Maine DOE Update – September 18, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Celebrating Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with Governor Janet Mills and adult education programs across Maine, is celebrating Adult Education and Family Literacy Week (AEFLA), September 13-19, 2026. | More

Maine Schools Invited to Explore an Environmental Sustainability Collaboration with French Education Partners

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Académie de Nantes in France, invites Maine schools and school administrative units (SAUs) to express interest in a new international sustainability collaboration for the 2026–2027 school year. | More

Maine Seal of Biliteracy Program Celebrates Strongest Year Yet

Maine students are earning the Seal of Biliteracy in record numbers, with an 18 percent increase in the number of students earning the distinction this year and an 11.5 percent increase in Maine high schools offering the opportunity. | More

Reminder: 2026-2027 Program Information and Application Procedures for National Board Certification Scholarship Fund and Salary Supplement

There are two National Board Certification programs governed by Maine State Statute (20-A MRSA Section 13013-A). For teachers who have not yet achieved National Board Certification, a scholarship program exists to provide funds to help defray certification costs. For teachers who have already achieved National Board Certification, there is a salary supplement program. In both cases, applications are submitted to the Maine Department of Education (DOE) by a teacher’s school administrative unit (SAU). Please see below for an overview of these two valuable programs and our streamlined application procedures. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Maine School Safety Center Announces Release of First Phase of School Bus Safety Training Modules

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), Maine School Safety Center (MSSC), is pleased to announce the release of the first phase of training modules developed for school bus drivers. The training modules are available in EnGiNE, the Maine DOE’s online professional learning platform. | More

Professional Learning and Resources to Support Improved School Attendance

The Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC), a statewide collaboration working to strengthen student engagement and attendance and to address chronic absenteeism in Maine schools, is focused on weaving together Maine Department of Education (DOE) initiatives to coordinate practical tools and opportunities for educators to learn from one another to improve student attendance | More

Registration is Open for the Maine School Safety Specialist Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Maine School Safety Center’s (MSSC) free training for the School Safety Specialist Program is open to schools and school administrative units (SAUs). The School Safety Specialist (SSS) Program helps schools and districts fulfill the requirements of Public Law 2023, chapter 254, to have a designated employee having oversight regarding school safety. | More

Maine DOE to Offer Office Hours for Home Instruction Points of Contact

The Maine Department of Education is offering quarterly Office Hours for the 2026-2027 school year to support all Home Instruction Points of Contact (PoC). | More

Building Number Sense: Early & Foundational Numeracy – A Free 3-Part Learning Series for PreK-8 Educators

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to offer a free professional learning series to support educators in helping all students develop deep number sense and flexible mathematical thinking across preK through grade 8. Participants should plan to attend all 3 sessions at their selected regional location. | More

Reminder: Registration Open for 16th Annual PBIS Conference

Maine’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (Maine PBIS) program, a collaboration between the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the University of Maine System (UMS), will host its annual conference on November 19, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – September 11, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Launching Dirigo Schools of Distinction Framework in 2026-2027 School Year

We are excited to share the Dirigo Schools of Distinction (DSD) framework as a resource for Maine schools. DSD is intended to celebrate Maine schools that are making a meaningful difference for students, staff, and communities. DSD also offers a clear, supportive roadmap for schools and school administrative units (SAUs), as they consider where to focus time, energy, and resources to strengthen student outcomes. | More

Reminder: Recognize Your Outstanding School Staff: RISE Award Now Accepting Nominations

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) invites students, friends, families, community members, educational organizations or associations, co-workers, and supervisors to nominate school employees for the RISE Award. Anyone can nominate! | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

From Trees to Table: RSU 74 Alternative Education Students Turn a Sugaring Project into a Lesson in Grit and Teamwork

For students in RSU 74’s Alternative Education program, learning this spring started in the forest and ended with maple syrup on ice cream. A month-long maple sugaring project gave students an opportunity to experience the full process of making maple syrup while building skills in observation, data collection, problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance. | More

Better Together: County Teachers of the Year Open Their Classroom Doors to Learn From One Another

In the very early morning hours of August 28, Marcy Soucy, a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at Fairmount School in Bangor and the 2026 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year, headed north. And not just north, north north, to the picturesque, close-knit community of St. Agatha, Maine, to visit fellow educator and 2026 Aroostook County Teacher of the Year Kathy Theriault, the high school math teacher at Wisdom Middle and High School, part of MSAD #33. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Registration Open for EngageMEnt 2026-2027: Cultivating Innovative Teaching and Learning

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Offices of Teaching and Learning and Innovation are pleased to announce that registration is now open for EngageMEnt 2026-2027, a statewide professional learning opportunity designed to support educators in exploring innovative, engaging, and impactful practices for teaching and learning. Offered in partnership with the University of Maine and University of Southern Maine, EngageMEnt creates opportunities for educators from across the state to learn, collaborate, reflect, and apply new ideas in their classrooms, schools, and communities. The initiative also provides opportunities for practicing educators and pre-service educators to learn alongside one another while exploring current educational priorities and practices. | More

Maine DOE to Host Virtual ‘For ME Instructional Programming’ Professional Learning Communities for Pre-K through Grade 2 During 2026-2027 School Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with teacher leaders from across the state, is once again offering professional learning communities (PLCs) for educators and caregivers implementing the For Me Instructional Programming, which include Pre-K for ME, K for ME, 1st Grade for ME, and 2nd Grade for ME. | More

Maine Educators Invited to Explore Genealogy and Local History Through New Professional Learning Cohort

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning invites educators to apply for American Ancestors: Unlocking Maine’s Story, a free professional learning cohort that begins with an in-person kickoff on October 13, 2026, at the University of Maine at Farmington from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cohort is designed to help educators use genealogy and local history to strengthen classroom learning. | More

Registration Open for 16th Annual PBIS Conference

Maine DOE Launches Free Virtual Literacy Learning Series

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Offices of Teaching and Learning and Special Services and Inclusive Education invite educators and education professionals—including teachers, administrators, literacy specialists, and educational technicians—to participate in a free virtual literacy professional learning series during the 2026–2027 school year. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – September 4, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

2027 Maine Teacher of the Year State Finalists Announced

Four Maine educators have been announced as state finalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. Abby McCoy, a Chemistry and Forensic Science Teacher at Lewiston High School; Adrianne Shetenhelm, an English and Alternative Education Teacher at Windham High School; Gretchen Livingston, a Spanish Teacher at Cony Middle and High School; and Gina Welch, a Pre-K Teacher at Crescent Park Elementary School, were selected from the 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year cohort to move forward in the Teacher of the Year process. | More

Joint Maine DOE and DHHS Guidance on IEPs and MaineCare Sections 28 and 65 Services – Repeat and Expanded Virtual Session

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), will provide an additional training on September 11, 2026, repeating and building upon the virtual training that was held on August 26, 2026. This training will cover the recently issued joint guidance related to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and updates and clarifications to MaineCare Sections 28 and 65 services, which include behavioral and developmental services. | More

Maine DOE Launches Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Literature Grant Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Literature Grant Program, a funding opportunity designed to expand and strengthen the teaching of Wabanaki Studies. School entities, including school administrative units (SAUs), private schools approved for public tuition purposes, Indian Education Schools, and Education in Unorganized Territories (EUT) schools are eligible to receive up to $500 to purchase books that support Wabanaki Studies. | More

Maine Engagement and Attendance Center Continues Bringing Statewide Partners Together to Strengthen Student Attendance

On June 17, educators from the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and partners from across Maine gathered for a meeting of the Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC), a statewide collaboration working to strengthen student engagement and attendance and to address chronic absenteeism in Maine schools. | More

National Grant Opportunity for Public School Districts

The national program Public School Districts’ Opioid Recovery Trust (PSDORT) has announced that applications are open for a grant opportunity to help public school districts in recovering from the opioid epidemic by supporting students harmed by the opioid epidemic. The funds target students who were born with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome or students who have suffered traumatic family loss and educational interruptions because of the opioid epidemic. | More

Reminder: Recognize Your Outstanding School Staff: RISE Award Now Accepting Nominations

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

FBI Boston and Maine School Safety Center to Offer Training on Bomb Threats and Swatting Hoaxes

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Boston Field Office, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Education, Maine School Safety Center, will offer a 90-minute virtual training on September 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. | More

Maine Department of Education to Offer Professional Learning Webinar Series on Multi-Tiered System of Supports

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) will offer a virtual professional learning series focused on school-level implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) beginning September 29, 2026. The series will provide school teams with opportunities to deepen their understanding, reflect on their current implementation, consider how to begin, and/or identify action steps to strengthen their system. | More

Registration Open for 16th Annual PBIS Conference

Maine DOE Launches Democracy Lab to Bring Civic Learning to Life

In recognition of Constitution Day on September 17, the Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce Democracy Lab, a new facilitator’s guide designed to support educators and students in exploring the nation’s founding ideals. This interactive resource examines principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence, including natural, unalienable rights, equity, the consent of the governed, and the belief that governmental authority rests with the people. While Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution, the Democracy Lab helps participants explore the ideas that influenced the nation’s system of government. | More

Maine Educators have FREE Access to Family Math Academy Professional Learning Series

The Center for Family Math at the National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement (NAFSCE) and the Consortium for Engaging Families Across Maine (CEFAM) are hosting a free professional learning opportunity for Maine educators to support student learning and family engagement across Maine. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – August 28, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Recognize Your Outstanding School Staff: RISE Award Now Accepting Nominations

Maine Career Pathways Pilots to Support Maine Students in Pursuing Early Childhood Education, Healthcare Occupations

Students at three school-based organizations across Maine will have new opportunities to pursue credentials in early childhood education and healthcare beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, as a result of nearly $500,000 in Maine Career Pathways (MCP) funding. | More

New Cybersecurity Resources for Schools and Districts

The United States Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released the K-12 Cybersecurity Foundations Resource Package, a comprehensive collection of guides, videos, and supplemental materials to help schools and districts prevent, mitigate, and respond to prevalent cyber threats. Based on current cybersecurity frameworks, these new resources outline cost-effective, actionable, and customizable steps that school and district leaders and staff can take to develop and maintain effective cybersecurity programs. | More

Maine Educators Explore Literacy and Numeracy at the Maine DOE Summer Learning Institute

Maine educators from schools serving students pK-12 and higher education institutions gathered at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor from June 29 through July 1 for the 2026 Maine Department of Education (DOE) Summer Learning Institute, The Science of Learning: Developing Literate and Numerate Minds. The three-day institute connected research with practical strategies that educators can use to strengthen learning across grade levels and disciplines. | More

Reminder: 026-2027 Maine DOE Back-to-School Backpack Resource Available Online

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) wishes all students, educators, administrators, and school staff a wonderful back-to-school season! As the 2026-2027 school year begins, please consider perusing the virtual Maine DOE Back-to-School Backpack, which contains information and resources that may be useful to school and district leaders. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

RSU 1 Completes Climate Action Sustainability Plan, Creating a Model for Other Districts

Regional School Unit (RSU) 1, serving the communities of Bath, Woolwich, Phippsburg and Arrowsic, has completed a comprehensive, district-wide, sustainability plan joining a small but growing number of school administrative units (SAUs) taking a significant step toward making sustainability and climate action part of their long-term planning and operations. | More

Camp Achieve: How Oxford Hills School District Is Making Summer Learning Engaging

When many people picture summer school, they imagine students sitting at desks, catching up on assignments while their classmates enjoy summer vacation. At Oxford Hills School District (MSAD 17), summer learning looks a lot different. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Educators Invited to Attend Fall Launch Events for Maine’s Literacy and Numeracy Playbooks

Maine administrators, educators, coaches, and community partners are invited to celebrate a major milestone in advancing teaching and learning statewide at the Maine Department of Education (DOE) fall launch events for the Literacy and Numeracy Playbooks, an initiative focused on turning vision into action for schools across the state. These interactive events will focus on turning Maine’s statewide vision into action in schools and communities. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – August 21, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

2026-2027 Maine DOE Back-to-School Backpack Resource Available Online

Reminder: 2026-2027 Program Information and Application Procedures for National Board Certification Scholarship Fund and Salary Supplement

A Refreshed EnGiNE: Maine’s Professional Learning Ecosystem Gets a New Look for the School Year

The Maine Department of Education has released a redesign of EnGiNE, the state’s professional learning ecosystem for school staff. The update reaches nearly every part of the platform: a new public homepage, a rebuilt course catalog, a redesigned dashboard, and a support center for anyone who needs help finding their way around. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Reminder: Registration is Open for the 2026-2027 Transformational Leaders’ Network for Principals; New This Year is An Opportunity for Assistant Building Leaders

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Transformational Leaders’ Network (TLN) is a practical, relationship-centered professional learning opportunity for principals to enhance their leadership practice and strengthen outcomes for schools and communities. The TLN is delivered through a series of in-person and remote/regional meetings offered across the state during the school year. All principals, from first-year principals to veterans and from large suburban schools to small rural schools, are invited to participate. | More

Maine Impact Education Fellowship Offers Leadership Development Opportunity for Maine Educators

The Great Schools Partnership (GSP), in partnership with Educate Maine, is offering the Maine Impact Education Fellowship, a leadership development opportunity designed to help Maine educators strengthen their leadership skills, build professional connections, and contribute to positive change in their schools and communities. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – August 14, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine DOE School Nurse Summer Institute Brings Maine Nurses Together for Professional Learning and Collaboration

On July 28-29, school nurses from across all 16 counties in Maine gathered for a two-day School Nurse Summer Institute at Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley. This biennial event is sponsored by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and planned by the Coordinated School Health Team and volunteer school nurses who work in Maine schools. The theme of this year’s conference was Complex Care, Competent Leadership: School Nurses at the Heart of Student Health. | More

Through-Year Assessment Data Show Continued Growth Trend

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) recently received the verified aggregate data from Maine’s Through Year Summative Assessment, and Maine students’ average Rasch Unit (RIT) percentile scores are at and above the most recent MAP Growth National Achievement Norms. | More

Updates to Mandated Reporting Laws and a Reminder of the Maine DOE Model Policy for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Education and Response (Links Updated)

During the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature, LD 2105, An Act to Update Maine’s Mandated Reporting Laws, was passed. On April 13, 2026, it became Public Law Chapter 667. The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is sharing this information to ensure school administrative units (SAUs) are aware of the law’s implications for schools, as it requires SAUs to adopt and implement policy and education regarding child sexual abuse prevention education and response. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

St. George MSU Recognized as Top 10 Finalist for National Education Innovation Showcase

St. George Municipal School Unit (MSU) has been recognized as a national leader in education innovation after being named a top 10 finalist in the annual global recognition program, ASU+GSV Summit Education Innovation Showcase. The award celebrates St. George MSU’s groundbreaking work to develop the nation’s first preK-12 career and technical education (CTE) program, in partnership with MidCoast School of Technology. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Free Emergency Preparedness Training for Maine Schools

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a component of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is offering a free, in-person workshop in South Portland, Maine, on August 19 from 8 a.m. to noon. The training will focus on active shooter preparedness, providing participants with practical strategies, planning considerations, and nationally recognized best practices to help enhance school safety and resilience in the event of an active shooter incident. This is not a tactical training course. | More

Registration is Open for the 2026-2027 Transformational Leaders’ Network for Principals; New This Year is An Opportunity for Assistant Building Leaders

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – August 7, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Updates to Mandated Reporting Laws and a Reminder of the Maine DOE Model Policy for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Education and Response

2026-2027 Program Information and Application Procedures for National Board Certification Scholarship Fund and Salary Supplement

A Refreshed EnGiNE: Maine’s Professional Learning Ecosystem Gets a New Look for the School Year

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Community Regional Charter School Blends Technology and Nature Through “Innovation Inside and Out”

Community Regional Charter School (CRCS) is redefining what modern learning can look like by intentionally blending advanced technology with outdoor, nature-based education. Through its “Innovation Inside and Out” approach, CRCS ensures learners develop technological fluency while building deep connections with the natural world. At CRCS, the philosophy is simple: It’s not technology or nature—it’s both. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – July 31, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine DOE Annual Summit Brings Maine Educators Together for a Day of Learning, Collaboration, and Inspiration

Educators, school leaders, and education partners from across Maine gathered at Thomas College in Waterville on July 29 for the 2026 Maine Department of Education (DOE) Annual Summit, kicking off the three-day ElevatED professional learning experience with a day centered on collaboration, innovation, and practical strategies to support students across the state. The Summit was followed by the second annual Every Teacher a Leader Conference, held July 30-31 in partnership with Educate Maine and the Teach Maine Center. | More

Maine DOE, Educate Maine Announce Semifinalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year

Eight exceptional educators from across the state are semifinalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. On Thursday, July 23, 2026, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine officially announced these semifinalists, who will deliver keynote speeches, submit professional portfolios, and participate in an expert panel discussion about educational equity, teacher leadership, and education policy as part of the next phase of the Maine State Teacher of the Year selection process. | More

Lewiston High School Teacher Donna Olsen Named 2026 Maine History Teacher of the Year

Since 2004, the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s History Teacher of the Year recognition program has recognized exceptional K-12 educators for their remarkable work in teaching American history. The program celebrates one outstanding teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories and recognizes educators for their dedication, creativity, and effective use of primary sources. Nominees are recommended by students, colleagues, or school leaders and selected by state committees of historians and educators. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Presque Isle High School Pathways Program Supports Student Success Through Alternative Education

Presque Isle High School’s Pathways Program, part of MSAD 1, is an alternative education program that serves students in grades 9-12 from Presque Isle, Mapleton, Chapman, Castle Hill, and Westfield. The program provides a safe, supportive environment where students reconnect with learning through flexible instruction, personalized schedules, academic support, and positive relationships with staff. Through these opportunities, students build the academic, social, and life skills needed for graduation and post-secondary success. | More

Bruce Whittier Middle School Students Put Fire Science Skills to the Test in 15th Season of ‘MidKnight FireSlayers’

This spring, the Bruce M. Whittier Middle School “MidKnight FireSlayers” celebrated the completion of their 15th season in partnership with Poland Fire Rescue. The MidKnight FireSlayers program provides middle school students with hands-on learning experiences in fire safety and fire science, guided by a dedicated team of firefighters and educators. | More

Calais Elementary Summer Program Demonstrates the Power of High-Quality Summer Learning

This summer, Calais Elementary School demonstrated what is possible when evidence-based instruction, strong community partnerships, and engaging learning experiences come together to support student success. | More

New Regional ELO Program Is Growing Tomorrow’s Real Estate Professionals

A new regional Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) pilot has given students in southern Maine a firsthand look at careers in real estate, demonstrating how strategic partnerships between schools and local businesses can expand career-connected learning opportunities across several school districts while helping students build valuable professional networks. | More

Space Week Maine 2026: Inspiring the Next Generation of Explorers

At its best, education does more than transfer knowledge; it sparks wonder. That spirit was alive across the state throughout Space Week Maine 2026 this spring, as classrooms, auditoriums, and learning spaces were transformed into launchpads for discovery—not by rockets alone but by curiosity. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – July 17, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Cultivating Belonging: 2026 Maine DOE Annual Summit to Highlight a New Chapter for Maine’s BIPOC Educator Network

When educators experience belonging, they are better equipped to create learning environments where students also experience belonging. That simple but powerful idea is guiding the next chapter of Maine’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Educator Network—an independent, educator-led community that creates opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and other educators of color to connect, grow, and thrive together. | More

Register Now for the Maine DOE Annual Summit on July 29 at Thomas College

Ready to kick off the new school year with fresh ideas, practical strategies, and meaningful connections? Join us for the 2026 Maine DOE Annual Summit on July 29 at Thomas College in Waterville. Designed for Maine’s education workforce, the Summit features inspiring keynote speaker Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, engaging breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and resources to support your work throughout the year. The Annual Summit is part of ElevatED, a three-day professional learning experience that also includes the Every Teacher a Leader Conference on July 30–31. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

PBIS in Action: Bangor’s Downeast School Showcases Successful PBIS Implementation and Inclusive Pilot Program

This spring, two educators from Tasmania, Australia, traveled across the globe to Maine through the Hardie Fellowship Program, an experience that allows Tasmanian educators to study educational systems and evidence-based practices in the United States. One of their stops was the Bangor School Department’s Downeast School, which has become a powerful example of how Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and inclusive education practices can work together to improve outcomes for students. | More

Seventeen Students from Five Maine Schools Compete in Maine State Finals for the National Civics Bee

For more than three decades, the Belfast Community Outreach Program in Education (BCOPE), part of RSU 71, serving Belfast, Belmont, Morrill, Searsmont, and Swanville, has helped students reconnect with learning through strong relationships, flexibility, and community-based support. | More

BCOPE: Building Community and Supporting Students Through Alternative Education

Located within Windham High School, RSU 14’s Katahdin Program provides students from Windham and Raymond with an alternative learning environment centered on hands-on instruction, outdoor learning, community partnerships, and strong relationships with staff. Through individualized support and experiential learning opportunities, the program helps students reconnect with school, complete graduation requirements, and build pathways toward future success. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – July 10, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

SUN Meals Site Finder is Now Live: Find Free Meals for Youth at Locations Across Maine This Summer

In the summer months, children lose access to the school meal services they may rely on during the academic year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) SUN Meals program provides children ages 18 and younger with access to healthy, nutritious food at neighborhood locations across the United States (including in Maine) throughout the summer months when school meals and snacks are unavailable. | More

Request for Applications for the Maine Healthcare Careers Exploration Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) from eligible organizations for the Maine Healthcare Careers Exploration Program. This program seeks to build sustainable career pipeline programming to support rural Maine youth in grades 9-12 in exploring healthcare occupation opportunities, acquiring foundational skills, and creating meaningful connections with healthcare professionals and employers through relevant high school instruction, postsecondary enrollment, and workforce development opportunities in Maine. | More

Maine Celebrates First Recipients of the Seal of Climate Literacy

A new generation of Maine students is demonstrating a commitment to understanding and addressing environmental challenges through the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) newest diploma endorsement, the Maine Seal of Climate Literacy. | More

Back-to-School Grants Available for School Employees Through LifeChanger of the Year

LifeChanger of the Year, an annual national recognition program for educators and school employees, is excited to announce a back-to-school grant opportunity for teachers as they prepare for the 2026-2027 school year. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

BARR Spotlight: How Indian Township School is Honoring Culture, Building Relationships, and Driving Student Success

On the Passamaquoddy Indian Township Reservation in Princeton, Indian Township School is embracing a powerful model for student success that honors culture, strengthens relationships, and supports the whole child. | More

Finding Growth Through Flexibility: Inside the Zenith Alternative Education Program

At Camden Hills Regional High School, part of Five Town Community School District (CSD), an off-site alternative education learning community is redefining what high school can look like for students seeking a more personalized, project-based path. | More

RSU 14’s Katahdin Program Supports Student Success Through Experiential and Relationship-Based Learning

Back-to-Back Kennebec County Teachers of the Year Highlight the Power of Multilingual Learning Through the Maine Seal of Biliteracy

Nineteen members of Cony High School’s Class of 2026 were recently recognized for earning the State of Maine Seal of Biliteracy, a distinction that honors students who have demonstrated proficiency in English and at least one additional language. This year’s recipients earned the Seal in four languages: Spanish (11 students), German (4 students), Arabic (3 students), and French (1 student), reflecting both the diversity of Cony’s student body and the strength of its World Languages program. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Registration Open for the Maine DOE Annual Summit on July 29 at Thomas College

Registration Open for 2026 School Nurse Summer Institute

The Maine DOE Coordinated School Health Team is hosting its biennial School Nurse Summer Institute (SNSI) on July 28 and 29, 2026, at Sugarloaf Resort in Carrabassett Valley. This immersive, multi-day, in-person event brings school nurses from across Maine together for new learning and to increase knowledge and understanding of current research and evidence-based practices in school nursing. This year’s theme is Complex Care, Confident Leadership: School Nurses at the Heart of Student Health. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.