Maine Council for English Language Arts Presents 4th Annual Brassil Award

The Maine Council for English Language Arts (MCELA) awarded its 4th annual Claudette and John Brassil Distinguished Educator Award, in honor of the contributions of the two long-time educators who have inspired students and mentored teachers for over eighty combined years in Maine public schools. MCELA is an affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). The Brassil Distinguished Educator award is usually presented annually at the MCELA Conference in March (tentatively scheduled to be an in-person conference in Portland), but the award has been delayed since 2020 due to the pandemic.

The Brassil Award recognizes exceptional English language arts and literacy teachers who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, contributed to the profession, and shown a commitment to the community. In the past, this distinguished educator award was given to one high school teacher each year (2020 Patti Forster of Camden Hills Regional High School, 2019 Stephanie Hendrix of Bangor High School, and 2018 Johnna Stanton of Morse High school). This year the Executive Board decided to award and celebrate both a middle and a high school teacher.

The finalists for the high school Claudette and John Brassil Distinguished Educator Award for 2022 include Beth Carlson of Kennebunk High School, Sara Cole of Camden Hills Regional High School, and Audrey Ennamorati of Medomak Valley High School.

woman in glasses smiling — Audrey Ennamorati, Medomak Valley High School, 2022 Brassil Distinguished Educator Award Winner (high school)

The distinguished high school English educator award for 2022 goes to Audrey Ennamorati, a 23-year educator at MVHS who currently teaches AP English Literature & Composition, AP English Language & Composition British & American Literature, Freshman English, College Composition dual enrollment with Thomas College, Writing Center, Literary Magazine, and Creative Writing. Ennamorati also developed numerous independent study courses to meet the academic needs of both advanced and struggling students, such as Literary Masterpieces, Social Justice Through Literature, Advanced Writing and English Language and Literature. Additionally, Ennamorati has taught writing-intensive courses part-time at the University of Southern Maine for 12 years and is currently an adjunct for the University of Maine-August (in Rockland) teaching College Writing, and occasionally Creative Writing and Creative Nonfiction. Ennamorati claims she has a special formula for inspiring students of all backgrounds and abilities: “(1) tapping into students’ needs/interests and (2) challenging them beyond their expectations. I learned early on in my high school teaching career that part of exercising these strengths with students means being genuine and creative at the same time.” Ennamorati’s nominator, Principal Linda Pease shared respect for Ennamorati’s “thoughtful and logical contributions” and her “positive influence on the climate of the school.”

The finalists for the middle school Claudette and John Brassil Distinguished Educator Award for 2022 include Todd McKinley of J.A. Leonard Middle School, Nicole Matthews of Windsor Elementary School, Meghan Rounds of Gorham Middle School, and Margaret “Maggie” Adams of Kingfield Elementary School.

woman with dark hair in glasses smiling — Maggie Adams, Kingfield Elementary School, 2022 Brassil Distinguished Educator Award Winner (middle school)

The distinguished middle school English educator award for 2022 goes to Maggie Adams, an 18-year educator who currently teaches grades 5-8 English at Kingfield Elementary School. Adams coordinated and developed the Girls Talk/Teen Voices mentor program bringing community women together with female students for literary discussions and activities for Phillips and then Kingfield Elementary School. She is also a public speaking coach for the Kingfield school (2012-present) and has provided enriching extracurricular opportunities such as Poetry Slams, One Book/ One School/ One Community events, organizing visits from authors, storytellers, and illustrators, and advising various clubs. In addition, Adams served as the Mt. Abram Teacher’s Association during the pandemic. Beyond her school, Adams has been a 3-time speaker for the Holocaust and Human Rights Center (HHRC) representing the perspective of a Mi’kmaq teacher and former Maine student, explaining the integration of the Social Justice curriculum in the classroom, and describing the impact the HHRC has had on her own school district and teaching.

The MCELA is will be accepting nominations through December 31, 2022, for the March 2023 in-person conference recognition. Nominees should be full-time English language arts or literacy teachers of students in grades 6-12 and have taught for at least five years in public or independent schools in Maine. Nominees do not have to be a member of the Maine Council for English Language Arts. ELA educators who demonstrate the same qualities as the Brassils themselves: a commitment to student-centered learning, inspiration of all students, leadership in school, district, state, and national levels, development and sharing of effective practices, and involvement in the community and school beyond the classroom. More information on nominations available here: https://www.mainecela.org/nominate-an-educator.html

Please join us in congratulating Audrey Ennamorati and Maggie Adams!

Read to Ride Summer Reading Challenge

As the school year comes to a close we are happy to announce that the Read to Ride Summer Reading Challenge is once again being supported by the Freemasons of Maine for the 7th year. All students in grades K-8 who complete a summer reading goal of at least 500 minutes are eligible for a school drawing. Each school is then able to submit 2 names of school level winners to be put into a state level drawing for a free bike and helmet. Last year 32 bikes and helmets were awarded to students across the state. If you are interested in registering your school for the challenge please complete this form. For additional resources such as a summer reading passport and parent information please visit the Read to Ride Challenge website.

If you would like additional information please contact Danielle Saucier, danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov.

Registration Now Open for Maine Educator Summit August 9th & 10th

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce that registration for the 2022 Maine Educator Summit is now open. This summit provides all Maine educators and school staff with opportunities for professional learning, peer networking, and resource materials to further support students impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic. In sponsoring this event, the Maine DOE aims to further support Maine’s education workforce in the areas of resilience, responsiveness, and a renewed approach to education.

Registration for the 2022 Maine Educator Summit at the Augusta Civic Center on August 9-10, 2022 is now open and will close July 15, 2022. The summit will offer a multitude of sessions around topics like interdisciplinary learning, school safety, supporting students’ mental and physical health, special education, building the educator workforce, and more. Participants will be able to join several different learning sessions, and the Maine DOE is encouraging teams from each SAU to register. Further information regarding accommodations, transportation, and the event schedule is available on the DOE Maine Educator Summit web page.

Reimbursement of accommodations, meals, and mileage is available.

Contact hours will be provided.

For further information about the 2022 Maine Educator Summit, please reach out to
Teri Peaslee, Summit Coordinator at (207) 530-7672.

#MEEducatorSummit

MADSEC Names 2022 Honorees of the Year

MADSEC (Maine Administrators for Services for Children with Disabilities) has named their 2022 Honorees of the Year for Special Education Administrator of the Year, Special Education Professional of the Year, and Special Education Support Staff of the Year. This year’s honorees will be celebrated at MADSEC’s annual Awards Dinner at Sugarloaf Resort and Conference Center on June 22, 2022.

This year’s Special Education Administrator of the Year honoree is Gene Kucinkas, the Director of Falmouth Public Schools. MADSEC’s Administrator of the Year is considered based on outstanding contributions to education and/or success as a special education administrator, demonstration of endeavor to grow professionally by attending workshops, conferences, graduate classes, and seminars, involvement in the community, and involvement in regional/statewide efforts through MADSEC and other professional organizations.

man in glasses smiling — Gene Kucinkas, MADSEC 2022 Special Education Administrator of the Year

This year’s Special Education Professional of the Year honoree is Angela Wright-Bouffard, a teacher in MSAD #52. MADSEC’s Professional of the Year is recognized for outstanding contributions to education and/or success as a special education professional, demonstration of an awareness of current educational developments by utilizing programs which are viable, innovative and successful, demonstration of endeavor to grow professionally by attending workshops, conferences, graduate classes, and seminars, involvement in the community, involvement in writing grants and implementing new programs, involvement on school committees and demonstration of leadership role, and involvement in staff development for regular and/or special education staff.

This year’s Special Education Support Staff of the Year honoree is Jennifer Irish, a Special Education Consulting Teacher in MSAD #72. MADSEC’s Support Staff of the year is recognized for outstanding contributions to education and/or success as a special education support staff, demonstration of an awareness of current educational developments by utilizing programs which are viable, innovative and successful, demonstration of endeavor to grow professionally by attending workshops, conferences, and seminars, involvement in the community, involvement on school committees and demonstration of leadership roles, and involvement in staff development for regular and/or special education staff.

woman smiling with blue background — Jennifer Irish, MADSEC 2022 Special Education Support Staff of the Year

Please join us in congratulating MADSEC’s 2022 Honorees of the Year: Gene Kucinkas, Angela Wright-Bouffard, and Jennifer Irish!

For more information on nominating educators for these awards, please visit MADSEC’s website.

MTSS Monday Minute – Summer Reading Suggestions – Now Available!

Have you seen the June 6th MTSS Monday Minute? This week’s M&M features three book suggestions you may want to add to your summer reading list. Click the link to view the video.

Don’t forget to have your minutes counted! Be sure to check out the video description box for more information about how to have your minutes counted toward a shoutout to your district.

Also, there is still time to register for one of this summer’s book club gatherings. Books for the Effective Universal Instruction book club will begin to be mailed Friday, June 10th. Currently there are still 10 free books available for educators to participate.

Click this link for more information about the book club opportunity.

Reach our to Andrea Logan, Maine DOE Multi-tiered Systems of Support Specialist at andrea.logan@maine.gov with further questions or support.

MASL Names 2022 Support Staff and School Librarian of the Year Award Recipients

The Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) announced the recipients of the 2022 Support Staff and School Librarian of the Year Awards during the opening ceremony of the Spring Symposium on May 14 at Bangor High School. Library staff gathered in person and virtually to find inspiration and celebration for Maine school libraries “Moving Forward Together.”

Amanda Kozaka, MASL Awards Chair — Ms. Lu is Lewiston High School Librarian Marissa Deku

Elizabeth Lu Detwiler has won the 2022 Support Staff Award. Ms. Lu is the Library Educational Technician at Lewiston High School, an essential role responsible for supporting students in the self-directed pursuit of new knowledge and ideas. LHS Librarian Marissa Deku describes her as “a future leader in this profession.” The Support Staff Award recognizes Ms. Lu’s high level of dedication and professionalism.

The 2022 Walter J. Taranko School Librarian Award winner is Iris Eichenlaub. Ms. Eichenlaub is recognized for transforming not only the School Library at Camden Hills Regional High School, but the efforts and the impact of school libraries across the state. Patti Forster, NBCT, noted “she is an incredible librarian in a state of many incredible librarians, but what makes Iris rise above and beyond” are her collaborative and creative efforts to protect the intellectual freedom of Maine students.

Iris Eichenlaub, School Librarian of the Year Award Recipient

MASL’s annual awards recognize exemplary school library support staff, administrators, and library media specialists. Each winner is presented with a commemorative plaque and a $500 donation from MASL to their school library program.

The MASL Awards committee welcomes nominations from teachers, colleagues, and administrators by February 15th of each year. Visit maslibraries.org to learn more about Awards, Scholarships, Membership, and PD Events.

2022 Awards Chair: Amanda Kozaka

2022 Awards Committee: Michelle Martin (At-Large), Michelle Wyler (Secretary)

Updates on Implementation of New Chapter 115 Regulations

In an effort to keep the education field apprised of implementation progress on Chapter 115 regulations, the Maine DOE certification team wanted to provide the following updates. Please remember the new regulations begin this Friday, June 10^th.

Seventy-two different endorsements have already been created and tested and are ready for application submission beginning Friday. Other endorsements have been created with new regulations and are in the testing phase, while even more are being created. The plan is to hopefully have all endorsements prepped for application submission for Friday.
New PDF support documents that outline requirements for both conditional and professional certifications have been created for every endorsement and are currently undergoing review. Those will begin being uploaded to the certification website on Thursday, June 9.
Enhancements to the website for clarity are currently underway.
Communications to the certification office have increased substantially and we have assisted roughly 3,000 educators each of the last two weeks through various channels. Please be sure to take advantage of the supports we have and are enhancing on the website to help us process applications as quickly as possible.

Retired Bowdoin College Professor Brings Music to Lewiston Adult Education

At Lewiston Adult Education, music is an exciting new aspect of learning. The sounds of bows on strings fill the halls as Mary Hunter, a retired Bowdoin College music professor teaches beginners how to play violin. The program began in March and, after a ten-week course, most of the students can play “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” an impressive accomplishment after such a short amount of time.

This course may have been the first like it, however, Hunter plans to continue the program through next year. Her course is the first regularly scheduled musical program at Lewiston Adult Education, and she hopes students continue to enroll as she continues to advertise. Hunter believes that music is an important element of education, especially for adults. “For people who have never had the opportunity to take music lessons,” she says, “just giving it a try for a few weeks might offer a somewhat new angle on their identity.” She also shared that the concentration that comes with practicing provides a cathartic release and a bit of mindfulness. The sense of achievement that comes with learning a repertoire is important, too, she says, as it opens to the door to collaboration with others.

A big difference between adults and children, Hunter says, is that adults choose to learn. Oftentimes, adults are persistent and determined to succeed because of this choice. A few undaunted students who took her class this spring look to continue learning and will be joining a new group of students who will take Hunter’s course this summer, which will run from mid-June to mid-August. Another diligent student of Hunter’s, who took prior lessons in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is working up to a big performance. They have been working one-on-one together to create a program to perform at the school’s graduation on June 14th. There, they will be playing three songs together to show off their hard work and honor this year’s graduates.

Further, while adults grasp concepts quicker than children, Hunter says they are also physically less adaptable. This presents a bit of a struggle, especially because they need to be treated like grownups, and the material they are presented with needs to be geared towards adults. However, even with these challenges, Hunter looks forward to her students, and the program, progressing past these beginning stages to grow and overcome these obstacles in the future.

Seeking Public Comments for a Tydings Amendment Waiver of FY21 ESEA funds and FY22 Carryover of Excess Title I, Part A Funds

Pursuant to the authority granted under section 8401(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the Maine Department of Education (DOE) intends to submit an application for waivers to the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). As required, the Maine DOE is seeking 15 days of public comment from June 7, 2022 – June 21, 2022, on the request to waive the period of availability for Elementary & Secondary Education Act funds and Title I, Part A carryover limitations.

Requirements from which Maine will be seeking a waiver include:

A Tydings amendment waiver from Section 421(b) of the General Provisions Act to the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). The Tydings amendment waiver seeks an extension to the availability of Federal Fiscal Year 2020/State Fiscal Year 2021 Elementary and Secondary Education funds. Programs affected by this waiver:
- Title I, Part A of the ESEA (Improving Basic Programs Operated by LEAs), including the portions of the SEA’s Title I, Part A award used to carry out section 1003 school improvement, section 1003A direct student services, if applicable, and Title I, Part D, Subpart 2
- Title I, Part B of the ESEA (State Assessment Formula Grants)
- Title I, Part C of the ESEA (Education of Migratory Children)
- Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 of the ESEA (Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk)
- Title II, Part A of the ESEA (Supporting Effective Instruction)
- Title III, Part A of the ESEA (English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement)
- Title IV, Part A of the ESEA (Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants)
- Title IV, Part B of the ESEA (21st Century Community Learning Centers)
- Title V, Part B, Subpart 2 of the ESEA (Rural and Low-Income School Program)
- McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Programs

A carryover limitation waiver from Section 1127(a) of the Elementary & Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended for Federal Fiscal Year 2021/State Fiscal Year 2022 Title I, Part A funds. The carryover limitation waiver seeks to waive the requirement that limits the Maine DOE’s ability to grant to its local educational agencies (LEAs) a waiver of the 15 percent Title I, Part A carryover limitation of more than once every three years.

The Maine DOE must solicit and respond to public comment on its waiver request as well as provide evidence of the available comment period. As the Maine DOE moves forward to provide as much flexibility as possible and continued support for expending ESEA federal funds, comments can be submitted to Rita Pello at Rita.Pello@maine.gov.

Apply Today for the 2022 Maine ELO Conference August 15-17

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Jobs for Maine Grads (JMG) are partnering to offer a 3-day, 2-night Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) conference hosted at University of Maine Orono on August 15th through the 17th. All Maine educators focused on expanding access to ELO programming are encouraged to complete the linked interest form.

This conference is designed to equip educators with the skills and facilitated planning time to build or expand quality ELO programming for Maine high school students. ELOs are hands on credit bearing courses outside of the traditional classroom with an emphasis on community-based care.

All conference events, meals, and housing will take place at the University of Maine at Orono.

At the end of the conference, you will: