Maine DOE Update – November 6, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine DOE Launches Framework for Family Engagement in Maine

In recognition of November as Family Engagement Awareness Month, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is highlighting resources available to help schools and families build meaningful, lasting partnerships that support student learning and success. | More

Maine DOE Launches Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) Toolkit to Support Inclusive Classrooms

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning has released a new Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) Toolkit to help Maine schools ensure students have equitable access to the digital instructional materials and resources they need to learn. To help Maine schools ensure students have equitable access to the digital instructional materials and resources they need to learn. | More

MLTI Maine Winter Classic – Register and Submit a T-Shirt Design!

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Learning Through Technology Team is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2027 Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Maine Winter Classic, scheduled for March 1-5, 2027. | More

Maine Educators Explore Genealogy as a Tool for Inquiry-Based Learning

Educators from across Maine gathered at the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) on October 12 and 13, 2026, to explore how genealogy and local history can support inquiry-based learning. The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning offered the professional learning opportunity in partnership with American Ancestors, the nation’s oldest genealogical research organization. | More

Maine DOE Literacy and Numeracy Playbook Launches Set the Stage for Continued Professional Learning

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning hosted five Literacy and Numeracy Playbook Launches this fall, bringing educators together to explore resources, examine instructional priorities, and plan for meaningful, sustainable improvement in their schools. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Lisbon Students Discover the Real-World Value of Math Through ‘Math in the Trades’ Course

For students at Lisbon High School in the Lisbon School Department, mathematics is taking on a new meaning through a program called Math in the Trades, a course created and taught by Mr. David LeTourneau in collaboration with Curriculum Director Julie Nichols. The program, offered to juniors, seniors, and sometimes even sophomores, connects mathematical concepts to real-world applications, helping students see how the skills they learn in the classroom translate directly to skilled trades, technical careers, and everyday problem-solving. | More

Kittery Students Build Leadership, Confidence, and Community Through Cross-District High Ropes Experience

Every May, high school students at R.W. Traip Academy in the Kittery School Department trade their student roles for those of teacher and mentor, guiding third graders from Horace Mitchell Primary School through a day of high-ropes adventures. Now in its 15th year, this cross-district tradition gives students an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and develop leadership skills while encouraging younger peers to embrace challenges and support one another. | More

Lewiston Adult Education Assistant Director Wins State Honor

Assistant Director of Lewiston Adult Education Razell Ward has been honored with the prestigious Gerald LeVasseur Distinguished Service Award, presented annually by the Maine Adult Education Association. Established in 1982 in memory of Gerald LeVasseur, the late Adult Education Director from Van Buren, Maine, the award honors Maine citizens whose exceptional service, leadership, and dedication have made a lasting difference in the field. | 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:

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Maine DOE Update – October 30, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine DOE Releases Wabanaki Studies Resource Guide for Indigenous Heritage Month in November

As Native American Heritage Month approaches, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) invites educators and communities to engage students in learning about the enduring presence, contributions, and rich cultures of the Wabanaki Nations, who have lived in the place we now call Maine for more than 13,000 years. | More

Reminder: Information Regarding School Bus Crossing Arm Retrofitting

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is administering $5.9 million in state funding to reimburse school administrative units (SAUs) for retrofitting school buses that do not have front crossing arms. SAUs may choose to have this work completed by a vendor or local garage, or they may use their own in-house mechanic and bill for associated labor costs. SAUs will be reimbursed up to $3,000 per school bus for eligible equipment and labor costs associated with each crossing arm installation. This program is anticipated to run through June 30, 2027. | More

Pine Tree Programming Returns for Third Year, Bringing Hands-On Computer Science to Maine Students

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce the return of Pine Tree Programming, a statewide initiative that brings hands-on computer science learning to Maine students through engaging, after-school programming with micro:bits. | More

Maine DOE Launches Statewide Computer Science Landscape Study

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has launched a new statewide Computer Science Landscape Study to better understand how computer science, computational thinking, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and emerging technologies are currently being experienced in Maine schools. The Maine DOE has contacted Maine educators directly by email to request their participation in the study. | More

Help Spread the Word – Applications Open for Maine DOE 2026–2027 Student Cabinet

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Student Cabinet, a group of students who meet with DOE leaders to share perspectives on educational initiatives, opportunities, improvements, and policy. Applications are due November 15, 2026. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Dedham School’s Mountain Biking Team Builds Skills, Trails, and Community

For the past seven years, Dedham School in AOS #47 has provided middle school students with an opportunity to build skills, explore the outdoors, and connect with their peers through its Mountain Biking Team. | More

Erskine Academy Celebrates Growing Seal of Biliteracy Program Through Student Leadership and Community Engagement

At Erskine Academy, a student-led Cinco de Mayo celebration has grown into much more than an annual fiesta. What began four years ago as a creative way to raise funds for classroom activities and supplies has evolved into a celebration of language learning, student leadership, and a growing commitment to earning the Maine Seal of Biliteracy. | More

How The Portland Public Schools’ Nature Program Preps Kids for School

Reading to worms from picture books, digging in the dirt and transforming pinecones into bird feeders—all those fun learning activities are part of a unique, nature-based Portland Public Schools summer program helping rising kindergartners and first-graders get ready for school. | More

Lewiston Teacher Named Finalist for National History Teacher of the Year

The Maine Department of Education congratulates Donna Olsen, a history teacher at Lewiston High School and Maine’s 2026 History Teacher of the Year, as one of 10 finalists for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s 2026 National History Teacher of the Year Award. Olsen’s advancement to the final stage of this prestigious national award demonstrates her dedication to Lewiston High School students, the Lewiston community, and history education across Maine. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Maine Computer Science Education Summit to Bring Statewide Partners Together to Strengthen Education

Educators, administrators, community partners, industry leaders, and others invested in computer science education are invited to attend the Maine Computer Science Education Summit on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Westin Portland Harborview. | More

Professional Learning Opportunity: Building Early Numeracy Through Play, Exploration, and Meaningful Learning Experiences (Updated Info)

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services, is pleased to offer Young Mathematicians— a professional learning opportunity designed for early care and education professionals serving children ages 3–6. The dates and location for Track 1 have been updated. | More

Reminder: 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

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

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – October 23, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Augusta Spanish Teacher Gretchen Livingston Named 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce Augusta School Department Spanish teacher Gretchen Livingston as the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Livingston celebrated this award with fellow Augusta educators and students during a surprise ceremony in the Viles Auditorium at Cony Middle and High School. | More

Maine DOE Releases New Evaluation Report for 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with the national organization Measurement Incorporated, has released a new Statewide Evaluation Report for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program. | More

Help Spread the Word – Applications Open for Maine DOE 2026–2027 Student Cabinet

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Maine Educators Recognized for Innovative Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning

The Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine (ACTEM) has named Keith Kelley of RSU 19 and Nicole Lesperance of RSU 9 as the recipients of the 2026 ACTEM ACHIEVE Award, recognizing their innovative approaches to using technology to support teaching and learning. | More

Celebrating 150 Years of Deaf Education in Maine

In 2026, Maine is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 150 years of Deaf education in the state. For a century and a half, Maine has worked to ensure that Deaf and Hard of Hearing children have access to education, language, relationships, and opportunities to thrive. While the way services are delivered has evolved significantly over the years, one thing has remained constant—the commitment to supporting Maine’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and their families. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

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

Maine DOE Launches 2026-2027 School Health Monthly Webinar Series

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Coordinated School Health Team is excited to announce the launch of the 2026-2027 School Health Webinar Series. This series is designed for those who work to support student health and well-being, including school health professionals, pediatricians, and school health advisors. | More

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

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – October 16, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

A Resounding Crunch! Maine Apple Crunch Day Celebrates Local Apples and School Communities

Schools across Maine celebrated Maine Apple Crunch Day on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, bringing school communities together to enjoy fresh, locally grown apples. From cider taste tests to a chorus of synchronized crunches, this year’s celebrations showcased the many ways Maine’s apple harvest connects students with local food and the people who grow it. | More

Help Spread the Word – Applications Open for Maine DOE 2026–2027 Student Cabinet

Get to Know Maine’s 2026–2027 National FFA Officer Candidate: Jillian McLaughlin

On October 16, 2026, Maine FFA member, Jillian McLaughlin will travel to Indianapolis, Indiana, to represent Maine in the National FFA Officer selection process. As Maine’s 2026–2027 National Officer Candidate, Jillian will be interviewing with the National Officer Nominating Committee for her place on the National FFA Officer Team, a group of six leaders from across the country that represent more than one million FFA members. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Maine DOE Launches 2026-2027 School Health Monthly Webinar Series

Family Engagement Institute and Community of Practice: Strengthening Relationship-Based Family Engagement Practice Across Maine’s Early Childhood Workforce

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) in collaboration with the Maine Department of Health and Human services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services is pleased to offer Strengthening Relationship-Based Family Engagement Practice Across Maine’s Early Childhood Workforce – a professional learning opportunity designed for early care and education professionals serving children birth–age six. | More

Reminder: Register Now for the Green Schools Regional Gatherings

This fall, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce three regional gatherings focused on advancing sustainability and resiliency in Maine schools. Each gathering will bring together students, educators, school leaders, facilities staff, and community partners for a half-day of interactive workshops, networking, and practical resources. | More

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

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – October 9, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resources

On Monday, October 12, 2026, we will celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. In 2019, Wabanaki Tribal leaders and representatives joined Governor Janet Mills as she signed legislation to establish Indigenous Peoples’ Day in what we now call Maine. This day recognizes the resilience, diversity, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples and replaced Columbus Day in Maine. The day provides an opportunity to center Indigenous voices, deepen our understanding of the devastating effects of colonization, and recognize the continued presence and leadership of Indigenous Peoples today. | More

Applications Open for Maine DOE 2026–2027 Student Cabinet

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

Applications are now open for Maine’s National Board Certification Scholarship and Salary Supplement programs, which provide financial support to teachers pursuing National Board Certification and salary supplements for teachers who have already achieved certification. Applications for both programs are submitted to the Maine Department of Education by a teacher’s school administrative unit (SAU). Applications close October 15. Support workshops for candidates are available through the Maine Education Association (MEA). | More

Maine DOE Educator Selected to Serve on National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Civics Advisory Group

Maine Department of Education (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Geoffrey Wingard has been selected to serve on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) National Assessment Governing Board’s Civics Content Advisory Group, bringing Maine’s experience in civics education, interdisciplinary instruction, and educator professional learning to a national effort to update the nation’s civics assessment. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Westbrook Students Explore Maine Wildlife Through Intercultural Community Center’s Power Summer Program

This summer, like many others, students at Westbrook Middle School entering grades 5–8 had the opportunity to attend Power Summer at the Intercultural Community Center. This was a free summer program that ran from June 22 to August 8 and provided both social and academic enrichment to students from immigrant families and those experiencing academic challenges. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Young Mathematicians: Building Early Numeracy Through Play, Exploration, and Meaningful Learning Experiences

Emergent Literacy Professional Learning for Early Childhood Educators (Updated Registration Info Available)

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Maine Roads to Quality Professional Development Network (MRTQ PDN), is offering a free professional learning opportunity for early care and education professionals working in preschool and kindergarten settings. | More

Reminder: Register Now for the Green Schools Peer Learning Workshops

This fall, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to launch the Green Schools Peer Learning Workshops – a series of collaborative workshops designed to help participants build long-term structures to advance sustainability in their school districts. | More

Reminder: Registration Open for 16th Annual PBIS Conference

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

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – October 2, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Resources for Student Civic Engagement

As the 2026 election approaches, Maine educators have access to a range of state resources that help students understand elections, civic participation, and their roles in a democracy. | More

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

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

Mount View High School’s Growing Biliteracy Program Opens Doors for Students

A collaboration between the World Languages and Multilingual Learners departments at Mount View High School in RSU 3 is creating more opportunities for students to demonstrate, celebrate, and build on their language skills. | More

Transformational Leaders’ Network Offers Maine Principals a Space to Learn, Reflect, and Lead Together

Being a school principal can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Each day brings decisions to make, challenges to navigate and people to support. Sometimes a leader needs a new strategy. Other times, they need the opportunity to step back, reflect and talk with someone who understands the work because they are doing it, too. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Maine Council for English Language Arts to Offer Fall Book Study to Explore AI with Maine Educators

The Maine Council for English Language Arts (MCELA) is offering a five-part online book study of EduProtocols: AI Edition by Maine educators Kate Meyer and Nicole Karod. Together, participants will explore a practical, human-centered approach to AI that focuses on saving time, igniting creativity, strengthening student agency, and keeping ethics at the center. | More

Reminder: 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

Reminder: Registration Open for 16th Annual PBIS Conference

Register Now for the Green Schools Peer Learning Workshops

Register Now for the Green Schools Regional Gatherings

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

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – September 25, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine DOE Releases ‘Phone-Free Schools Toolkit’

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

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

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

BARR Spotlight: How Learners Have Become the Center of Focus at RSU 14 Through Positive Relationship Building

At RSU 14 (Windham and Raymond), important work is underway district-wide to ensure all students feel included, supported, and ready to learn. At the heart of this effort is a focus on the importance of relationships—among both students and staff. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Register Now for the Green Schools Peer Learning Workshops

Register Now for the Green Schools Regional Gatherings

Maine DOE to Host Fall 2026 McKinney-Vento Regional Meetings

In October, November, and December, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) will host McKinney-Vento Fall 2026 Regional Meetings to provide updates on federal, state, and local policies and discuss resources available to students and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability. | More

Emergent Literacy Professional Learning for Early Childhood Educators

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

Reminder: Registration Open for 16th Annual PBIS Conference

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

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – September 18, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Celebrating Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

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

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

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

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

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.