Category: Newsroom Articles

Maine Department of Education Expands Access to High-Quality Literacy Professional Development

As part of Governor Janet Mills’ recently launched Maine State Reading Action Plan, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce an opportunity for Maine educators to access evidence-based literacy professional learning modules at a reduced cost.

In the summer of 2024, the Maine DOE provided free access to AIM Institute for Learning & Research’s Steps to Literacy modules. Nearly 650 educators completed more than 20,000 hours of professional learning grounded in the science of reading, covering phonological awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, language expression, writing, emerging literacy, vocabulary, dyslexia, and supports for multilingual learners.

Building on that success, in 2025, to sustain momentum, the Maine DOE has expanded access to AIM modules and launched Communities of Practice (COP) for school teams. The COPs are designed to deepen professional knowledge and build school-level capacity to implement high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction.

Recognizing that access to affordable and user-friendly professional learning is critical, the Maine DOE invited professional learning providers offering asynchronous modules that met established criteria to extend reduced-rate access to Maine educators. The Maine DOE has established master agreements with two providers, enabling school administrative units (SAUs) to purchase quality, evidence-based literacy modules at a discounted cost. Details are available here: Maine Department of Education | Professional Literacy Modules.

Reimbursement Opportunity

While any Maine educator may purchase modules at the reduced price, Maine’s Preschool Development Grant (PDG) will reimburse SAUs for modules successfully completed by educators working, or supporting, pre-K through grade 3.

  • Who pays up front: SAUs may purchase modules directly from one of the approved vendors (below).
  • Reimbursement window: Through December 15, 2025, SAUs may submit for reimbursement.
  • What to submit: Invoices should be submitted on SAU letterhead with proof of successful completion for each module.
  • Where to send: Please email invoices and documentation to Renee Reilly, Maine DOE PDG Manager, at renee.a.reilly@maine.gov.

Professional Learning Module Options

AIM Pathways™ is an interactive digital training platform that delivers evidence-based content in the science of reading. Each Steps to Literacy module follows a “learn, practice, apply” cycle and includes teaching techniques, demonstration videos, and printable resources to help educators integrate new strategies into classroom practice. Learn more about accessing AIM Pathways modules here.

Keys to Literacy offers a comprehensive, research-backed approach to sustainable literacy improvement. Its courses integrate evidence-based instruction with systems, structures, and leadership practices that support equitable and effective learning environments. All modules are designed for asynchronous, on-demand access, allowing educators to engage in professional learning on their own schedules. Learn more about accessing Keys to Literacy modules here.

Through these master agreements, the Maine DOE is ensuring that Maine educators have affordable opportunities to deepen their expertise and strengthen literacy instruction for all students.

For additional information or questions related to module content, please contact Dee Saucier, Maine DOE Inclusive Education Literacy Specialist and Dyslexia Coordinator, at danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov. For inquiries regarding reimbursement, please contact Renee Reilly at renee.a.reilly@maine.gov.

Explore Innovation in Action: Maine DOE Fall Peer-to-Peer Learning Tour Registration Now Open

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Innovation is pleased to announce that this fall, there will be several opportunities for educators to engage in peer-to-peer learning that highlights innovative educational programming!

Are you an educator interested in exploring immersive learning experiences for your school and students? The Office of Innovation’s Mobile Learning Van is conducting various Learning Tours throughout the school year, and we’d love for you to join us! On each tour, we visit a school that is engaging in innovative learning programs for its students, and we invite educators across the state to see the programs in action and collaborate on all aspects of implementation.

This work stems from $16.9 million in  Rethink K-12 Education Models Funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Maine was one of 11 states to receive that funding in August of 2020 and used it to launch the Rethinking Responsive Education Ventures (RREV) project, a multi-pronged solution with a primary goal of generating innovative remote learning models to provide equitable access to high-quality remote (out-of-the-classroom) learning opportunities for all students. The Office of Innovation is continuing the momentum of this work by offering Learning Tours and fostering peer-to-peer professional learning.

The Learning Tour space is limited to 10 additional Maine educators at each location. If you are interested in joining us on any Learning Tour, please register here or contact Elaine Bartley, Maine DOE Innovative Research and Design Director, at elaine.bartley@maine.gov. You may also contact Elaine with any questions. Additionally, keep an eye on our website for future Learning Tour opportunities!

The current list of tours and events scheduled for the fall of 2025 includes:

St. George Municipal School
October 28, 2025
9 a.m.-2 p.m.

St. George Municipal School was a RREV awardee. Through its innovative pilot, it has created the first pre-K-grade 8 Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum in the nation. It also used part of its funding to help build the Grace Innovation Center—the first pre-K-adult CTE center! On October 28, we will get the opportunity to see its new Makerspace building, see the learning in action, and talk to teachers and students.

Kennebunk High School (Alternative Education)
December 2, 2025
9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Kennebunk High School (KHS) was a RREV awardee through its Alternative Education program. During this Learning Tour, we will discuss conducting independent projects with students; tour the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, where KHS students have helped to create an immersive learning space; and observe an alternative education program in action.

Princeton Elementary School (Technology Education)
December 9, 2025
8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Princeton Elementary School technology educator Donna Netzer was a recent Maine DOE Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) ambassador. During this tour, we will observe and discuss technology integration in the math classroom. We will explore showcase products, experience recommended technology tools, and share numerous resources. There will also be an opportunity to stay longer and participate in an after-school tech group that will be working with the technology available in the Maine DOE Mobile Learning Van. Students will explore interviewing and broadcasting skills!

Special Outdoor Learning Day Event at MeANS
October 27, 2025

In addition to our Learning Tours, the Office of Innovation will be co-hosting the upcoming Outdoor Learning Day in collaboration with the Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA) on October 27, 2025. This event is happening at the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences (MeANS), which was also a RREV awardee. Experienced educators will model lessons for a wide variety of grade levels and subject areas, with time for debrief and discussion after each lesson. Attendees will be able to view outdoor learning infrastructure at MeANS and participate in conversations about funding outdoor learning, safety planning, and behavior management. Use this link to register for the event. We hope to see you there!

NEO Dropout Report Due Soon

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Dropout Report is due to be certified by superintendents by Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in NEO.

This report is based on federal reporting requirements for students who were enrolled in public education at any point from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, andwho are expected to return but who are not enrolled on October 1, 2025.

“Expected to return” is determined based on the student’s last exit code from the Maine DOE’s State Synergy system. The Dropout Certification Report Instructions outline codes that indicate a student has dropped out on the NEO Dropout Report.

Report Resources

For questions about data reporting, please contact Maine Education Data Management Support (MEDMS) at MEDMS.Support@maine.gov or call 207-624-6896. Reporting guidance, instructions, and webinars about these reports can be found on the MEDMS Support webpage.

Monthly Arts Integration Office Hours Available Starting in November

Do you have questions about arts integration? Are you looking for fresh ideas to make your lessons more engaging? Join Maine Department of Education (DOE) Arts Integration Teacher Leader Fellow Joshua Chard each month for an informal drop-in, virtual office hours—an open space to explore creative connections between the visual and performing arts and your teaching.

Bring your questions, ideas, or even your curriculum to collaborate on natural, seamless ways to integrate the arts into your classroom. Whether you are just getting started or are ready to expand what you already do, this is a space to brainstorm, problem-solve, and get inspired.

Arts Integration Monthly Office Hours will be held the first Tuesday of each month from 4-5 p.m.
Join the conversation via Zoom here. (There is no need to register in advance).

Session Dates

  • November 4, 2025
  • December 2, 2025
  • January 6, 2026
  • February 3, 2026
  • March 3, 2026
  • April 7, 2026
  • May 5, 2026
  • June 2, 2026

If you can’t make office hours or have other questions, please contact Joshua at joshua.chard@maine.gov to schedule another time. He’s available by appointment, Monday through Thursday, from 2:15-5 p.m.

“Civics on the Road” Launches at Main Street Middle School in Madison

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, in partnership with the Maine Department of the Secretary of State and the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission, launched its new traveling initiative “Civics on the Road” at Main Street Middle School in Madison in September. This program debuted on Constitution Day, September 17, 2025, immersing local fifth- and sixth-grade students in hands-on civic learning.

The experience began by transporting students back to 1776. They explored the origins of the nation’s founding documents and considered the roles and rights of people who were living at the time. Students then rotated through interactive stations designed to bring democracy to life:

  • Gameshow Government—This quiz-style competition challenged students on civic participation, checks and balances, and rights and responsibilities.
  • We Hold These Truths—Students examined grievances from the Declaration of Independence, viewed a full-scale replica of the document, and practiced 18th-century writing with quill pens. “They wrote the Declaration of Independence using quills! What did they do if they made a mistake?” one student asked in amazement.
  • Why and Why Not: Debate—Students engaged in structured debates about who should be allowed to participate in government decisions, weighing arguments of fairness, representation, and qualifications.
  • How Voting Works and the Role of the Free Press—Students became reporters, interviewing town officials and Maine’s Secretary of State on the responsibilities of public office and the integrity of elections.

The day culminated in a mock election. On the central ballot question: Should all people living here have the right to participate in decisions about government? With Madison Town Clerk Cheyenne Stevens and Madison Town Manager Denise Ducharme overseeing the process, students checked in, cast private ballots, and deposited them into a secure ballot box. “I Voted” stickers were displayed proudly, as students observed tabulation procedures and learned about safeguards like double counts.

“This is the best day of my life!” one student exclaimed.

Madison’s fifth- and sixth-grade election tally was 51 – yes and 28 – no. The discussion that followed highlighted the meaning of community and the importance of society continuing to function, even when votes don’t go everyone’s way.

“Civics on the Road” will visit one school per month throughout the 2025-2026 school year, with programming tailored to elementary, middle, and high school learners. Each visit includes interactive stations, a culminating town hall, and optional professional learning for educators to extend civic instruction beyond the day itself.

“This is more than a history lesson; it’s an invitation for students to see themselves as civic actors,” Geoff Wingard, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist, said. “Launching in Madison set the tone perfectly. Students embraced the day with energy, curiosity, and a genuine sense of civic responsibility.”

As the country reflects on 250 years since its establishment, the Maine DOE, the Secretary of State’s office, and the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission are inviting schools, community partners, and local leaders to participate in this statewide effort to strengthen civic education.

Schools interested in hosting “Civics on the Road” may fill out this form. For more information or with questions, please contact Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Geoffrey Wingard at Geoffrey.Wingard@maine.gov.

Maine Celebrates National School Lunch Week and Farm to CACFP Week, with Apple Crunch Day Slated for October 15

National School Lunch Week and Farm to CACFP Week will both be celebrated the week of October 13-17, 2025!

This year’s National School Lunch Week theme, “Taste the World: Your School Lunch Passport!”, invites students to explore global flavors and celebrate nutritious meals that fuel learning.

Farm to CACFP Week highlights how the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) connects participants with local food, nutrition education, and gardening experiences.

Maine is grateful to have strong programs like the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Farm to CACFP that help to nourish students and families across the state. These initiatives ensure that every child and adult in care settings has access to nutritious meals that fuel learning, growth, and overall well-being.

The goal of National School Lunch Week, established by the School Nutrition Association, is to highlight the importance of healthy school meals, encourage student participation in the NSLP, and share with families the many benefits of school nutrition programs. Since its creation in 1946, the NSLP has evolved to offer balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and fat-free or low-fat milk—all within age-appropriate calorie ranges and limited in unhealthy fats and sodium.

Here in Maine, all students attending schools that participate in the NSLP receive breakfast and lunch at no cost to them, ensuring equitable access to nutritious meals. When every student chooses school lunch, the entire school community benefits.

Similarly, Farm to CACFP Week celebrates the childcare centers, Head Start programs, family childcare homes, afterschool programs, and adult care centers across Maine that foster healthy habits and support local agriculture. Throughout the week, participating programs are encouraged to:

  • Serve and incorporate local foods in CACFP meals and snacks.
  • Engage participants in taste tests, cooking demos, food-themed stories, or gardening activities.
  • Highlight Maine farms and producers through guest visits or virtual tours.

Together, these programs exemplify Maine’s commitment to feeding both bodies and minds—connecting nutrition, education, and local food systems to strengthen communities statewide.

This year, a special highlight to celebrate nutrition in Maine is Apple Crunch Day, slated for Wednesday, October 15, 2025. This is an engaging and fun event where children and adults across the state are invited to take big, crunchy bites out of fresh, local apples at the same time. This simple activity celebrates Maine’s apple harvest and sparks curiosity about where our food comes from. It also offers an excellent opportunity for students to explore the role that apples play in Maine’s agricultural heritage and the many apple varieties that thrive in Maine’s orchards. 

Several schools across Maine are planning to participate in Apple Crunch Day! For additional information about the event, please contact Maine DOE Farm and Sea to School Coordinator Katie Knowles at katie.knowles@maine.gov. Consider sharing pictures/videos of how your school celebrated Apple Crunch Day with Rachel Paling, Maine DOE Communications and Outreach Manager, at rachel.paling@maine.gov.

For more information about the National School Lunch Program or the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), please visit the Maine DOE Child Nutrition website or contact the Maine DOE Child Nutrition Team at child.nutrition@maine.gov.

Asynchronous Professional Learning Opportunity: Exploring the Question Formulation Technique (QFT)

Starting October 21, 2025, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning invites educators to explore the Question Formulation Technique (QFT), developed by the Right Question Institute.

In education, answers matter, but the ability to ask the right questions builds critical thinking and fosters deep learning. The QFT is a practical and structured method for generating, refining, and using questions to drive learning.

This free professional learning opportunity will be available through EnGiNE, the Maine DOE’s online learning platform. Participants will progress through two online modules per week for approximately four weeks, engaging with readings, asynchronous videos, and discussion prompts. The experience concludes with the design of a lesson using the QFT.

Educators who wish to delve further into the QFT can join an optional virtual learning community, with support available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. These sessions provide opportunities to practice the QFT collaboratively, share ideas, and apply it in authentic contexts.

Please complete this form to register for the QFT EnGiNE course. Registration will close on October 20, 2025. Following registration, an email with instructions on how to set up an EnGiNE account will be sent to the email address submitted in the registration.

Together, we will connect the QFT with object-based learning and deep conceptual thinking, equipping educators with powerful strategies to spark curiosity and inquiry in their classrooms. Course participants can earn up to 12 contact hours.

For more information, please contact Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Heather Martin at Heather.Martin@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Learning Through Technology Team to Share Innovative Practices and Strategies at ACTEM Fall Conference

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Learning Through Technology (LTT) team is excited to connect with educators at the ACTEM (Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine) 2025 Fall Conference, taking place October 9-10, 2025, at the Augusta Civic Center.

The LTT team will be stationed on the main floor with a booth and an interactive playground. Attendees are invited to stop by, join the mailing list, and explore resources designed to support technology education in Maine schools.

The playground sessions, facilitated by Maine DOE learning specialists, will feature some of the LTT team’s most-requested topics, such as artificial intelligence (AI), computer science, and digital citizenship. They will also feature fresh new offerings from the 2025-2026 Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Ambassadors.

In addition to the playground, the LTT team will be presenting eight sessions across the two days of ACTEM’s conference, covering a wide range of topics for educators. Details about all sessions can be found below.

Registering for the ACTEM 2025 Fall Conference

Hosted annually by the Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine (ACTEM), this popular fall conference brings together educators from across the state to explore how technology can enhance teaching and learning. Through keynotes, workshops, and exhibitors, the conference reflects ACTEM’s mission to enhance education in Maine through the use of technology.

Please use this link to register for the ACTEM 2025 Fall Conference.

LTT Team Session Descriptions

Activate the Spark: Igniting Student Engagement with AI

Hosted by Maine DOE Emerging Technology Digital Specialist Nicole Davis

Come join us for this interactive session to boost student engagement with artificial intelligence (AI)! Learn how to use AI tools to gamify your classroom, create interactive activities, and design high-interest content that captivates and motivates your students.

Empowering and Engaging Students through UDL and AI

Hosted by Maine DOE MLTI Ambassadors Amy McInerney and Stephanie McGruder

Design smarter, not harder. Unlock the power of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiation with the support of artificial intelligence (AI) and educational technology. This session explores how AI and other technology tools can help educators to easily create differentiated lessons that meet the needs of all learners. Learn how to increase student engagement and foster student agency, all while reducing your planning time. Leave with ready-to-use ideas to transform your classroom into a place where every student can thrive.     

It’s Elementary, My Dear Miltie: MLTI in Grades 1-5

Hosted by Maine DOE Digital Learning Specialist Jon Graham and MLTI Ambassadors Amy McInerney and Ashley Carroll

How can the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) better serve our youngest learners? The team is on the case! We will talk about recent successes and plans for the 2025-2026 school year, and we want to hear from you! If you are an elementary educator, please come, share, and advocate for how MLTI can best serve you and your students.

MLTI Magic: Dig Cit, CS, AI

Hosted by Maine DOE Emerging Technology Digital Specialist Nicole Davis, Maine DOE Computer Science Specialist Allison Braley, and Maine DOE MLTI Ambassador Program Coordinator Jonathan Werner             

What happens when computer science (CS) and artificial intelligence (AI) team up? Schools and students thrive! Join us for an engaging session that explores the seamless integration of emerging technologies like AI with computer science education, all while promoting responsible digital citizenship. We’ll present the work of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI), which unites CS, AI, and digital citizenship (Dig Cit) to develop innovative, future-ready curricula that ensure equitable access to computing knowledge for all students. In this interactive session, you’ll learn best practices, explore hands-on strategies, and find inspiration to implement similar frameworks in your own schools. Whether from Maine or beyond, this session is intended for anyone eager to enhance student learning in a tech-driven world. Let’s take the friendship between CS and AI to a national level!      

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Differentiating Computer Science in K-8 Classrooms

Hosted by Maine DOE Computer Science Specialist Allison Braley

Computer science (CS) is for every student—but how do we ensure our instruction meets the diverse needs of learners across elementary and middle school grades? In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies for differentiating CS content by grade level, ability, interests, and learning style. From unplugged activities to scaffolded coding projects, participants will leave with adaptable tools, lesson ideas, and classroom-ready resources that support inclusion and engagement for all students, including those with little prior experience, multilingual learners, and students with individualized education plans (IEPs). Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your practice, this session will help you bring equitable, differentiated CS instruction to your classroom or program.

Out of Focus: Education in the Age of Digital Distraction and Danger

Hosted by Maine DOE Technology Infrastructure Specialist Jim Chasse and Maine DOE MLTI Ambassador Program Coordinator Jonathan Werner             

Far too often, kids use technology in ways that distract them. But, are we any less guilty? And, are they to blame? In this session, we’ll look at how big tech manipulates our students (and us!) and how we can help to empower one another to redefine our relationships with our devices. We’ll discuss ways to refocus our attention on what matters: our amazing students and excellent teachers. We’ll conclude the session by sharing and crowdsourcing strategies to help build a culture of healthy, mindful technology use in classrooms where our devices work for us—not the other way around!

STEAM Dreams: Turning Curious Minds into Creative Problem Solvers

Hosted by MLTI Ambassadors Janice Medenica and Ashley Carroll

This session will examine how to use science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) in the classroom to engage learners and turn them into problem solvers. It will focus on different thinking processes, routines, and practices, as well as where to begin moving STEAM into your curriculum.           

Student Leadership Ambassadors of Maine

Hosted by Maine DOE Student Leadership Development Coordinator Kern Kelley

The Student Leadership Ambassadors of Maine, or SLAM, is made up of students from across the state who connect over technology topics and more. Join us to learn about how to participate in the weekly live-streams or have an in-person event at your school! Turn students into technology problem finders and provide the tools for them to solve those problems.

Teaching the Future: A Think Tank for Today’s Educators

Hosted by the Maine DOE Learning Through Technology Team

Educators have the hefty task of preparing students for an evolving, technology-driven future. In this session, we’ll explore how customized, flexible professional learning can help and invite you to take part in a collaborative think tank. Together, we’ll forecast what students might need next and co-design how professional learning can rise to meet that challenge. Your insights will help shape our next steps in staying relevant and responsive in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.

The Maine DOE Learning Through Technology (LTT) Team is part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. To learn more about the resources and opportunities available, visit Maine Department of Education | Technology & Learning.

Deadline Extended for Attendance Messaging Campaign Logo Design Contest; Details on How Schools Can Submit

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce that schools will have additional time to participate in the Maine DOE’s attendance messaging campaign, which launched in September.

Background: In the summer of 2025, the Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC) held an attendance campaign name and slogan contest. The winning selection was “Rooted in Learning, Growing Every Day: Be Pine Tree Present!” This slogan has become an integral part of Maine’s attendance celebration, highlighting how educators and staff are supporting their learning communities through increased attendance and engagement.

In September, MEAC invited schools across the state to host their own logo design contests based on this campaign name/slogan. Schools may determine the parameters of their contests. Their winning logo must be submitted to the Maine DOE by Friday, October 24, 2025, at 5 p.m. (extended from the original submission date of October 10). This is an excellent opportunity for potential statewide recognition, as we all consider our vital role in increasing attendance in Maine schools.

Submissions should please be sent to Sarah Nelson, Maine DOE Climate Culture Resilience Engagement Specialist, at Sarah.Nelson@maine.gov. When submitting, please consider the following guidelines:

  • The graphic must be high-resolution (at least 300 pixels per inch).
  • The graphic must have a transparent background.
  • The graphic must be saved in PNG format.
  • The Maine DOE will only accept original artwork. Copyrighted or previously published images are not allowed.
  • Please include the name of the artist who submitted the winning logo, where they attend school, and the municipality.
  • Optional: Consider including one to two sentences in student voice about what “Be Pine Tree Present!” means to them.

For continued resources supporting increased attendance, please mark your calendar for the upcoming MEAC Office Hours, a new, year-long series of monthly virtual office hours focused on evidence-based practices positively impacting attendance. These meetings occur on the third Thursday of each month from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The session on October 16 will explore the power of building routine, relationships, and relevance. Please register here to attend.

MEAC is a cross-office collaborative initiative of the Maine DOE. For further information and with questions, please contact Sarah Nelson at Sarah.Nelson@maine.gov or visit the Maine DOE website.

Maine Student Leader Nathan Prest Honored with 2025 FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader Award

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is proud to celebrate Nathan Prest, a student leader and advocate, for being named a 2025 FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader. This national recognition honors exceptional youth with lived experience in foster care who are creating positive change in their communities.

Presented annually by FosterClub, a leading national nonprofit supporting youth in foster care, the Outstanding Young Leader Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership, resilience, and advocacy.

Prest received the award for his tireless work supporting youth in Maine through leadership and advocacy, particularly around transition supports and eligibility through age 22 for students with disabilities. His efforts are rooted in a deep commitment to belonging, resilience, and empowering others—especially those navigating both the foster care system and the transition to adulthood.

Prest is a current member of the Executive Student Transition Committee (ESTC), a youth-led advisory group of the Transition Maine initiative under the Maine DOE Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education. Transition Maine works to support students with disabilities as they move from high school into adult life, including employment, post-secondary education, and independent living. Prest’s voice has been central to shaping the program’s statewide direction and impact.

“We could not be more proud of Nathan and his accomplishments,” Connor Archer, Transition Maine Project Consultant, said. “Nathan’s commitment to inspiring others is remarkable, and his resilience in doing so has helped reshape many important initiatives when it comes to helping our students with varying abilities and challenges transition from high school into adulthood successfully. In 2025 alone, Nathan has presented at several conferences and summits, representing the strong presence that Transition Maine has not only here in Maine but across the country.”

“Nathan is an important and wonderful member of the ESTC, and we are so proud of him receiving this amazing award,” Xavier Pettis, Chair of the ESTC, said. “His work with youth advocacy and his own lived experience bring tremendous joy and excitement to everything he does with us. We are all excited to work alongside him in this journey as a leader and human being, as he grows and evolves over these next few years!” 

About Nathan Prest

Prest’s journey in foster care began at just four days old. After living with a foster family and then his grandmother, who became his primary support system until her passing, Prest returned to his former foster family, who eventually adopted him. Despite early life challenges, he graduated from Bonny Eagle High School, a milestone he once thought unreachable.

Today, Prest is a passionate advocate for youth with disabilities, including those living with autism, like himself. He speaks at youth summits and conferences, where he shares his story to encourage others to dream big and persist. He’s currently writing a book about his experiences and hopes to one day launch a business that supports others who are navigating similar journeys.

The Maine DOE congratulates Prest on this national recognition and thanks him for his ongoing leadership, both in Maine and beyond. His work embodies the core values of Transition Maine—empowerment, advocacy, and resilience—and we are proud to have his voice helping to shape a more inclusive and supportive future for all Maine students!

Learn more about the award and this year’s recipients here. You can also read Nathan Prest’s bio on FosterClub’s website.