From the Maine Department of Education

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News & Updates

Three Maine Educators Honored as 2026 Alternative Education Educator of the Year Awardees

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to join the Alternative Education Association of Maine (AEA) in celebrating three outstanding educators as the recipients of the 2026 Alternative Education Educator of the Year Award. This annual award honors alternative educators who make a meaningful and lasting impact on students, create innovative learning opportunities, and demonstrate a strong commitment to advocating for students and the field of alternative education. |  More

Maine Middle and High School Students Invited to Join the 2026-2027 NASA TechRise Student Challenge

The national education platform Future Engineers has invited Maine middle and high school students to join the 2026-2027 NASA TechRise Student Challenge. This nationwide contest invites students in grades 6 through 12 to team up with their classmates to design an experiment under the guidance of an educator. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

How Mountain Valley Middle School Built an Alternative Education Program from the Ground Up

At Mountain Valley Middle School, students in the alternative education program begin each day with breakfast before heading to the gym to reset, move, and prepare for learning. They then gather in a morning circle to review schedules, discuss upcoming activities, reflect on current events, and practice strategies for managing stress and conflict. Co-alternative education teachers Shane Smith and Anthony Mazza use these routines to create consistency, strengthen relationships, and set a positive tone for the day. |  More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

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Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Schedule for the 2026-2027 Transformational Leaders’ Network Opportunity for Principals

The 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 occurs through a series of in-person and remote/regional meetings offered across the state during the school year. All principals, from the novice to the veteran, from large suburban schools to small rural schools, are invited to participate. |  More

Leading Early Learning Fellowship: A Professional Learning Series for Elementary School Administrators

As more Maine elementary schools expand their preschool offerings and implement whole-student approaches across the pre-K through grade 3 span, elementary administrators have expressed a need for professional learning tailored to early learning leadership. In response, the Maine DOE created the Leading Early Learning Fellowship, a dynamic professional learning series designed to meet these needs and support leadership development. Since its launch in 2021, the Fellowship has served five cohorts of elementary school leaders. The next Leading Early Learning Fellowship cohort will launch during the 2026-2027 school year. Applications will be accepted through July 10, 2026. |  More

REMINDER: Registration Open for ElevatED 2026: Maine DOE Annual Summit and Every Teacher a Leader Conference

Registration is now open for ElevatED 2026, a dynamic summer professional learning experience designed to inspire, connect, and support Maine’s education workforce through meaningful collaboration and practical learning opportunities. |  More

Teach Maine Center to Host Maine Educators Summer Camp for Integrating the Arts

The Teach Maine Center is hosting the first annual Maine Educators Summer Camp for Integrating the Arts on Tuesday, August 18, through Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Camp Encore/Coda in the town of Sweden. This two-day visual and performance arts summer conference will bring educators together to explore the power of arts integration and its impact on teaching and learning. |  More

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

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From the Maine Department of Education

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News & Updates

Maine Students Explore Innovation and Creativity at the 2026 MLTI Student Conference

Nearly 1,000 students and educators from across Maine recently gathered at the University of Maine campus in Orono for the 2026 Maine Learning Through Technology Initiative (MLTI) Student Conference, an annual event hosted by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Learning Through Technology Team. |  More

Maine DOE Shares Updated Early Childhood Health and Safety Resources

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has released an updated set of Early Childhood Health and Safety Resources for preschool and early childhood programs. These resources outline approval standards and other official guidance and up-to-date information for school administrative units (SAUs) and early childhood programs across Maine. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Carl J. Lamb Elementary School Hosts Second Annual Maine Adaptive Music Summit

Carl J. Lamb Elementary School in Springvale opened its doors on Saturday, April 11, 2026, to host the second annual Maine Adaptive Music Summit. Organized by Carl J. Lamb music teacher Hattie Skvorak, the summit brought together music educators, special education teachers, and educational technicians for a full day of professional development focused on adaptive music education. |  More

The REACH School Builds Community, Confidence, and Curiosity Through Alternative Education

The Rural Educational Alternative Community Middle/High (REACH) School in Bucksport is a private, nonprofit alternative middle and high school program designed to meet students where they are academically, socially, and emotionally. Serving students from RSU 25—which includes Bucksport, Orland, Prospect, and Verona Island—as well as surrounding communities, the REACH School provides an alternative learning environment centered on engagement, relationships, and individualized support for students who have struggled to find success in traditional school settings. |  More

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Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Free Emergent Literacy Facilitator Training for Early Childhood Educators

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is offering a free professional learning opportunity for educators interested in becoming trained facilitators of professional learning communities (PLCs) focused on emergent literacy for children aged 3 to 6. |  More

Registration Now 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. |  More

REMINDER: Registration Open for ElevatED 2026: Maine DOE Annual Summit and Every Teacher a Leader Conference

Registration is now open for ElevatED 2026, a dynamic summer professional learning experience designed to inspire, connect, and support Maine’s education workforce through meaningful collaboration and practical learning opportunities. |  More

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

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From the Maine Department of Education

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News & Updates

SUN Bucks and SUN Meals Programs Return in the Summer of 2026 to Aid Food Access for Maine Children

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is pleased to announce the return of the SUN Bucks and SUN Meals programs in the summer of 2026. These programs, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), help to ensure that Maine children continue to have access to healthy, nutritious food during the summer months when school meals and snacks are not available. |  More

Filing of Chapter 101 – Maine Unified Special Education Regulation (Emergency Rulemaking)

This morning, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) filed an emergency rule to protect the health, safety, and educational rights of students with disabilities and the dedicated professionals who serve them. This change allows private schools serving as educational placements for students in special education to be parties in mediations, due process hearings, and expedited due process hearings. The emergency rule takes effect immediately upon its filing on June 12, 2026. |  More

Reflections from a Successful Third Annual Maine DOE ‘I Belong’ Youth Summit

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education hosted its third annual “I Belong” Youth Summit at Central Maine Community College in Auburn. Every spring, this event provides an opportunity for students with disabilities from across Maine to explore post-secondary pathways as they approach “transition” age—the time for planning for adult life after high school. |  More

Augusta Schools Receives Later Secondary School Start Time Planning Grant

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning is pleased to announce the award of a one-time, competitive Later Secondary School Start Time Planning Grant to Augusta Schools, in the amount of $75,000. |  More

Maine Educators Honored as 2026 Curriculum Leader and Instructional Coach of the Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to join the Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA) in recognizing two outstanding educational leaders whose dedication to teaching, learning, and student success has made a lasting impact in their schools and communities. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

2026 Waldo County Teacher of the Year Brings Economics to Life for Monroe Elementary School Students

When students in Rachel Norgang’s second- and third-grade classes at Monroe Elementary School learn about economics, they don’t just read about businesses in a textbook. They visit gravel pits, tour working farms, explore event venues, and meet artists whose work is displayed around the world. |  More

Athens Community School Brings Families Together Through “One School, One Book” Earth Day Project

From April 6-16, 2026, Athens Community School held its annual “One School, One Book” project, designed to use literature to connect classrooms, families, and communities and bring attention to important issues. |  More

Mt. Blue’s Alternative Learning Program Expands Student Opportunity Through Relationship-Based and Experiential Learning

For some students, success in school begins when learning becomes more flexible, personalized, and connected to real life. At the Alternative Learning Program (ALP) located within Mt. Blue High School, alternative education teachers are working to create that environment through relationship-based instruction, project-based learning, and opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom. |  More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

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Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Leading Early Learning Fellowship: A Professional Learning Series for Elementary School Administrators

As more Maine elementary schools expand their preschool offerings and implement whole-student approaches across the pre-K through grade 3 span, elementary administrators have expressed a need for professional learning tailored to early learning leadership. In response, the Maine DOE created the Leading Early Learning Fellowship, a dynamic professional learning series designed to meet these needs and support leadership development. Since its launch in 2021, the Fellowship has served five cohorts of elementary school leaders. The next Leading Early Learning Fellowship cohort will launch during the 2026-2027 school year. Applications will be accepted through July 10, 2026. |  More

REMINDER: Registration Open for ElevatED 2026: Maine DOE Annual Summit and Every Teacher a Leader Conference

Registration is now open for ElevatED 2026, a dynamic summer professional learning experience designed to inspire, connect, and support Maine’s education workforce through meaningful collaboration and practical learning opportunities. |  More

Registration Open for July Holocaust Education Seminar for Maine Educators

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is sharing a summer professional learning opportunity for educators interested in strengthening Holocaust and human rights education in the classroom. |  More

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

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From the Maine Department of Education

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News & Updates

Maine DOE Welcomes 10 Student Interns for the Summer of 2026

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) recently welcomed 10 student interns to its team. These interns will spend the summer working on several teams within the Maine DOE, bringing a variety of new skills, backgrounds, and experiences to the department. |  More

Maine DOE Invites Applications for Screener Review and Recommendation Project

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking applicants for the Screener Review and Recommendation Project, a statewide professional learning initiative focused on strengthening regional expertise in early literacy assessment and supporting consistent, evidence-based screening practices across Maine schools. |  More

2025 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year Ben Johnson Earns National Recognition for Innovative Latin Education Resources

Ben Johnson, the 2025 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year and a finalist for 2026 Maine State Teacher of the Year, has earned national recognition from the American Classical League for his outstanding contributions to Latin education through innovative technology-based learning resources used by students and teachers around the world. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

From Rookie to Role Model: Windham High School Mock CSI Unit Creates a Full-Circle Return to the Scene

“When will I ever use this after high school?” It’s a question that teachers have heard echo through classrooms for decades. From math equations to lab reports to literary analysis, students often wonder how today’s lessons will matter in their future. But what happens when learning moves beyond the classroom and into the real world—where students are exposed to the ways in which math, science, and English are not only useful but necessary to succeed? |  More

Elementary School Community Meetings Give Portland Students Opportunities for Leadership

Students at Rowe Elementary School in the Portland Public Schools have stepped into leadership roles this year in a big way during the school’s first-ever community meeting assembly for third- through fifth-grade students. |  More

Brewer School Department Alternative Education Programs: A Connected Pathway from Middle School Through Graduation

Brewer School Department’s alternative education programs have developed into a connected system of supports that begins in middle school and continues through multiple high school pathways, offering students flexible options for learning, engagement, and graduation. |  More

Mountain Valley High School Expands Career Pathways Through Extended Learning Opportunities

Since launching in the fall of 2024, the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Program at Mountain Valley High School in RSU 10 has provided students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to careers, higher education, and long-term success. Led by Christopher Brennick, Mountain Valley High School ELO Coordinator, the program has quickly become a model for how authentic, community-connected learning can raise student aspirations and expand access to opportunity, particularly in rural western Maine. |  More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

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Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Registration Open for ElevatED 2026: Maine DOE Annual Summit and Every Teacher a Leader Conference

Registration is now open for ElevatED 2026, a dynamic summer professional learning experience designed to inspire, connect, and support Maine’s education workforce through meaningful collaboration and practical learning opportunities. |  More

Registration Open for ‘MCSTOYA Connects: Neurodivergent Reads 2026’ Summer Learning Experience

The Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA), in partnership with the Maine Council for English Language Arts (MCELA), is inviting educators from across Maine to participate in MCSTOYA Connects: Neurodivergent Reads 2026, a summer professional learning experience focused on neurodiversity, inclusive practices, and the power of literature to foster understanding, empathy, and connection. |  More

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

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Career/Project Opportunities:

Maine DOE Seeking Contractor to Support Seal of Biliteracy, World Language Education, and Pine Project Coordination

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning is seeking a contracted educational professional to support statewide work related to world language education during the 2026-2027 school year. |  More

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From the Maine Department of Education

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News & Updates

Maine DOE Seeking Additional Applicants for State Numeracy Advisory Council

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking additional applicants to serve on the statewide Numeracy Advisory Council as part of Maine’s ongoing implementation of the Maine State Numeracy Action Plan. |  More

Maine DOE Launches Interactive Literacy and Numeracy Playbooks to Support Educators Across Maine

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with the University of Maine, officially launched Maine’s new interactive Literacy and Numeracy Playbooks during a statewide event held at the University of Maine’s Wells Conference Center in Orono on May 19, 2026. The Playbooks were developed as companion resources to the Maine State Literacy Action Plan and Maine State Numeracy Action Plan, announced last fall. They are designed to support schools and educators in translating a statewide vision for literacy and numeracy into meaningful classroom practice at the local level. |  More

Long-Time Lewiston Public Schools Educator Receives 2026 Maine Volunteer of the Year Award

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to join Volunteer Maine in celebrating the recipients of the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism, which, since 1987, have recognized the outstanding individuals, teams, and organizations making a meaningful impact through volunteer service. |  More

New Tool to Support Access to Public Library Storytimes Available Just in Time for Summer Learning

Island Readers & Writers (IRW) has launched the Maine Storytime Finder, a new online resource developed as part of an initiative to support early childhood literacy. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Second-Grade Students at Elm Street School Connect with Their Community Through Special Partnership with Mission Working Dogs

Students at Elm Street School in RSU 16 (Mechanic Falls) have spent the school year learning an important lesson about community, kindness, and helping others — all with the support of some four-legged friends. |  More

Finding Belonging Through Project-Based Learning: Inside the Sheepscot Team at Mt. Ararat Middle School

At Mt. Ararat Middle School in MSAD 75, mornings in the Sheepscot Alternative Education Program begin not with a bell or worksheet but with music. On “Jazzy Tuesdays,” as students enter the classroom, the sounds of Herbie Hancock’s piano drift throughout the room, along with genuine and boisterous welcomes from alternative education teacher John Hawley and educational technician Huey Sheffler. As students find their seats, they settle into a “moment of chill” before the day begins. |  More

South Portland High School’s Youth Doula Initiative: A Model for Career-Connected Learning

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) along with several school and community-based organizations continue to advance high-quality, career-connected learning through extended learning opportunities (ELOs) that connect students with real-world experiences, local partners, and emerging career pathways. An example of this work is the Youth Doula Initiative, a three-day community-based ELO that recently engaged 15 South Portland High School students in hands-on learning focused on maternal health, pediatrics, and public health. |  More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

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Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Registration Open for ElevatED 2026: Maine DOE Annual Summit and Every Teacher a Leader Conference

Registration is now open for ElevatED 2026, a dynamic summer professional learning experience designed to inspire, connect, and support Maine’s education workforce through meaningful collaboration and practical learning opportunities. |  More

Forest-Based Education Workshop Invites Educators to Explore the Outdoors as a Classroom

Educators across Maine are invited to deepen their connection to the outdoors and discover new ways to bring forest-based learning into their teaching during an upcoming Forest-Based Education Workshop hosted by Project Learning Tree (PLT) and the Forest Ecology Research Network (FERN). |  More

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

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From the Maine Department of Education

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News & Updates

Implementation of Maine’s Bell-to-Bell Personal Electronic Device Policy

The following information is intended to support school administrative units (SAUs) in preparing for the implementation of a new law requiring that school boards adopt and implement a policy “prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices for the duration of the school day, from starting bell to dismissal bell” by August 1, 2026. |  More

Rural THRIVE Foundations Program Supports Maine’s Early-Career Educators

As schools across Maine continue to welcome and support new educators, the Rural THRIVE Foundations program is helping early-career teachers to build confidence, strengthen instructional practice, and establish meaningful professional connections during their first years in the classroom. |  More

Maine High School Students Encouraged to Enter 22nd Annual Will McDonough Sports Writing Contest

The Boston Globe is encouraging high school students across New England to showcase their storytelling and journalism skills through the 22nd Annual Will McDonough Sports Writing Contest. |  More

RSU 34 Special Education Director Named 2025-2026 Special Education Administrator of the Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to join the Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities (MADSEC) in congratulating Kimm Kenniston, Director of Special Education for RSU 34, for being named the 2025-2026 MADSEC Special Education Administrator of the Year. |  More

Maine Education Association Honors Award Winners at Annual Dinner

During an annual awards banquet, Maine Education Association (MEA) leaders presented MEA’s Annual Awards, recognizing MEA members and community members who have been exemplary in MEA’s advocacy for Maine students, educators, and public education. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Day Mountain Regional Middle School Students Spotlight Maine Wildlife and Conservation in New Podcast

At Day Mountain Regional Middle School (DMRMS) in MSAD 58, learning often reaches far beyond the classroom walls. The latest example comes from the DMRMS Environmentalist Club, where students have launched the first episodes of their new “Wild and Wonderful Podcast.” |  More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

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Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Registration Open for New School Nurse Orientation in August

On August 12, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Coordinated School Health Team will host its annual New School Nurse Orientation in Augusta. |  More

Annual Mentor Trainings: Supporting New Educators with Research-Based Best Practices

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Educator Excellence Team is excited to be hosting its Annual Mentor Trainings in locations across Maine this August and September. |  More

Reminder to Register for Early Learning Solutions Lab CoP Expands Through 2026

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services, is continuing a monthly Early Learning Solutions Lab Community of Practice (CoP) as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen Maine’s mixed delivery system for early childhood education. |  More

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

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From the Maine Department of Education

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News & Updates

Maine DOE, Educate Maine Celebrate 2026 County Teachers of the Year

The State of Maine is celebrating its newest cohort of County Teachers of the Year. On Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Hall of Flags in the Maine State House, the Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with Educate Maine, announced the 16 teachers, representing every county in the state, who were selected for this honor. |  More

Maine Loves Public Schools Announces Season 2 of “Learning from Maine”

Should all Maine towns have universal pre-K access? Is the best way to keep teenagers in school by getting them working in their communities? Can Generative AI be used in our schools ethically? Three new episodes of “Learning from Maine” air Thursdays at 8:30 PM on Maine Public Television beginning May 21st — with four more stories coming this fall |  More

Extended Learning Opportunities: Student Success on Display at the Hall of Flags

The Hall of Flags at the Maine State House was alight with energy on April 30, 2026, as students, educators, and business leaders came together from across the state to celebrate the impact of Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs). From one side of the hall to the other, the space was filled with students presenting their ELOs, professionals sharing their knowledge, and attendees networking with others who are similarly passionate about expanding hands-on, career-connected education in Maine. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Dirigo Program at Sumner Memorial High School Creates Flexible Pathways for Student Success

Windham High School has launched a hands-on, career-connected learning initiative called “Student Exploratory Adventures” (SEA), made possible through funding from the Maine Community Coordinators Collaborative’s (C3) Sunshine Mini-Grant Program. |  More

Student-Led ‘Interact Club’ Gains Momentum at Sanford High School

Students from Sanford High School rang bells outside stores during the holidays, served Thanksgiving dinner to veterans, and read to elementary students—all as part of a brand-new service club making waves in its first year. |  More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

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Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

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

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Career/Project Opportunities:

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From the Maine Department of Education

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News & Updates

Maine DOE Announces New Interactive Tool for School Staff Use in Health Emergencies

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Coordinated School Health Team is pleased to share a new interactive tool designed to assist all school and school administrative unit (SAU) staff in responding quickly, safely, and effectively to emergent injury and illness situations. It contains interactive flowcharts that guide real-time decision-making, helping users to determine the correct course of action when students are injured or become ill at school or during school-sponsored activities—especially when licensed medical personnel are not immediately available. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Windham High School Launches New Career-Connected Learning Program, ‘Student Exploratory Adventures’

Windham High School has launched a hands-on, career-connected learning initiative called “Student Exploratory Adventures” (SEA), made possible through funding from the Maine Community Coordinators Collaborative’s (C3) Sunshine Mini-Grant Program. |  More

The 4th Door: A Student-Centered Approach to Alternative Education in Ellsworth

At Ellsworth High School, the alternative education program known as “4th Door” is built on a simple but powerful belief: Students succeed when they feel seen, supported, and connected. Through a personalized and flexible approach, this program helps students reach their unique potential while contributing to their learning community. |  More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

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Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Maine DOE to Offer School Finance Regional Trainings in the Summer of 2026

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) School Finance Team is pleased to announce a series of in-person regional training sessions to be offered throughout the summer of 2026. School and school administrative unit (SAU) staff engaged in financial operations, compliance, and program administration are encouraged to attend. This includes, but is not limited to, superintendents, business managers, finance staff, and special education administrators. |  More

From Ideas to Impact: Early Learning Solutions Lab CoP Expands Through 2026

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services, is continuing a monthly Early Learning Solutions Lab Community of Practice (CoP) as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen Maine’s mixed delivery system for early childhood education. |  More

Webinar Opportunity for Maine School Leaders: Preparation Saves Lives – Strengthening Your School’s Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention Protocols

In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, the Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA), the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), the Maine Department of Education (DOE), and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Maine have collaborated to provide a webinar, “Preparation Saves Lives – Strengthening Your School’s Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention Protocols,” scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 9-10 a.m. This webinar is intended for school leaders, including superintendents, principals, and members of comprehensive health and safety planning teams (sometimes referred to as crisis management teams). |  More

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

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Career/Project Opportunities:

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From the Maine Department of Education

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News & Updates

Request for Applications Now Open for Maine Career Pathways Pilot Opportunity

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Maine Department of Labor (DOL), has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for funding from eligible organizations for the Maine Career Pathways (MCP) pilot opportunity. |  More

Community Schools Updates: Maine DOE Announces 2026-2027 Grantees and Request for Information from SAU Leaders

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the completion of the Community Schools Request for Application (RFA) process for the 2026-2027 school year. This funding is provided pursuant to M.R.S. Title 20-A, §15689-A, under which the Maine Education Commissioner may provide funding to school administrative units (SAUs) to support the establishment of a community school(s). |  More

Recognizing the Importance of Financial Literacy and Personal Finance Education

This article was written by Maine Department of Education (DOE) Financial Literacy Teacher Leader Fellow Mark Ashe, who currently teaches at Cape Elizabeth High School. It highlights information and resources for National Financial Literacy Month. |  More

Grant Opportunity Announcement: Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program, a competitive funding opportunity designed to expand and strengthen postsecondary education options for students with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder. |  More

Nearly 500 Individuals Gather for Maine’s Second Annual Inclusive Education Conference

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, in partnership with the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), proudly hosted the second annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference on April 8, 2026, at the Augusta Civic Center, welcoming nearly 500 educators, administrators, families, and community partners from across the state. |  More

Maine Roads to Quality Professional Development Network Seeking Feedback on Needs Assessment Survey

The Maine Roads to Quality Professional Development Network (MRTQ PDN), in partnership with the Catherine Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine, the University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies, and the Maine Afterschool Network, is conducting a needs assessment survey to better understand practitioner interests related to professional development in early childhood and out-of-school-time programs. |  More

Alternative Education Association of Maine Hosts Spring Conference in Waterville

The Alternative Education Association (AEA) of Maine successfully hosted its 2026 Spring Conference on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Colby College in Waterville. The conference theme, “Building Resilience for All,”brought together alternative education teachers, administrators, superintendents, and school staff from across the state for a day of learning, collaboration, and renewed energy. |  More

Maine Middle Schools Invited to Join the 2026 Life Happens Outside® Challenge

Teens to Trails has brought back its annual statewide challenge for a week of outdoor time in May, with cash prizes for top-participating schools. Last spring, 6,454 Maine middle school students logged nearly 5 million minutes outdoors in a single week. The idea is simple: Time outside is good for kids. |  More

Alternative Education Association of Maine Seeking Nominations for Alternative Educator of the Year, Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship, and Retiree Recognition Program

The Alternative Education Association (AEA) of Maine is currently accepting nominations for the 2025-2026 Alternative Educator of the Year award and the 2025-2026 Martin Mackey Memorial Scholarship for graduating seniors. AEA of Maine is also seeking submissions for a program honoring alternative education teachers and support staff who are retiring at the end of this school year. Submissions for all three opportunities are due by May 15, 2026. |  More

Nominations Open for 2026 Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Teacher of the Year Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AHPERD) Teacher of the Year awards. Nominations are due by Saturday, May 30, 2026. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Mount Abram High School Students Experience the Arts in New York City

Thanks to a generous grant from the Carrabassett Valley School Committee, Mount Abram High School students (MSAD 58) have had the opportunity over the past two years to experience immersive, real-world learning through arts-focused trips to New York City. These experiences have brought classroom lessons to life in one of the world’s most vibrant cultural hubs. |  More

ExCEL: A Relationship-Centered Alternative Education Program at MSAD 15

As students at MSAD 15’s Gray-New Gloucester High School settle into their seats for English class, a calm, authentic energy fills the room. Laura Fralich, Expanding Choices for Each Learner (ExCEL) Alternative Education teacher, prepares to begin, having arranged her classroom so that the desks form a circle, and everyone can see one another. She starts each class by asking students a reflective question, intending to build relationships and community, which is the foundation of ExCEL. |  More

Student Leadership on Display During Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School’s ‘Respect Day’

Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School recently hosted its annual “Respect Day,” a student-led event intended to support global citizenship and cultural understanding among youth by allowing students to engage in workshops offered by community partners and educators. |  More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

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Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Leading Early Learning Fellowship: A Professional Learning Series for Elementary School Administrators

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the fifth cohort of the Leading Early Learning Fellowship, which will launch during the 2026-2027 school year. Applications will be accepted through July 10, 2026. |  More

Reminder: 2026 For ME Instructional Programs Overview and Summer Training Opportunities

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. |  More

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

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From the Maine Department of Education

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News & Updates

Implementation of Master Contractual Agreement Delayed Until the 2027-2028 School Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has reviewed feedback provided by the field during the second comment period for the revised master contractual agreement and determined that additional time is required before implementation. As such, the Maine DOE will continue to work with stakeholders from public and private schools to ensure the master contractual agreement is fully executed before the start of the 2027-2028 school year. |  More

Celebrating Maine’s Early Childhood Professionals for 2026 Week of the Young Child

Established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Week of the Young Child® highlights the importance of early childhood education and its foundational role in children’s success. This week also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the early care and education professionals who nurture and support children and families during this critical time of growth and development. |  More

Celebrating Maine Outdoor Learning for National Environmental Education Week (April 20-24, 2026)

In celebration of National Environmental Education Week from April 20-24, 2026, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) will feature local outdoor education stories on its social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) and in the Maine DOE Newsroom. |  More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Under the Hood and Ahead of the Curve: Sanford Student Turns Auto Shop Experience into Academic Credit

At 8 a.m. on a Tuesday morning, just as first period is starting at Sanford High School (SHS), senior Lucas Barrow is already under the hood of a car at Black Bear Automotive in Springvale. He’ll work until 10:30 a.m., drive to Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) for class, and then head back to the shop until 5 p.m. |  More

Mount Abram Alternative Education Program Reengages Students Through Hands-On Learning

At Mount Abram High School (MSAD 58), a new approach to learning is helping students reconnect with school through experiential, student-centered practices. |  More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

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Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Maine Educators Invited to Join Literacy and Numeracy Playbooks Launch Event

Maine administrators, educators, coaches, and community partners are invited to mark a major milestone in advancing teaching and learning statewide: the launch of the Literacy and Numeracy Playbooks, an initiative designed to turn vision into action for schools across Maine. The event will take place on May 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wells Conference Center at the University of Maine at Orono. The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning is hosting this event in collaboration with the University of Maine. |  More

Limited Seats Available for Educators at No Cost for “Navigating Grief in the Classroom” Series

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sponsoring a limited number of seats for Maine educators to attend The Kita Center’s “Navigating Grief in the Classroom” series at no cost through the upcoming learning cohort, which begins on May 6, 2026, and ends on June 10. This series of weekly, virtual sessions equips educators, counselors, and school staff with the skills to support grieving students with dignity, connection, and emotional literacy. |  More

Reminder: Registration Open for 2026 School Nurse Summer Institute

The Maine Department of Education (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. |  More

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

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Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.