Suicide Prevention and Awareness Resources

As Maine schools get into the swing of the 2025-2026 school year, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would like to share available resources to recognize, address, and support youth mental health.

Data from the 2023 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) shows that, among other outcomes, more than one in six Maine high school students reported seriously considering suicide in the past 12 months. Similar data is available for middle school students. A new infographic from MIYHS summarizes this data.

There are proven strategies that can support youth mental health and prevent suicide. Ensuring that students feel like they matter in their community, have a trusted adult they can talk to, and know that people at their school care about them can decrease the likelihood that a young person considers suicide or experiences other mental health challenges.

The Maine DOE and CDC have resources to support and assist school personnel in connecting with students. The graphics, resources, and materials included below are intended to help spread messages of hope, help, and strength throughout the year. Please consider sharing these materials and resources widely within your school and community networks.

Campaigns and Shareable Graphics

The Maine CDC is currently running the Filter Out the Noise youth suicide prevention campaign, designed to help young people recognize and remove negative influences or “noise” from their lives. It offers self-care tips, guidance on recognizing suicide warning signs, and encourages help-seeking behaviors. Visit the campaign website for more information or contact TSUP.DHHS@maine.gov for posters or other shareable videos, graphics, and content for social media from the Filter Out the Noise campaign.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit with free messaging, downloadable graphics, and videos designed for a variety of audiences including youth. These resources can be used throughout the year.
988 Maine has a variety of resources, and the 988 Lifeline is operational for anyone who calls. Additionally, although the 988 “Press 3” option for a direct line to LGBTQ+ youth support no longer exists, The Trevor Project provides 24/7, year-round, confidential, and free crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth. To access this support, text “Start” to 678-678, call 1-866-488-7386, or click here.

Physical Resources and Materials

The Maine Prevention Store is a year-round, one-stop shop for free prevention-related resources. The site provides bookmarks, self-care cards, and other resources specific to suicide prevention and support after a suicide loss.
Training for school personnel on Suicide Prevention and Awareness Student Lessons will be available from the Maine DOE and partners later in the school year.
NAMI Maine (Maine’s affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers suicide awareness, prevention, intervention, and protocol training for school personnel throughout the year through a contract with the Maine CDC. Visit the NAMI Maine Events Calendar to learn more.

For more information to support suicide prevention and awareness, please contact Mary Caron of the Maine CDC Injury Prevention Program at mary.caron@maine.gov, or Maine DOE Health Education and Health Promotion Consultant Susan Berry at susan.berry@maine.gov, or Maine DOE Climate Culture Resilience Team Coordinator Bear Shea at w.bear.shea@maine.gov.

Maine DOE and Maine Community College System Host Statewide Virtual Showing of Counted Out Film Highlighting Math Literacy and Opportunity

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Maine Community College System (MCCS) are inviting educators, families, and community members to a free statewide virtual showing of the film Counted Out on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 7 p.m.

This live virtual event, made possible through the partnership of the Maine DOE and MCCS, is part of a shared commitment to promoting numeracy and equitable, rigorous math pathways across public education in Maine.

Counted Out argues that numeracy and math literacy—the ability to speak the language of math—are critical determinants of social and economic mobility and engagement. This film highlights how access to meaningful math learning experiences can open doors to opportunity, civic participation, and confidence for all learners.

While Counted Out is not about math pathways specifically, its message underscores the central role of math literacy in ensuring students’ future success. This virtual showing offers a chance for educators and community members statewide to join a collective conversation about how to help all Maine students see themselves as capable mathematical thinkers.

Registration is required to participate in the live showing, and the film will begin promptly at 7 p.m. on October 21. Upon registering, participants will receive a unique ticket link by email. Watch the Counted Out trailer and register here.

Celebrating Statewide Engagement

Earlier this fall, in-person screenings and guided dinner discussions were hosted in communities across the state through a collaboration between the Maine DOE, the Maine Math and Science Alliance (MMSA), and the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Maine (ATOMIM). These regional events brought together educators, administrators, and community members to reflect on the film and share ideas for advancing numeracy in Maine schools.

Participants described Counted Out as “inspiring,” “eye-opening,” and “a reminder that math is for everyone.” Many highlighted the importance of creating classrooms where mathematics feels relevant, engaging, and connected to real life.

One educator wrote, “Creative math classrooms result in creative mathematical thinkers,” while another reflected that, “We need to change the narrative, so every student sees themselves as capable and curious about math.” Others expressed a desire to continue connecting with like-minded educators and exploring new approaches to hands-on, community-based math learning.

Maine DOE Chief Teaching and Learning Officer Beth Lambert praised the collaboration behind the screenings and the enthusiasm of participants statewide.

“The conversations around Counted Out remind us that math is more than numbers—it’s a language of empowerment,” Lambert said. “We’re excited to bring that message to even more Mainers through the upcoming virtual showing.”

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

Dropout Reporting Webinar – recorded September 18
Dropout Certification Report Instructions

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.