From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

ADMINISTRATIVE LETTER: Legal Requirements to Provide English Language Acquisition Services to Students Who are English Learners

It is a federal requirement that all students who are English learners be identified within 30 days of enrollment from the beginning of the school year, or within two weeks of enrollment during the school year. | More

Maine DOE Releases Thank You Video to Educators with the Help of Special Friends

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) released a Back to School Thank You video just in time for the many teacher in-service days that are taking place all over the state this week, prior to Maine schools welcoming students back into the classroom for the 2019-2020 school year. | More

State Finalists Announced for 2020 Maine Teacher of the Year

Three Maine teachers have been announced as State finalists for the 2020 Maine Teacher of the Year. The finalists were chosen from the 2019 Maine County Teachers of the Year honored earlier this year at the Hall of Flags. | More

Regional Conversations Regarding Serving Children with Disabilities from Birth to 5 Years of Age

As most of you are aware, L.D. 1715, “An Act to Reorganize the Provision of Services for Children with Disabilities from Birth to 5 Years of Age” has been carried over to the next Legislative session. This bill proposes the transition of responsibility for special education services for preschool-age children from Child Development Services to the public schools. | More

Career and Education Development Standards Review- Writing Team

The Department of Education is performing a review of the Maine Learning Results for Career and Education Development and has openings on its writing team. The purpose of the writing team is to revise the current standards, based on guidance provided from a steering committee. For more information about the standards review process, check the new Maine DOE standards revision website. | More

Maine High School Students Can Still Apply for Early College Courses 

Maine students and their families still have one week to explore and apply for Early College courses at all of Maine’s Public Universities using the ExploreEC Portal.  The portal is new for the fall semester and classes start September 3rd.  UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy welcomed students and their families to Orono today for an Early College Orientation and urged everyone to share the news that students throughout the state still have to apply now for fall Early College courses. | More

Pre-K for ME: Open-Source Curriculum

Maine DOE is proud to announce the release of Prek for ME, an open-source curriculum for preschoolers.  Developed in response to public prek teachers looking for an evidence-based, whole child, content integrated curriculum that is low cost, Prek for ME builds on the Boston Public Schools preschool curriculum and contains a comprehensive program, including outdoor learning and technology activities appropriate for young children. | More

Get to Know the DOE Team: Meet Stephanie Clark

Maine DOE team member Stephanie Clark is being highlighted this week as the part of a Get to Know the DOE Team campaign! Learn a little more about Stephanie. | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Franklin County Adult Education Educator Recognized as Outstanding District Educator

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Public Service Manager II – Assessment Team Leader
• Education Specialist III – Certification Consultant (Anticipated Vacancy)
• Education Specialist III – State Agency Client/State Ward/Educational Surrogate Coordinator
• View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

Graduation Reporting-Phase Two- Reminder and Webinar for Assistance

Phase II of graduation will allow schools the opportunity to review and make necessary changes to correct or update exit codes from the 2018/19 school year for their 4^th, 5^th and 6^th year students. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Education Leaders Convening at UMF for 2nd Annual Teach to Lead Conference

The 2^nd annual Powered by Maine Teach to Lead® conference is taking place as a chance for educators and school administrators to network with other leaders throughout the state and to provide participants with the unique opportunity to collaborate with fellow teachers and school administrators on an action plan to accomplish common goals and solve identified issues for the coming school year. | More

Migrant Education Program School Survey

The Maine Migrant Education Program (MEP) provides the following School Survey to all Maine school districts to help the Maine MEP locate families that may qualify for related services. Families can elect to complete this form in their primary language. | More

Special Education Forms Update

Based on the periodic review and feedback from a stakeholder group of practitioners in the field, The Maine Department of Education’s Office of Special Services, has revised only a few required forms for special education. Specifically, the IEP form, the adverse effect form, and the optional referral form have been revised; all vendors have been notified of these changes.  A complete list of all forms is available on our website. | More

Get to Know the DOE Team: Meet Shelly Chasse-Johndro

Title II Program Coordinator Shelly Chasse-Johndro is being highlighted this week as the part of a Get to Know the DOE Team campaign! Learn a little more about Shelly | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• RSU 57 Prek Teachers Train Fellow Educators on Research-based Prek Practice
• Brunswick Community Support Group is Working Hard to Welcome Refugee Families
• Maine Teachers Learn About the Benefits of Technology in Elementary School Classrooms
• Class in a Canoe: Early College at Bryant Pond

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Public Service Manager II – Assessment Team Leader
• Education Specialist III – Certification Consultant (Anticipated Vacancy)
• Education Specialist III – Multi-Tiered System of Support Specialist
• Regional Education Representative – Social Emotional Behavioral Learning Specialist
• Education Specialist III – State Agency Client/State Ward/Educational Surrogate Coordinator
• View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

PRIORITY NOTICE: Notice from Maine Charter School Commission- Public Input for Proposed New Public Charter School

he Maine Charter School Commission has received applications from two entities proposing a new public charter school opening in the fall of 2020. There are 9 public charter schools operating in the state of Maine. Current law allows for a maximum of 10. | More

Maine Reaches Federal Milestone in Special Education

Maine is proud to be one of 20 other states in the nation to meet federal requirements for serving the needs of children with disabilities. This rigorous effort was led by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services. | More

Innovative New “Experiential” Educator Training Takes Center Stage

In a four-day educator training that took place last month at the United Technology Center (UTC) in Bangor, 14 educators from across Maine gathered for a unique professional development opportunity offered through a partnership between two educators from RSU 19, Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) | More

Guidance on Determining English Learner Status

Students who are English learners (ELs) are considered former ELs when they reach an overall composite proficiency score of 4.5 on ACCESS for ELLs or level P2 on Alternate ACCESS. Former ELs are fully mainstreamed, no longer receive English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services, and are no longer administered ACCESS for ELLs/Alternate ACCESS each year.   | More

Getting to Know the DOE Team – Meet Jamie McFaul

Grants Officer Jamie McFaul from the Maine Commission for Community Service (MCCS) is being highlighted this week as the part of a Get to know the DOE Team campaign! Learn a little more about Jamie. | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Lincoln Elementary School Goes Above and Beyond to Keep Students Engaged in Reading During the Summer

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Conference: Collaborating to Address the Complex Mental and Behavioral Health Needs of Maine Youth

The Maine American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Maine Association of School Nurses (MASN) are collaborating to bring you best practices and current research on a variety of critical mental and physical health related topics facing adolescents. | More

Reduced Rate Access and Training for Pk-3rd Grade Teachers Using Teaching Strategies Gold®

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has finalized a contract with Teaching Strategies to support the use of their Gold® assessment tool in elementary grade (Pk-3) classrooms. | More | Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Education Specialist III – Multi-Tiered System of Support Specialist
• Regional Education Representative – Social Emotional Behavioral Learning Specialist (Anticipated Vacancy)
• Education Specialist III – Early Childhood Education Specialist (Anticipated Vacancy)
• Education Specialist III – Maine Project Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (AWARE) Coordinator (Anticipated Vacancy)
• Education Specialist III – State Agency Client/State Ward/Educational Surrogate Coordinator
• Regional Education Representative – Mental Health/School Counseling Specialist (Anticipated Vacancy)
• View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

WHY DATA MATTERS: SAU Leaders Invited to Train and Talk!

Are you a school or district leader who wonders why the Department of Education collects certain data sets, and what they are used for?  Have you ever wanted to have a frank discussion with the DOE’s Data Team about the data collections and how they could be improved?  | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

PRIORITY NOTICE: Conceptual Conversation Around the Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth Systems (PEPG)

Since 2012, educators across the State of Maine have worked collaboratively to create locally developed, effective models for professional growth. Since that time, plans have been revised and refined to reflect the requirements of Chapter 180 and school or district goals. In response to changes to Chapter 180 made during the 129th legislative session, The Maine Department of Education invites interested stakeholders to attend a conceptual conversation related to educator effectiveness on August 5, 2019 | More

RECOGNIZING GREAT EDUCATORS: Department of Education Talent Pool!

The Maine Department of Education believes that a great way to ensure a robust educator workforce is to develop and engage a network of outstanding educators as exemplars and leaders for our state.  By promoting the excellence that exists in classrooms and schools across Maine, we hope to increase the trust and respect given to educators, and encourage and support others in an outstanding career working with Maine’s students.| More

Seeking Innovative Educational Leaders to Join Maine’s Leadership Development Program

The Maine Department of Education is thrilled to announce that the facilitator candidates for Maine’s Leadership Development Program (Maine LDP) have been selected. | More

Preparing to Educate Students who Are English Learners- Reviewing Lau Plans

As schools prepare for the 2019-2020 academic year, the Maine Department of Education would like to offer its support to help educators proactively plan effective programs for students who are English learners (ELs). Each year many new families arrive to Maine over the summer, or transfer from one Maine district to another. When school enrollment begins in the fall, districts may enroll a student who is an EL for the first time or may experience an increase in the number of students who are ELs as compared to last school year. The following suggestions and resources can help educators prepare to identify and serve students who are ELs and engage their families and communities. | More

Maine Officially Adopts English Language Development Standards

Each of the eight content areas taught in Maine schools has its own set of standards, collectively known as the Maine Learning Results. Since 1997, the Maine Learning Results have provided a framework from which educators can build their curriculum, instruction, and assessments. Alongside these content standards, students learning English have been supported with a cohesive set of English language development (ELD) standards, aligned to the academic content they are learning. | More

Maine DOE Director of ESOL Selected as Finalist for US Department of State Award

April Perkins is the current Director of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)/Bilingual Programs & Title III at the Maine Department of Education (DOE). She is also one of four finalists for a prestigious national award. | More

Next Think Tank Scheduled for September 30!

In the ongoing effort to engage with all stakeholders, the Department of Education will hold its next Think Tank at the Schoodic Institute in Winter Harbor on September 30.  | More

Get to Know the DOE Team – Meet Barbara McGowen

Maine DOE Fiscal Coordinator Barbara McGowen is being highlighted this week as the part of a Get to know the DOE Team campaign! Learn a little more about Barbara in the brief question and answer below. | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Downeast School Teachers and Staff Distribute Books to Children via Bicycle Library
• WCC Educator Profile: Mike and Jeanne Beal
• Students Engaged in STEM Challenges at Blue Hill Consolidated School’s Summer Program

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Education Specialist III – Monitoring & Support
• Education Specialist III – Early Childhood Education Specialist (Anticipated Vacancy)
• Education Specialist III – Maine Project Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (AWARE) Coordinator (Anticipated Vacancy)
• Education Specialist III – State Agency Client/State Ward/Educational Surrogate Coordinator
• Regional Education Representative – Mental Health/School Counseling Specialist (Anticipated Vacancy)
• View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

Annual Audit Requirements- an Early Reminder

We know that superintendents are busy during this season of hiring and preparation for the new school year. We wanted to get audit dates to district leaders and key personnel as an early reminder, so that you can mark your calendars and take any initial steps needed. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Cultivating Safe, Equitable, Strengths Focused School Communities- A Collaborative Opportunity

The goal of this convening is to build capacity, communication, and collaboration among youth serving practitioners based in schools, law enforcement, community corrections, and community programs to cultivate safe, equitable, strengths focused school communities where all youth experience positive outcomes. | More

Educators Invited to Write Maine’s Computer Science Plan. Application Due Monday, July 29th!

The Maine Department of Education is hosting a Computer Science Summit, where educators will create a statewide plan for Pre-K to 12 Computer Science. This plan will help coordinate and guide the efforts of many stakeholders, and serve as a set of recommendations in a report to the Legislature in January 2020. | More

Maine DOE Employee of the Week: Rhonda Casey

Business Manager in the Unorganized Territory , Rhonda Casey is being highlighted this week as the Maine DOE’s Employee of the Week! Learn a little more about Rhonda | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Free One Year Medical Assisting Program at EMCC
• UMFK/UMPI nursing program sees busy first year, doubles slots for fall

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

WHY DATA MATTERS: SAU Leaders Invited to Train and Talk!

Are you a school or district leader who wonders why the Department of Education collects certain data sets, and what they are used for?  Have you ever wanted to have a frank discussion with the DOE’s Data Team about the data collections and how they could be improved?  | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Director of Offices of Special Services – Birth to 20 (Public Service Executive II)
• Office Associate II – Special Services
• Education Specialist II – Monitoring
• Education Specialist III – Monitoring
• Regional Education Representative – Elementary Digital Learning Specialist
• View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

Who’s in Charge? Let Us Know!

Do you have new leadership in your school or district? Maine Department of Education asks that you please update new superintendents, principals, and other leadership contact information in NEO Staff as soon as possible.  The contact information in NEO Staff is used to send Department of Education communications, and is also used to keep the ESSA Data Dashboard as up to date as possible for the public. | More

Public Preschool Annual Report due July 31, 2019

In the event that you missed the announcement of the Public Preschool Annual Report, this is a friendly reminder that the report is now available  and due to the Department of Education no later than close of business on July 31, 2019.  | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

PRIORITY NOTICE: School Year 2019-2020 Enacted ED279 Subsidy Printouts Now Available

Thank you for your patience as we finalized School Year 2019-2020 ED 279 subsidy printouts to reflect the enactment of Public Law 2019 Chapter 343.  | More

Certification Renewals Due July 1, 2019: Update

At this time 57% of those with certifications that were set to expire on July 1 have submitted their renewal application and materials.  To avoid complications and delays, SAU leaders are encouraged to check the certification portal, to ensure your staff members hold valid certification.  | More

A Hopeful Path Forward at Maine’s Opiate Crisis Summit

In her opening remarks at the Opiate Response Summit, Governor Janet Mills expressed her appreciation for Gordon Smith. One of the Governor’s first actions, post-inauguration, was to found the Opiate Response and Prevention Taskforce directed by Smith. Mills’ founding of this taskforce underscores what a large priority the Opiate Epidemic represents for Mainers. | More

Maine DOE Engages Stakeholder Input Through Regional Think Tank Series

Drawing its largest gathering of stakeholders, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) hosted its 5th event in a series of Think Tanks held at various locations throughout the state this spring and summer. The Think Tanks are a way for the Department to discuss various topics and gain feedback from stakeholders about ongoing initiatives, long term programming, and to inform future decision-making. | More

Middle School Career and Technical Education Has a New Web Page! Grant Information and Resources: Check it Out!

In June of 2017, the legislature enacted law to expand CTE opportunities by requiring Maine schools to provide access to developmentally appropriate CTE for middle school students (grades 6-8). To assist with this new opportunity, there is currently a new grant application available for CTE centers and regions to implement pilot programs in  the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years. To kick off this new initiative, the Maine State Board of Education provided federal and special revenue funding in school year 2018-2019 for pilot programs. | More

Shana Goodall Named 2019 Maine History Teacher of the Year

Shana Goodall, a teacher at Orono High School, has been named the 2019 Maine History Teacher of the Year, an award presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. | More

Maine DOE Employee of the Week: Leora Byras

Education Specialist Leora Byras is being highlighted this week as the Maine DOE’s Employee of the Week! Learn a little more about Leora | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Kittery School Department Hosts Kick-off Celebration to Promote Free Summer Lunch Program
• Maranacook Community Middle School Students Among 12 Winners in 2nd Annual Student Podcast Contest
• Maine School Counselors Attend Annual Conference in Boston

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Director of Offices of Special Services – Birth to 20 (Public Service Executive II)
• Office Associate II – Special Services
• Education Specialist II – Monitoring
• Regional Education Representative – Elementary Digital Learning Specialist
• View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

Maine DOE Data Management Systems Summer Training

The Maine Department of Education Data Team is holding their annual summer training during the first two weeks of August.  The focus of the training this year will be on tips and resources to assist districts with their data reporting and viewing/certifying their reports. The sessions will be focused on sharing resources to assist districts with the data tasks required. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Questions & Answers regarding An Act to Prevent Food Shaming in Maine’s Public Schools

In an effort to support schools and districts as they align their practices and policies in response to the passing of Public Law 2019, Chapter 54, please see the Question and Answer document and resources, below.  | More

Updated Maine DOE Home Instruction Portal Release

In March of this year, the Department of Education (DOE) released the online Home Instruction Portal. Since then, home instruction parents all over the state have begun to utilize the new portal, and have reported that the new process is less burdensome than the former paper-only process, which required double-reporting and greater expense and time due to mailing and requesting proof of receipt. | More

Maine FFA Joins Forces with Other New England States

On June 25-30, 2019, three student State Officers of the Maine FFA Association (formerly known as “Future Farmers of America”) joined 23 of their counterparts from the other New England States for a regional leadership training held for the first time at Northern Vermont University (NVU) in Lyndon. | More

Maine DOE Employee of the Week: Trevor Burns

Student Data Coordinator, Trevor Burns is being highlighted this week as the Maine DOE’s Employee of the Week! Learn a little more about Trevor | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Etna-Dixmont School Selected For Program to Grow School-wide Farm to School Initiatives
• WCC Washington County Educator Profile: Lynn Mitchell
• Student Written Song Brings Together Three Maine Communities

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Director of Offices of Special Services – Birth to 20 (Public Service Executive II)
• Regional Education Representative – Elementary Digital Learning Specialist
• Education Specialist II – Farm to School
• View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

ADMINISTRATIVE LETTER: Guidance regarding The Credentialing of Education Personnel requirements

The Legislature recently authorized a series of changes to Chapter 115 through Public Law 2019 Chapter 101 Resolve,  that is scheduled to go into effect on September 19, 2019.  Until then, the Department will continue to apply the pre-existing language of Chapter 115.  The Department will notify you when changes become effective. | More

School Renovation Funding Available

The Maine Department of Education is accepting applications to receive funding for school renovation projects through the School Revolving Renovation Fund (SRRF). The application deadline is September 30. The Department will be able to approve approximately $25 million in SRRF loans. A portion of each loan will be considered a grant, and will be forgiven. The remaining portion will be paid back over either five or ten years with no interest. The maximum loan amount is limited to $1 million per school building, per priority, in any five-year period.| More

Title III Immigrant Children & Youth Subgrant

Each year, one Maine LEA is awarded the Title III Immigrant Children & Youth Subgrant. The purpose of the subgrant is to provide supplemental programs to enhance the education of immigrant students. The subgrant is awarded to the LEA that has experienced the greatest increase in the enrollment of immigrant students, based on the average immigrant enrollment of the two prior years as compared to the current year. | More

Maine DOE Employee of the Week: Eric Buckhalter

Assessment Team Office Associate, Eric Buckhulter is being highlighted this week as the Maine DOE’s Employee of the Week! Learn a little more about Eric | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Casco Bay High School Students Named BOA Student Leaders

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Free School Safety Presentation

Scott Parker, Scott Parker, “I Love You Guys” Certified Trainer for the Standard Response Protocols and Standard Reunification Method; National school safety subject matter expert; supported the development of the Maine Model plan in 2007; certified SRP and SRM Train the Trainer in 2013; has worked with over 20 school districts and academies in Maine; currently working with 8 school districts in Maine. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Regional Education Representative – Visual and Performing Arts Specialist
• Education Specialist II – Farm to School
• View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

From the Maine Department of Education

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Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

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News & Updates

Certification Reminder- July 1 Renewals are Due!

We have now received 52% of renewal applications for the July 1 expiration date. The process is all online, so please don’t delay!.  | More

Maine DOE Employee of the Week: Faith McLaughlin

Faith McLaughlin, Office Associate from the Career and Technical Education team, is being highlighted this week as the Maine DOE’s Employee of the Week! Learn a little more about Faith | More

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Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

• Classroom Highlight: Vinalhaven School Art Students Cannot Make Mistakes
• Freeport Girls Code Their Way to Finals 
• Mid-Maine Tech Center Students Improving Their Community, One Glass of Water at a Time

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Professional Development Opportunity: Creative Assessment- Teacher as Curator

For Visual and Performing Arts teachers, or those looking to more robustly intertwine the arts into their curriculum:  The Maine Department of Education invites you to be part of its upcoming professional development opportunity, Creative Assessment: Teacher as Curator. This session will explore the use of the arts as creative assessment strategies where participants explore artistic approaches to demonstrate academic learning and devise ways of gathering and presenting evidence of learning through documentation. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

• Public Service Manager II – Assessment Team Leader
• Regional Education Representative – Visual and Performing Arts Specialist
• Education Specialist II – Farm to School
• View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here