Category: Instruction

Maine DOE Seeking Educators to Pilot MOOSE Modules and Wabanaki Studies Educator Guides

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is currently seeking educators to pilot Maine’s Online Open-Source Education (MOOSE) modules, as well as new Wabanaki Studies Educator Guides, with their classrooms this spring.

The MOOSE platform provides free, interdisciplinary, project-based learning materials, created by Maine teachers for Maine pre-K—12 students. Feedback from educators on these modules and their usability is vitally important, as the Maine DOE  continuously works to improve existing modules and apply lessons learned when creating new ones. Additionally, the Maine DOE recently developed extensive Wabanaki Studies Educator Guides that are now ready to be piloted for feedback.

Educators interested in participating may apply here to use these materials in their classroom with  five or more students and provide feedback about their experience. Educators must choose a module(s)/guide(s) to pilot and justify that decision in their application. Stipends will be provided for feedback on up to two modules and/or guides ($500 per module/guide) that have been piloted, with additional funds provided for de-identified student work and/or reflections ($50 per module/guide). All required elements must be completed by June 26, 2026.

Applications for the spring 2026 session are due by Sunday, April 5, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance for the program on Monday, April 6, 2026.

For further information or with questions, please contact Maine DOE MOOSE Project Manager Jennifer Page at jennifer.page@maine.gov and/or Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies Specialist Brianne Lolar at brianne.lolar@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Launches ‘Building Strong Foundations: Early Numeracy’ Professional Learning Series with Focus on Play and Outdoor Learning

On February 27, 2026, approximately 20 educators gathered at the University of Maine at Machias for part of a new professional learning series, “Building Strong Foundations: Early Numeracy.” This initiative, presented by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, in partnership with the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA), is designed for pre-K–grade 2 educators to transform how early mathematics is taught and experienced. It aligns with Maine’s statewide Action Plan to strengthen early and foundational numeracy learning.

This series focuses on three interconnected goals: building educators’ early numeracy content knowledge, developing a practical toolkit of instructional routines and engaging math games, and designing extended numeracy opportunities that connect classrooms with families and the broader community.

At the February 27 launch of this initiative, facilitators Cheryl Tobey and Kate Greeley led with a guiding question: What if the path to long-term academic success begins not with worksheets but with the joy of discovering math in puddles, pinecones, patterns, and play? They emphasized moving beyond research into practice, centering the initiative on strengthening educators’ instructional confidence and day-to-day approaches to early math.

“Math is already everywhere in children’s lives,” Tobey and Greeley said. “The opportunity is to make it visible, joyful, and connected to their lived experiences.”


Throughout the year, educators participating in this series will focus on deepening progressions in early mathematics, strengthening effective “math talk” strategies, and exploring culturally responsive approaches to family engagement. Rather than treating math as a scripted subject, this initiative centers on helping teachers recognize and nurture the mathematical thinking already present in children’s play and daily routines.

For many participants, the purpose behind this series is deeply personal.

“My ‘why’ of being here is wanting to discover successful ways to teach math and make it more fun,” Teeya Harmon, a second-grade teacher at Jonesport Elementary School, said, echoing the initiative’s commitment to joyful, meaningful math experiences.

“Early numeracy is such a critical area in math education,” Diana Mahar, math intervention specialist at Sipayik Elementary School, said. “I am here learning ways to make it accessible to the teachers in my school.”

By strengthening educators’ content knowledge and equipping them with practical strategies, this series aims to ensure that high-quality numeracy instruction is not isolated but sustained across classrooms. Instructional coaching will support teachers in embedding mathematical inquiry into classroom routines, outdoor exploration, and seasonal investigations. Children might notice patterns in nature, measure real-world objects, compare quantities during snack time, or explore geometry through movement and play.

Linda Dunn, math specialist in Trenton, underscored the collaborative spirit of the initiative: “I am here for the team building and new strategies for math instruction.” The professional learning series encourages educators to model, test, and refine facilitation strategies together, building both confidence and collective capacity.

As part of their training throughout this series, educators will use hands-on Early Numeracy Toolkits that include laminated activity cards with step-by-step guidance for numeracy experiences, along with simple materials such as string, duct tape, and chalk to support measuring, geometry exploration, and outdoor math games. Family engagement is central to the initiative’s vision, too. “Math in Nature” family events will invite caregivers to participate in hands-on numeracy activities alongside their children, reinforcing the understanding that math learning extends beyond the classroom. Community members will also be invited to share how math plays a role in their everyday lives, helping children see numeracy as relevant and real.

“I love math!” Christie Cook, a second-grade teacher at Woodland Elementary School, said. “I want my students to love math and see themselves as math people; no more, ‘I’m not a math person,’ from my students.”

For Marni Crowley, a pre-K teacher at Jonesport Elementary School, the series represents an investment in long-term success. By strengthening early numeracy through practical instructional routines, deeper content knowledge, and meaningful community connections, the initiative aims to support improved outcomes in later years.

“Our school has struggled with math scores, and my hope is this will help lay a good foundation for our older grades,” Crowley said.

As the February 27 launch concluded, participating educators left with a shared commitment: to reimagine early math not as isolated lessons but as something woven into children’s curiosity, creativity, and connection to the natural world. In this vision, numeracy is not simply foundational; it is joyful, visible, and alive in the everyday experiences of Maine’s youngest learners.

For more information, please contact Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Coordinator Kathy Bertini at Kathy.Bertini@maine.gov.

Title IIA funds received from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) support the implementation of this project. The project has an award totaling $119,422.62 of which 100% is federally funded and directly attributed to project implementation. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ED or the U.S. government.

Maine Solutionaries Literacy Project Kicks Off with Engaged Educators

On February 3, 2026, the Institute for Humane Education, in partnership with the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, launched the Maine Solutionaries Literacy Engagement Project. This initiative centers on Solutionary learning, an approach that engages students in identifying real-world problems, researching root causes, considering multiple perspectives, and designing ethical, sustainable solutions, while strengthening literacy skills across disciplines.

The in-person kick-off event opened with a reflective prompt, inviting participants to name a skill, habit, or disposition they hope their students develop before leaving their classroom. This question grounded the work ahead and set a shared goal for the next two months to better equip educators to cultivate those outcomes.

This first session featured literacy-focused activities that modeled authentic reading, thinking, and collaboration. Participants rotated through stations to read and analyze texts through a Solutionary lens. A role-based reading and perspective-taking exercise then invited educators to explore the impacts of pollution from the viewpoints of both people and animals. Finally, small-group discussions supported collaborative meaning-making, as participants shared passages and built understanding through structured conversation.


Together, these experiences highlighted core literacy practices, including reading across text sets, explicit vocabulary development, active listening, annotation, and collaborative discussion. The energy in the room was palpable: Although many participants had just met, a strong sense of community quickly formed around a shared commitment to engaging students in meaningful, real-world learning.

As a follow-up to the in-person kickoff, educators from across the state gathered virtually on February 9, 2026, with noted educator and author Cris Tovani. Tovani guided participants in exploring the critical role of background knowledge in building comprehension and deepening literacy skills. Educators reflected on their experiences creating text sets and discussed the power of pairing non-fiction and fiction texts to spark engagement and understanding. This session also focused on curating accessible resources that promote universal access and support ongoing inquiry.

The Maine DOE’s Solutionary-integrated literacy work is set to continue, with additional virtual sessions scheduled later this month and into the spring. 

For further information, please contact Kathy Bertini, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Coordinator, at kathy.bertini@maine.gov.

Title 4A funds received from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) support the implementation of this project. The project has an award totaling $50,000, of which $50,000 is federally funded and directly attributed to project implementation. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ED or the U.S. government.

Blending Indigenous Knowledge and Modern Science: Maine DOE Releases “Maple Bytes” Interdisciplinary Instructional Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning has released a new, innovative interdisciplinary instructional program called “Maple Bytes,” which provides Maine educators with the opportunity to engage students in a unique, hands-on learning experience that blends computer science, Wabanaki studies, and earth sciences.

Developed by Maine DOE Computer Science Specialist Allison Braley, Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Erik Wade, and Wabanaki Studies Specialist Brianne Lolar, Maple Bytes invites students to explore the rich cultural, historical, and environmental story of maple syrup. Through this instructional program, students learn about the traditional significance of maple syrup to the Wabanaki people; examine historical methods of sap collection and processing; and apply modern computer science tools to gather and analyze Earth science data related to tree health, environmental conditions, and sap yields.

The learning experience culminates with students tapping maple trees and producing their own maple syrup, connecting classroom learning to real-world practice and deepening understanding of both Indigenous knowledge systems and scientific inquiry.

“Maple Bytes offers an exciting way to integrate cultural heritage, environmental science, and computational thinking,” Braley explained. “Students don’t just learn about these subjects; they experience them, collect real data, and see the results of their efforts in a meaningful, hands-on project.”

Maple Bytes reflects the true spirit of interdisciplinary learning in Maine, offering students an authentic, community-rooted experience that weaves together tradition, science, and technology.

Educators interested in using Maple Bytes in their classroom can access it through the Maine DOE Learning Through Technology webpage: Technology & Learning: Maple Bytes.

For more information or with questions about Maple Bytes, please contact Allison Braley at allison.braley@maine.gov.

2026 For ME Instructional Programs Overview and Summer Training Opportunities; Informational Overview Rescheduled for February 9

The informational overview of the For ME programs, initially scheduled for January 26, has been rescheduled for Monday, February 9, from 3-4:30 p.m.

Since 2018, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) has adapted and piloted the For ME Instructional Programs for early elementary grades (pre-K to grade 2), based on the Boston Public Schools’ evidence-based Focus Curricula. These open-source, developmentally appropriate instructional programs are interdisciplinary and align with Maine’s learning standards.

While Maine schools are responsible for purchasing the materials needed to support the implementation of the For ME programs, lesson plans and other instructional resources are available at no cost through the Maine DOE website. The Maine DOE also provides initial professional learning to support effective use of the programs.

Informational Overview

An informational overview of the For ME programs will be held on Monday, February 9, from 3-4:30 p.m. This session will provide an introduction to the program structure and review the materials required for implementation. It will be recorded and posted for those unable to attend live.

Educators and school leaders who are unfamiliar with the For ME programs are strongly encouraged to attend the live overview or view the recording. Please join using this Zoom link. (There is no need to register in advance.)  

Summer Training

Educators, schools, and early learning programs interested in implementing the For ME programs during the 2026-2027 school year at any grade level from pre-K through grade 2 are encouraged to participate in the initial implementation trainings offered during the summer of 2026.

These trainings are designed to deepen understanding of program design and support successful implementation. School administrators are strongly encouraged to attend alongside their pre-K, kindergarten, first- and/or second-grade teachers. Special educators, education technicians, instructional coaches, and curriculum leaders who work with pre-K through grade 2 educators are also encouraged to participate.

There is no cost to attend these summer trainings.

Training Format and Schedule

All trainings will be held in person, from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.:

  • The Pre-K for ME training is a two-day training.
  • The K for ME, 1st Grade for ME, and 2nd Grade for ME trainings are three-day trainings with one day in June and two days in July.

Participants should plan to attend all required days for their respective grade-level training.

Training Dates (Locations TBD)

  • Pre-K for ME Initial Training:

Week of July 27-31, 2026 (exact dates and location[s] TBD)

  • K for ME Initial Training:

June 24 and July 27-28, 2026

Augusta/Waterville area (exact location TBD)

  • 1st Grade for ME Initial Training

June 24 and July 29-30, 2026

Augusta/Waterville area (exact location TBD)

  • 2nd Grade for ME Initial Training

June 24 and July 29-30, 2026

Augusta/Waterville area (exact location TBD)

Registration Information

Schools interested in registering educators for these trainings should have a principal or instructional leader complete the training registration on behalf of all participants by May 11, 2026. The registration form allows schools to enroll educators in the Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and/or 2nd Grade For ME trainings. After registration closes, all participants will receive confirmation of participation, along with training locations and preparation details.

For additional information regarding:

State Activities funds received from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) support the implementation of this project. The project has an award totaling $50,000 of which 50% is federally funded and directly attributed to project implementation. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ED or the U.S. government.

Maine DOE Offers Variety of Literacy Learning Opportunities Aligned to Maine’s Statewide Action Plans

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning invites educators from across the state to engage in literacy learning opportunities that are thoughtfully aligned to Maine’s statewide Action Plans.

The quieter winter season often offers a natural moment for reflection and growth. These literacy professional learning opportunities are designed to be supportive, practical, and inspiring—an invitation for educators to use the winter months to strengthen their practice, build shared understanding, and invest in the essential work of literacy.

Together, the below offerings form a menu of literacy learning opportunities available throughout the winter and spring of 2026. Educators are encouraged to engage in the experiences that best meet their interests, roles, and local contexts, whether that means participating in a cohort, attending a single workshop, joining virtual support hours, exploring modular professional learning, or taking part in statewide literacy initiatives.

Winter/Spring 2026 Literacy Professional Learning Opportunities:

Maine Solutionaries Project Literacy Cohort

This professional learning opportunity equips middle and high school teachers with training in four high-impact, interdisciplinary literacy practices that foster lifelong literacy and support successful Solutionary Inquiry-to-Action projects. Through engagement with complex texts, text-based discussion and writing, word study, and collaborative performance tasks, this cohort strengthens students’ reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language skills across content areas.

  • Audience: Grades 4-12 educators
  • Format:
    • In-person kickoff session on January 27, 2026, from 8:30-3:30 p.m. at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell
    • Weekly virtual learning sessions on Tuesdays from 4-5:30 p.m. from February 3 through March 31 (four weeks focused on Solutionary Learning and four weeks focused on literacy integration)

Participants may earn up to 45 contact hours. Educators are encouraged to attend these sessions in pairs. Please use this link to register.

Spring Integrated Literacy Workshops

Please use this link to register for any of the following integrated literacy workshops:

Integrating Literacy with Mapmaking: Renee Keul will explore the connection between literacy and mapmaking by engaging educators in analyzing and creating maps. This workshop models how spatial reasoning, data visualization, and critical thinking support reading, writing, and communication across content areas, reinforcing literacy as a shared responsibility. This workshop strengthens foundational literacy skills such as decoding symbols, building vocabulary, sequencing ideas, and making meaning across texts through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning.

  • Audience: Pk-12 Educators
  • Date: March 6, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Location: Osher Map Library in Portland (or virtually via Zoom)
  • Contact Hours: seven hours available

Integrating Literacy with Objects and Writing: Deb Johnson and Ronni Blaisdell will share strategies for using real-world artifacts and natural materials to support foundational reading and writing skills. By modeling object-based learning grounded in authentic texts and materials, this workshop demonstrates how interdisciplinary, hands-on instruction strengthens literacy development across grade levels and content areas. This workshop builds vocabulary, comprehension, and writing stamina through close observation and inquiry.

  • Audience: pre-K-12 educators
  • Date: April 10, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Location: Maine Mineral and Gem Museum in Bethel (or virtually via Zoom)
  • Contact Hours: seven hours available    

Reaching Reluctant Readers: Cris Tovani will explore why students disengage from reading and how educators can remove barriers to learning. Grounded in research-based strategies for knowledge building and comprehension, the session equips educators with practical tools to support confident, independent readers across content areas. This workshop addresses engagement, motivation, and access as essential components of effective literacy instruction, particularly for students who are reluctant or struggling readers.

  • Audience: pre-K-12 educators
  • Date: May 15, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Location: Camp Chamberlain in Augusta (or virtually via Zoom)
  • Contact Hours: seven hours available          

Virtual Support Hours: Virtual support will be available on Thursdays following each workshop. These sessions are open to all educators, regardless of whether they attended the corresponding workshops, and are designed to support the application of learning through collaboration, reflection, and shared problem-solving.

  • Graphic Novels for Literacy (workshop already occurred)
    January 8 through February 19, 2026, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Zoom registration link
    This is an open, collaborative space to explore how graphic novels support comprehension, vocabulary development, and visual literacy across grade levels and content areas. Participants are encouraged to bring questions, classroom experiences, and ideas aligned with the statewide Action Plans’ interdisciplinary vision.   
  • Integrating Literacy with Mapmaking
    February 26 through April 9, 2026, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Zoom registration link
    This is an informal space to explore how map analysis and creation can strengthen vocabulary, comprehension, and meaning making across content areas, reinforcing literacy as a shared responsibility. 
  • Integrating Literacy with Objects and Writing
    April 16 through May 7, 2026, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. –Zoom registration link
    This is a supportive forum to reflect on and apply hands-on strategies that build engagement, motivation, and access to literacy through object-based learning and writing.
  • Reaching Reluctant Readers
    May 14 through June 4, 2026, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Zoom registration link
    This is an open forum to extend learning from Cris Tovani’s strategies for engagement and comprehension. Educators can share challenges and explore ways to remove barriers to reading and support confident, independent literacy development.

Additional Literacy Learning Opportunities

  • Literacy Modules for Professional Learning: School administrative units (SAUs) may purchase licenses for AIM Steps to Literacy modules or Keys to Literacy modules at reduced costs and then seek reimbursement once educators have successfully completed the modules. Find additional details here.
  • For ME Instructional Programs: An informational session will be held on January 26, 2026, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. for schools interested in adopting the For ME Instructional Programs (Pre-K for ME, K for ME, 1st Grade for ME, and/or 2nd Grade for ME). These programs are grounded in evidence-based literacy practices, are interdisciplinary and play-based, and are aligned with Maine’s learning standards. Additional details and the Zoom link will be shared in January 2026.
  • Read to ME Challenge 2026: Get ready for this year’s Read to ME Challenge, running throughout the month of February! Details will be shared in January 2026. 

For more information about these professional learning opportunities, please contact Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Team Coordinator Kathy Bertini at Kathy.Bertini@maine.gov.

Titles II-A and IV-A funds received from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) support the implementation of these projects. These projects have an award totaling $99,569.00 of which 38% is federally funded and directly attributed to project implementation. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ED or the U.S. government.

Maine DOE Offers Variety of Numeracy Learning Opportunities Aligned to Maine’s Statewide Action Plans

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning invites educators from across the state to engage in numeracy learning opportunities that are thoughtfully aligned to Maine’s statewide Action Plans.

The quieter winter season often offers a natural moment for reflection and growth. These numeracy professional learning opportunities are designed to be supportive, practical, and inspiring—an invitation for educators to use the winter months to strengthen their practice, build shared understanding, and invest in the essential work of numeracy.

Together, the below offerings form a menu of numeracy learning opportunities available throughout the winter and spring of 2026. Educators are encouraged to engage in the experiences that best meet their interests, roles, and local contexts, whether that means joining a professional learning community, participating in a book-based conversation series, applying as a school or school administrative unit (SAU) team, or engaging in interdisciplinary and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)-focused learning.

Winter/Spring 2026 Numeracy Professional Learning Opportunities:

Maine’s Statewide Mathematics Specialist Professional Learning Community

The Numeracy and Leadership Initiative, hosted by the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Maine (ATOMIM), in collaboration with the Maine DOE, University of Southern Maine, and University of Maine at Farmington, offers multiple opportunities for educators to build capacity in both numeracy and leadership. One of these is Maine’s Statewide Mathematics Specialist Professional Learning Community (PLC).

  • Audience: Math coaches, lead teachers, interventionists, and department chairs
  • Dates: Participants may choose to attend all sessions or select those that best meet their needs. The Mathematics Specialist PLC will meet on the following dates:
    • January 28, 2026, from 3:30-4:45 p.m. (virtually via Zoom)
    • February 25, 2026, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (virtually via Zoom)
    • March 23, 2026, from 1-5 p.m. (in-person at the University of Maine at Augusta—limited to 50 participants)
    • April 30, 2026, from 2-5 p.m. (in-person at the University of Southern Maine in Lewiston/Auburn)
    • May 21, 2026, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (virtually via Zoom)

Please use this link to register.

Math Trauma to Math Triumph: Math Therapy Conversations and Supports

Educators are invited to participate in informal, supportive conversations centered on Math Therapy by Vanessa Vakharia. Participants will discuss the book and explore the implementation of the 5 “Ms” (Mythbust, Moderate, Motivate, Makeover, and Measure) in their classrooms. This series continues learning from the December 5, 2025, in-person event with Vakharia.

  • Audience: pre-K-12 educators
  • Dates: Participants may choose to attend one or multiple sessions. One-hour virtual meetings will take place on the following Wednesdays:
    • January 14, 21, and 28, 2026
    • February 4, 11, and 25, 2026
  • Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

To participate fully in this opportunity, educators should have attended the in-person workshop and have read—or be in the process of reading— Math Therapy. Please use this link to register.

2026 ATOMIM Spring Conference – Developing Mathematical Reasoning for ALL: Ensuring Everyone Is Counted In!

Join math educators for a full day of learning at the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Maine (ATOMIM) Spring Conference. The conference will feature keynote speaker Vanessa Vakharia, “The Math Guru,” and a range of engaging sessions aligned to the strands of mathematical reasoning, math leadership, and differentiation, equity, and inclusion.

  • Audience: pre-K-12 educators
  • Date: March 24, 2026
  • Location: Augusta Civic Center (in-person)

Contact hours will be made available to attendees. Please use this link to register.

Unlocking Numeracy

School and SAU teams serving grades 3-5 are invited to apply for a series of five virtual workshops hosted by Dan Finkel, founder of Math for Love, in collaboration with the Maine DOE. This opportunity supports schoolwide efforts to unlock students’ numeracy potential.

  • Audience: Partner pairs or numeracy teams consisting of the principal, two math teachers, and one or two community numeracy/math liaisons.  A community liaison is someone from the school community—such as a teacher, staff member, or PTA/PTO member—who helps connect numeracy learning at school with numeracy in the home and the wider community.
  • Dates:
    • February 3, 2026, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Foundation of Numeracy
    • March 3, 2026, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Classroom Openers for Numeracy
    • April 7, 2026, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Building Numeracy with Games
    • May 5, 2026, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Communicating Numeracy to Families and Teachers
    • May 26, 2026, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Rich Tasks and Purposeful Fluency

Each team will receive a numeracy toolkit, exemplar lessons, and supplies to support a family math night. Participants may earn up to 15 contact hours.

Please use this link to register. Applications are due January 30, 2026.

Deepening Early Numeracy Through Rich Math Talk, Purposeful Games, and Outdoor Place-Based Learning

Teams of pre-K-2 educators will participate in a comprehensive early numeracy initiative hosted by the Maine Math and Science Alliance (MMSA) in collaboration with the Maine DOE. This initiative integrates research-based professional learning, instructional coaching, play- and nature-based approaches, and family engagement to support joyful, meaningful, and developmentally responsive mathematics learning.

  • Audience: pre-K-2 educators
  • Dates: In-person workshops will be taking place on the following dates. (Cohorts are determined by closest location.)
    • Cohort 1 – Portland area: February 9, March 9, and April 6, 2026
    • Cohort 2 – Bangor area: February 6, March 2, and April 3, 2026
    • Cohort 3 – Machias area: February 27, March 27, and April 13, 2026

Virtual coaching sessions will be available to support implementation. Participants may earn 20 contact hours, as well as a $250 honorarium.

Pairs of educators from the same school must apply together through a single joint application, which is due January 16, 2026. Please use this link to register.

STEAM PowerED Maine Professional Learning Cohort

Maine educators are invited to join a four-month STEAM professional learning cohort designed to support interdisciplinary teaching and learning across content areas. In partnership with Creative Generation and the Maine DOE, this cohort will focus on creativity, numeracy, instructional design, technology, and student-centered learning.

  • Audience: pre-K-12 educators
  • Format:
    • In-person kickoff on February 2, 2026, in Augusta
    • Virtual workshops to follow (in February, March, April, and May) 
    • Asynchronous learning in EnGiNE, the Maine DOE’s learning management system

Participants may earn 26 contact hours or a $500 stipend. Mileage reimbursement is available to all participants, and lodging is available upon request for anyone traveling more than 50 miles from Augusta. 

Please use this link to register. Registration closes on January 26, 2026.

For more information about any of these professional learning opportunities, please contact Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Team Coordinator Kathy Bertini at Kathy.Bertini@maine.gov.

Titles II-A and IV-A funds received from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) support the implementation of these projects. These projects have an award totaling $213,8333.62 of which 77% is federally funded and directly attributed to project implementation. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ED or the U.S. government.

Maine DOE to Host Fourth Annual Computer Science Education Showcase During Education Symposium in December

Join educators and students from across Maine for an afternoon of computer science fun at the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) fourth annual Computer Science Education Showcase on December 12 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. This event is hosted by the Maine DOE, in partnership with Educate Maine, as part of the 2025 Educate Maine Annual Education Symposium.

The 2025 Computer Science Education Showcase will celebrate the educators, students, community organizations, and partners who are expanding access to and participation in computer science across the state.

Whether you’re new to computer science, curious about how it’s taught, or looking to connect with others who share your interest in technology learning—this event is for you! Experience hands-on demonstrations, student projects, and inspiring stories from classrooms and communities around Maine.

Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
Time: 2-4:30 p.m.
Location: Cross Insurance Center (515 Main Street, Bangor, ME 04401)
Registration: This event is free! Click here to register for the 2025 Computer Science Education Showcase.

For a preview of what to expect, check out this article about the second annual Computer Science Education Showcase, which featured students and educators from 40 school administrative units (SAUs) who presented a variety of computer science education projects, including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), 3D design, coding, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), data science, cybersecurity, and more.

For more information, please contact Maine DOE Computer Science Specialist Allison Braley at allison.braley@maine.gov.

Professional Learning Workshop: Integrating Literacy through Graphic Novels with Marek Bennett

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning is excited to kick off the return of the Integrating Literacy series with a full-day deep dive into graphic novels as powerful tools for literacy growth.

From fantasy and humor to history and science, graphic novels are among students’ favorite reads. They’re more than entertainment, though; research shows that the format can strengthen vocabulary, comprehension, and visual literacy.

Join educator and graphic novel author Marek Bennett for an inspiring, hands-on workshop. We’ll explore exemplary texts, unpack the science behind their impact on readers, and create our own graphics.

Educators will leave with:

  • A clear understanding of the research supporting graphic novels for literacy development across grade levels and disciplines.
  • Practical ideas to build a schoolwide culture of reading through graphic storytelling.
  • Concrete strategies to engage students in creating and publishing their own work.

When: Friday, November 21, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: The Steel House in Rockland (639 Main Street, Rockland, ME 04841)

This free workshop is happening in-person and will be streamed via Zoom for those unable to travel. Bring a lunch or order locally—there are plenty of spots to picnic and connect with fellow educators!

Space is limited! Register today.

This event marks the first in a four-part literacy workshop series offered by the Maine DOE. Other workshops in the Integrating Literacy series include:

  • “Mapmaking: Coding and Decoding” with Osher Map Library on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Portland
  • “Objects (Rocks, Minerals and Gems – Oh My!) and Writing Process” with the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum and Ronni Blaisdell on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Bethel
  • “Engaging Reluctant Readers” with Cris Tovani on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Augusta

To register for any of these workshops, use this registration form.

With questions, please contact Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Heather Martin at Heather.Martin@maine.gov.

Asynchronous Professional Learning Opportunity: Exploring the Question Formulation Technique (QFT)

Starting October 21, 2025, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning invites educators to explore the Question Formulation Technique (QFT), developed by the Right Question Institute.

In education, answers matter, but the ability to ask the right questions builds critical thinking and fosters deep learning. The QFT is a practical and structured method for generating, refining, and using questions to drive learning.

This free professional learning opportunity will be available through EnGiNE, the Maine DOE’s online learning platform. Participants will progress through two online modules per week for approximately four weeks, engaging with readings, asynchronous videos, and discussion prompts. The experience concludes with the design of a lesson using the QFT.

Educators who wish to delve further into the QFT can join an optional virtual learning community, with support available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. These sessions provide opportunities to practice the QFT collaboratively, share ideas, and apply it in authentic contexts.

Please complete this form to register for the QFT EnGiNE course. Registration will close on October 20, 2025. Following registration, an email with instructions on how to set up an EnGiNE account will be sent to the email address submitted in the registration.

Together, we will connect the QFT with object-based learning and deep conceptual thinking, equipping educators with powerful strategies to spark curiosity and inquiry in their classrooms. Course participants can earn up to 12 contact hours.

For more information, please contact Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Heather Martin at Heather.Martin@maine.gov.