MEDIA RELEASE: Maine Launches MLTI 2.0 by Welcoming 5 Regional MLTI Ambassadors to Support Professional Learning Plan

As part of the official launch of the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) 2.0, a team of distinguished educators – “MLTI Ambassadors” – have joined the DOE to help bring technology integration in Maine schools to the next level through comprehensive professional learning and consistent, ongoing support for educators.

Distinguished educators are Maine educators hired as DOE staff, on loan from Maine schools for a period of two years, to bring their expertise and experience as a resource and partner in initiatives of the Maine Department of Education.

With a long history of technology integration in education in Maine schools, MLTI is now in its 19th year and has evolved into a 2.0 version designed by an MLTI Advisory Board comprised of local educators and experts with experience working in schools. The board worked diligently this past year, along-side Department staff, to develop MLTI 2.0 with the goal of increasing Maine’s digital learning by supporting the acquisition of the latest equipment and software, providing rigorous professional learning resources, delivering state-level technology support, and enhancing local management efforts through systematic monitoring and support grounded in continuous process improvement.

As part of MLTI 2.0, the Ambassadors have joined the initiative to provide instructional coaching and deliver professional learning experiences to MLTI-participating schools and are now a part of the Maine DOE Team! They each have a list of schools in an MLTI Ambassador Region where they have begun working directly with teachers to provide instructional coaching and professional learning.

Meet the MLTI Ambassadors!

Rob Dominick
Contact: robert.dominick@maine.gov

Rob Dominick comes to the MLTI Team from Brewer Community School, where he served as a seventh-grade math teacher.  He has been teaching for more than fifteen years, starting his career at Sebasticook Middle School and later Nokomis High School in RSU19.  While he has primarily taught mathematics at the middle level, Rob has taught multiple subjects and taught at grades ranging from fifth to twelfth.  His interest in technology integration lead him to pursue a Masters in Learning & Technology from Western Governor’s University as well as Google certifications as an educator and a trainer.  He is also a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honors Society in Education, and has shown a dedication to innovating the landscape of education in Maine through his involvement in MEVLC (Maine Virtual Learning Consortium), Introduction to Experiential Teaching through Technology and MOOSE (Maine Online Opportunities for Sustained Education) in addition to presenting at conferences both in Maine and Illinois.  Rob also has extensive basketball and baseball coaching experience at Nokomis, Hampden Academy and Brewer High School.  He lives in Brewer with his wife, Sarah, who is a high school math teacher, and their two young sons.

Holly Graffam
Contact: holly.graffam@maine.gov

Holly Graffam comes to the MLTI Team from Scarborough Middle School, where she served as a technology instructional coach.  She has fourteen years of experience at the middle level and has taught every core subject.  Holly has taught digital literacy and is a Common Sense Media educator.  She also has extensive training and experience in computer science and served on the Maine Department of Education’s Computer Science Work Group which developed a statewide plan in 2019.  Holly received her Masters in Teaching Methodology from the University of New England and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine.  She has participated in Educate Maine’s Education Leadership Experience and completed a Curriculum Director internship.  She lives in Falmouth.

Kathryn Meyer
Contact: kathryn.meyer@maine.gov

Kate Meyer comes to the MLTI Team from Mt. Desert High School, where she served as an English Language Arts and Design Thinking teacher. She has been teaching for more than twenty years. She was named the 2020 Hancock County Teacher of the Year. Kate has earned Masters in both Educational Leadership and Literacy Education from the University of Maine at Orono and she is a National Board Certified teacher. Kate has extensive training and experience in design thinking, adventure education and student-centered coaching. During her time at MDI, Kate served as an advisor for Operation Breaking Stereotypes, spearheaded the innovative Island Pathways alternative education program and has been the co-teacher of the Eastern Maine Skippers Program. She lives in Ellsworth.

Erik Wade
Contact: erik.wade@maine.gov

Erik Wade comes to the MLTI Team from Warsaw Middle School, where he served as a seventh and eighth grade science teacher.  He has been teaching for twenty years and has taught math and science at Hope Elementary, Windsor Elementary and Spurwink prior to coming to MSAD53.  He has worked with fifth grade through eighth grade.  He holds a Masters in Instructional Technology from the University of Maine at Orono and is a Apple Certified Teacher.  Erik has always looked to be part of innovative technology cohorts like the MARTLs (MLTI Apple Refresh Teacher Leader) and the Introduction to Experiential Teaching through Technology.  He has collaborated with a number of organizations such as Maine Math & Science Alliance, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Maine Lakes Conservancy and Institute and Sebasticook Valley Health.  His other educational passion is agriculture education and he has won the National Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award, Knox County Soil and Water Teacher of the Year and the Maine State Agriculture Teacher of the Year.  Erik has also served as a baseball, basketball and soccer coach in the past.  He lives in Troy with his wife, Kimberly, who is a teacher at Nokomis Middle School.

Jonathan R. Werner
Contact: jonathan.werner@maine.gov

Jonathan R. Werner comes to the MLTI Team from Cape Elizabeth Middle School, where he served as the technology integrator.  He has fifteen years of experience in education and worked as a technology integrator and a Library and Instructional Technology Specialist at Cape Elizabeth Middle and High School.  Prior to that he taught English and Social Studies at Gorham High School and at Conestoga High School in Berwyn, PA.  Jonathan holds a master’s in social studies and English Language Education from the University of Pennsylvania.  Prior to working in schools, Jonathan received a J.D. from Columbia Law School and practiced for five years, focusing on education law.  He has also served as the ISTE Librarians Network President-Elect and President from 2016 to 2018.  Jonathan has presented at both large-scale events like ISTE, MassCue, NEISTE and EdTechTeacher events as well as events around Maine.  He is both passionate and has extensive experience in areas such as rethinking professional learning, reimaging libraries and learning commons, digital footprints, screen addiction, MakerSpaces and MakerEd.  He lives in Portland with his wife, Rebecca, and three children.

The Maine DOE MLTI team works hand-in-hand with the MLTI Ambassadors to support the MLTI professional learning plan in addition to the many other components MLTI 2.0. For more information about MLTI 2.0 and its evolution visit the Maine DOE Website or contact Beth Lambert, Director of Innovative Teaching and Learning.

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE Hosts Students Statewide for Virtual MLTI Student Conference

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

Hosted by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) in partnership with CATES, the Conference was one of the largest synchronous student learning tech conference in the history of the world, with students from across Maine tuning in virtually to gain insights into the challenges facing Mainers during remote learning, how to develop innovations through peer collaboration to solve complex problems, and begin to develop the mindset of the social entrepreneur.

In addition to participating in a number of innovative synchronous Block Sessions and asynchronous activities using Gathertown as a virtual conference platform to learn new skills and deepen knowledge, conference participants also had the opportunity to work in teams to develop a product or innovation that addresses their chosen challenge (Mental Health Support; Equity in Education; Peer Collaboration; New Ways to Learn).

“Get ready to be REALLY creative today! Be bold with your ideas and be guided by your wildest imagination,” said Education Commissioner Pender Makin in her opening remarks. “Design and innovate as if the future depends upon in. Because in so many ways, it truly does.”

“[The pandemic] has given you a front row seat that will inform your experience with this year’s innovation challenge,” added Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah in his remarks during the conference.

Students’ groups “pitched” their product to conference participants, who voted for their favorite in each challenge category – 38 hours of innovative pitches were created on flipgrid!

“Your pitches demonstrate what amazing thinkers, problem solvers, designers, and engineers, you all are,” said Maine DOE Director of Innovative Teaching and Learning Beth Lambert. “Your work today and in the innovation challenge will lead the way for our state and the entire nation when it comes to redesigning remote learning and the shape of our public education system!”

Pre-Conference students got the opportunity to learn about the different challenges related to remote learning during the pandemic and their implications for Maine DECD’s 2030 Vision + Goals so they could research interesting reports, design frameworks, innovation protocols, videos, and other information related to their challenge.

After the Conference each team of students that wishes to continue on to Part II of the $10,000 Challenge is matched with a mentor to further develop their innovation or venture and submit “a demo”, “pitch deck”, and/or executive summary for their product. Challenge Grand Prize winners will be announced at special online awards ceremony featuring UMaine innovation leaders, and invited to continue developing their innovation through the CATES Center for Social Innovation Summer Incubator program in prep for a fall launch.

For more information about the conference and the Innovation Challenge visit the MLTI website: https://mlticonference.com/

Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) 2.0 Seeks Distinguished Educators

Are you passionate about professional growth and technology? Do you want to make a difference in Maine schools? Are you currently teaching in a Maine public school?

The Maine Department of Education is hiring five distinguished educators to join our team in supporting MLTI 2.0 professional learning. These are full-time, two-year, contracted, remote positions. The MLTI 2.0 distinguished educators will provide instructional technology coaching directly to MLTI 2.0 participating educators and work closely with the MLTI 2.0 team to implement the MLTI 2.0 program.

Ideal candidates will be excited about instructional coaching and innovative technology practices in education, eager to work with other teachers, have outstanding communication skills, and experience with middle and/or high school pedagogy.

Distinguished educator positions are set up as an exchange agreement between the Department of Education and your local school district. Through the agreement, the Department pays your local school for the duration of your contract as a distinguished educator, allowing your school to temporarily fill your vacant position and continue to pay you your current rate while you work as a distinguished educator. Once the two-year contract is complete, you will be able to return to your position within that district.

To learn more about the MLTI distinguished educator position, click here to access the full job description.

If you’re interested in applying to be an MLTI 2.0 distinguished educator, click here to access the application form. The application closes April 30th.

If you have questions about the position or the exchange process, check out the FAQ.

Still have questions? Contact the Digital Learning Specialists at the Maine Department of Education to learn more.

Jonathan Graham, Elementary, Digital Learning Specialist, jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov

Emma-Marie Banks, Computer Science and Secondary Digital Learning Specialist, emma-marie.banks@maine.gov

Registration is Now Open for the 18th Annual MLTI Student Conference

The Maine Department of Education is excited to share that registration for the 18th Annual MLTI student conference is open!

The conference will be held on May 20th, in virtual format, and it is FREE to Maine students in grades 4-12! The virtual student conference will be online on Thursday, May 20th from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The morning will be filled with interactive workshop sessions where students will be able to explore, engage, and create with exciting educational technology. The afternoon UBER session will be a collaborative design experience.

Since this is during a school day student registration must be coordinated by a teacher. Teachers are encouraged to organize student groups to attend the conference. Registration forms must include a teacher’s contact information, school, and student names.
For more information or to register please visit: https://www.maine.gov/doe/learning/ltt/conference

Registrations completed by Friday, May 7^th will receive an early registration conference gift.

For questions please reach out Jordan Dean, Jordan.Dean@maine.gov.

Call for Breakout Session Proposals for 2021 MLTI Virtual Student Conference

The Maine Department of Education invites you to submit a breakout session proposal for the 18th Annual MLTI Student Conference to be held virtually on Thursday, May 20, 2021.

If you or someone you know is doing fantastic work involving technology and engaging students, we encourage you to submit a proposal for a breakout session at this year’s conference.

Breakout session requirements:

Presented by a Maine educator, student(s) as co-presenter(s) is encouraged;
One hour;
Involve some form of students creating, making, or doing so that students leave excited about what they learned and eager to share their experiences with others; and
Be “platform-agnostic” and feature only free apps and tools that are accessible to all and appropriate for 4th–12th grade students.

To submit a proposal please complete this online form. Completed proposals are due by Friday, April 30, 2021.

If you would like to submit a session proposal but need some assistance developing your idea please reach out to our digital learning specialists, Emma-Marie Banks, Emma-Marie.Banks@maine.gov; or Jonathan Graham, Jonathan.M.Graham@maine.gov.

For more information about the student conference visit: https://www.maine.gov/doe/learning/ltt/conference or check out this flyer with additional information.

SAVE THE DATE: 18th Annual MLTI Student Conference

SAVE THE DATE for the 18th Annual Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Student Conference on May 20th, 2021! This year’s conference will be held virtually and free of charge to all 4th through 12th grade students.

Registration opens on April 5th.

For more information please check out our website: https://www.maine.gov/doe/learning/ltt/conference.

Designed in collaboration with the students and educators of the MLTI Student Conference Advisory Board.

SAVE THE DATE: MLTI Student Conference – May 28th

Save the date for May 28, 2020 to attend the MLTI (Maine Learning Through Technology) Student Conference! That’s right, the MLTI Student Conference is ON!! We’re going virtual.

The MTLI Student Conference is a free student conference normally held in the spring. Further details about the virtual student conference are coming soon.

2020 MLTI Student Conference Cancelled

Due to the rapidly evolving novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the State of Maine and across the U.S., the Maine Department of Education has decided to cancel the 2020 MLTI Student Conference, which was scheduled for May 21, 2020.

The large conference is attended by more than 1000 students and educators. Based on evaluation of evolving circumstances, and in coordination with the Commissioner’s office, it is clear that it is in the best interest of all to make the cancellation decision now.

The Department’s decision was made in consideration of the health and well-being of attendees and an understanding of the challenges district staff and students will encounter upon their return to school after a significant disruption in their lives and school year.

MLTI Student Conference 2020 Musical Performance Applications Due February 24th, 2020

The MLTI Student Conference has included live musical performances over the past several years, and this year, we would like to feature students from our PK-12 schools or local universities. There are several potential opportunities which could be filled by students from one school or from a two schools. A tentative schedule is below.

8am – 9:40am – Musical performances as schools arrive, National Anthem, and performances as schools depart for sessions.
12:45pm – 3:00pm – Musical performances as schools return from lunch, at some point during the UBER session, and as schools depart.

We are looking for musical performances that fit this year’s conference theme: “Celebrating 200 Years in Maine” or “Maine’s Bicentennial” and will judge applications based on how well the musical selections fit the theme, as well as how creative ideas are for the performance itself.

Ready to apply? View the application or copy and paste this link into your browser: http://bit.ly/MLTI-music-entry2020

Timeline:

Application Due: Monday, February 24^th, 2020
Selection Process: February 24^th – March 13^th, 2020

Please note that we only have limited funding available to help reduce the cost of attendance or of travel. Because of this, invitations to perform will happen over the course of three weeks. Thank you for understanding!

Additionally, the school is responsible for ensuring students and families are okay with the students performing at an event where they will be recorded (video and photograph). These videos and photos may be shared on the local news and on social media. Families will also be asked to sign a media release form for the Department of Education and to understand that we are unable to prevent their student from being photographed or video recorded during the event if they are performing on stage.

For answers to questions or for more information, please contact MLTI.Project@maine.gov

MLTI T-shirt Design Competition Accepting Entries Until February 24th, 2020!

The Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) is hosting a T-shirt Design Competition again this year. The theme for the T-shirt design is “Celebrating 200 Years in Maine” or “Maine’s Bicentennial”.

A panel of judges will narrow the submissions down to three designs, and then we will ask Maine students and educators to vote for their top choice as they register for the MLTI Student Conference. The winning T-shirt will be printed for the 1000+ attendees of the 17th Annual MLTI Student Conference, which will be held on Thursday, May 21^st, 2020 at the University of Maine in Orono. The three students whose designs become the finalists will be given a free registration to the conference.

Eligibility:

Any student who attends an elementary, middle, or high school in Maine during the 2019-2020 school year is eligible to enter the competition may enter the competition.
Any student or teacher/chaperone who is registering for the MLTI Student Conference may vote on the final design.

Submission Guidelines:

Submissions must only have ONE ink color and ONE background color. The inclusion of shading or gradients of colors will lead to disqualification.
All submissions must be an original artwork. Any use of any photo, drawing, images or elements created by any other person (other than the MLTI logo) is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.
- Please adhere to the guidelines for the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards regarding copyright and plagiarism: Even if you have permission to use a work or if the work is in the public domain, the work that you submit to this competition must represent a new, original work. Additionally, changing the medium of an original work is not considered transformative. For example, a painting or drawing of a photograph taken from the Internet or a magazine is not considered original and should not be submitted.
Each student may only submit one entry AND the entry must be created by ONE student only.
The artwork should be sized to 8¹/₂” x 11”.
Students may hand-draw or digitally design their artwork.
Digitally designed artwork should be 300 dpi, RGB color, and the fonts must be embedded.
Submitted artwork must incorporate the phrase “MLTI Student Conference” and the year “2020” or “’20”.
Students must incorporate the MLTI logo into their design: downloadable filesor by copying and pasting this link: http://bit.ly/MLTI_logos.
The design should reflect this year’s conference theme and should include some reference to “Celebrating 200 Years in Maine” or “Maine’s Bicentennial”.
Students are asked to submit an artist statement (less than 200 words) with their design to help bring clarity to their adherence to the theme.
Acceptable file types: PDF or JPEG high resolution.
Color: T-shirts are one solid color with one color ink, and the student can suggest the color for each.
The t-shirt design must fit on the front of the t-shirt.
Signed Release: Each student must sign this release and include it in their submission. If the link above doesn’t work, please copy and paste this link: https://www.maine.gov/doe/learning/ltt/conference/tshirt/release

Judging Criteria

Guidelines: Work clearly adheres to the submission guidelines (color, size, file type, etc.)
Theme: “Celebrating 200 Years in Maine” or “Maine’s Bicentennial”.
Principles of Design:Work incorporated the following elements of art: balance, emphasis, movement, pattern, repetition, proportion, rhythm, variety, and unity.

Important Dates