Language, Culture, and Connection: Maine Expands Global Reach with Portugal Agreement

Pictured left to right: Fred Ravan, President of Educators for a Multilingual Maine (EMME); Melissa O’Neal-Low, Maine DOE Director of Special Projects; Page Nichols, Maine DOE Chief Innovation Officer, Dan Chuhta, Maine DOE Deputy Commissioner; Pender Makin, Maine Education Commissioner; Tiago Araújo, Consulate of Portugal in Boston; João Caixinha, U.S. Coordinator for the Portuguese Language Programs and Education; and Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships.

On May 6, 2025, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) formalized a new partnership with the Portuguese Ministry of Education by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing deeper collaboration around language education, educator exchange, and international engagement.

Held at the Burton M. Cross Building in Augusta, the signing ceremony was both symbolic and strategic. It reflects the continued commitment of the Maine DOE to expanding access to meaningful global learning opportunities, especially those that promote multilingualism and cross-cultural understanding in Maine schools.

“This agreement is about more than language,” Ayesha Hall, Director of Strategic Partnerships, said. “It’s about connection—building a bridge between Maine educators and the Portuguese-speaking world and opening doors for students to see themselves as global citizens.”

The agreement outlines several key areas of collaboration:

  • Support for Portuguese language instruction in Maine schools
  • Opportunities for teacher and student exchange
  • Professional learning and resource-sharing between Portuguese and Maine educators

The MOU also enhances the portfolio of existing partnerships that the Maine DOE maintains with countries including Spain, France, Germany, Taiwan, and China. Each agreement contributes to the department’s broader vision for culturally-responsive and globally-informed education.

Following the signing, representatives from both governments gathered with invited guests for conversation and light refreshments—a moment to celebrate the relationship and set the tone for the work to come.

More information about the Portugal MOU and other international MOUs can be found on the recently updated Global Partners Network webpage, which serves as a central hub for international programs and educator resources and partnership opportunities.

Maine DOE Affirms Commitment to Language and Culture: Promoting Multilingual and Multicultural Learning Across Schools

(Pictured: Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships, with Fred Ravan, President of Educators for a Multilingual Maine [EMME].)

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is proud to have successfully concluded its Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series, a five-part virtual professional learning experience designed to expand access to language learning, cultural inclusion, and international collaboration in Maine schools.

This work reflects an ongoing commitment by the Maine DOE to promote multilingual and multicultural learning as critical components of student success. Through this series, the Maine DOE provided a platform for educators, school leaders, and international partners to come together, share strategies, and build community around a shared vision for more inclusive, globally-connected classrooms.

Each session explored timely and essential topics—including how to integrate Indigenous and critical languages, how to make the most of international Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and how to use tools like the Seal of Biliteracy and the Multilingual Learner Dashboard to expand language learning pathways.

“This wasn’t just a webinar series—it was an invitation to join an important conversation about inclusion in Maine schools,” Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships, said. “Educators are already doing the work. Our job is to make sure they’re supported with access to partnerships, resources, and opportunities that reflect the needs of learners in our state today.”

As the series wrapped up on May 5, 2025, educators heard directly from district teams that have already begun integrating global partnerships and multilingual learning into their school communities—affirming all that is possible when language and culture are viewed as assets.

To continue supporting this work, the Maine DOE has updated its Global Partners Network webpage, where educators, district leaders, and partners can:

  • Revisit the webinar series and explore featured programs.
  • Connect with Maine DOE-supported international partnerships.

You may explore the Global Partners Network here. For more information or for inquiries regarding partnerships with the Maine DOE, please contact
Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships, at Ayesha.Hall@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Launches Professional Learning Series: Supporting Multilingual Learners Transitioning into Maine High Schools

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning is proud to announce a new three-part professional learning series designed for educators working with multilingual learners (MLs) who are enrolling in a Maine high school for the first time.

This interactive series will support high school-based teams in building inclusive, responsive systems that address the unique needs of multilingual students. Focus areas include English language development (ELD) instruction, content-area learning with integrated language supports, opportunities to showcase multilingual abilities, and advisory structures that emphasize high support and meaningful family engagement.

What to Expect: Throughout the series, participants will engage in collaborative discussions, explore real-life scenarios, and analyze models that support successful transitions for multilingual students entering high school. Guest speakers will offer expert insights and lived experiences to deepen collective understanding.

Session Overview

  • Session 1 (May 1, 2025): Introduction and overview of state and federal guidelines related to high school enrollment for multilingual learners
  • Session 2 (June 3, 2025): Goal setting for students who are new to English, including opportunities to pursue the Seal of Biliteracy
  • Session 3 (June 17, 2025): Strengthening student and family engagement with a focus on college and career readiness pathways

Who Should Attend: This series is ideal for high school-level educators and staff, including:

  • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers
  • School counselors
  • Social workers
  • Content-area teachers
  • Administrators and school leaders

Program Details

  • Format: Virtual and interactive; each session will run from 3–4:30 p.m.
  • Opportunities for pre- and post-webinar learning
  • Nine contact hours for entire series participation

Registration Information: Participants are encouraged to register as a team, ideally including an ESOL teacher, school counselor, and administrator. Register here to participate in all three sessions.

Meet the Facilitator: This series will be facilitated by Jen Lunt, a 2024–2025 Teacher Leader Fellow with the Maine DOE. Lunt is a seasoned educator and passionate advocate for MLs, with a focus on supporting smooth transitions and fostering inclusive, student-centered environments. Lunt has also developed an asynchronous resource, Orientation Checklist for New Multilingual Students. Check out the video and one-pager.

If you’re unable to attend this live professional learning series but would like to continue building your skills, Maine educators have access to asynchronous learning through the WIDA Consortium, of which Maine is a member. All Maine pre-service and in-service educators can access these resources by creating a WIDA Secure Portal account. To get started, visit Maine’s WIDA state page. To obtain a new login, contact help@wida.us or call (866) 276-7735. Once you have a WIDA Secure Portal account, you will be able to access a variety of self-paced professional learning modules.

For questions, please contact Jane Armstrong (Jane.Armstrong@maine.gov) or Melanie Junkins (Melanie.Junkins@maine.gov).

Language, Learning, and Leadership in Maine: Supporting Multilingual Learners with Disabilities through University and State Collaboration

Pictured: From left to right: Associate Professor of Special Education Dr. Sarah Howorth, Assistant Professor of Special Education Dr. Melissa Cuba, Director of Maine DOE Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education Erin Frazier, and Maine DOE State ESOL Specialist Jane Armstrong presenting at the National Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

In a powerful display of statewide collaboration, representatives from the University of Maine (UMaine) and the Maine Department of Education (DOE) joined forces in March to present at the 2025 National Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Conference. The session, Supporting Multilingual Learners with Disabilities through University and State Collaboration,spotlighted Maine’s groundbreaking efforts to support multilingual learners (MLs) with disabilities, showcasing the newly-updated Identifying and Serving Students Who Are Multilingual Learners with Disabilities: Policy and Resource Guide, alongside innovative university programming that prepares educators to support MLs with disabilities.

The presentation was led by Dr. Melissa Cuba, UMaine Assistant Professor of Special Education, and supported by Dr. Sarah Howorth, UMaine Associate Professor of Special Education, in partnership with Maine DOE Director of the Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education Erin Frazier and the English for Speakers of Other Languages State Specialist, Jane Armstrong.

Together, the group highlighted the unique context of the state, tracing the evolution of collaborative efforts, and showcased key contributions to address the dual needs of language acquisition and disability support, including UMaine’s Graduate Certificate in Multilingual Special Education, Maine Access to Inclusive Education Resources (MAIER), and the comprehensive policy and resource guide for educators on identifying and serving MLs with disabilities.  

UMaine’s Multilingual Special Education program is uniquely designed to prepare educators to effectively support MLs with disabilities through a blend of linguistic, cultural, and special education expertise. What sets this 15-credit online graduate program apart is its interdisciplinary curriculum, which includes courses that target language development, such as:

  • ERL 531: Linguistic Diversity, Multilingualism, and the Classroom
  • ELL 570: Methods of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
  • ELL: 572: Second Language Acquisition

 It also offers specialized training through:

  • SED 502: Strategies for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students with Disabilities
  • SED 545: Intervention for Reading Difficulties

If working with children birth to five, SED 545 is combined with SED 529: Developmentally Appropriate Reading Instruction for Diverse Young Learners. Together, these courses provide a rich foundation in language development, culturally-responsive pedagogy, and targeted academic interventions, empowering educators to create inclusive and effective learning environments for diverse student populations.

The collaboration with the presentation and the co-construction of this iterative guidebook reflects Maine’s growing commitment to inclusive and equitable education, with a focus on multilingualism, disability inclusion, and culturally-responsive practices. The collaboration also underscores the valuable role of higher education institutions like UMaine in supporting these efforts, through research, educator preparation, and training informed by real classroom experiences.

The Maine guidebook serves as a vital resource for school administrative units (SAUs), offering practical tools, guidance, and examples to ensure that linguistic diversity and disability are not barriers to learning but rather opportunities to build inclusive, responsive educational environments.

“This work is a reflection of Maine’s commitment to inclusive education that sees and supports the whole child,” Frazier said. “By bridging the expertise of higher education and state systems, we are empowering educators to confidently identify, support, and celebrate multilingual students with disabilities.”

This work aligns with and strengthens Multi-Tiered Systems of Support by ensuring that academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports are responsive to the diverse identities and experiences of all students.

As part of the Maine DOE’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education, Teacher Leader Fellow Melissa Frans, has played a vital role in co-facilitating a dynamic six-part professional learning series, designed to support educators working with MLs with disabilities. Through her leadership, Frans has further illuminated the critical intersection between language acquisition and disability services, emphasizing the importance of collaborative practices with linguistically-responsive IEP development. You can see the recordings of this webinar series on the Maine DOE Multilingual Learners with Disabilities webpage.

As Maine experiences growing linguistic and cultural diversity in its schools, this guidebook, along with the collaboration behind it, provides a model of proactive, inclusive, and research-informed practices that other states may consider replicating. Additionally, the Maine DOE Event Calendar has an array of opportunities available to support educators in fostering inclusive and effective learning environments.

For further information or questions about multilingual programming, please contact Maine DOE State ESOL Specialist Jane Armstrong at Jane.Armstrong@maine.gov. For further information or questions about the guidebook, please contact the Maine DOE Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education Director Erin Frazier at Erin.Frazier@maine.gov.

Celebrating April as Bilingual and Multilingual Advocacy Month: Maine DOE Highlights Seal of Biliteracy Growth and Seeks Your Input

April is National Bilingual and Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month, a time to celebrate the incredible benefits of multilingualism and raise awareness about language learning across our communities. The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is proud to honor and promote the Seal of Biliteracy, a nationally-recognized credential that celebrates students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language. This recognition not only affirms academic achievement but also opens doors to expanded opportunities in college, career, and beyond.

As the state continues to expand and enhance the Seal of Biliteracy program in Maine, the department is excited to share key highlights from the 2023-2024 school year. According to the Maine Seal of Biliteracy dashboard, more than 391 students earned the Seal of Biliteracy, demonstrating proficiency in 24 languages, reflecting Maine’s growing cultural and linguistic diversity. Students earning the Seal of Biliteracy have reported increased confidence and a competitive advantage in college admissions and job searches.

The Seal of Biliteracy is a valuable asset for students transitioning to higher education or entering the workforce. Many colleges and universities offer credit for students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy. Institutions such as the University of Maine campuses in Farmington, Machias, and Orono offer six credits, while the University of Southern Maine and Southern Maine Community College offer eight credits, with additional credits for advanced low or above proficiency levels. Husson University also offers six credits.

Awarded at the school administrative unit (SAU) level, the Seal of Biliteracy allows schools to tailor support to meet students’ needs. Increasingly, employers recognize multilingualism as an asset in the global economy.

The current Seal of Biliteracy dashboard and manual can be found here. It provides essential information to guide the application process. The deadline to submit current-year applications is July 31, 2025. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate and validate your students’ multilingual achievements!

The Maine DOE wants to hear from you! Your voice is essential in helping us to improve and expand outreach around the Seal of Biliteracy. By completing the Expanding Access to the Seal of Biliteracy: Outreach & Awareness Feedback Form, you can help to ensure that the department’s materials are clear, accessible, and relevant for all students, families, and SAUs.

Additionally, the department is excited to announce collaboration with Bowdoin College through its Public Service Summer Fellowship program. This summer, an intern will work with the Maine DOE to create new outreach materials designed to broaden awareness and participation in the Seal of Biliteracy program statewide.

Let’s continue working together to celebrate multilingualism, promote cultural understanding, and support Maine students as they prepare for success in a global world!

For questions about the Seal of Biliteracy, please contact Melanie Junkins, Maine DOE Multilingual and Bilingual Education Specialist, at melanie.junkins@maine.gov.

Continuing Webinar Series on Expanding Multilingual and Multicultural Opportunities in School

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to continue the Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series with its second session, Incorporating Indigenous and Critical Needs Languages into the Curriculum, on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. via Zoom.

This professional learning opportunity highlights the transformative potential of multilingual and multicultural education in Maine schools. General education teachers, administrators, and district leaders are strongly encouraged to attend and explore strategies to leverage the international partnerships established through the Maine DOE’s Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).

Why Attend?
Participants will:

  • Learn actionable strategies for integrating Indigenous languages, like Wabanaki, and critical-need global languages, such as Mandarin and Portuguese, into classrooms.
  • Explore partnership-driven resources, such as teacher exchange programs and virtual collaborations that enrich language learning.
  • Discover how to align language instruction with workforce development goals, preparing students for global careers.

Special Highlights
This session will feature insights from:

  • Bri Lolar, Maine DOE State Wabanaki Studies Specialist
  • Cynthia Huang, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office

Both experts will share real-world examples and practical applications for embedding critical languages into diverse classrooms.

Please use this link to register.

This series aims to demonstrate how Maine schools can utilize the unique opportunities afforded by the Maine DOE’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) partnership agreements with countries like Spain, China, Taiwan, Portugal, Germany, and France. Don’t miss this chance to explore the benefits of global engagement for your students and educators! Let’s work together to empower Maine students with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in an interconnected world.

For more information, please contact Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships, at ayesha.hall@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Launches New Pre-K Professional Learning Series for Dual Language Learners

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning is proud to introduce an exciting new professional learning series, designed to support educators working with Dual Language Learners (DLLs) in pre-K settings. This five-part interactive series will provide educators with tools and strategies to create inclusive, language-rich classrooms that celebrate student voice, engage families meaningfully, and embrace culturally-responsive practices.

Series Overview

Participants will engage in collaborative activities, watch expert-led presentations, and gain actionable resources, including Individualized Language Acquisition Plans (ILAPs) and Student Profiles designed specifically for pre-K learners.

This series is ideal for pre-K and Early Childhood educators, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers, and administrators supporting pre-K and early learning programs. It will empower educators to:

  • Develop child-centered, language-focused programming using asset-based student portraits.
  • Foster meaningful communication and authentic partnerships with families.
  • Build language-rich environments that integrate language development into daily routines.
  • Co-create culturally-responsive programming that reflects and celebrates student diversity.
  • Use data and assessments effectively to support growth and smooth transitions for DLLs.

Participants will receive Unlocking Multilingual Learner Potential, Second Edition by Diane Staehr Fenner and Sydney Snyder, provided free of charge. Enrollment is capped at 30 participants to ensure a collaborative and impactful experience. Educators and administrators are encouraged to commit to all sessions and will receive 30 contact hours.

Series Details

Dates:

  • Session 1: February 27, 2025
  • Session 2: March 27, 2025
  • Session 3: April 17, 2025
  • Session 4: May 29, 2025
  • Session 5: June 26, 2025

Time: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Format: virtual and interactive

The application deadline is Friday, February 7, 2025. Please use this link to apply. Participants will be notified of acceptance by February 13.

About the Facilitator

Rebecca Carey, a 2024-2025 Teacher Leader Fellow with the Maine DOE, will lead this professional learning series. Carey is a dedicated educator passionate about supporting multilingual learners and fostering joyful, play-based learning environments.

Carey has developed an asynchronous resource, Dual Language Learners, Pre-K and Early Learning, which includes a short video addressing frequently-asked questions about identifying and supporting multilingual learners in pre-K programs. Accompanying slides and a one-pager offer additional resources to build culturally-responsive, child-centered classrooms.

For questions, contact Melanie Junkins, Maine DOE Multilingual and Bilingual Education Specialist, at melanie.junkins@maine.gov.

The Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning is committed to unlocking the potential of every learner by creating classrooms where every child thrives. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your impact and make a lasting difference!

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”.

Designed for Special Education teachers, Case Managers, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers, this professional learning community will foster collaboration and collective efficacy to address students’ linguistic, cultural, and academic strengths through the intersection of language acquisition and disability.

Participants will work toward developing linguistically-responsive Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) through the integration of Individual Language Acquisition Plans (ILAPs) for multilingual students.

Session topics include:

  • Foundational Knowledge: Legal Regulations, Civil Rights, and Data Overview
  • Collaboration and Integration of IEPs and Individual Language Acquisition Plans (ILAPs)
  • IEPs for Multilingual Learners: Section 3 Special Factors
  • Linguistically-Appropriate Goals, Services, and Accommodations
  • Test Participation Guidance and Accommodations

Each session will be artfully facilitated by Leora Byras, Education Specialist, Maine DOE OSSIE, and Melissa Frans, Teacher Leader Fellow for Multilingual Learners with Disabilities, Maine DOE OTL.

Two contact hours per session will be awarded to account for essential pre-work. Participants, including school and district teams, are encouraged to attend all six sessions and, upon completion, will receive a free anchor text: IEPs for ELs and Other Diverse Learners.

With practical guidance and checklists, this book provides educators with research-based strategies and examples that empower them to write effective IEPs for K-12 EL learners.” (Corwin Publishers, 2017.)

Sessions will be held virtually from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on:

  • Tuesday, January 21, 2025
  • Thursday, February 27, 2025
  • Tuesday, March 18, 2025
  • Tuesday, April 29, 2025
  • Thursday, May 22, 2025
  • Tuesday, June 10, 2025

To register for this event, please use this registration link.

If you have any questions, please contact Leora Byras (Leora.Byras@maine.gov) or Jane Armstrong, Maine DOE ESOL State Specialist (Jane.Armstrong@maine.gov).

 

 

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.

This series is part of the Maine DOE’s broader commitment to recognizing language and culture as essential assets in education. Attendees will learn practical steps to integrate world language instruction, embrace Indigenous and critical languages, and leverage international partnerships to create dynamic, globally-connected classrooms.

What to Expect

This five-part virtual series will equip participants with strategies to recognize language and culture as assets, build robust multilingual programs, and leverage global partnerships to enhance learning opportunities for Maine students.

Who Should Attend

This webinar series is open to:

  • Superintendents, principals, and SAU leaders seeking to enhance student outcomes through multilingual pathways.
  • Seal of Biliteracy coordinators, bilingual/multilingual directors and coordinators, bilingual/multilingual educators, and world language educators eager to access resources and international connections to strengthen their programs.
  • Educators and community partners committed to equity, cultural awareness, and global learning opportunities.

Why Multilingualism Matters

Multilingualism is more than an educational goal; it is a key driver of student success in a global economy. Students who master multiple languages develop critical thinking skills, cultural competence, and career readiness for a world that values communication and collaboration. By investing in language programs, Maine schools can position themselves as leaders in equity and global engagement.

When and How to Participate

The Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series will be held virtually, making it accessible to participants statewide. The first session is scheduled for Monday, January 6. You may register using this link.

The full schedule for this series is as follows:

  • January 6, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
  • February 3, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
  • March 3, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
  • April 7, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
  • May 5, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

Take the Next Step Toward Global Leadership

The Maine DOE invites you to participate in this innovative series and join the movement to celebrate multilingualism and multiculturalism in Maine schools. For more information, please contact Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships, at ayesha.hall@maine.gov.

Deering High School Hosts French, Gabonese, and Central African Ambassadors in Celebration of Global Education and Cultural Exchange

On Oct. 25, 2024, Deering High School in Portland welcomed a distinguished delegation of international leaders, including Laurent Bili, French Ambassador to the United States; Noël Nelson Messone, Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic to the United States; and Martial Ndoubou, Ambassador of the Central African Republic to the United States. This event was made possible through a partnership with the French Institute for Culture and Education, whose Education and Cultural Project Manager, Marceau Crespo de Nogueira, invited schools in Maine to participate in this unique cultural exchange.

Organized in collaboration with the DeFranco Heritage Center and supported by the Maine Department of Education (DOE), this gathering brought together students, educators, and dignitaries to celebrate the rich heritage and connections within the Francophone community. This event highlighted the value of educational partnerships in fostering multicultural understanding and global citizenship.

Melanie Junkins, Multilingual and Bilingual Education Specialist at the Maine DOE, addressed the assembly, emphasizing the role of language learning in connecting cultures and communities.

“Language learning opens doors to connection and cultural exchange, and French holds a special place—both globally and here in Maine—bridging communities and fostering collaboration across continents,” Junkins said.

Junkins also highlighted Maine’s Seal of Biliteracy, which honors students who are proficient in two or more languages and represents the State’s dedication to multilingual education.

At the event, students and educators presented on French heritage initiatives and discussed the rising popularity of French language programs in Maine, which have seen substantial enrollment growth over the past decade. The ambassadors engaged with students through a Q&A session and shared insights into the roles of cultural ties in international relations.

As Maine continues to embrace multiculturalism, events like this serve as powerful reminders of the importance of language and cultural education in preparing students to be globally-engaged citizens.

For more information, please reach out to Maine DOE Multilingual and Bilingual State Specialist Melanie Junkins at Melanie.Junkins@maine.gov.