Category: Maine DOE Update

News & Updates

Nokomis Computer Science Teachers Featured on Maine DOE Podcast What Holds Us Together

In the latest episode of her What Holds Us Together podcast, Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin speaks with Keith and Kern Kelley, brothers and computer science teachers at Nokomis Regional Middle and High School, about Maine’s efforts to integrate computer science education at all grade levels and with all content areas. They talk about how hands-on, real-world computer science education teaches students about technology and computer science as well as strengthening their ability to work in teams, troubleshoot, communicate effectively, lead, and pursue creative passions. | More

Maine DOE Awards $1.5 Million in Cyber Performance Grants to 61 School Administrative Units

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) awarded a total of $1.5 million in Cyber Performance Grants to 61 Maine school administrative units (SAUs). These grants fund SAU projects to upgrade end-of-service infrastructure, strengthen managed detection and response for network security, firewalls, and cloud backup services, and to provide professional learning. | More

Two Request for Proposals Now Open for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grant Funding

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the release of two requests for proposals (RFP) as required by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), to award multi-year funding to eligible agencies for the provision of WIOA Title II Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) 231 services and the provision of WIOA Title II Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) Section 243, Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education/Integrated Education and Training (IELCE). | More

Maine DOE Awards $1.5 Million in Cyber Performance Grants to 61 School Administrative Units

Major Capital School Construction Funding Opportunity

Maine school administrative units (SAUs) may apply for major capital school construction projects through the application posted on the Office of School Facilities website. The application deadline is August 30, 2024. | More

One Week Left to Nominate a Teacher for Maine Teacher of the Year

Maine communities have one week left to nominate a teacher for 2024 County Teacher of the Year and 2025 State Teacher of the Year. Maine’s County and State Teachers of the Year serve as advocates for teachers, students, and public education in Maine. | More

Opportunity for Students in Grades 8 – 11: Applications Open for FEMA Youth Council

Do you know any teens who want to build leadership skills while making a difference in their community? The United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now accepting applications for its Youth Preparedness Council. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Professional Development, Training, and Events

Maine Curriculum Leaders Association to Host Spring Conference in April

Join the Maine Curriculum Leaders Association (MCLA) for a spring conference, “From Obstacles to Opportunities: The Power of Learning!” The conference features keynote speaker Trevor Ragan, the founder of The Learner Lab, along with various discussions. | More

Webinar: Becoming a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment or an Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Please join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, Education Services for Blind and Visually Impaired Children, and Catholic Charities Maine for a joint presentation about how to become a teacher of students with visual impairments or an orientation and mobility specialist. | More

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Maine DOE Update – January 19, 2024

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

News & Updates

Mills Administration Announces $10 Million in Literacy Grants for Maine Schools

The Mills Administration announced a $10 million literacy grant opportunity for schools to support the development, expansion, and enhancement of evidence-based core literacy instruction and targeted interventions for Maine students. These literacy grants through the Maine Department of Education (DOE) are intended to build the capacity of year-long, core literacy instruction for all students and support core literacy instructional components, including phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. | More

Seeking Student Submissions for MLTI Student Conference 2024 T-Shirt Design Competition

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Learning Through Technology team is seeking student artwork for this year’s in-person MLTI Student Conference that will be held at UMaine on May 23rd. Past winners from Gray-New Gloucester High School, Waterville Junior High School, Auburn Middle School, and Southern Aroostook Community School have been able to see their designs exist beyond their computer screens. This contest is open to all students in MLTI school districts. | More

Nominations Open Now Through Jan 31 for State & County Teacher of the Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine announced that nominations are now open for the 2024 County Teachers of the Year and 2025 State Teacher of the Year. Maine’s County and State Teachers of the Year serve as advocates for teachers, students, and public education in Maine. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Scarborough HS Learning Commons Gives Students the Power to Reframe Discussion on Social Awareness and Society

Scarborough High School’s school library, the Learning Commons is celebrating current fiction to encourage curiosity, discover ideas and perspectives, and inform self-understanding and awareness of the world we live in. It was part of this learning journey that students recently engaged in a book event that helped empower them to reframe the way we think about the society we live in. | More

‘Curious About College’ Program Gives Adult Learners a Taste of Post-Secondary Education

Portland Adult Education recently launched a new program, “Curious About College,” that aims to empower adult learners interested in embarking on their higher education journey. Adult Education in Maine has offered Maine College and Career Access (MCCA) programming since 2001 (formerly called College Transitions) to provide readiness for pathways to postsecondary education and careers. With increased enrollments in community colleges across the state and the opportunity of “free college,” student preparedness programs and collaborative partnerships are needed now more than ever.  | More

Professional Development, Training, and Events

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Listen & Learn

PBIS is “an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health that creates safe, positive, equitable schools, where every student can feel valued, connected to the school community and supported by caring adults.” (Center on PBIS, 2024). | More

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Maine DOE Update – January 12, 2024

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Reminder: Quarter 2 Reporting is Open – Validation Due January 15

Attendance, Behavior, Bullying, and Truancy reports for Quarter 2 (October, November, and December) are open as of January 1st. | More

News & Updates

Media Release: Maine DOE Awards $300,000 in Climate Education Professional Development Grants

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) awarded $300,000 in climate education professional development grants to support partnerships between 14 school administrative units (SAUs), schools, and community organizations to strengthen climate education opportunities for students across Maine. | More

Get Ready to Read: Maine DOE Preparing for 9th Annual Read to ME Challenge

For the 9th consecutive year, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) will collaborate with community organizations and schools to promote the Read to ME Challenge, a month-long public awareness campaign held during February across Maine. | More

Grants for Afterschool and Summer Learning Programs Now Available, Application Deadline April 10, 2024

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 2024-2025. It is anticipated that roughly $3.5 million will be available to issue grant awards this spring. | More

PUBLIC COMMENT: School Meal Equipment and Program Improvement Fund

As a result of Public Law 2023, Chapter 457 which enacts 20-A MRSA §6664, the Maine Department of Education is proposing a new rule to guide the administration of the School Meal Equipment and Program Improvement Fund. | More

Media Release: Hampden and Caribou Students Selected for United States Senate Youth Program

Maine high school students Ryan Hafener and Claire Elizabeth Ouellette were selected to represent Maine during the 62nd annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Washington Week from March 2-9, 2024. Ryan Hafener of Hampden and Claire Ouellette of Caribou were selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104 national student delegation. Each delegate will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study. | More

Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey 2023 Data Highlights

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) jointly released the 2023 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) results on Friday, December 15, 2023. The MIYHS data provides schools with up-to-date trends around health behaviors and experiences for Maine middle school and high school students. Results of the survey also give educators an important snapshot of adolescent well-being connected to key health topics. | More

Nominations Open Now Through Jan 31 for State & County Teacher of the Year

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Getting to Know Community Schools in Maine: Welcome to Cape Cod Hill Community School

Nestled in the woods off a back road in western Maine you will find Cape Cod Community School. Part of the Regional School Unit (RSU) 9 of the Mount Blue area, Cape Cod Hill takes a different approach to serving its community. It is one of just a handful of Community Schools located in Maine.  | More

Interdisciplinary Unit Prompts Nokomis Students to Create Small Businesses to Raise Money for Class Activities

On an abnormally warm December day at Nokomis Middle School in Newport, the 8th-grade class is having a fundraiser called “The Maine Sampler.” This fundraiser is more than students asking for money; it is an interdisciplinary unit that spans multiple disciplines and allows students to practice their communication skills, perseverance, creativity, and reflection.  | More

New Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Program at Buckfield Jr/Sr High School Expanding Thanks to School and Community Partners

Gretchen Kimball has been working on getting a new ELO program up and running at Buckfield Jr/Sr High School this school year. Serving the communities of Hartford, Sumner, and Buckfield, Kimball has her plate full working with all interested students to coordinate extended learning experiences that enrich their learning.  | More

Professional Development, Training, and Events

MaineCare in Education Bootcamp

Please join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of MaineCare Services for MaineCare in Education Bootcamp. This one day workshop is presented in a hybrid format with in-person and virtual opportunities on February 9th and 16th from 10 – 2 pm at the DHHS Building located at 109 Capital Street in Augusta. In person attendance is limited to 40. Light refreshments and coffee will be served. Lunch will be on your own. | More

Community Schools Informational Session

Is your school or district interested in learning about how schools can partner with families and community-based organizations to provide supports so that every child has access to what they need to reach their full potential? Have you considered becoming a Community School? In many communities throughout Maine, not all families have access to healthy food, stable housing, vision care, or dental health services their children need. The impact of these challenges doesn’t stop when students step into the classroom. Community Schools work with families and community-based organizations as partners to provide comprehensive supports and opportunities to meet the needs and interests of students and families. | More

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Maine DOE Update – January 5, 2024

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

January 16th Webinar on Quarterly Reporting – Quarter 2 Reports Open

Join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Data Team for a webinar about quarterly state reporting requirements – attendance, truancy, behavior, and bullying. There are no changes to quarterly reporting since the fall webinar; this is a refresher webinar. Please note that the validation of Quarter 2 reports are due on January 15. | More

News & Updates

Listening Sessions for Educators: Understanding Current and Emerging Needs Following the Mass Violence Event in Lewiston

As part of its evolving role in responding to the instance of mass violence in late October, Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), along with other agency partners within State Government and the Lewiston community, are holding listening sessions to engage partners across a broad spectrum. | More

Honor Maine Teachers – Nominations Open for Maine Teacher of the Year

Regional School Calendar Coordination Between SAUs and CTEs

Governor Janet Mills announced this week that her Administration has awarded six schools a total of $985,000 to recruit, train, and retain educators through pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship pilot programs. Associate Commissioner of Labor Samantha Dina and Associate Commissioner of Education Megan Welter announced the awards during a Zoom press conference. | More

Subscribe to the Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Newsletter

Are you looking for ways to enhance your instructional practices and transfer your students’ learning to the next level? Look no further. The Interdisciplinary Instruction team has created a monthly newsletter that you can subscribe to. This newsletter will highlight innovative interdisciplinary classroom resources and upcoming professional learning opportunities. | More

Still Time to Apply for the 2024 Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative. Applications Due January 12

Apply Now! Schools and community-based organizations can now apply for the 2024 Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative grants through the Maine Department of Education (DOE). These grants support hands-on, engaging, interdisciplinary outdoor learning and career exploration opportunities that connect students with Maine’s amazing natural environments and landscapes.  | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Professional Development, Training, and Events

Book Study: Asynchronous Cognitive Science

Cognitive science can offer educators an understanding of how students learn so they can apply it to their practice. Interacting with cognitive science can be challenging though. If you are interested in learning more about cognitive science in a simple yet informative way, this book study is for you.| More

Webinar: Culturally Responsive Practices in Special Education

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education and its partners at Maine Access to Inclusive Education Resources (MAIER) invite you to join Penn State University’s Dr. Jonte’ C. Taylor (JT), for a webinar on Culturally Responsive Practices in Special Education. This LIVE session will provide well-structured content on different pedagogies and how teaching and learning can be conducted by developing strategies that promote environmental characteristics and principles for students with disabilities in inclusive settings. | More

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Maine DOE Update – December 22, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

News & Updates

Governor Mills Announces $985,000 in Grants to Recruit, Train and Retain Maine Educators

Maine DOE Podcast Highlights Strategies to Support Staff and Student Wellbeing

On the latest episode of her What Holds Us Together podcast, Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin talked with three educators about the strategies they learned through the Maine DOE’s partnership with The Regulated Classroom to improve staff and student wellbeing, increase student engagement, and help with regulation. | More

First 10 Community Schools Request for Applications (RFA # 202312243)

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is accepting applications from school administrative units (SAUs) and Education in the Unorganized Territory (EUT) to be part of a 3-year First 10 Community School pilot project funded through Maine’s Preschool Development Grant. | More

Help Spread the News to Families – MaineCare Eligibility Expanded for Children and Young Adults

Effective October 1, 2023, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has expanded MaineCare eligibility for children and young adults under 21 in Maine to include family incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level. That translates to an annual salary of about $59,000 for a family of two and $90,000 for a family of four. Additionally, the Maine DHHS eliminated most premiums for children’s coverage, effective March 1, 2023. | More

Apply Today for the 2024 Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative. Applications Due By January 12

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

‘Box of Maine’ Connects Old Town Elementary Student with Maine Studies Curriculum Through Their Taste Buds

The fishery on Mill Street in Raymond was swimming with hands-on science in late November as ecology and recently arrived immigrant students from Windham High School (WHS) helped Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) scientists weigh, measure, and spawn Sebago Lake land-locked salmon from Panther Run. | More

Students Practice Real-world Science Through Salmon Spawning with State Biologists

In an effort to introduce students to a more hands-on outdoor learning experience at Upper Kennebec Valley High School, Mr. Davis’s Maine Woodsmen course and Mr. Atwood’s Wildlife Studies course collaborated in spending an entire day in the woods dedicated to exploring skills not otherwise practiced in a classroom. | More

Professional Development, Training, and Events

Two-Day Workshop: Inclusive Teaching Practices and Learning

This event is open to all school personnel. The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is hosting its third training opportunity focused on learning around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), and the impact that increasing understanding of DEIJ can have on teaching practices, instructional strategies, and classroom management in every discipline area. | More

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Maine DOE Update – December 15, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

News & Updates

New Initiative Provides Welcoming Libraries to 26 Maine Schools, 900 Books to Bangor Schools

In front of hundreds of fourth and fifth grade students at Bangor’s Fairmont School, the Maine Department of Education (DOE), I’m Your Neighbor Books, the Maine Community Foundation, the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, and school officials announced the delivery of 900 books featuring immigrant and new American families for all Bangor schools. The books contained in these Welcoming Libraries are shelved on Maine-made book carts and promote themes of diversity, immigration, and creating welcoming environments for all.| More

Commissioner Makin Meets with Westbrook High School Future Teachers Academy Students

Commissioner Pender Makin met with the inaugural class of the Future Teachers Academy at Westbrook High School this week. The Academy allows students to explore the teaching profession while still in high school. The experience includes a faculty-directed seminar to explore issues around teaching and education and field-based experiences in school settings. Students spend time every week with a host teacher and prepare and teach their own lesson plans. | More

Wabanaki Studies Website Revamped to Include Curriculum, Units, Lessons, Activities, and More!

After months of collaboration between Wabanaki advisors and educators from across the state, under the direction of the Wabanaki Studies Specialist, Brianne Lolar (Panawahpskek), the website has been revamped to include a plethora of new resources. | More

Seeking Educators to Pilot MOOSE Modules

Do you want to explore and implement innovative curriculum this spring? Are you interested in expanding your impact outside your classroom/school? The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is currently looking for educators to pilot MOOSE modules and would love to have your class participate! | More

Maine DOE Selects Claire Ouellette of Caribou and Ryan Hafener of Hampden for United States Senate Youth Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce that Claire Ouellette, a student at Caribou High School, in Caribou, and Ryan Hafener, a student at Hampden Academy, in Hampden, were both selected for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Cushing Community School Opens Their Doors for Family Appreciation Week and More!

What started as a focus on decreasing chronic absenteeism among students, increasing literacy initiatives that involved families, and a long-term look at how to undo the distancing between schools and their families caused by COVID-19 precautions, turned into a slew of wonderful traditions that will help build stronger connections with families for years to come at Cushing Community School. | More

Upper Kennebec Valley High School Students Test Their Outdoor Skills in the Woods

Rebecca Wright of Ellsworth High School Named Assistant Principal of the Year

The Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) has announced that Rebecca Wright, Assistant Principal of Ellsworth High School in Ellsworth, has been named Maine’s Assistant Principal of the Year. She will be honored by the MPA at its annual awards banquet at the Augusta Civic Center on Thursday, May 23, 2024. | More

Professional Development, Training, and Events

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Maine DOE Update – December 8, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

EF-M-39B Adult Education Subsidy Report Due Soon

The EF-M-39B Adult Education report is due on December 15, 2023. All public school administrative units (SAUs), excluding public charter schools, must report even if there are no pupils to report. Data entered into this report is based on the number of Resident Students from SAUs who are attending Regional Adult Education Programs.   | More

News & Updates

Apply Today for the 2024 Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative. Applications Due By January 12

Volunteer Maine Celebrates New and Retiring Community Service Leaders

The Maine Commission for Community Service (MCCS), also known as Volunteer Maine, recently celebrated the contributions of five community service leaders who completed terms on the Commission. At the same time, the Commission welcomed five new members appointed by Governor Janet Mills and witnessed the swearing-in of two leaders reappointed for three-year terms. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Professional Development, Training, and Events

First 10 Community School Informational Session

Has your elementary school and its community partners been interested in collaborating to support children and families in your community? Have you wondered about the positive outcomes such partnerships can afford? If so, the First 10 Community School model may be just such an opportunity to consider. | More

Registration is Now Open for the 2024 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit, Give Roots to Wellness!

By mid-school year school personnel are ready for a pick me up that provides information, experiences, resources, and tools to care for one’s self and others. The Maine Department of Education, Office of School and Student Supports, Employee Health Promotion and Wellness Program is pleased to be able to offer the 2024 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit, Give Roots to Wellness! School leaders and employees from across the State are invited to register for this event. | More

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Maine DOE Update – December 1, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) Maine DOE Assistance Webinar

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) will be preparing some elements of the federal Civil Rights Data Collection to assist school administrative units (SAUs) and schools with the completion of reporting requirements. This report opens on December 11, 2023. The Maine DOE Data team will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, December 5th at 10 am which will provide information about the elements we will be loading, the timeframe of the data input, and resources for CRDC reporting.   | More

EF-M-39B Adult Education Subsidy Report Open

The EF-M-39B Adult Education report is open as of December 1, 2023 and will be due on December 15, 2023. All public school administrative units (SAUs), excluding Public Charter Schools, must report even if there are no pupils to report. Data entered into this report is based on the number of Resident Students from SAUs who are attending Regional Adult Education Programs.  | More

News & Updates

Media Release: Maine DOE and Live and Work in Maine Launch Nationwide “Live and Teach in Maine” Campaign

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Live and Work in Maine have partnered to launch a nationwide Live and Teach in Maine campaign to attract educators to the state and strengthen the education profession. The multifaceted campaign includes a highly targeted advertising effort, new videos highlighting teachers who have chosen to make Maine their career destination, and events in-state to welcome, connect, and celebrate educators.  | More

Hancock County Technical Center Teacher Meghan Stubbs Surprised with National Recognition

Meghan Stubbs, a career and technical education (CTE) teacher at Hancock County Technical Center, found herself at the center of a heartwarming surprise during a schoolwide assembly earlier today. The visit by Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin to commend the school’s CTE programs also honored Stubbs’ individual contributions with a Milken Educator Award, a distinguished recognition bestowed by the Milken Family Foundation. The Award honors outstanding educators across the country for their innovation, achievements and exemplary leadership, and it includes $25,000 that the recipients may use however they choose.  | More

Apply Today for the 2024 Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative. Applications Due By January 12

Nominations Open for Exceptional English Language Arts and Literacy Teachers; MCELA Conference Set for March 2024

The Maine Council for English Language Arts (MCELA), an affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of English, has announced the Claudette and John Brassil Distinguished Educator Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize exceptional English language arts and literacy teachers who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, contributed to the profession, and shown a commitment to the community. | More

Maine DOE Expanding Access to Community Schools Model in Maine; Welcomes New Staff

The Maine Department of Education Office of School and Students Supports is taking steps to advance community schools as a strategy to help public schools in Maine provide supports so that every child has access to what they need to thrive and reach their full potential. | More

Maine Student Writing Contest: Share About a Teacher

Maine’s County and State Teacher of the Year Association (MCSTOYA) in partnership with the Maine Council for English Language Arts (MCELA) Association have announced their second annual student writing contest. The prompt is “share about a teacher who made a positive difference in your day, week, year, or life.” | More

Celebrating 10 Years of Success: Teacher of the Year Program Hosts Annual Gala Event

The 2023 County Teachers of the Year and the recently named 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Joshua Chard were celebrated at the annual Teacher of the Year (TOY) Gala event this past weekend. The Teacher of the Year Gala is an annual celebration of the Teacher of the Year Program which honors the hard work and dedication of Maine teachers and in particular the current State and County Teachers of the Year. This year marks a special 10-year milestone, which celebrates the great strides the program has made in expanding its reach to lift the voices of excellent educators in Maine. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Three Maine Educators Recognized by Maine Psychological Association

The Maine Psychological Association (MePA) recently honored three outstanding Maine educators at its Annual Conference earlier this month, during an all-day event at the historic Harraseeket Inn in Freeport that celebrated diversity and excellence in psychology and education. | More

Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Announces 2023 Teachers of the Year and Honor Award Winners

Every November outstanding professionals in the fields of health education, physical education, adapted physical education, and recreation are recognized during the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Maine AHPERD) Annual Conference. This year the following four educators were named as the 2023 Maine AHPERD Teachers of the Year and honored during the Award Banquet at the Samoset Resort. | More

Portland High Internship Program Continues to Expand

Halfway through its second decade, the Portland High School (PHS) internship program is setting a record for the number of students participating in internships. The program also has several new business partners. | More

Two Maine Educators Explore How Artificial Intelligence (AI) can Benefit Adult Learners on their Career Journey

Sierra Melanson (College and Career Success Coordinator at Central Maine Community College) and Kate Points (York County Career Advancement and Navigation Specialist) attended a Maine Development Career Association (MCDA) conference about Artificial Intelligence (AI) hosted at BerryDunn early this month. | More

How Mt. Ararat High School is Integrating their Community Pathways Program Across the Curriculum

Doug Ware’s role as Community Learning Coordinator is to develop and facilitate Mt Ararat High School’s relatively new Community Pathways program. The overarching goal of the program is to enhance the traditional academic curriculum for the school’s full diversity of students by providing credit-bearing extended learning opportunities. These offerings are intended to engage students in their interests, passions, and potential career paths through discovery, exploration, and experience. | More

Professional Development, Training, and Events

Mt. View High School Educators are Leveraging Maine DOE’s ConCEPT Pilot Program to Help Meet their Academic Needs

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction Team is offering a pilot program developed by listening to educators’ needs and creating the opportunity for them to choose their professional learning adventure. In an effort to make this program available to more schools and educators across Maine, we are sharing some examples of the ways that Mt. View High School educators are using ConCEPT to meet their unique needs. | More

Maine DHHS to Offer “WhyTry” Training to Anyone Working with Directly with Children and Their Families

The Maine Department of Education’s Partners at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services are excited to bring additional “WhyTry” training to those working directly with children and their families. | More

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Maine DOE Update – November 17, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

EF-M-39B Adult Education Subsidy Report Opens December 1, 2023

The EF-M-39B Adult Education report will open on December 1, 2023, and will be due on December 15, 2023. All public school administrative units (SAUs), excluding Public Charter Schools, must report even if there are no pupils to report.   | More

News & Updates

DOE Podcast Features Yarmouth High School Students Engaged in Hands-On, Real-World Extended Learning Opportunities

On the latest episode of her What Holds Us Together podcast, Maine Department of Education (DOE) Commissioner Pender Makin spoke with two Yarmouth High School students about their experiences pursuing what they are passionate about through their school’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program. Yarmouth senior Sarah Hinson gets school credit and paid work experience through her ELO at Portland Veterinary Hospital and junior Liam Hannah engaged in a summer ELO to program and build a drink serving robot which also earned him school credit.  | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Career & Technical Education (CTE) Educators Honored for Excellence

Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education (MACTE) and Maine Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE-ME) recently announced the recipients of their 2023 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Excellence Awards at the annual CTE conference held in Lewiston. | More

Gorham High School ELO Program Gives Students Confidence in Career Exploration

As Gorham High School’s Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) Instructor, Grace Olsen works “to provide meaningful career aligned opportunities to high school students.” Working alongside Eliza Kenigsberg, the school’s Career Aspirations & ELO Coordinator, Olsen helps connect students to business mentors and subsequent internship, job shadow, and volunteer work experiences. | More

Professional Development, Training, and Events

Maine DOE and DHHS to Review Foster Care Guidelines and Connect District Points of Contact with SAU Points of Contact – November 30th

For the past several years the Maine Department of Education (DOE) has shared information to with school administrative units (SAUs’) Foster Care Points of Contact. This year, Maine DOE and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are adding a new twist to the yearly presentation – DHHS’s Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) regional Foster Care Points of Contact will be included in the presentation and will have breakout sessions to provide an opportunity for regions to connect and to communicate current reality and concerns. | More