MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE, Educate Maine Announce 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year Semifinalists

Eight of the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year continue to be in the running for 2026 Maine State Teacher of the Year.

Augusta, MAINE — Eight exceptional Maine educators are state semifinalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. As members of the 2025 Maine County Teacher of the Year cohort, they embody the dedication, innovation, and leadership in the classroom synonymous with this recognition. These educators serve as ambassadors for their students, colleagues, and school communities, celebrating and elevating the entire teaching profession.

The semifinalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year are:

Julia Edwards
2025 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year
Choral Music Teacher
Poland Regional High School, RSU 16

Monica Malcomson
2025 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year
Second Grade Teacher
Frank I. Brown Elementary School, South Portland School Department

Annie Goodwin
2026 Hancock County Teacher of the Year
Kindergarten Teacher
Dedham Elementary School, AOS 47

Melissa Goeke
2025 Knox County Teacher of the Year
Fifth Grade Teacher
Hope Elementary School, School Union 69

Bridget Wright
2025 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year
English Teacher
Lincoln Academy

Benjamin Johnson
2025 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year
Latin Teacher
Hampden Academy, RSU 22

Dawn Lee
2025 Sagadahoc County Teacher of the Year
School Library/Media, Unified Literacy Teacher
Morse High School, RSU 1

Amanda Blunda
2025 York County Teacher of the Year
Fourth/Fifth Grade Experiential Classroom Teacher
Buxton Center Elementary School, MSAD 6

The selection process for the Maine Teacher of the Year Program is rigorous and designed by educators to offer candidates an opportunity to reflect on their instructional practice. In January, each candidate was nominated for this recognition by a member of their community, as a result of their exemplary service in education and commitment to their students. Candidates first participated in the county selection process, where a distinguished panel of teachers, principals, business leaders, and community members chose them as 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year from among hundreds of nominees. In May, the members of this cohort embarked on the Maine State Teacher of the Year selection process, showcasing their instructional practices through a classroom video and written reflection.

In the next phase of the selection process, the eight semifinalists will deliver keynote speeches, submit professional portfolios, and participate in an expert panel discussion about educational equity, teacher leadership, and education policy.

“The Maine Teacher of the Year Program provides an essential opportunity to highlight the hard, and often underrecognized, work that Maine educators put into their classrooms every single day,” Pender Makin, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education, said. “Congratulations to the eight 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year semifinalists on this esteemed and well-earned recognition. Your commitment to your students, communities, and the teaching profession in Maine is commendable.”

“It is an honor to recognize these exemplary educators, whose passion and commitment truly represent the best of Maine’s education community,” Jason Judd, Ed.D., Executive Director of Educate Maine, said. “Their dedication to student success, to innovation in the classroom, and to preparing the next generation of Maine leaders is truly an inspiration. We are excited to work with this cohort in the next phase of the selection process for the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year.”

The state finalists will be announced in September, and the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year will be revealed in October. The 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year will represent Maine in the National Teacher of the Year Program.

The Maine Teacher of the Year Program is administered by Educate Maine through a unique partnership with the Maine Department of Education, with support from the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA) and the Maine State Board of Education. Funding for this program is generously provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Unum, Geiger, Hannaford Supermarkets, Maine State Lottery, and the Silvernail Family.

For more information about the Maine Teacher of the Year Program, and to see a list of Maine County Teachers of the Year and Maine State Teachers of the Year, please click here.

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE Supports Next Generation of Leaders through Student Internships

These interns span high school to college and are working across a variety of Maine DOE offices and teams in the spring and summer of 2025.

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to recognize its nine student interns, working across a variety of Maine DOE offices and teams in the spring and summer of 2025. Many of these interns were selected through the Maine Government Summer Internship Program by the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Institute at the University of Maine. These interns contribute to daily operations and projects at the Maine DOE, gaining valuable professional experience, expanding their knowledge base and skillsets, and building meaningful connections.

Brooklynne Blockler of Dexter, Maine is a rising junior at Thomas College. She is majoring in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and Marketing. As the summer Maine DOE Communications Intern, Blockler will create content for the Maine DOE Newsroom and assist with updates to the Maine DOE website. Blocker says she is excited to expand her knowledge in the communications field and gain experience working at the government level. In her free time, Blockler enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with her family.

Brooklynne Blockler

Ellyson Bourgoine of York, Maine is a rising senior at the University of Maine. She is studying Management and Finance with a minor in Legal Studies. As the summer Maine DOE Operations and Events Intern, Bourgoine will support a variety of tasks, including assisting with the hiring process, performance management reporting, and coordinating events. Bourgoine says she is looking forward to learning more about the field of human resources and gaining a deeper understanding of how organizations function. In her free time, Bourgoine enjoys staying active, going on walks, and taking yoga classes.

Ellyson Bourgoine

Vagni Das is a rising senior at Yarmouth High School. She is working as a Maine DOE Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Intern through the end of June. Das was born in India and has lived in Maine for seven years and in America for 15 years. Das says in school, she especially likes learning about history and science. Apart from her regular courses, she also likes doing theater, Model UN, and debate. In her free time, Das enjoys watching movies and singing.

Vagni Das

Olivia Haralson is a graduating senior at Brunswick High School. She is working as a Maine DOE Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Intern through the end of June. Haralson will be attending New York University in the fall to major in Film and Television. Haralson says she has enjoyed writing articles through the Maine DOE about ELO programs at high schools statewide. In her free time, Haralson likes filmmaking, thrifting, and writing.

Olivia Haralson

Adam Hendrix of Mercer, Maine is a rising senior at the University of Maine at Farmington. He is studying Mathematics and Computer Science. As the summer Maine DOE Assistant Financial Analyst Intern, Hendrix will work to automate and optimize the computer-based tasks that those in Education in the Unorganized Territory (EUT) have been performing manually. Hendrix says he is excited to apply his skills to real-world systems that are actively used. In his free time, Hendrix enjoys playing competitive fighting games.

Adam Hendrix

Naomi Lopez of Los Angeles, California is a rising senior at Bowdoin College. She is majoring in Environmental Studies and Psychology. As the summer Maine DOE Green Schools and Climate Literacy Intern, Lopez will support efforts to advance Maine’s Climate Literacy Plan and Green Schools Initiative. Her work will include planning the Green Schools Symposium, creating a professional learning credential for climate education, and more. Lopez says she is particularly excited to help organize the Green Schools Symposium and connect with Maine’s vibrant community of environmental advocates, educators, and students. In her free time, Lopez enjoys watching baseball, trying new ice cream flavors, and exploring scenic spots along Maine’s coast.

Naomi Lopez

Bobin Park of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania is a rising sophomore at Bowdoin College. She is a prospective Government and Legal Studies major. As the Maine DOE Bowdoin Public Service Intern, Park will work on outreach for the Seal of Biliteracy. Park says she looks forward to collaborating with students, educators, parents, and administrators to increase awareness about and adoption of the Seal throughout the State of Maine. She says she is excited to see how much she can accomplish over the next few months. In her free time, Park enjoys exploring downtown Portland for cozy bookstores and vintage shops.

Bobin Park

Emma Sirois of Farmingdale, Maine is a rising junior at the University of Maine. She is studying Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. As a summer Learning Through Technology—Data and Media Assistant Intern, Sirois will work with the Maine Learning Technology Initiative team and help to organize information about how schools are using technology. Sirois says she is excited for the opportunity to step into state work, learn about impactful projects, and gain experience that she can take into her future career. She says she is also looking forward to meeting new people on the Maine DOE team. In her free time, Sirois enjoys traveling to beautiful places in Maine and capturing moments with her digital and film cameras.

Emma Sirois

Molly Taub of Brunswick, Maine is a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh. She is studying Political Science. As a summer Learning Through Technology—Data and Media Assistant Intern, Taub will work on various projects aimed at assisting schools with technology use and implementation. Taub says she is excited about the opportunity to learn how new forms of technology, such as artificial intelligence, are changing the curriculum in Maine. In her free time, Taub enjoys taking her two golden retrievers swimming in Maquoit Bay.

Molly Taub

The Maine DOE is proud to support and mentor the next generation of leaders through these internship experiences. With their diverse backgrounds, strong work ethic, and dedication to education, these interns are already making valuable contributions that will continue throughout the summer and beyond.

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine Honored with National “Difference Makers Award” for Green Schools Leadership

From left to right: Glenn Cummings, Director of Green Schools, Maine DOE; Abigail Hayne, Maine Youth Climate Engagement Coordinator, GOPIF; Robin Sidman, Executive Director, Project Green Schools; Dan Chuhta, Deputy Commissioner, Maine DOE; Michael Isenberg, Board Co-Chair, Project Green Schools

This award from Project Green Schools recognizes the collaboration between the Maine DOE and GOPIF on the Green Schools Initiative.

Washington, D.C. – The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) were recognized nationally today with the 2025 Difference Makers Award for their groundbreaking collaboration on the Green Schools Initiative, an ambitious statewide effort to support Maine schools in improving energy efficiency, saving public funds, and reducing pollution in the state’s pre-K through grade 12 schools.

Presented in Washington, D.C. by Project Green Schools, a nonprofit developing the next generation of environmental leaders, this award celebrates Maine’s visionary leadership in aligning education and environmental policy to improve math, science, and social studies results, reduce pollution emissions, and build climate-resilient school communities.

“Maine educators, students, and school leaders are already making climate-smart choices every day,” Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin said. “This award belongs to them. They are not only embracing clean energy and sustainability; they are preparing for the future by leading with purpose and urgency.”

“This honor is a credit to the students and educators leading the charge on climate action in Maine, helping their schools and communities to build a healthier environment and economy for the future,” GOPIF Director Hannah Pingree said. “I thank the Maine Department of Education for their partnership in this important initiative, which is fostering the next generation of climate leaders to meet our ambitious climate goals.”

“We applaud the State of Maine for setting high standards when it comes to engaging students, schools, citizens, and industry leaders in environmental solutions for a healthier future,” Robin Sidman, Founder and Executive Director of Project Green Schools, said. “Maine is among our nation’s most innovative and impactful Green Schools Leaders honored today at the 2025 Green Difference Awards Ceremony.”

Launched in 2022, the Green Schools Initiative is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Maine DOE and GOPIF. It focuses on practical and strategic investments—such as energy technical assistance, curriculum development, and student-engaged sustainability planning—that support Maine schools and communities across the state.

Key accomplishments of the initiative include Maine’s first statewide Climate & Me Youth Leadership statewide convening, new tools for tracking school-level environmental data, and ongoing planning for a Green Schools gathering to be held in November of 2025. Bipartisan legislative support has also played a crucial role though supporting energy efficiency, community resilience, outdoor learning for all Maine students, and air quality improvements throughout the state’s public schools.

The Maine DOE and GOPIF also acknowledge national and state partners, including the Maine Environmental Educator Association, Maine Outdoor School for All, Slipstream, Ten Strands, and the U.S. Green Building Council, whose research and policy guidance have helped to accelerate Maine’s climate education efforts.

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE, Educate Maine Announce 2025 County Teachers of the Year

On May 14 at the Hall of Flags, teachers representing all of the state’s 16 counties were announced as the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year.

AUGUSTA, Maine—The State of Maine is celebrating its newest cohort of County Teachers of the Year. On Wednesday, May 14, at the Hall of Flags in the State Capitol, the Maine Department of Education (DOE), in partnership with Educate Maine, announced the 16 teachers, representing every county in the state, who were selected for this honor in 2025.

More than 550 teachers across Maine were nominated this year for the Maine Teacher of the Year Program by a member(s) of their school community. A local panel of teachers, principals, and business community members then chose 16 outstanding educators from that pool. These teachers span elementary to high school, range from having taught for seven to 37 years, and specialize in subjects including Choral Music, Robotics, Special Education, German, English, Latin, Global Studies, and Unified Literacy.

Throughout their year of service, the Maine County Teachers of the Year act as ambassadors for teachers, students, and schools. For example, Maine’s 2024 County Teachers of the Year cohort established a survey to assess the mentorship needs of teachers across the state. The 2023 cohort created the “Love Maine Schools” campaign.

Governor Janet Mills joined Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin, Educate Maine Executive Director Jason Judd, Chair Fern Desjardins of the Maine State Board of Education, and 2025 Maine State Teacher of the Year Becky Hallowell on Wednesday to announce and honor the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year.

“As the daughter of a long-time public-school teacher, and as someone who raised five children who attended public schools in Maine, I am deeply grateful to the educators throughout our state who make learning a meaningful, engaging experience,” Governor Janet Mills said. “These 16 teachers represent every county from Aroostook to York and are paving the way for a well-educated, healthy and productive citizenry in the state of Maine.”

“Far too often, the hard work of educators in classrooms across our state goes unrecognized and is underappreciated,” Commissioner Pender Makin said. “The Maine Teacher of the Year Program provides an excellent opportunity to elevate the voices of 16 of these dedicated teachers, who will spend their year championing their students, their colleagues, and the education profession as a whole.”

“It is with great pride that we announce the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year,” Educate Maine Executive Director Jason Judd said. “During their year of recognition, they will serve as advocates for learners and educators across the state, and we look forward to supporting and collaborating with them.”

Throughout the summer, the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year will continue to participate in the intensive Maine State Teacher of the Year selection process. The 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year will be announced in the fall.

2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year:

Androscoggin:
Julia Edwards
Choral Music Teacher
Poland Regional High School, RSU 16

Aroostook:
Laurie Spooner
Robotics/Math/Biology/Human Anatomy/Chemistry Teacher
Van Buren District School, MSAD 24/RSU 88

Cumberland:
Monica Malcomson
Second Grade Teacher
Frank I. Brown Elementary School, South Portland School Department

Franklin:
Kylee Alton
Special Education Teacher
Phillips Elementary School, MSAD 58

Hancock:
Annie Goodwin
Kindergarten Teacher
Dedham Elementary School, AOS 47

Kennebec:
Deborah Backman
German Teacher
Cony Middle/High School, Augusta School Department

Knox:
Melissa Goeke
Fifth Grade Teacher
Hope Elementary School, School Union 69

Lincoln:
Bridget Wright
English Teacher
Lincoln Academy

Oxford:
Sarah Marshall
First Grade Teacher
Rumford Elementary School, RSU 10

Penobscot:
Benjamin Johnson
Latin Teacher
Hampden Academy, RSU 22

Piscataquis:
Brett Almasi
Global Studies, American Studies, IB Psychology Teacher
Foxcroft Academy, RSU 68

Sagadahoc:
Dawn Lee
School Library/Media, Unified Literacy Teacher
Morse High School, RSU 1

Somerset:
Karyn Bigelow
Second Grade Teacher
Bloomfield Elementary School, RSU/MSAD 54

Waldo:
Margaret Campbell
Fifth Grade Teacher
Ames Elementary School, RSU 71

Washington:
Janis Poulin Whitney
Second Grade Teacher
Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School, AOS 96

York:
Amanda Blunda
Fourth/Fifth Grade Experiential Classroom Teacher
Buxton Center Elementary School, MSAD 6

The Maine DOE’s Teacher of the Year Program is administered through a collaborative partnership with Educate Maine. To learn more about the Maine Teacher of the Year Program, click here.

MEDIA RELEASE: Hundreds of Students, Guests Attend 95th Annual Maine FFA State Convention

The two-day event, themed, “Plowing New Paths, Harvesting Dreams,” celebrated youth leadership in agriculture and natural resources.

The Maine FFA Association proudly concluded its 95th annual State Convention on May 9, 2025, following two vibrant days of student-led events, competitions, and career development activities held in the Greater Bangor/Orono region. Hosted primarily at the University of Maine campus in Orono, the convention welcomed more than 300 FFA members, advisors, guests, and supporters from across the state.

This year’s convention theme, “Plowing New Paths, Harvesting Dreams,” guided a full schedule of programming that highlighted youth leadership, innovation in agriculture, and meaningful community engagement. The event featured career and leadership development opportunities in 19 unique areas, including, but not limited to, environmental science, veterinary science, public speaking, floriculture, and tractor driving. Students also participated in community service projects with Maine Harvest for Hunger, the Bangor Humane Society, and Good Shepherd Food Bank.

“This year’s convention theme couldn’t be more fitting, as these words capture both the hard work that defines agricultural life but also the hopeful vision that drives us forward,” Megan Welter, Maine DOE Associate Commissioner of Public Education, said to students during the convention’s opening ceremony. “Since last May, Maine proudly welcomed three new FFA chapters: Poland, Dexter, and Sanford. That expansion brings the State of Maine to 14 chapters, which is a 15% growth in one year. That’s not just a number; that is a testament to the enduring relevance and growing importance of agriculture education in our state.”

Also in attendance during the convention’s opening and closing ceremonies were Deputy Commissioner Nancy McBrady of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry; Dean Diane Rowland of the University of Maine College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences; and National FFA Secretary Luke Jennings, along with State Officers from FFA chapters across Maine. The convention celebrated the achievements of these FFA chapters and installed the 2025-2026 State Officer Team.

“FFA has been the best thing that has happened to me individually, but I also get to watch a lot of other students grow, as well,” Maine FFA State Vice President Haley Mayne said. “I am so proud of everyone, and I think that being in FFA will not only prepare you for things in agriculture but also for real-world experience. It’s such an awesome organization to be a part of.”

Additional highlights from the two-day event included livestock evaluation, an ag mechanics competition, the National FFA Officer workshop, and hands-on activities in aquaculture, horse evaluation, and floriculture.

For more information about FFA, visit the Maine DOE Website.

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE Climate Education Program in Full Swing Across the State

The new Maine Climate Literacy Plan provides additional guidance and support for school districts participating in the Maine DOE Climate Education Program.

AUGUSTA, Maine—The Maine Department of Education (DOE) continues to promote climate education opportunities for school districts statewide with the recent publication of the Maine Climate Literacy Plan.

In the spring of 2024, the Maine DOE convened a taskforce to develop this statewide climate education plan, designed to support the Maine DOE Climate Education Program, which launched in 2023. This program takes a place-based, interdisciplinary approach to helping students learn more about our planet’s climate system and how it works.

So far in its three-year pilot, the Maine DOE Climate Education Program has supported nearly 30 locally-designed climate education professional learning opportunities throughout the state—including 10 underway this school year. Some examples include:

MSAD 17
Elementary, middle, and high school students in MSAD 17 are engaging in a wide range of experiential, environmental education programs through a partnership with Roberts Farms Preserve and the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy. Advisory groups made of teachers throughout the district help to guide and lead curriculum efforts. MSAD 17 recently expanded its capacity for this climate education work by unveiling a new experiential learning building at Roberts Farm Preserve.

For more information, contact Jill Bartash, MSAD 17 Curriculum Director, at j.bartash@msad17.org.

MSAD 17 students enjoy time at Roberts Farm Preserve as part of the Maine DOE Climate Education Program.

Westbrook Middle School
Westbrook Middle School has a robust farming and environmental education program right in its own backyard. This year as part of the Maine DOE Climate Education Program, the middle school has hosted an educator from the Wild Seed Project three days a week to help teachers explore and learn more about the natural environment. Teachers work with the Wild Seed Project educator to integrate interdisciplinary lessons for students throughout the school day. This programming is set to continue throughout the spring.

For more information, contact Austin Mehlhorn, Regular Education Social Worker, at mehlhorna@westbrookschools.org.

RSU 34
RSU 34 in Old Town is wrapping up a busy year of programming through the Maine DOE Climate Education Program in partnership with the RiSE Center at the University of Maine. This initiative has focused on braiding together Indigenous knowledge and Western science to develop climate education curricula and support teacher professional learning. Celebratory events for this program will be hosted on Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30, at the UMaine Orono campus.

For more information, contact Jon Doty, RSU 34 Assistant Superintendent, at jon.doty@rsu34.org.

RSU 34 teachers participate in professional learning at the Hirundo Wildlife Preserve as part of the Maine DOE Climate Education Program.

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.

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine are excited to announce that nominations are officially open for the 2025 County Teachers of the Year and the 2026 State Teacher of the Year. Maine’s State and County Teachers of the Year serve as advocates for teachers, students, and public education in Maine.

“The Maine Teacher of the Year program is an excellent opportunity to recognize the extraordinary educators across our state who are dedicated to their schools and communities – and who are engaging, inspiring, and motivating their students every day,” Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin said. “These nominations will give 16 Maine teachers a prominent platform to share the wonderful, innovative happenings in Maine’s classrooms and advocate for public education.”

Nominations can be made now through 5 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025 through a form on the Maine Teacher of the Year website. Nominations will be accepted from students, parents, caregivers, community members, school administrators, colleagues, college faculty members, and associations/organizations. Self-nominations and nominations from family members are not accepted.

Teachers who are nominated must:

Hold the appropriate professional certification for their teaching position;
Be a certified, in-good-standing, pre-K-12 teacher in a state-accredited public school – including career and technical education and adult education centers, public charter schools, or publicly-supported secondary schools (i.e. private schools that enroll 60 percent or more publicly-funded students, sometimes referred to as “town academies”);
Be actively teaching students at least 50% of the workday at the time of nomination and during their year of recognition;
Maintain their teaching position and remain in the county for which they are selected throughout the year of recognition;
Have a minimum of five years of teaching, three of which are in Maine.

Beyond serving as advocates for education, Maine’s State and County Teachers of the Year serve as advisors to the Maine DOE and state-level education stakeholders across Maine. State and County Teachers of the Year also join a cohort of teacher leaders who actively work together for the betterment of education in Maine. They receive ongoing professional learning and participate in many county and state leadership opportunities.

The 2025 County Teachers of the Year will be announced in May, and the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year will be selected from the 16 county honorees. Through a selection process designed by educators, the field will be narrowed to semi-finalists and then state finalists before the Maine Teacher of the Year is announced by the Commissioner of the Maine DOE at a school assembly in the fall. Each year, State and County Teachers of the Year are honored at the annual Teacher of the Year Gala.

On behalf of, and in partnership with, the Maine DOE, the Maine Teacher of the Year program is administered by Educate Maine, a business-led organization with a mission of championing college, career readiness, and increased educational attainment. Funding is provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Dead River Company, Geiger, Hannaford, the Maine State Lottery, the Silvernail family, and Unum, with support from the State Board of Education and the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association.

“Educate Maine is honored to continue our partnership with the Maine Department of Education to administer the Maine Teacher of the Year program,” Educate Maine Executive Director Dr. Jason Judd said. “Our State and County Teachers of the Year exemplify the incredible dedication, innovation, and impact of educators across Maine. This program celebrates the vital role teachers play in shaping our future, elevates their voices, and strengthens the profession through leadership and advocacy.”

The Maine Teacher of the Year program is committed to a nomination and selection process that ensures people of all backgrounds are represented. Educate Maine and the Maine DOE champion that commitment by encouraging the nomination of educators from all culturally-diverse experiences and backgrounds. Our goal is to expand and diversify our nomination pool.

Through the generous support of Maine businesses, there is no cost to the local district when the Maine Teacher of the Year is out of the classroom on their official duties, which include representing educators statewide and nationally and highlighting the important work of Maine schools, communities, and educators.

For more information about the Maine Teacher of the Year program, please visit the Maine Teacher of the Year website.

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

2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Joshua Chard recently represented the state of Maine and his students at the 102nd National Christmas Tree Lighting event in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Elementary students in Portland recently created original ornaments that are now on the national stage, decorating Maine’s tree for the 2024 National Christmas Tree display at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Led by their teacher, 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Joshua Chard, third graders from East End Community School designed ornaments for the Maine tree this year as part of the

America Celebrates

64(26.8%) ornament program, an annual collaboration of the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Park Foundation. Through this program, ordinary Americans create ornaments to symbolize the history, heritage, and culture of their homelands.

“In third grade, my students explore the history of the Presumpscot River, which flows into the bay visible from our classroom windows,” explained Chard. “We learn how the Wabanaki tribes have served as water protectors of these rivers, both in the past and today, and we take action to support rivers and the diverse life they sustain. Our ornaments showcase the flora and fauna found along the banks of the Presumpscot, symbolizing what we strive to protect, as we join the Wabanaki in being water protectors.”

Chard recently represented the state of Maine and his students at the 102nd National Christmas Tree Lighting event in Washington, D.C. During the event, President Joe Biden lit the National Christmas Tree, which is surrounded by 58 smaller trees representing states, territories, and schools managed by the Bureau of Indian Education and the Department of Defense Education Activity.

Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, and other special guests from across the nation attended, and musical artists Trisha Yearwood and James Taylor performed. The tree-lighting event will air on CBS on Friday, December 20.

While in Washington, D.C, Chard also visited with Maine Senator Angus King, toured the U.S. Capitol and the White House to view holiday decorations, and connected with fellow State Teachers of the Year from Illinois and Maryland.

Please click here for additional pictures from Joshua Chard’s visit to Washington, D.C.

90(37.7%)

2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Joshua Chard recently represented Maine at the 102nd National Christmas Tree display in Washington, D.C.

Joshua Chard’s third-grade students at East End Elementary School created ornaments for the Maine tree at the National Christmas Tree display in Washington, D.C.

While in Washington, D.C., Joshua Chard met with Maine Senator Angus King.

###

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine Announces State Delegates for 63rd Annual United States Senate Youth Program

Sam Drummey of Thornton Academy and Emmett Appell of Erskine Academy will represent Maine at the United States Senate Youth Program in Washington, D.C. in March of 2025.

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is thrilled to announce the selection of Maine’s delegates for the 63rd annual prestigious United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). On Monday, December 2, two exceptional Maine students, Sam Drummey and Emmett Appell, were recognized at their schools for their outstanding leadership, academic achievements, and community involvement. They will represent Maine in Washington, D.C. in March of 2025 for an immersive week-long program, designed to deepen students’ understanding of the U.S. government and inspire future leaders.

Sam Drummey is a senior at Thornton Academy. He serves as the Student Body’s Vice President and is a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and equal rights. Sam is deeply involved in his community, serving on the City of Biddeford’s Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee and the Biddeford Sustainability Commission. He has earned top academic honors, including awards in Honors Sophomore English, AP Human Geography, Honors Blind Eye of History, and nine other courses. Outside of the classroom, Sam actively volunteers with Maine Youth Action Network, MaineTransNet, and GrowSmart Maine. He is also a member of several school organizations, including the Student Council, Environmental Club, National Honor Society, Model UN, and the Speech Team. Sam’s future career aspirations focus on ensuring equal rights for all, protecting the environment, and working toward a renewable energy transition. His goal is to mitigate the negative impacts of environmental changes on vulnerable populations, while expanding access to vital services like housing and health care.

Emmett Appell is a senior at Erskine Academy. He is a dynamic leader with a passion for both public service and STEM. He is President of the Student Council and Environmental Club, Co-Founder of the Math Team, and Vice President of the International Outreach Coalition. Emmett is also the First Chair Saxophonist in the Jazz Band and the Captain of the Soccer Team. His academic excellence has earned him the Rensselaer Medal and the George Eastman Young Leaders Award, along with competitive research positions at MDI Biological Laboratory, the Keller BLOOM Program at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, and Colby College’s Professor Dasan Thamattoor’s lab. Emmett’s leadership extends to volunteering as Chief of Staff at Dirigo State and as a Rural Youth Activist at JustMe for JustUS. His passion for public service began early, inspired by attending selectboard meetings with his father and witnessing the impact of local government. Emmett plans to pursue a liberal arts education in college to continue his work in policy and STEM, with a long-term goal of becoming a congressman.

“We are incredibly proud of these outstanding students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, dedication to community service, and a deep commitment to learning,” Beth Lambert, Chief Teaching and Learning Officer for the Maine Department of Education, said. “Both Sam and Emmett embody the values of the United States Senate Youth Program, and we are confident that they will bring their passion for public service and civic engagement to Washington, D.C., as they represent Maine at the national level.”

Members of both Senator Susan Collins’ office and Senator Angus King’s office, as well as representatives from the Maine Secretary of State’s office, were present during Monday’s announcement, underscoring the importance of fostering civic engagement and leadership in Maine’s young people.

The USSYP, established by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962, offers a unique opportunity for young leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the federal government and meet with U.S. senators, government officials, and political leaders. In addition to the immersive experience, each delegate will receive a $10,000 college scholarship.

For more information about the United States Senate Youth Program, please click here.

From left to right: Sarah Stanley, York County Regional Representative, Senator Angus King; Pamela Buck, State Office Representative, Senator Susan Collins; Delilah Poupore, Sam’s mother; Sam Drummey; Jonathan Drummey, Sam’s father; Beth Lambert, Chief Teaching and Learning Officer, Maine Department of Education; Vanessa Diaz Gaumond, Youth Programs Coordinator, Maine Department of the Secretary of State

From left to right: Kathy Finnemore, Constituent Services Representative, Senator Susan Collins; Karen Fox, Constituent Services Representative, Senator Angus King; Emmett Appel; Beth Lambert, Chief Teaching and Learning Officer, Maine Department of Education; Vanessa Diaz Gaumond, Youth Programs Coordinator, Maine Department of the Secretary of State

MEDIA RELEASE: The Maine Department of Education Opens New Outdoor Learning Pavilion on Mackworth Island

The Maine Outdoor Learning Pavilion is the latest effort by the Maine Department of Education to support outdoor education in Maine.

FALMOUTH, Maine — On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) unveiled the Maine Outdoor Learning Pavilion on Mackworth Island, marking another milestone in the push to combat pandemic-related learning loss through outdoor education.

The pavilion is the latest addition to the Maine DOE’s Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, which has connected more than 14,000 students to high-quality outdoor learning programs since 2021. This past summer, thousands of Maine students participated in more than 100 outdoor programs, from backpacking the Appalachian Trail to learning to sail to exploring nature-based careers.

“Outdoor learning is central to student engagement, health, and wellbeing” said Maine DOE Commissioner Pender Makin. “Since the summer of 2021, we’ve invested more than $11 million in the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative to provide students with highly-engaging outdoor and environmental learning opportunities.”

“Before last year, I thought that learning was meant for classrooms,” George, an eighth-grade student from Scarborough Middle School, said. “I realized how being outside can teach us so much, from hands-on learning to real-life scenarios. The outdoors was a great environment to learn. It provided plenty of fresh air, along with a break from sitting still. When we were outside, I felt happier and had more energy. When we came back inside, I was relaxed, focused, and ready to learn.”

The new facility unveiled on Wednesday, nestled in the woods at the center of Mackworth Island, features a pavilion and an adjacent lawn, designed to make outdoor education more accessible for Maine schools.

“The Maine Outdoor Learning Pavilion is a place where schools can bring students to make learning come alive,” Jonathan Ross, superintendent of the Acton School Department and Maine DOE Outdoor Learning Initiative Coordinator, said. “Maine schools can bring a class here, teach a lesson under the pavilion or inside where we will have desks and bathrooms, and then take that lesson onto the trails around the island.”

At Wednesday’s event, students and educators from Scarborough, South Portland, Biddeford, Wiscasset, and Acton schools shared their experiences with the Maine Outdoor Learning Program.

Photos of students are courtesy of the South Portland School Department.

Sarah, an eighth-grade student from Wiscasset Middle School, emphasized the program’s impact on her education.

“The biggest lessons that I learned last year were that learning is all around us, and the things that you can learn outdoors are so worthwhile,” she said. “Even if you think that you don’t need a break from your school day, going outside and giving your brain breaks is always helpful.”

Tabatha Frawkins, a science teacher at Biddeford Alternative Pathways Center, shared powerful feedback from parents about the program’s effectiveness. She said one parent told her, “The wilderness program gave me back my son and all his glory and gave my son back the confidence and the desire to attend school. He went on to attend leadership classes for his senior year and is on track to graduate.”

Wednesday’s event concluded with a nature-based scavenger hunt across the island, which Ross and the Maine DOE coordinated.

The Maine Outdoor Learning Pavilion was created using federal emergency relief funding as part of Maine’s Whole Student Pandemic Response and represents the Maine DOE’s broader commitment to outdoor education. For more information, please visit the Maine DOE Newsroom.

To reserve the pavilion, schools may reach out to Jonathan Ross at jonathan.j.ross@maine.gov.