Maine DOE Update – June 25, 2021

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

MaineCare Seed Adjustments to be Made, Request for Review of Q3’21 Reports by July 15, 2021

The recovery of Q3’21 MaineCare Seed will occur in the July 2021 subsidy payment. The Maine Department Of Education (DOE) is asking School Administrative Units (SAUs) to review their reports by July 15, 2021 to ensure accurate adjustments to subsidy. SAU staff must review, and submit disputes, or student by student claims on both the public and private MaineCare reports for Q3’21 by July 15, 2021. | More

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News & Updates

PRIORITY NOTICE: Seeking Public Comments for a Tydings Amendment Waiver of FY20 ESEA Funds and FY21 Carryover of Excess Title I, Part A Funds

Pursuant to the authority granted under section 8401(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the Maine Department of Education (DOE) intends to submit an application for waivers to the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). As required, the Maine DOE is seeking 15 days of public comment from June 23, 2021 – July 7, 2021, on the request to waive the period of availability for Elementary & Secondary Education Act funds and Title I, Part A carryover limitations. | More

Changes to Maine DOE’s ESEA Program Office Effective July 1, 2021

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Program Office within the Maine Department of Education (DOE) has recently undergone reorganization that will take effect on July 1, 2021. The Department’s ESEA Team takes a collaborative approach to the oversight of the various educational programs under the ESEA. As part of this collaborative approach, individuals within the ESEA Program Office serve as primary school administrative unit (SAU) contacts for different parts of the state. Each ESEA Program Officer will continue to assist SAUs within each of the nine (9) superintendent regions with work related to ESEA programs. | More

New Memorandum of Understanding will Promote German Language and Cultural Education in Maine

Public Law 2021, Chapter 213, An Act Authorizing an Increase to the Maximum Annual Fund Balance for Public School Districts was signed by Governor Mills on June 15, 2021. This law will become effective 90 days after the end of the session, and will not impact the fiscal year 2020-21. This legislation updated the law to say: | More

Maine Chefs Highlight the Use of Local Ingredients in New Video Campaign

The Child Nutrition Team at the Maine Department of Education (DOE) has set forth on a campaign to encourage schools to utilize fresh products the state of Maine offers in their school meal programs. The initiative, “Farm and Sea to School” brought in experts of cooking and agriculture to create videos on various recipes that use fresh ingredients grown or caught right here in Maine.  | More

VISTA Member Joins Maine DOE for Food Security Project

Rebekah Sousa has joined the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of School and Student Supports to build awareness, capacity, and resources related to food justice for Maine students. She is a Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) member of Americorps, serving a one year term. Americorps was established in 1964 to help communities combat poverty. Rebekah’s position is one of 25 state-wide VISTA positions that are focused on ending hunger in Maine by 2030. | More

Sub-Grant Application to Support Homeless/Housing Insecure Students Now Available to SAUs

The McKinney-Vento subgrant application for 2021 is now open! This funding will support School Administrative Units (SAUs) in developing, implementing, continuing, and expanding programs that facilitate the school success of children and youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This funding is provided under the McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program.  | More

Seal of Biliteracy Earned by Maine High School Seniors

The Maine Department of Education congratulates over 220 Maine high school seniors who are this year’s recipients of the Maine Seal of Biliteracy! The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes student achievement in language learning. Graduating seniors who are proficient in English and at least one additional language may earn the Seal of Biliteracy by demonstrating their skills on an approved assessment (see eligibility criteria). This award elevates the study of languages and provides students an edge for their college applications and professional careers. Students who attend a University of Maine System campus may also earn college credits. | More

UMaine-led Grant Helps Maine Schools Implement Behavioral Support Framework

More than 4,000 students across Maine are now receiving Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) thanks to intensive professional development provided by University of Maine College of Education and Human Development experts supported by a grant from the Maine Department of Education. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

St. George School Second Grade Students Create Poster Campaign for Local Community

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

July 2021 School Safety and Security Professional Development Offerings

To allow as much flexibility as possible for school staff to take a break from the incredibly difficult school year, yet still have the opportunity to continue to learn about school safety and security, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Maine School Safety Center (MSSC) has assembled a relaxed, go at your own pace, and self-select menu of short professional development sessions (30-45 minutes each)! | More

Free Digital Learning and Computer Science Summer Professional Learning for Educators!

In addition to the many professional learning opportunities hosted by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) this summer, the Office of Innovation is offering an array of digital learning and computer science professional learning opportunities. | More

Maine Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) Summer Workshops

Instead of a week-long event this summer, Maine Agriculture In The Classroom (MAITC) will be holding three single day, in-person events focusing on Dairy, Aquaculture, and Wild Blueberries. Each professional development event for PK – Grade 12 educators will offer 7 contact hours or .7 CEU’s (Total possible = 21 contact hours or 2.1 CEU’s). Each event will start at 8:30 AM and finish at 4:00 PM. A lite breakfast, snack, and lunch will be provided at each training. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – June 18, 2021

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Governor Mills Signs into Law a Bill Focused on Life and Career Readiness for All Students

Public Law, Chapter 190, An Act To Support Life and Career Readiness Education in Maine was signed by Governor Mills on June 14, 2021. Public Law, Chapter 190 was born out of a deep commitment to ensure Maine students are taught the knowledge and skills needed to make informed career choices in a complex world where exponential increases in computing power, the agility and power of digital technologies, and the creativity of human beings to innovate are fueling rapid rates of change in the workplace and in daily life. | More

Letter for Families: Importance of Completing the Meal Benefit Application for SY 2022

The Maine Department of Education Child Nutrition team has created a letter geared to Maine parents and families to express the importance of completing the meal benefit application. The letter can be downloaded and sent out to your district’s family mailing list. This letter can serve as a first step to get families thinking about the meal benefit application as we go into summer and can be sent out along with any other end of school year materials/reminders. | More | View Letter

New Memorandum of Understanding will Promote German Language and Cultural Education in Maine

On May 27th the Maine Department of Education hosted a virtual signing ceremony to celebrate a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Goethe-Institut Boston. Deputy Commissioner of Education, Dan Chuhta, and World Languages & ESOL/Bilingual Programs Specialist, April Perkins, welcomed guests from the German Consulate and the Goethe-Institut, as well as Maine educators, to mark the occasion by sharing their thoughts and reflections on German programs in Maine and the new partnership established under the MOU. | More

Maine DOE Welcomes Bowdoin Student for Summer Internship

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has welcomed Clio Bersani, a rising junior at Bowdoin College, as an intern for the summer through the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Institute’s Summer Government Internship Program. Clio is a History and Education double major and hopes to complete the Teacher-Scholar program while at Bowdoin, which will certify her to teach in public school upon graduating. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Registration for Early Childhood Education Conference Opens June 15th

This year’s annual statewide Early Childhood Education Conference, Connecting Early Childhood Education: Birth through Eight Across the State, has been organized through a collaboration of early childhood partners, including the Maine DOE. The conference will be held on October 22nd and 23rd at the Cross Center in Bangor. | More

Maine DOE to Host Focus Group for New Educators on June 23

Are you a first or second year educator (teacher, administrator, education technician)? If so, thank you–AND we would love to hear from you! | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – June 11, 2021

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

PRIORITY NOTICE: Governor Ending State of Civil Emergency June 30, Requirements move to Recommendation

Today Governor Mills announced that Maine’s State of Civil Emergency will end on June 30, 2021. The State’s last remaining face covering requirement, which only applies to indoor preK-12 schools and childcare settings, will also end on June 30. Maine Center Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue to strongly recommend, but not require, that unvaccinated people – including those under 12 years of age who are not yet eligible for a COVID vaccine – wear face coverings indoors. | More

An ‘End of Year Message’ to Maine’s Education Communities from the Maine 2021 County Teachers of the Year

As the 2020/2021 school year ends and students, families and school staff transition to a summer schedule, now is the time to reflect on all that has been accomplished during a school year the world has never seen. | More

Extension of Emergency Certification Options Coming Soon

Since May of 2020, a group of education stakeholders has been involved in a consensus-based rulemaking process, which involved reviewing and proposing revisions to Chapter 115, the State Board rule related to the credentialing of educational personnel in Maine.As part of this process, the Maine Department of Education (MDOE) worked with Representative Brennan on LD 1189, a bill to make the necessary changes in law to allow for some of the proposals introduced by the rulemaking committee. | More

FREE Virtual Summer Camp for Available for Maine Teens Through WAVES

The Maine Department of Education is excited to announce a FREE Virtual Summer Camp available to all Maine students entering grades 7-12. The camp will run Tuesday-Thursday, July 13- August 5. Brought to you by WAVES (Wilderness Activities and Virtual Engagement for Students), this virtual opportunity will connect and empower Maine teens from throughout the state around engaging activities and collaborative problem solving. The camp will host a variety of opportunities for students explore their worlds and their interests this summer. | More

Mills Administration Provides Guidelines to Resume Full-Time, In-Person Learning In Fall

The Mills Administration today informed Maine School Administrative Units (SAUs) that it expects all schools to offer full-time, in-person learning this fall. In its priority notice, which provides planning guidance to schools for educational programming this summer and next fall, the Maine Department of Education announced that remaining physical distancing requirements will be relaxed next school year and that schools should offer full-time, in-person learning in the fall as a result. | More

Student Opportunity: Interested in Art? Want to Make a Difference in your Community?

The following opportunity is provided for students by the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. Join AR Girls virtual camp this summer and use your creativity and design skills to produce your own augmented reality (AR) experience centered around the theme “reducing waste” | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Maine DOE Proudly Shares Summer Learning Opportunities for Education Workforce

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) already has many exciting and engaging professional learning opportunities, trainings, office hours, Q&A sessions and more planned this summer to help support, rejuvenate and inspire Maine’s education workforce. | More

Reminder: Pre-K for ME and K for ME Program Summer Training Opportunities

Since 2018, the Maine Department of Education has adapted and piloted open-source Pre-k and Kindergarten programs based on the Boston Public School’s evidence-based Focus on K1 and Focus on K2 curricula. Our own Pre-K for ME was launched in 2019. K for ME will be launched in August of 2021. These programs focus on the whole child and are interdisciplinary and developmentally appropriate. They are also aligned to Maine’s learning standards. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – June 4, 2021

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

End of School Year 20’-21’ Checklist for Completing Reports; June 11 Webinar Available

The Maine Educational Data Systems Team will be hosting a webinar to discuss the end of year reporting requirements in this notification on Friday June 11th from 10:00am to 12:00pm. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Mills Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

All counties remain green

Maine DHHS and CDC, in conjunction with Maine DOE, will now shift to updating the color-coded health advisory for in-person learning only as needed over the course of the summer

The Mills Administration today released an update to its color-coded Health Advisory System that classifies counties’ relative risk of COVID-19 transmission to assist schools as they continue with their efforts to deliver instruction and support students safely. | More

Governor Mills Signs Bill Focused on Student Career Development in Maine into Law

The Maine Department of Education is seeking educational experts to join the Office of Innovation team. These full–time, fully remote, contracted positions will provide leadership in the creation of pk-12, asynchronous, interdisciplinary learning progressions for the MOOSE (Maine Online Opportunities for Sustained Education) platform. | More

School Nutrition Programs to Feed Children Beyond School Year with Summer Food Service Program

With the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Maine public schools have long offered a nutritious breakfast and lunch meal program to thousands of children in Maine during the school year. During the pandemic, many flexibilities were put into place to ensure children had access to complementary meals while learning remotely from home or attending school in person. | More

Maine DOE to Host Focus Groups for New Educators

Are you a first or second year educator (teacher, administrator, education technician)? If so, thank you–AND we would love to hear from you! Please join us at one of our virtual New Educator Focus Groups (June 17 6:00 – 7:00 pm or June 23, 9:00 – 10:00 am). Upon registration, participants will receive a Zoom link. | More

Maine DOE Joins MCLA in Honoring Top Curriculum Leaders

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) joins the Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA) in honoring Beth Clifford, Curriculum Director of Maine Indian Education, as the 2021 Curriculum Leader of The Year, and Susan O’Brien, Instructional Coach in RSU 22, as the 2021 Instructional Coach Of The Year. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Leading Early Learning—A Professional Learning Series for Elementary School Administrators

As Maine elementary schools have added preschool programming and continue to support the development of children in the Pre-K -Grade 3 span, many elementary principals have requested additional professional learning to support their work as educational leaders. The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and several Maine educational organizations, listed below, have collaborated to design an exciting new professional learning series to address identified needs and support professional growth. We are pleased to announce that the first cohort for this series will launch during the 2021-22 school year. | More

2021-2022 Leadership Development Opportunities- Information Session

Do you love being an educator in Maine? Is developing your own leadership capacity intriguing to you? Do you strive to ensure more equitable outcomes for your students? Do you thrive by learning with a diverse group of thoughtful and engaged educators? If so, please consider attending an information session coming to you from the Maine Department of Education to learn more about our year-long professional learning experiences for leaders in education. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Management Analyst II

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – May 28, 2021

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

PRIORITY NOTICE: 2021-2022 NEO Maine Schools for Private Schools and Updated School Approval Process

In accordance with 20-A M.R.S. Chapter 117, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) requires private schools seeking approval status to be approved annually. What follows are updates and reminders of the annual and ongoing reporting requirements to attain and maintain approval as an approved private school for attendance and tuition purposes by the Maine Department of Education.| More

MOOSE Distinguished Educator Announcement

Three Maine Schools Win a Brand New $100K DON’T QUIT!® Fitness Center

Today, Governor Janet Mills and fitness icon Jake (Body by Jake) Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC), announced three Maine schools have won a state-of-the-art $100,000 DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center. The multi-million dollar DON’T QUIT! Campaign has selected Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School in Deer Isle, Gorham Middle School in Gorham and SeDoMoCha School in Dover-Foxcroft for new fitness centers in recognition of their commitment to the health of their students. | More

Unpacking the Public Pre-K Guidebook

The Maine Department Of Education’s Early Learning Team is excited to offer a summer professional learning series focused around the newly released Pre-K Guidebook. This resource was designed to support expansion of high-quality and inclusive public Pre-K in Maine. | More

Notice of Concussion Workgroup (LD 104)

As directed by L.D. 104, An Act to Protect the Health of Student Athletes by Requiring the Department of Education to Report on the Incidence of Concussions which was signed into law by Governor Mills on March 17, 2021, the Department of Education’s Concussion Workgroup is expanding its work. The law requires that the Department work with the Maine Principals’ Association to use existing or new collection methods in order to report on the incidence of concussion in Maine schools. The Department, together with the Maine Principals’ Association is pleased to continue working with the Maine Association of School Nurses and Maine Concussion Management Initiative (MCMI) as the Concussion Workgroup. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Adopted English Language Development Standards; Process and Support

In March of 2021, WIDA released the refreshed ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition, which serves as a foundation for systems that foster engaged interactive student learning and collaborative educator practice. The Framework is centered on equity for all students and fosters the assets, contributions, and potential of culturally and linguistically diverse children and youth. It also provides a clear and coherent structure to guide the development of curriculum, instruction, and assessment of content-driven English language learning. | More

National Funding to Support Enhanced Access, Utilization of Wabanaki Resources

The National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded a grant of more than $59,000 to the University of Maine’s McGillicuddy Humanities Center to support development of a centralized digital portal that will improve access to Wabanaki historical and cultural resources and archival collections currently distributed across UMaine and, in the future, to incorporate collections curated by several external institutions. | More

Free Inclusive Practices Training & Technical Assistance for Public Preschool Programs

School Administrative Units (SAUs) are asked to apply by June 4, 2021 to take advantage of this exciting professional development opportunity. Notifications of acceptance will be provided by June 10, 2021. | More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Regina Lewis

Maine DOE team member Regina Lewis is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Regina| More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Wabanaki Seminar June 12, 2021 9am-12:15pm

The Maine Department of Education is delighted to invite educators statewide to our June 12 virtual recognition of the 20th Anniversary of the signing of LD 291 which requires the teaching of Wabanaki History and Culture in Maine classrooms. Please join us and a variety of educational leaders from 9-12:30 on Saturday, June 12. We will begin the morning with greetings from Governor Mills, Commissioner of Education Pender Makin and a keynote by legislation sponsor, Hon. Donna Loring. | More

Students Against Destructive Decisions Offers Free Programming to Maine Schools

Students Against Destructive Decisions is expanding its reach throughout the state and offering all educational institutions free access to resources on mobility safety; substance use and prevention; mental health and wellness; and leadership and engagement. SADD offers students the chance to make big changes in their communities and improve the culture and climate of their schools through peer-to-peer education. SADD”s programming is evidence based, student led, and completely free. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – May 21, 2021

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Mills Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

All counties now green.

Four Middle School Students Honored in Statewide Science & Engineering Fair

The Middle School Science & Engineering Fair announced its winners on recently in a livestreamed awards ceremony. Approximately 40 middle school students from Maine submitted projects to the fair, and four projects were recognized| More

Two Maine High School Students Named “National Cyber Scholars” After Winning Nationwide Competition to Identify Rising Stars in Critical Industry

The National Cyber Scholarship Foundation has named two Maine students, “National Cyber Scholars” after winning a rigorous 48-hour competition designed to evaluate aptitude in combating cyber threats, showcasing the advanced programming available in Maine schools. | More

Maine’s New Comprehensive School Counseling Program Model

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to share an updated and Maine specific Comprehensive School Counseling Program (CSCP) which has been the culmination of an extensive review, feedback and editing process. | More

Maine DOE Hosts Students Statewide for Virtual MLTI Student Conference

Maine students and teachers came together yesterday for a day of learning, collaboration, and innovative thinking at the 18th Annual Maine Learning Through Technology (MLTI) Student Conference. | More

Celebrating Foster Care Month in Maine

May is National Foster Care Month across the nation. It is a time to recognize that everyone can play a part in enhancing the lives of children and youth in foster care. Starting in 1988, U.S. Presidents issued annual proclamations in recognition of National Foster Care Month to show appreciation and gratitude to foster parents. Maine is committed to ensuring all children grow up healthy and safe and would like to take time to show appreciation for the incredible role foster parents have in lifting up the children in their care. | More

New UMaine Special Education Leadership Certificate Available this Fall

The University of Maine College of Education and Human Development and UMaine Online will begin offering a new graduate certificate in Special Education Leadership this fall. | More

Student Summer Opportunity: O’Connor CIVICS Challenge!

Sandra Day O’Connor Institute For American Democracy presents the summer O’Connor Civics Challenge!, a civics video competition which is open now through Thursday, July 15, 2021 and open to all students entering 6th through 9th grade in Fall 2021. | More

STEM and Social Studies Virtual Study Tours to Germany this Summer

The Transatlantic Outreach Program (TOP) is hosting STEM and Social Studies virtual study tours to Germany this summer. | More

Maine DOE Hosts COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sessions with Maine Physicians, Infectious Disease Experts

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has been hosting information sessions with Maine physicians who are experts on COVID-19 vaccines and infectious diseases to help educate school populations about the COVID-19 vaccines available to school aged youth.| More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Michele Mailhot

Maine DOE team member Michele Mailhot is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Michele | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Early Learning Office Hour on Summer Learning Opportunities

On Thursday, May 27, from 3:30-4:30, members of the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE’s) Early Learning Team will host an open office hour to discuss ideas for supporting young learners over the summer. | More

Build Community Through Writing – Summer Institute for Educators

The following opportunity is being hosted by The Telling Room as a resource for information and opportunities; is not an endorsement of any product or program. | More

Virtual Workshop for Teachers: Middle School Science & Engineering Fair

Did you know that Maine has a science fair for grades 6-8? The Maine State Middle School Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF) provides youth with a chance to share their independent STEM projects with judges and their peers. The event encourages students to explore their own area of interest, engage in authentic science and engineering practices, and hone their science communication skills.| More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – May 14, 2021

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

PRIORITY NOTICE: 2021-2022 NEO Maine Schools for Private Schools and Updated School Approval Process

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

2021 County Teachers of the Year Announced in Virtual Ceremony

As part of the Maine Teacher of the Year Program, hundreds of teachers across Maine are nominated by a member of their school community. Through a rigorous application process, one teacher from each county is selected as the County Teacher of the Year by a panel of teachers, principals, and business community members within the county. | More

All Maine School Nurses Named 2020/2021 School Nurses of the Year

Since 1972, National School Nurses Day has been set aside to celebrate this unique and specialized division of nursing. This year Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Department of Education join the Maine Association of School Nurses (MASN) to celebrate and honor school nurses on May 12th, recognizing ALL Maine school nurses as the 2020-2021 “School Nurses of the Year.” | More

2021 STEM for All Video Showcase May 11- 18

Researchers, practitioners, policy makers, informal educators, and parents interested in enhancing STEM education are invited to take part in a free, interactive, 8-day video showcase event, showcasing federally funded projects to improve STEM and computer science education. All are welcome to view, discuss, and vote for favorites from May 11-18. | More

The Rugged Road to Recovery: Voices of Hope Docuseries

In a 12-part video series SEED (Students Empowered to End Dependency) interviews young people who have struggled with Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD). Most are now participating in recovery programs that have enabled them to pursue a healthy lifestyle. The series also speaks with several medical experts to explore the science behind the disease model of chemical dependency and features many Maine people on the front lines helping those suffering from Substance Use Disorder as different recovery methods are explored. | More

Two Maine Students Named 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars

U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona today announced the 57^th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts and career and technical education fields. | More

ESEA Demographics Certification Report to Open 5/15/2021

The ESEA Demographics Report is an aggregation of students enrolled on 05/15/2021 for participation in state assessments during the 2020 assessment administration. This report includes student demographic categories for assessment and accountability purposes. This is required reporting for RSUs, CSDs, MSADs, Municipal school units, Maine Indian Education, charter schools, state operated schools, and private schools that accept publicly funded students. | More

Governor Mills History-Making Budget Proposal Supports Maine PreK-12 Schools

Yesterday Governor Mills unveiled her Administration’s Part 2 budget for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2023 biennium, a proposal that makes a historic investment in Maine public schools and meets the State’s obligation to pay 55 percent of the cost of PreK-12 education for the first time in Maine’s history. | More

Investment in Maine’s Career and Technical Education Centers Critical to Economic Recovery, Says Governor Mills

During a tour of Foster Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center in Farmington today, Governor Janet Mills highlighted the importance of Maine CTEs in training skilled workers and spurring economic recovery and long-term growth from the COVID-19 pandemic. | More

Maine DOE Joins MACTE in Honoring 2020/2021 CTE Students of the Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education (MACTE) would like to congratulate the recently announced 2020/2021 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Students of the Year. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – May 7, 2021

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Mills Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

Androscoggin County remains yellow; All other counties green. The Mills Administration today released an update to its color-coded Health Advisory System that classifies counties’ relative risk of COVID-19 transmission to assist schools as they continue with their efforts to deliver instruction and support students safely. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Interactive Workshop by Wabanaki REACH – Moving Forward: Opening a Path to Truth, Healing and Change

Maine-Wabanaki REACH is a cross cultural organization working in support of decolonization and Wabanaki self-determination. REACH focuses on truth, healing, and change. Our work with Wabanaki people is flexible, responding to activities in the communities themselves. It includes wellness and history learning, healing circles, support for growing food and medicines, and emergency financial support. This work takes place in Wabanaki communities, Maine communities, and in the Maine State Correction System. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: Governor Mills Dedicating $10 Million in Federal Relief Funds to Expand Public Pre-K

Today Governor Mills announced the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, our Administration’s proposal to invest more than $1 billion in discretionary Federal relief funds allocated to Maine under the American Rescue Plan Act. As part of this groundbreaking plan, Governor Mills has committed $10 million to expand public pre-k options in the State of Maine.| More

A Letter to America’s Teachers from Secretary Cardona

I never could predict what might happen in Mr. O’Neil’s art classes; I just knew I couldn’t wait for the next assignment. Back then I didn’t realize all the ways this dynamic educator, a rare man of color leading our diverse classroom of second graders, was serving as a pioneer and role model for me and my peers in John Barry Elementary School. But I’ll never forget how his teaching made me feel. As a second grader, I remember looking up — watching him encourage, challenge and guide us – and thinking: “I want to be like him.”| More

Maine DOE to Announce the 2021 Maine County Teachers of the Year in Live Virtual Announcement on May 12 at 2pm

16 Maine teachers will be announced and honored as part of the Maine Department of Education’s Maine Teacher of the Year Program, which includes annual County Teachers of the Year awards and honors.| More

Maine DOE Certification Team Supporting Educator Workforce

The Maine Department of Education’s Certification team is excited to report that they have held a 2-3 week processing time for more than a year, despite the heavy volume of inquiries and responses they attend to on a daily basis to manage the initial applications and renewal of educator and administrator credentials across Maine.| More

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month – Free Materials for Schools

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has partnered with more than 35 agencies and organizations throughout Maine to promote the awareness of Lyme Disease and educate as many people as possible about prevention efforts. The 2021 Lyme Disease Awareness Month theme is “Stop. Check. Prevent.” This reminds us to stop and practice tick prevention measures frequently. The easiest way to avoid tickborne diseases is preventing tick bites. | More

Six Annual Count ME In Student Contest Promoting School Attendance, Learning and Community

Count ME In is seeking students to create a poster, sculpture, song, poem, or video to promote learning, school attendance, and school community for the 2021 Attendance Awareness Month in September 2021 and yearlong celebration.| More

Building from What You Have: A Process for Scaling up Tiered Supports in a MTSS

The Maine Department of Education, in partnership with the University of Southern Maine School of Education and Human Development are seeking school Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) teams to engage in a summer learning institute titled Building from What You Have: A Process for Scaling-Up Tiered Supports in a MTSS. Continuous Improvement Teams from PK-12 are invited to submit an application. | More

Camden Hills Regional HS Teacher Named a Finalist for 2021 Presidential Award in Mathematics

The Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce the Maine State Selection Committee for the 2021 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program has selected as the state-level finalist for 7-12th grade, teacher of mathematics Lora Levenseler from Camden Hills Regional High School. | More

Job Corps To Host Virtual Info Sessions in May

Information sessions hosted by Maine’s Job Corps office will be held on May 17th at 1pm or May 26th at 2:30PM on Zoom. Registration is required, at which time link and log on information for the session will be sent via email. | More

Commissioner Makin Thanks Education Workforce for Teacher Appreciation Week

Today Commissioner Makin released a special video acknowledging the courage, selflessness, and dedication, especially over the past year, of educators and school staff across Maine. Her message was created in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week | More

A Reminder to Maine Home Instruction Parents and SAUs Regarding Annual Assessment Requirement

A reminder to those families who have opted for home instruction during the 2020-2021 School Year that, per Title 20-A: 5001-A , an annual assessment of academic progress is required. | More

Maine Association of School Libraries Announces Annual Awardees

During School Library Month in April, the Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) announced the recipients of the 2021 Awards. MASL’s annual awards recognize exemplary school library support staff, administrators, and library media specialists. | More

Red Sox Virtual STEM Education Series for Students

Join the Boston Red Sox for their 2021 Virtual STEM Education Series, presented by Moderna! Each week throughout the month of May, they will release a new video that will include live experiments, geared towards STEM-related curriculum.| More

Maine Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week; 2021 Maine Poetry Out Loud Champion Releases Original Poem for Teachers

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to celebrate Maine’s outstanding educators this week, May 3 – 7, 2021 and we have already begun celebrating our rockstar educators and school staff!| More

2020 Maine County Teachers of the Year Release Special Message to Pre-Service Teachers

As we head into National Teacher Appreciation Week this week and as college students across Maine celebrate their education accomplishments with graduations and plans for the future, the 2020 Maine County Teachers of the Year (CTOY) have created a very special message for those completing teacher-preparation programs and transitioning into their very first teaching job.| More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Sarah Ferguson

Maine DOE team member Sarah Ferguson is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Sarah | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Free Inclusive Practices Training & Technical Assistance for Public Preschool Programs

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce a professional development opportunity designed specifically for Public Preschool Programs. This initiative will support a third cohort of public preschool educators and administrators in providing inclusive practices within high quality preschool environments for 4-year-olds. | More

Join Dr. Habib Dagher to learn about UMaine’s leading research in floating offshore wind

There is an international race to develop floating wind turbine technologies. Educators and students are cordially invited to learn about these technologies and how they can help Maine mitigate climate change and keep more energy dollars in the state. Dr. Habib Dagher, executive director of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine, will be leading a webinar about the pioneering research in floating offshore wind being conducted at UMaine.| More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – April 30, 2021

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

2021-2022 NEO Maine Schools and Public School Approval to Open May 15th, Due June 30th.

It is the time of year again for each school administrative unit (SAU) to submit the annual approval report for the unit, certifying progress on the Comprehensive Education Plan. This is in accordance with 20-A M.R.S. Chapter 206 and Maine Department of Education (DOE) Rule Chapter 125, which requires information to maintain continued approval status for the (SAU) and all schools within it. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

PRIORITY NOTICE: School Year 2022 Nationwide Waivers Available for Schools and Day Care Facilities to Support Safe Reopening and Nutritious Meals

Maine Department of Education (DOE) is thrilled to share that USDA has released twelve additional Nationwide Waivers for SY 2022. These are meant to support the safe reopening of facilities while providing nutritious meals for children and adolescents. The new waivers can be accessed here. | More

Registration Closing Soon for Maine C3 Virtual Career Fair – Register Your School NOW

The Maine Community Coordinators Collaborative (Maine C3) in partnership with ACTEM and Educate Maine are offering a statewide virtual career fair from May 17-21, 2021 for all Maine students in grades 9-12. During the ME Virtual Career Fair, numerous thirty-minute sessions will be offered on the secure, online conference platform Hopin. Each session will be moderated by a school-based education professional and feature a live speaker followed by a question and answer period. Students will not be on video during the sessions and can ask questions via a monitored live chat. Sessions will run during the school day and into the evening. | More

Priority Notice: Seeking Public Comment to Waive Requirements Related to Accountability and Public Reporting.

In a US Department of Education (USDOE) Dear Colleague letter to state chiefs on February 22nd, 2021, USDOE provided guidance and invited states to apply for waivers granting significant flexibility in the areas of accountability and reporting for the 2020-2021 school year. Following this guidance and flexibility, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is requesting accountability and reporting waivers pursuant to §8401(b) from requirements within the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015). | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: IMPORTANT Survey Required To Implement Maine’s Approved Pandemic EBT Plan

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved the State of Maine’s Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) plan. The Maine Department of Education (Maine DOE) has partnered with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and supports the approved plan. This is an important step toward ensuring that all Maine children have access to nourishment, and that no child goes hungry. | More

Toolkit of Resources for Increasing Meal Participation

As part of effort to increase school meal participation and access to healthy foods, the Maine DOE Child Nutrition team has created a toolkit of resources for Food Service Directors. This toolkit contains information and tips on how to increase meal participation, as well as social media graphics and templates. | More

Call for Proposals: Regional Computer Science Education Conference Hosted (virtually) in Maine!

Are you a teacher who loves computer science and tries to weave it into everything you teach? Or maybe you’re still somewhat new to technology, but have developed an understanding throughout the past year? Share your progress and showcase your innovations in computer science education at this year’s Computer Science Teacher Association New England (CSTA NE) conference, hosted (virtually via Hopin) by our very own Maine CSTA chapter! | More

Seven Maine Seniors Named U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists

U.S. Department of Education has named seven Maine students as semifinalists in the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The national program recognizes seniors across the country as being among our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors. | More

Seeking School Employees and Educators to Host WAVES Virtual Communities for Maine Teens

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking hosts for virtual communities for Maine teens as an important part of a Maine DOE initiative, WAVES (Wilderness Activities and Virtual Engagement for Students). The WAVES Virtual Communities are housed on the WAVES website and are open to all Maine teens. | More

Seeking Outdoor Education Success Stories for WAVES

We at the Maine Department of Education know schools, educators and organizations have been working collaboratively to get students safely learning outdoors. As part of the WAVES (Wilderness Activities and Virtual Engagement for Students), we would like to collect and feature all the innovative practices and projects you been up to outdoors with youth! | More

2021 Diesel Emissions Reduction Grants Available for Tribal and Insular Area Government Agencies

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Transportation and Air Quality is soliciting applications for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions. Eligible entities include tribal governments (or intertribal consortia) and Alaska Native villages, and insular area government agencies, which have jurisdiction over transportation or air quality.A total of approximately $4.5 million will be made available to tribal governments (or intertribal consortia) and Alaska Native villages, and approximately $500,000 will be made available to insular area governments. Eligible diesel vehicles, engines and equipment may include buses. | More

School Nutrition Teams to Compete in 2021 Farm to School Cook-off Finals Competition

The Maine Department of Education Child Nutrition Team is hosting the 6th annual Farm to School finals competition in which a panel of judges including a chef, school nutrition director, and farmer will score dishes made by school nutrition teams based on presentation, taste, creativity, and feasibility to be used in a school breakfast or lunch program. Other criteria will include food safety and time management. In the competition, local “challenge” ingredients will be incorporated into the meals, including eggs donated from Weston’s Meat and Poultry in Gardiner, and parsnips donated from Goranson Farm in Dresden. | More

MEMA Hosting Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination Unit in Waterville May 9-12

Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will be hosting a Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination Unit in Waterville May 9-12. The site will be using the one-shot J&J vaccine, and have the capacity to do 400-500 vaccinations per day. Registration and other information is available. | More

The Rugged Road to Recovery: Voices of Hope Docuseries Airing Soon in Maine

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Joe Haney

Maine DOE Team member Joe Haney is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign, learn a little more about Joe in the question and answer below. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Mt. Blue Regional School District RREV Pioneers Share Progress on UMaine Pilot Course

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Maine Organizations Launch New “Teach ME Outside” Website for Educators

A collaborative effort between three Maine organizations called “Teach ME Outside” has recently launched a new website to provide support for Maine educators and community members interested in environmental and outdoor learning for all Maine youth. The site contains educational resources, upcoming training opportunities, and data from across the state. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – April 23, 2021

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Administration Updates COVID-19 School Health Advisory System

The Mills Administration released an update to its color-coded Health Advisory System that classifies counties’ relative risk of COVID-19 transmission to assist schools as they continue with their efforts to deliver instruction and support students safely. Androscoggin, Kennebec, Oxford and Somerset counties yellow; Franklin and York counties closely monitored. Administration also launched new school testing program. | More

Reminder to April Vacation Travelers – Test for COVID-19 Upon Return

Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew released an important reminder in the Bangor Daily News recently for Maine students and families traveling during April vacation, and noted that our case numbers, and the number of young people getting sick from COVID-19 is on the rise. The Maine Department of Education would like to underscore her important message to all members of Maine’s school communities, as we urge everyone to help keep our students and schools safe after April vacation week. | More

Maine DOE and Maine State Chamber of Commerce Collaborate for Teacher Appreciation Week

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Maine Department of Education are working collaboratively and would like to invite Maine businesses to help us celebrate Maine’s outstanding educators during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3 – 7). | More

Funding Opportunity: 2021 NASA Teams Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions

The NASA Office of STEM Engagement invites proposals from museums, science centers, planetariums, NASA Visitor Centers, youth-serving organizations, libraries, and other eligible nonprofit institutions via the 2021 NASA Teams Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions (TEAM II) Notice of Funding Opportunity, NH21ZHA002N. | More

Nominations Being Accepted for the 2021 MAHPERD Teacher of the Year Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD) Teacher of the Year awards.| More

Commissioner Makin Celebrates Poetry Month with a Reading

Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin has recorded and released a poetry reading and a special message to Maine’s education field in celebration of National Poetry Month. The video is part of a month long effort by Governor Mills, Maine DOE, state partners, and schools across Maine to encourage poetry as an important resource in education and as a tool for reflection during this difficult time. | More

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Pender Makin

Maine DOE team member Pender Makin is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Marcy in the question and answer | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Reminder of Resources for Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS)

An information session for SAUs and schools interested in joining a new Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) training and coaching. cohort will be held April 30 at 12 pm. To learn more and access the remote meeting, contact Tracy Whitlock at tracy.w.whitlock@maine.gov. | More

Continuous Improvement in Education: Supporting Innovation in Maine Webinar Series

The Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast and Islands in partnership with the Maine Department of Education and the Region 1 Comprehensive Center is excited to announce the Continuous Improvement in Education: Supporting Innovation in Maine Webinar Series. This webinar series is designed to help build the capacity of Maine educational leaders and teachers to understand and apply the principles and practices of continuous improvement. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here