Maine DOE Update – March 14, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Annual Education Gala Celebrates Maine State and County Teachers of the Year

On the evening of March 8, leaders in Maine’s educational community gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor to celebrate the hard work and dedication of exceptional educators from across the state. The 11th annual Education Gala brought together Maine’s 2024 County Teachers of the Year, their family, friends, and colleagues, school and district administrators, community and state leaders, and corporate sponsors to recognize the outstanding contributions of these educators to the state of Maine and their exceptional achievements within education. | More

Maine Educators Gather in Portland for Solutionary Literacy Workshop

On March 4, 2025, educators from across Maine gathered in Portland for the Solutionary Literacy Workshop, a full-day professional learning experience co-facilitated by authors Cris Tovani and Julie Meltzer. The workshop focused on equipping teachers with effective strategies to support student engagement, critical thinking, and literacy development through inquiry-based learning. | More

FedPoint Accepting Applications from High School Seniors for Nursing Scholarships

FedPoint, a federal benefits administrator and marketplace operator, is accepting applications for its annual nursing scholarships program. Four $5,000 scholarships will be announced in May during National Nurses Week, which occurs from May 6-12. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 16, 2025. | More

Applications Open for Scholarship America Veteran Scholarship for Educators

Applications are open for the Scholarship America Veteran Scholarship for Educators. The program offers financial assistance to veterans pursuing degrees in education, school-based counseling, school-based social work, or school psychology, supporting their journey toward meaningful careers within the K-12 school system. The deadline to apply is March 27, 2025. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Lincoln Elementary Special Education Classroom Leads the Way in 3D Printing

At Lincoln Elementary School in Augusta, special education teacher Mark Dennett has been pioneering the use of 3D printing in his classroom, working with a select group of sixth graders to design and create practical tools that enhance learning. | More

Augusta and Caribou Principals Recognized with Top Maine Principals’ Association Awards in 2025

The Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) has named Sylvio J. Gilbert Elementary School Principal Christina Boursaw as Maine’s 2025 NAESP National Distinguished Principal and Caribou High School Principal Jamie Selfridge as Maine’s 2025 NASSP Principal of the Year. | More

The Success of Together for ME at the Brunswick School Department

In the fall of 2019, the Brunswick School Department enthusiastically launched its initial public pre-K classroom. That first year of pre-K for ME set the stage in Brunswick for years to come. As the pre-K program expanded from that one classroom, tucked into a cute mobile unit in the school’s front yard, to four pre-K classrooms and then two more community partner classrooms, the school department continued to use the pre-K for ME program. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Maine Department of Education Expands Kindergarten Entry Inventory Project

During the 2024-2025 school year, more than 30 Maine kindergarten teachers participated in the first phase of the Kindergarten Entry Inventory (KEI) project, funded through Maine’s Preschool Development Grant and designed to help teachers gather valuable insights into children’s development across multiple domains. Since then, these teachers have tested various KEI instruments in their classrooms, using information collected to better support individual learning needs. | More

Making Math Meaningful for All: Applications Open for Math4ME Project

Math4ME is a free, three-year, whole-school project, designed to support all educators (i.e., classroom teachers, special educators, ed techs, and interventionists) to strengthen math proficiency for all learners with a specific focus on increased math proficiency for students with math individualized education plan (IEP) goals. | More

Summer Training Pre-Registration Open for the For ME Instructional Programming

Pre-registration is open for the For ME Instructional Programming summer trainings. Schools interested in registering educators should have a principal or instructional leader complete the form to indicate interest in summer trainings by May 16, 2025. | More

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 (PLC), focused on emergent literacy for children ages 3-6. | More

Registration Open for 2025 Maine Council for English Language Arts Conference

The Maine Council for English Language Arts (MCELA) is hosting its annual MCELA Conference on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland from 8 a.m. to 4 pm. Registration is open now, and spots are filling fast! | More

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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – March 7, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

REMINDER: Grants for Afterschool and Summer Learning Programs Now Available; Applications Due April 2, 2025

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the release of a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids from organizations interested in implementing comprehensive afterschool and summer learning programs in 2025-2026. It is anticipated that roughly $2.5 million will be available to issue grant awards this spring. | More

Nominations Open for Outstanding Early Childhood Professional Spotlight

Do you know an outstanding early childhood professional who works with children from birth to age 8 in a childcare program, public school, private school, or home-visiting setting? If so, consider nominating them for the 2025 Week of the Young Child (WOYC) Outstanding Early Childhood Professional Spotlight! The deadline to nominate is March 21, 2025. | More

Maine DOE Partners with Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition and RSU 14 to Host School Nutrition Staff Training

On February 18 and 19, Chef Patrick Garmon from the Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition and Chef Ryan Roderick from RSU 14 joined the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Child Nutrition Team to provide in-depth training to school nutrition staff in Maine. | More

Maine DOE Seeking Paid Peer Reviewers for 21st Century Community Learning Center Program RFPs

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is accepting applications from individuals interested in learning more about the competitive grant process. Selected applicants will be trained to serve as peer reviewers who assist the Maine DOE in reviewing, assessing, and scoring competitive grant proposals for the 21stst Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program. Peer reviewers will receive $100 per completed assigned application. | More

Nominations Open for the 2025 Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism

Nominations are open for the 2025 Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism. Maine’s schools, volunteer leaders, nonprofit organizations, and service programs are invited to submit nominations by Monday, March 10, 2025. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Therapy Bunny Sparks Academic and Social Engagement Among Students at Raymond Elementary School

A fluffy new classmate is hopping into the hearts and minds of Susan Brackett’s fourth-grade class at Raymond Elementary School (RES). Since October, Peaches, a 15-month-old red Flemish Giant rabbit, eagerly greets Brackett’s students each morning, spending time with them during quiet classroom moments and at the end of each day. The students, in turn, welcome the bunny with even greater enthusiasm. | More

Community-Driven Consolidated Elementary School Project Underway in MSAD 54

MSAD 54, which serves the communities of Canaan, Cornville, Mercer, Norridgewock, Skowhegan, and Smithfield, is celebrating the construction of a new $75 million birth through grade 5 consolidated elementary school. The Margaret Chase Smith Community School, located at 40 Helselton Street in Skowhegan, is slated to open in the fall of 2025 as the first school of its kind in Maine, representing meaningful, positive change for the approximately 800 local students it will serve and their families. | More

First 10 Community Schools: Round Two Grantees Make a Difference in Their Local Communities

Since 2023, seven school administrative units (SAUs) across Maine have been awarded grants through the First 10 Community School Pilot, a project funded by Maine’s Preschool Development Grant. The First 10 model is a specialized community school approach that unites elementary schools, early childhood programs, businesses, community organizations, and social service agencies to support the well-being and academic success of children from birth through age 10. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

RESCHEDULED: Integrating Literacy through Background Knowledge Workshop with Josie Cameron

The Interdisciplinary Instruction team at the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning is excited to present a half-day workshop with educator and author Josie Cameron. The Integrating Literacy through Background Knowledge workshop has been rescheduled for April 7, 8:00 a.m. to noon, at the Wells Conference Center at the University of Maine at Orono. | More

Reminder: Register for Inclusive Education Conference on April 10

Join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) for the state’s first Inclusive Education Conference on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Augusta Civic Center. The conference theme is “Reimagining Education: Empowering All Learners, Embracing All Abilities.” It will provide school communities (educators, administrators, families, and students) with the tools necessary to empower every student, particularly those with disabilities, by embracing diverse abilities and ensuring that all students have the support they need to build inclusive, meaningful futures. | More

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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – February 28, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine Department of Education Releases Interactive AI Guidance Toolkit for Schools and Educators

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning is excited to announce the release of an AI Guidance Toolkit. This dynamic resource goes beyond traditional policies, pairing guidance with learning by offering practical tools, real-world scenarios, and ongoing learning opportunities that support ethical, responsible, and effective AI use. Grounded in digital citizenship and computer science foundations, this toolkit is designed to enhance the understanding and application of artificial intelligence in education. | More

Maine Celebrates Career and Technical Education Month in February

Over the last six years, Career and Technical Education (CTE) enrollment in Maine has increased by more than 20%. Currently, there are more than 10,500 enrollments in Maine CTE programs – the highest number to date. Maine’s CTE schools provide students with access to more than 90 unique programs that prepare them for a variety of post-secondary pathways. | More

Maine DOE Seeking Public Comment for a Tydings Amendment Waiver of FY24 ESEA Funds and FY25 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 apply for a Tydings Amendment waiver and a Title I Carryover of Excess waiver from the U.S. Department of Education (USED). | More

One Week Remaining to Participate in Read to ME Challenge and Enter Author Drawing

There is one week left of the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) 10th annual Read to ME Challenge! Since 2015, this month-long public awareness campaign has supported children’s literacy growth by encouraging adults to read to and/or with children during the month of February. Participants are encouraged to capture a 15-minute session with a photo or video, posted to social media to encourage others to take part. | More

National School Breakfast Week in March: Prioritizing Nutrition for Student Success

The National School Breakfast Program (SBP) plays a vital role in ensuring students start their day with the nutrition they need to succeed academically. Launched in 1966 as a pilot project, and made a permanent entitlement program in 1975, the SBP has steadily expanded over the years, serving millions of students across the nation. In Maine alone, public schools served more than 11.3 million breakfasts in 2024, highlighting the growing need for nutritious meals. | More

Registration Now Open for the MLTI Student Conference in May

Registration is now open for the 2025 Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Student Conference in May! The deadline to register is March 28, 2025. | More

Nominations Open for 2025 History Teacher of the Year

Do you know an incredible history teacher who brings the past to life with passion and creativity? If so, consider nominating them as 2025 History Teacher of the Year! Nominations will be accepted until April 30, 2025. | More

Scholarship Opportunity for Maine Students: Applications Open for Barowsky Scholars Program

The Barowsky Scholars Program has opened applications for the 2025-2026 school year. This program offers scholarships for Maine students who are planning to attend a four-year college. Applications are due Friday, March 14, 2025, at noon. | More

Maine Surplus Property Sale for Educational Institutions: 50% Off of Furniture

Maine Surplus Property is currently having a 50%-off-furniture sale through March 14, 2025, for educational institutions and other qualifying organizations with a donee application on file. | More

Student Opportunity: Applications Open for No-Cost, Immersive Keller BLOOM Ocean Research Experience

Do you know a Maine high school junior who is interested in the ocean? If so, please consider spreading the word that the application for the free Keller BLOOM Program through the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is now open! | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Maranacook Middle School Students Share Their Experiences Participating in “Ice Day”

On Wednesday, February 5, the awesome Acadia team from Maranacook Middle School embarked on an adventure to Maranacook Lake for a super fun day of winter activities on the ice! The air was crisp, and everything sparkled under the bright winter sun. This article is a combination of three articles written by Maranacook Middle School Students Sabrina Foth (grade 6), Veda Tibbetts (grade 8), and Lucas Giles (grade 7) following the ice harvesting event. | More

Meet Lyseth Elementary Environmental Literacy Teacher and School Garden Coordinator Leigh Quigley

Throughout the years, Portland Public Schools (PPS) has implemented an Outdoor and Experiential Learning program in all of its 10 elementary schools. Over time, this program has evolved from focusing solely on school gardens, to including the habitat of the living schoolyard, to now, incorporating a deeper, systematic implementation of Environmental Literacy that aligns with students’ learning standards and grade-level curriculum. | More

Mt. Ararat Middle School Teacher Brings Real-World Problem Solving into the Classroom

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction Team is proud to highlight a transformative shift taking place at Mt. Ararat Middle School, where student-centered learning is redefining how students engage with their education. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Part B of Celebrating Rural Maine Project to Focus on Wabanaki Perspectives

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction Team is pleased to announce the distinguished speakers for Part B of the Celebrating Rural Maine project! This three-part professional learning series engages rural educators in a deep exploration of Maine’s history. All teachers are welcome to participate in Part B, regardless of prior participation in other sessions. | More

Reminder: Register for Inclusive Education Conference on April 10

Webinar Series: Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences and Resilience

Maine Youth Thriving is hosting a series of free, virtual (via Zoom) professional development sessions throughout the next ten months in partnership with the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Maine Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Child and Family Services. | More

Registration Open for the Alternative Education Association of Maine’s Spring Conference

Registration is now open for the Alternative Education Association (AEA) of Maine’s Spring Conference, scheduled for Friday, March 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Thomas College in Waterville. This year’s theme is “Meeting Them Where They Are.” | More

Registration Open for Maine Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference

The Maine Council for Social Studies is hosting its annual conference at the Augusta Civic Center on March 24, 2025. This year’s theme is “Expanding Democracy,” emphasizing the importance of preserving and expanding the Voting Rights Act of 1965 on its 60th anniversary. The deadline to register for the conference is March 17. | More

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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – February 14, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Registration Now Open for the MLTI Student Conference in May

Registration is now open for the 2025 Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Student Conference in May! The deadline to register is March 28, 2025. | More

Applications Open for Transition to Kindergarten Planning Assistance and Mini-Grant Opportunity; Informational Session on February 25

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Early Learning Team, in partnership with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services, is pleased to announce that applications are open for a second round of Transition to Kindergarten planning assistance with mini-grant funding to support the development of high-quality kindergarten transition teams and plans. The deadline to apply is March 7, 2025. | More

Student Opportunity: Register Now for Climate&Me Youth Leadership Summit

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to be partnering with the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, the Maine Environmental Education Association, Maine Youth for Climate Justice, the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, and JustME for JustUS to host the Climate&Me Youth Leadership Summit in April. | More

Applications Open for Student Position on Maine State Board of Education

The Maine State Board of Education is currently seeking applications for its newest student member to join the Board. This is an extraordinary opportunity for Maine students to practice civic engagement and serve as both a representative of Maine students and an active education leader in the state. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Q&A with Becky Hallowell, Maine’s 2025 Teacher of the Year

Get to know the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, Becky Hallowell, who teaches fourth-grade students at Wiscasset Elementary School on the bank of the Sheepscot River. Becky shares more about herself in this Q&A, as she begins her year of service. | More

Reeds Brook Middle School Student Wins MLTI Maine Winter Classic T-Shirt Design Contest

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is extending a big congratulations to Sophia Smith, a 7th-grader at Reeds Brook Middle School in Hampden, whose design was selected to represent the 2025 Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Maine Winter Classic! | More

Cynthia Martell Named 2025 Maine School Counselor of the Year

The Maine School Counselor Association (MESCA) has announced that Cynthia Martell, school counselor at Captain Albert Stevens Elementary School in Belfast, is the 2025 Maine School Counselor of the Year. This award is part of a national program that honors school counselors who run a top-notch, comprehensive school counseling program at the elementary, middle, or high school level. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Register for Inclusive Education Conference on April 10

You’re Invited! Join the Conversation About Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Practices in Maine

Educators across Maine are invited to participate in facilitated discussions this spring regarding Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). These discussions will provide an opportunity for educators to share their experiences, explore best practices, and address challenges in implementing MTSS across academics, behavior, social-emotional learning, and attendance supports. | More

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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – February 7, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Commissioner Makin Kicks Off the 10th Annual Read to ME Challenge at Skillin Elementary School

The 10th annual Read to ME Challenge through the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is now underway for the month of February! On Monday, Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin kicked off the Challenge at Skillin Elementary School in South Portland by reading I Can Be All Three by Salima Alikhan and Noor Sofi and Happy Pig Day! by Mo Willems to first-grade students. | More

Invitation to Apply to Be a Maine Inclusive Education Model Pilot School – Making Learning Accessible for All

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) are partnering to support a cohort of Maine public schools in becoming Inclusive Education Model sites for the state. This project is intended to provide participating Maine schools with five years of support to develop and implement sustainable, inclusive, and integrated multi-tiered systems of support for all students. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

The Power of Two Hours Spent in the Woods: How One Maine School Counselor Is Offering an Alternative to Detention

Leslie Trundy is in her twentieth year working as a school counselor. She says she absolutely loves her job at Morse High School in RSU 1. “I am so grateful to be a consistent adult in the lives of young people and to support them and their families through goal attainment and the challenges they face growing up,” Trundy said. “One of the things I like the most about my job is the ability to connect the right student with an enrichment activity that fosters their growth and passion.” | More

Outdoor Learning Educators Share Expertise With Panel Presentation at RSU 16 in Poland

On Monday, January 27, five educators from schools that received funding from the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Rethinking Responsive Education Ventures (RREV) project participated in two panel presentations at RSU 16 in Poland. The panels, led by representatives from the Maine DOE’s RREV Research and Design (R&D) team, consisted of educators from schools in MSAD 28 (Camden), MSAD 17 (Oxford Hills), RSU 10 (Rumford), Falmouth, and Portland who shared their RREV pilot projects and ongoing efforts in experiential outdoor learning. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Registration NOW for Inclusive Education Conference on April 10

You’re Invited! Join the Conversation About Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Practices in Maine

Webinar: Innovative Journalism – Educational Resources with Retro Report

Join Maine Department of Education (DOE) Civics Teacher Leader Fellow Breanna Bellefontaine-Krupski as she hosts David Olson, Director of Education at Retro Report, for an informative session exploring the organization’s rich educational resources. | More

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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – January 24, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

One Week Left to Nominate for Maine County Teacher of the Year!

Nominations for County Teacher of the Year close on January 31, 2025. More nominations for teachers in the following counties are needed: Franklin, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Piscataquis, Sagadahoc, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington. | Nominate a Teacher Here!

Maine DOE Tackles Chronic Absenteeism Through State Collaboration; Launches Attendance Toolkit for Maine Schools

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is forging a path to address chronic absenteeism through a transformative collaboration called the Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC). The group consists of representatives from across Maine DOE offices and teams, as well as members from Count ME In and the Maine Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) collaboration. | More

Maine DOE Seeking Educators to Develop the Next Round of MOOSE Modules

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking educators to develop interdisciplinary MOOSE modules that align with, and provide real-world context for, Maine Learning Results standards and existing Maine DOE resources. | More

2025 MLTI Student Conference: Call for Session Proposals

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) is issuing a call for session proposals for the 2025 MLTI Student Conference. This annual event is organized by the OTL’s Learning Through Technology team and is a part of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). This year’s conference will be held in-person on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the University of Maine campus in Orono. It is open to grades 5 through 10 in all MLTI school administrative units (SAUs). | More

Submit a T-Shirt Design to Represent the 2025 MLTI Student Conference (#LetsDiriGo!)

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) is excited to announce a T-shirt design competition for the 22nd annual MLTI Student Conference on May 22, 2025. All students in MLTI schools are invited to unleash their creativity and design the official T-shirt for this in-person event, which will be held at the University of Maine. The theme for this conference is #LetsDiriGo! | More

Five Maine Teachers Honored with Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

On January 13, 2025, President Biden announced 336 teachers and mentors from across the nation as recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). These awards honor the vital role that America’s teachers and mentors play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers, and innovators. | More

Maine Surplus Property – January Update for Educational Institutions

Does your school need desks, filing cabinets, or other furniture? Could your custodial crew use additional cleaning/maintenance supplies or equipment? Is your career and technical education program looking for used computers, vehicles, or machinery as a refurbishing project? Maine Surplus Property has these and other items available! | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Registration Open for Inclusive Education Conference on April 10

WEBINAR: Lights, Stage, Learn – The Transformative Power of Theater in Education

Join Maine Department of Education (DOE) Arts Integration Teacher Leader Fellow Joshua Chard and special guests Reba Askari, Emily Dixon, and Allison McCall from the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine for an engaging and interactive webinar that explores how theater can enrich classroom learning and foster creativity, empathy, and critical thinking in students. | More

Maine DOE and DHHS to Host Annual Foster Care Points of Contact Training on January 30

The Annual Foster Care Points of Contact (POC) training for school administrative units (SAUs) is scheduled for Thursday, January 30, at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Hosted by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), this event will bring together the foster care POCs from individual SAUs, as well as regional foster care POCs from the OCFS. | More

Registration Open for 2025 Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) Winter Workshop

Maine educators are invited to register for the 2025 Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) Winter Workshop, hosted by Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG). This event will take place on February 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor and is appropriate for a range of backgrounds – from experienced ELO facilitators who are seeking to refine their approach to educators new to this innovative curriculum delivery method who are interested in learning more. | More

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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

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Maine DOE Update – January 17, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Organizations Needed to Provide Complimentary Meals to Children this Summer

With assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Maine public schools have long offered a nutritious breakfast and lunch meal program to thousands of income-eligible children in Maine during the school year. To extend this program into the summer months, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Child Nutrition team is seeking organizations that would like to participate in the federally-funded SUN Meals program – formally known as the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) – which provides children healthy, free meals when school is not in session. | More

Additional Climate Education Professional Development Grants Available for 2025-2026 School Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to release the third round of Climate Education Professional Development grant funds for climate-related professional learning for Maine educators and local education providers. The grant application is due March 21, 2025. Awarded programs will take place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. | More

Maine DOE Seeks New Members for State Literacy Team

Since 2010, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) has convened a State Literacy Team with members representing the full birth-to-adult continuum, as well as geographic diversity across Maine. Current team members include staff from the Maine DOE and the Maine Office of Child and Family Services, public school educators and administrators, community-based providers and organizations (e.g., early care and education, libraries, and literacy-focused programming), and higher education institutions. | More

Maine Schools Implement First 10 Community Schools Model Using Maine Preschool Development Grant

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Early Learning Team is supporting a First 10 Community Schools pilot through Maine’s Preschool Development Grant. It is designed to bring together school administrative units (SAUs), families, early childhood programs, and community organizations to create a system that helps young children to learn and thrive during the first 10 years of their lives. | More

REMINDER: Nominations Open for State and County Teachers of the Year

The Maine Teacher of the Year journey begins with your nomination! Nominate a teacher from your town, county, or region today. Nominations are open through January 31. | Nominate a Teacher Here!

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Students at Indian Island and Sipayik Elementary Schools Learn About Coding Through ‘Scratch Day’ Activities

Students at Indian Island School (home of the Penobscot Nation) and Sipayik Elementary School (located at one of the sister reservations of the Passamaquoddy Tribe) now know a bit more about coding, thanks to their recent participation in the nationwide “Scratch Day” initiative. | More

Mountain Valley High School Health Teacher Kristen Allen Named 2025 SHAPE America Eastern District Health Teacher of the Year

On December 16, 2024, the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) announced that Mountain Valley High School Health Education Teacher Kristen Allen was selected as the Eastern District Health Teacher of the Year. Kristen has taught health education at Mountain Valley High School in Rumford for more than 18 years. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

‘For ME’ Instructional Program Overview and Summer Training Opportunities

Since 2018, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) has adapted and piloted open-source instructional programs for early elementary grades based on the Boston Public School’s evidence-based Focus Curricula. These programs were designed to be developmentally appropriate, interdisciplinary, and aligned with Maine’s learning standards. | More

Upcoming Information Session on Implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Is your school administrative unit (SAU) and/or school interested in implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)? If so, consider joining a Tier 1 PBIS Listen and Learn information session on Tuesday, January 28 at 1 p.m. via Zoom. | More

Registration Open for Maine Curriculum Leaders Association Conference

The Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA) is hosting a conference on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport. Registration is now open! | More

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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – January 10, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine DOE Invites Learners, Educators, and Community Members to Participate in the 10th Annual Read to ME Challenge

For the 10th consecutive year, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is partnering with schools and community organizations across the state to promote the Read to ME Challenge. This month-long public awareness campaign, held every February, encourages reading and literacy development among Maine children. | More

Grants for Afterschool and Summer Learning Programs Now Available; Applications Due April 2, 2025

Maine Solutionaries Project Celebrates Success and a Bright Future Ahead

Every day, communities encounter new challenges that bring with them opportunities to make a positive impact. Since 2024, the Maine Solutionaries Project, a groundbreaking collaboration between the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Institute for Humane Education (IHE), has been working to address situations like these through the educational sphere. | More

Nominations Open for State and County Teachers of the Year

The Maine Teacher of the Year journey begins with your nomination! Nominate a teacher from your town, county, or region today. Nominations are open through January 31. | Nominate a Teacher Here!

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Save-the-Date for Maine School Safety & Transportation Conference

Please join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Maine School Safety Center for the first School Safety & Transportation Conference from March 10-12, 2025 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. | More

FREE Professional Learning Series: Building Linguistically-Responsive Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for Multilingual Learners

To support educators across Maine who work with multilingual learners with disabilities, the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education (OSSIE) and Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) are collaborating to facilitate a six-session professional learning series entitled, “The Intersection of English Language Acquisition and Individualized Education Programs”. | More

REMINDER – Educators Invited to Register for Continuation of Maine Solutionaries Project

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction team works with educators throughout the state to deliver high-quality professional development that is both relevant and useful. In a continuation of the Interdisciplinary Instruction team’s partnership with the Institute for Humane Education, the Maine Solutionaries Project will extend through the winter for educators interested in supporting their students in applying their learning. | More

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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – January 3, 2025

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Quarter 2 Reports Open: Attendance, Behavior, Bullying, Truancy

Attendance, Behavior, Bullying, and Truancy reports for Quarter 2 (October, November, and December) are now open. Validation of these reports is due on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. | More

News & Updates

Nominations Now Open for State and County Teachers of the Year

The Maine Teacher of the Year journey begins with your nomination! Nominate a teacher from your town, county, or region today at www.mainetoy.org/nominate. Nominations are open through January 31. | More

Register Now for the 2025 Maine Winter Classic Student Event in March

Registration is now open for the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) 2025 Maine Winter Classic student event, put on by the department’s Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). This event will be held the week of March 3, 2025. It is open to all MLTI school administrative units (SAUs), and thousands of students of all ages from across the state are expected to participate. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here. |

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Afterhours Zoom Sessions Available for the Celebrating Rural Maine Project

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction team is excited to announce three Afterhours Sessions for the Celebrating Rural Maine project, presented in partnership with the National Council for History Education (NCHE). These interactive sessions will feature guest speakers and educators exploring three topics related to this year’s theme: Geography of the Place We Now Call Maine. These sessions are open to all Maine educators. | More

Webinar: Creative Connections – Showcasing Student Artwork in the Community

Discover practical strategies for displaying student art in public spaces to celebrate creativity and strengthen community ties. This engaging webinar, hosted by Maine Department of Education (DOE) Arts Integration Teacher Leader Fellow Joshua Chard, will explore ideas like partnering with local businesses, hosting gallery nights, creating murals, and using digital displays to highlight student talent. | More

Webinar: Discover the Power of Classroom Maker Spaces

Join Maine Department of Education (DOE) Arts Integration Teacher Leader Fellow Joshua Chard for a 45-minute webinar, designed to inspire and equip educators with tools to create dynamic classroom maker spaces. Explore how these spaces can spark creativity, foster critical thinking, and enhance student engagement. | More

Webinar: Maine Civics Network – Join the Conversation!

Did you know that Maine has a Civics Network? Join Breanna Bellefontaine-Krupski, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Civics Teacher Leader Fellow, as she hosts the Maine Civics Network’s steering committee member Todd West for a webinar. | More

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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

| Find education-related jobs in Maine. |

Maine DOE Update – December 20, 2024

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Educators Invited to Register for Continuation of Maine Solutionaries Project

Maine DOE Seeking Educators to Pilot MOOSE Modules and Wabanaki Studies Educator Guides

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is currently looking for educators to pilot MOOSE Modules and Wabanaki Studies Educator Guides in their classrooms this spring. | More

Applications Open for Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship

Applications for the 2025-2026 Asian & Pacific Islander American (APIA) Scholarship are now open. This opportunity is available to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander American students who will be enrolling in, or who are currently enrolled in, a U.S.-accredited college or university as a degree-seeking undergraduate student. The deadline to complete this application is January 15, 2025. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Portland Third Graders Create Ornaments for National Christmas Tree Display in Washington, D.C.

Elementary students from Portland Public Schools recently created original ornaments that are now on the national stage, decorating Maine’s tree as part of the 2024 National Christmas Tree display at the White House in Washington, D.C. | More

Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Announces 2024 Awardees

Five educators have been named 2024 Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Maine AHPERD) Teachers of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding health education, physical education, and adapted physical education teachers who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their students and profession. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Maine DOE Announces Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is thrilled to announce the Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series, a comprehensive professional learning opportunity designed to equip educators, administrators, and school administrative unit (SAU) leaders with strategies and resources to celebrate multiculturalism and expand multilingual pathways. | More

Integrating Literacy through Applied Science Workshop with Katie Coppens

A number of studies on literacy have concluded that students who engage with texts on specific topics, particularly social studies and science, make greater advances in reading skills and comprehension compared to those who work solely with texts focused on reading. | More

Registration Open for 2025 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit: “Nourishing the Body, Mind, and Soul”

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of School and Student Supports’ Employee Health Promotion and Wellness Program is pleased to offer the 2025 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit: “Nourishing the Body, Mind, and Soul.” School employees from across the state are invited to join their colleagues and register for this event being held on Thursday, January 30 and Friday, January 31 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. | More

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