MOOSE Distinguished Educator Announcement

The Maine Department of Education is seeking educational experts to join the Office of Innovation team. These full–time, fully remote, contracted positions will provide leadership in the creation of pk-12, asynchronous, interdisciplinary learning progressions for the MOOSE (Maine Online Opportunities for Sustained Education) platform in the following topics:

STEAM
African American History and Culture
Climate Education
Holocaust and Genocide Education
Wabanaki History and Culture

As the team leader, you will be actively involved with your topic team to support the integration of the identified topic area into the modules as well as to support the team in reaching their goals and timelines by scheduling regular meetings, establishing checkpoints, ensuring that the module requirements are met, and guiding the overall success of the team.

The day to day tasks of this role will vary. In some weeks, you may need to play a more direct support role, helping to conceptualize a learning progression, find resources, and support the topic area directly, whereas some weeks, you may simply be answering questions and checking in to let content creators know that you are available if they need you as well as providing helpful reminders, support, and referrals, as necessary.

In addition to active consultation and support, as a team leader, you will also provide resources, offer targeted professional learning, and other topic-specific support for content creators to ensure that the topic area is represented in the module in an effective and comprehensive manner.

A critical part of this team leader role is comfort with technology integrated instruction. Many of our most engaging MOOSE modules center around the effective integration of technology. MOOSE team leaders should be comfortable using technology, learning new tools, and supporting innovative uses of technology to create interactive and engaging modules.

If you are interested in learning more about these positions, please check out the job description on our website: https://www.maine.gov/doe/moose/year2. These positions can be traditionally contracted, or, if you are an educator who is under contract with a school district for the 21-22 school year, then you have the option of being contracted as a distinguished educator. Distinguished educator positions are set up as an exchange agreement between the Department of Education and your local school district. Through the agreement, the Department pays your local school for the duration of your contract as a distinguished educator, allowing your school to temporarily fill your vacant position and continue to pay you your current rate with benefits while you work as a distinguished educator. Once the one-year contract is complete, you will be able to return to your position within that district.

Website Outage for Maine Department of Education and Other Agencies

On Monday, May 24, and again today, May 25, more than 40 Maine.gov websites experienced intermittent service outages. This includes Maine Department of Education websites. InforME and MaineIT promptly assessed these disruptions and continue to work on addressing the issues.

We apologize for the disruption, and look forward to providing outstanding resources, service and support.

Waldo County Technical Center Names Daisy Bradney CTE Student of the Year

Waldo County Technical Center (WCTC) proudly announces Daisy Bradney as its 2020-2021 CTE Student of the Year.

Daisy, a senior from Belfast Area High School’s BCOPE, is a second year student in the Culinary Arts program. Miss Bradney is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and has also served as a Student Ambassador while at WCTC.

Aside from having asserted herself as a top notch baker, Daisy also excels in the production of soups and stews. A past volunteer at the Starrett Children’s Center, she is the daughter of Jody Johnstone and James Bradney.

Daisy plans on attending the University of Maine at Presque Isle next year to pursue a degree in education. When not focused on her studies or honing her culinary skills for family and friends, Daisy enjoys dancing, hiking and working part time at a local restaurant.

Congratulations and GOOD LUCK, Daisy!

Learn more about Waldo County Technical Center by visiting their website, learn more about the Career and Technical Education Sites in Maine by visiting the MACTE website to see a listing by location. To learn more about Career and Technical Education, watch this short video:

United Technologies Center Names Mackenzie Stepp as CTE Student of the Year

The United Technologies Center is pleased to announce Mackenzie Stepp of Hermon as the 2020-2021 Student of the Year. Mackenzie is a student in the school’s Medical Assisting Program. Mackenzie attends Hermon High School. While at Hermon she has been a member of the Student Council and has served as the organization’s treasurer and president. She is currently president of the National Honor Society. Mackenzie is a two year member of the Key Club and is the school’s student school board representative.

Mackenzie is taking part in the medical assisting externship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bangor. She has distinguished herself in the medical assisting program through her outstanding academic and clinical performance. Trudy Vintinner, Mackenzie’s medical assisting instructor, explains that not only has Mackenzie excelled in the classroom and clinical portion of the program but has a remarkable sense of care and compassion for others which truly distinguishes her in the medical field. Mackenzie is also a member of the National Technical Honor Society. United Technologies Center is proud to have a student whose kindness and empathy are the centerpieces of a superb set of personal qualities.

Mackenzie will attend the University of New England in the fall where she plans to major in medical biology. She is the daughter of Charlene and Andrew Stepp of Hermon.

Learn more about United Technologies Center by visiting their website, learn more about the Career and Technical Education Sites in Maine by visiting the MACTE website to see a listing by location. To learn more about Career and Technical Education, watch this short video:

Tri-County Technical Center Honors Ann Gerardi as CTE Student of the Year

Director Leavitt and the faculty at Tri-County Technical Center have selected Ann Gerardi as the 2020-2021 Career & Technical Education Student of the Year.

Ann is a senior at Tri-County Technical Center enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program. Her instructor, Steve Spaulding nominated her for the award. “Anne exceeds all of the program standards, excels academically, and demonstrates exceptional leadership.”

Last year Anne was enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician Program where she earned her certification in the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Tri-County Technical Center Director Brian Leavitt stated, “This is a huge accomplishment for a high school student. Ann now is able to be employed throughout the United States as an EMT. Ann is also a member of the National Technical Honor Society.”

Ann has been accepted into the New Brunswick Bible Institute in the Biblical Studies program. After college she plans to pursue a career in the emergency medical services field.

Ann is a homeschooled student who resides with her family in Dexter. She is the daughter of Brenda and Paul Gerardi of Dexter.

Everyone at Tri-County wishes Ann the best of success!

Learn more about Tri-County Technical Center by visiting their website, learn more about the Career and Technical Education Sites in Maine by visiting the MACTE website to see a listing by location. To learn more about Career and Technical Education, watch this short video:

St. John Valley Technical Center Honors Anthony Pelletier as CTE Student of the Year

St. John Valley Technical Center has named (SJVTC) Anthony Pelletier as the SJVTC’s CTE Student of the Year. Anthony continually demonstrates a high level of leadership, organizational skills and responsibility in his academic and career pursuits within the Allied Health pathway. Anthony has successfully attained through this time at SJVTC the following achievements/certifications: Certified Nurse Assistant (C.N.A.), Personal Support Specialist (P.S.S), First Aid & CPR/AED certifications. He currently works as a Nursing Assistant at Crosswinds Residential Care Facility in Fort Kent.

Anthony enjoys challenges and is not afraid of hard work, always having a positive attitude and outlook on life. He is a strong advocate for providing community service and has been involved in the following Career and Technical Student Organizations: Health Occupation Students of America, National Honor Society and SkillsUSA.

Anthony is the top academic student within his Health Occupations program and continues to take advanced college courses within UMFK’s BSN program. Following graduation, Anthony plans to pursue enrollment within the Maine National Guards to help pay for his college expense. His career plans are to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Learn more about St. John Valley Technical Center by visiting their website, learn more about the Career and Technical Education Sites in Maine by visiting the MACTE website to see a listing by location. To learn more about Career and Technical Education, watch this short video:

Build Community Through Writing – Summer Institute for Educators

The following opportunity is being hosted by The Telling Room as a resource for information and opportunities; is not an endorsement of any product or program.

Summer Institute for Educators 2021 seeks to build community through writing.

This year’s institute will take place from 6/28/21 – 6/30/2021. We will be running the Institute virtually over ZOOM.

Join us for three days to learn The Telling Room’s proven method for improving literacy skills while building confidence and a sense of community. We offer tools and techniques to teachers, artists, and nonprofit leaders in a professional development setting.

We gear our forum to educators who work with students 6-18, and seek deliverables that can be taken back to any community or student population.

Cost: $250 for full registration

What is included with registration:

Three days (10-3) of intensive workshops led by Telling Room staff & teaching artists. There will be a mix of presentations, small group work, and breaks throughout the day.

Opportunities to network with like-minded educators
Classroom-ready writing and publishing curricula

For more information and to register visit: https://www.tellingroom.org/program-reservations/summer-institute-for-educators-2021

Region Two School of Applied Technology Honors Alyssa Drake as CTE Student of the Year

Southern Aroostook County Region Two School of Applied Technology is pleased to name Alyssa Drake as the 2020/2021 CTE Student of the Year.

Alyssa Drake is currently a student in the Intro to Medical Professions course. This program includes a college level Nursing course as well as a Phlebotomy course that will give her a national certification.

Alyssa is a highly motivated student with goals of becoming a Registered Nurse, and will become a wonderful, competent, and caring nurse that has the ability to connect with patients. Alyssa will be attending Husson College this Fall. Alyssa has exhibited dedication, participation, and hard work with excellent study habits. Alyssa comes to school prepared and with a smile on her face and a positive attitude, every day.

In addition to her work in CTE, Alyssa works on her High School yearbook, manages the cheerleading squad, is a participating member of Olympia Snowe’s Women’s Institute, The National Technical Honor society, and in the process of becoming a member of the National Honor Society.

When Alyssa graduates in the spring, she will hold three college credits for Medical Terminology, CNA certification, National Phlebotomy certification, OSHA 10, BLS, along with completion of her first year Nursing Fundamentals class.

We are beyond proud of Alyssa and all of her accomplishments!

Learn more about Region Two School of Applied Technology by visiting their website, learn more about the Career and Technical Education Sites in Maine by visiting the MACTE website to see a listing by location. To learn more about Career and Technical Education, watch this short video:

Virtual Workshop for Teachers: Middle School Science & Engineering Fair

The below opportunity is being hosted by the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance.

When: Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Where: Online (Interactive)
Benefits: Participation stipend, Subscription to Science News
Registration Deadline: May 28, 2021
FMI, Contact: Stefany Burrell

Did you know that Maine has a science fair for grades 6-8? The Maine State Middle School Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF) provides youth with a chance to share their independent STEM projects with judges and their peers. The event encourages students to explore their own area of interest, engage in authentic science and engineering practices, and hone their science communication skills.

Late each spring, the MSSEF welcomes middle schoolers from around the state to present their work in a supportive environment. Students can work alone or in teams of 2-3. There is practically no limit to the topics a student can pursue. If it falls somewhere in the realm of science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), it fits within the mission of the MSSEF!

As a middle school teacher, you may love the idea of giving your students this opportunity. But how do you start? Join us on Wednesday, June 23 to learn how. We will convene an interactive Zoom session where you’ll learn some tips for getting your students started on their projects and take away some activities to help them make the most of their independent work.

The top 10% of our state’s projects are invited to participate in the national Broadcom MASTERS competition. Although the prestige of winning is reserved for a handful of projects, all students who participate learn invaluable STEM and 21st century skills. Because the MSSEF is affiliated with the MASTERS competition, the Broadcom Foundation has provided MMSA with a grant to pay stipends to teachers who attend this training.

Learn more and register here: https://mmsa.org/2021/05/middle-school-science-fair-teacher-workshop/

Four Middle School Students Honored in Statewide Science & Engineering Fair

The Middle School Science & Engineering Fair announced its winners on recently in a livestreamed awards ceremony. Approximately 40 middle school students from Maine submitted projects to the fair, and four projects were recognized:

Lemelson Young Inventors Award ($100)

Ian Blackwell and Nik Horton – James F. Doughty School, Bangor
Ian and Nik’s project was entitled “Nanocellulose and sawdust particle boards”

Grand Awards:

1st Place – Adriana Rogow – Falmouth Middle School
Adriana’s project was entitled, “Insta-depressed?: the effects of social media on middle school students”
2nd Place – Grace Muffett – James F. Doughty School, Bangor
Grace’s project was entitled, “Can Tardigrades Survive a High Altitude Balloon Flight?”
3rd Place – Alex Busco – James F. Doughty School, Bangor
Alex’s project was entitled, “Microplastics in Bottled Water: Searching for a Common Correlation Between Bottle Size and Microplastic Concentration”

These three grand award winners will represent Maine in the Broadcom MASTERS competition.

For more information about the Maine State Middle School Science & Engineering Fair visit https://msmssef.blogspot.com/ or sign up for a virtual workshop hosted by Maine Mathematics & Science Alliance is running in June for teachers interested in learning more about the Middle School Science & Engineering Fair. Learn more or register here.