prior approval.
This professional learning opportunity is sponsored by Maine’s Preschool Development Grant (PDG), B-5, a collaboration between the Maine Departments of Education and Health and Human Services.
To apply, please complete this application. The deadline to apply has been extended to April 7, 2025.
For additional information, please contact Renee Reilly, Maine DOE PDG Manager, at Renee.A.Reilly@maine.gov.
The Maine Council for English Language Arts (MCELA) is hosting its annual MCELA Conference on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland from 8 a.m. to 4 pm. Registration is open now, and spots are filling fast!
This year’s conference, themed Cultivating Possibilities in Ecosystems of Learning, features an inspiring keynote by Kate Roberts, more than 40 engaging workshop sessions, and a vibrant exhibit hall with 15 vendors offering valuable resources for educators.
During the 2024-2025 school year, more than 30 Maine kindergarten teachers participated in the first phase of the Kindergarten Entry Inventory (KEI) project, funded through Maine’s Preschool Development Grant and designed to help teachers gather valuable insights into children’s development across multiple domains. Since then, these teachers have tested various KEI instruments in their classrooms, using information collected to better support individual learning needs.
Now, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is preparing for the launch of the next phase of KEI during the 2025-2026 school year. The expansion of this project will pilot KEI instruments in approximately 100 kindergarten classrooms throughout the state. Ultimately, aggregated KEI data will help to strengthen Maine’s early care and education system by identifying trends in growth and areas of continuous improvement.
The Maine DOE is inviting kindergarten teachers to participate in this exciting initiative by applying for a Kindergarten Entry Implementation Specialist position! Kindergarten Entry Implementation Specialists will pilot a KEI tool in their kindergarten classroom during the fall of 2025. Selected participants will receive a stipend for their work. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, participating in training in the KEI tool administration protocol, piloting KEI with students, offering timely feedback, and attending periodic in-person and virtual meetings.
Your expertise and perspective are needed. All interested kindergarten teachers are welcome to complete this application. Applications are being accepted through May 9.
If you have questions or need additional information about the KEI project, please contact Karen Mathieu, Maine DOE Kindergarten Entry Inventory Specialist, at karen.mathieu@maine.gov.
Math4ME is a free, three-year, whole-school project, designed to support all educators (i.e., classroom teachers, special educators, ed techs, and interventionists) to strengthen math proficiency for all learners with a specific focus on increased math proficiency for students with math individualized education plan (IEP) goals.
Administered by the Maine Department of Education (DOE), this project focuses on building positive math school communities and classrooms, mathematical content, and pedagogical skills; and supporting inclusionary practices, increased family engagement, and formative assessment, including the Early Mathematics Diagnostic Interview (EMDI).
For more details about the Math4ME project, check out this informational video.
For questions or more information, please contact Maine DOE Math4ME Distinguished Educator Susan Hogan at susan.hogan@maine.gov or Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Jen Robitaille at jennifer.r.robitaille@maine.gov.
On February 18 and 19, Chef Patrick Garmon from the Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition and Chef Ryan Roderick from RSU 14 joined the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Child Nutrition Team to provide in-depth training to school nutrition staff in Maine.
Over these two days of training in Augusta, 35 participants divided their time between hands-on training in the Maine DOE culinary classroom and traditional classroom learning.
In the culinary classroom, participants focused on vegetable preparation methods, proper food handling, food safety, and efficient use of equipment. Time in the classroom was spent learning about organizational techniques to maximize efforts, as well as better ways to market food to students by optimizing their serving lines and making foods served look more appealing.
The event was a wonderful opportunity for the Maine DOE to collaborate with the Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition and local school administrative units (SAUs) to provide cutting-edge and practical training for Maine school nutrition staff. The Maine DOE Child Nutrition Team hopes to provide similar opportunities in the future.
To learn more about the resources and training opportunities provided by the Maine DOE Child Nutrition Team, please visit the team’s webpage or contact the team.
Maine DOE Newsroom 