Category: Newsroom Articles

Maine DOE Announces Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is thrilled to announce the Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series, a comprehensive professional learning opportunity designed to equip educators, administrators, and school administrative unit (SAU) leaders with strategies and resources to celebrate multiculturalism and expand multilingual pathways.

This series is part of the Maine DOE’s broader commitment to recognizing language and culture as essential assets in education. Attendees will learn practical steps to integrate world language instruction, embrace Indigenous and critical languages, and leverage international partnerships to create dynamic, globally-connected classrooms.

What to Expect

This five-part virtual series will equip participants with strategies to recognize language and culture as assets, build robust multilingual programs, and leverage global partnerships to enhance learning opportunities for Maine students.

Who Should Attend

This webinar series is open to:

  • Superintendents, principals, and SAU leaders seeking to enhance student outcomes through multilingual pathways.
  • Seal of Biliteracy coordinators, bilingual/multilingual directors and coordinators, bilingual/multilingual educators, and world language educators eager to access resources and international connections to strengthen their programs.
  • Educators and community partners committed to equity, cultural awareness, and global learning opportunities.

Why Multilingualism Matters

Multilingualism is more than an educational goal; it is a key driver of student success in a global economy. Students who master multiple languages develop critical thinking skills, cultural competence, and career readiness for a world that values communication and collaboration. By investing in language programs, Maine schools can position themselves as leaders in equity and global engagement.

When and How to Participate

The Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series will be held virtually, making it accessible to participants statewide. The first session is scheduled for Monday, January 6. You may register using this link.

The full schedule for this series is as follows:

  • January 6, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
  • February 3, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
  • March 3, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
  • April 7, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
  • May 5, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

Take the Next Step Toward Global Leadership

The Maine DOE invites you to participate in this innovative series and join the movement to celebrate multilingualism and multiculturalism in Maine schools. For more information, please contact Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships, at ayesha.hall@maine.gov.

Educators Invited to Register for Continuation of Maine Solutionaries Project

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction team works with educators throughout the state to deliver high-quality professional development that is both relevant and useful. In a continuation of the Interdisciplinary Instruction team’s partnership with the Institute for Humane Education, the Maine Solutionaries Project will extend through the winter for educators interested in supporting their students in applying their learning.

This innovative project offers Maine educators a unique opportunity to participate in a customized version of the Institute for Humane Education’s Solutionary Micro-credential Program. Educators who register for the Maine Solutionaries Project join statewide educator cohorts focused on specific topics of interest. Participation is free, and participating educators are eligible to receive a $1,000 stipend and 30 contact hours upon completion of the program.

The winter cohorts will combine traditional Solutionary programming with a fresh emphasis on cross-curricula literacy integration, featuring targeted strategies and insights from literacy specialists.

  • Cohorts A through D will focus on the traditional Solutionary framework and highlight:
    • Climate Change (Cohort A)
    • Human Rights and Equity (Cohort B)
    • Water Quality (Cohort C)
    • Food Waste (Cohort D)
  • Cohorts E and F will blend the traditional Solutionary program with literacy integration throughout all content areas and will include literacy experts Cris Tovani and Kellie Smith.
    • Cohort E: available to any educator who teaches grades 4 through 8
    • Cohort F: available to any educator who teaches grades 9 and higher

For kickoff information, including Zoom session dates and times, and to register, please visit the Maine Solutionaries Project website. There, you can also learn more about this collaboration. Spots are limited and filling quickly, so don’t delay!

The Interdisciplinary Instruction team is part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. For more information about this project, please contact Interdisciplinary Instruction team members Kathy Bertini at kathy.bertini@maine.gov or Erik Wade at erik.wade@maine.gov.

Integrating Literacy through Applied Science Workshop with Katie Coppens

A number of studies on literacy have concluded that students who engage with texts on specific topics, particularly social studies and science, make greater advances in reading skills and comprehension compared to those who work solely with texts focused on reading.

To support educators with literacy integration, the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction team is hosting a workshop on Integrating Literacy through Applied Science with educator and author Katie Coppens. This event is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick.

Participants in this workshop will explore, discuss, and engage with:

  • The role of applied science in literacy.
  • The role of applied science in interest and in comprehension (or “meaning-making.”)
  • How applied science helps a student gain or transfer new knowledge.
  • Ways this support can be incorporated into their classrooms and future learning.

Limited in-person spots are available and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants may also join virtually through Zoom, and the workshop will be recorded and shared with educators. Contact hours are available to participants. To register for this event, please use this registration link.

The Interdisciplinary Instruction team is part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. If you have any questions about this workshop, please contact Interdisciplinary Instruction team members Kathy Bertini at Kathy.Bertini@maine.gov or Heather Martin at Heather.Martin@maine.gov.

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

Joshua Chard, East End Community School Teacher and 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year, standing next to Maine's national Christmas tree.
Joshua Chard, East End Community School Teacher and 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year, standing next to Maine’s national Christmas tree.

Elementary students from Portland Public Schools recently created original ornaments that are now on the national stage, decorating Maine’s tree as part of the 2024 National Christmas Tree display at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Led by their teacher, 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Joshua Chard, third graders from East End Community School designed ornaments for the Maine tree this year as part of the “America Celebrates” ornament program, an annual collaboration of the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Park Foundation. Through this program, ordinary Americans create ornaments to symbolize the history, heritage, and culture of their homelands.

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

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

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

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

Learn more about the America Celebrates ornament program here.

Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Announces 2024 Awardees 

Five educators have been named 2024 Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Maine AHPERD) Teachers of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding health education, physical education, and adapted physical education teachers who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their students and profession.

This year’s Maine AHPERD Teachers of the Year include:

In addition to Teachers of the Year, Maine APHERD also recognizes individuals and a community partner organization who serve as strong supporters of the Maine APHERD mission. For 2024, they include:

Additionally, Maine APHERD has recognized eight students hailing from seven Maine institutes of higher education as 2024 Outstanding Future Professionals in health and physical education:

  • Megan Dionne – University of Maine, Farmington
  • Emily Factor – University of New England
  • Samantha Fickett – University of New England
  • Olivia Gray – University of Maine, Presque Isle
  • Alexa Peck – University of Maine, Orono
  • Courtney Peltak – University of New England
  • Hannah Richardson – University of New England
  • Jobet Tardiff – Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Pictured from left to right: Alexa Peck, Jobet Tardiff, Courtney Peltak, Jamie Dillon (Maine AHPERD President), Samantha Fickett, Megan Dionne, Hannah Richardson. (Absent from photograph: Emily Factor and Olivia Gray.)
Pictured from left to right: Alexa Peck, Jobet Tardiff, Courtney Peltak, Jamie Dillon (Maine AHPERD President), Samantha Fickett, Megan Dionne, Hannah Richardson. (Absent from photograph: Emily Factor and Olivia Gray.)

Check out the Maine AHPERD website for highlights and resources from the annual conference, held on November 2-4, 2024.

 

Applications Open for Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship

Applications for the 2025-2026 Asian & Pacific Islander American (APIA) Scholarship are now open. This opportunity is available to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander American students who will be enrolling in, or who are currently enrolled in, a U.S.-accredited college or university as a degree-seeking undergraduate student. The deadline to complete this application is January 15, 2025.

This scholarship happens through the Asian & Pacific Islander American (APIA) Scholars program, which seeks to provide a range of scholarship opportunities to underserved Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students, with a special focus on individuals who:

  • Are living at or below the poverty level or who are otherwise of low socioeconomic status.
  • Are a first-generation college student.
  • Represent the diversity, both geographically and ethnically, of the APIA community, especially those who have historically been, and who currently are, underrepresented on college campuses.
  • Have demonstrated commitment to their community through leadership and service.

As of this year, APIA Scholars has streamlined this application to include only one essay question. The application also no longer requires additional documents such as recommendation letters.

You can find more information and a link to the application here.

Scholarship amounts range from $2,500 in one-year awards to $20,000 in multi-year awards. APIA Scholars has a wide range of scholarship opportunities, including those for students currently attending or planning to attend Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions.

Registration Open for 2025 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit: “Nourishing the Body, Mind, and Soul”

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of School and Student Supports’ Employee Health Promotion and Wellness Program is pleased to offer the 2025 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit: “Nourishing the Body, Mind, and Soul.” School employees from across the state are invited to join their colleagues and register for this event being held on Thursday, January 30 and Friday, January 31 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport.

This event is open to individuals and school teams interested in supporting and implementing a school health promotion and wellness program that will positively impact staff and students. The Winter Wellness Summit is designed to renew and refresh school personnel mid-year by providing access to information, resources, and experiences that will inspire and empower participants to take care of their personal health – and to create healthier, more supportive, and safer school environments for all within the school community.

When school and district employees have positive attitudes and feel healthy, it enhances their ability to do their jobs. This is true for all employees, including central office employees, nutrition and transportation staff, educators, health service providers, administrative assistants, school board members, and all others who perform the day-to-day essential functions that help a school to operate and successfully fulfill its mission.

This year’s agenda includes two educational and inspirational keynotes focused on healthy eating and cultivating relationships. A plenary session will be led by state leaders and health and wellness champions making connections to The Regulated Classroom© and the Wellness Policy. Additionally, there will be engaging workshop sessions on wellness practices for personal and professional growth, creating positive and healthier school environments, and worksite wellness program planning, as well as networking opportunities with colleagues and professionals from across Maine who value health promotion and wellness.

The cost of the two-day event:

  • $175/person for those registering now through January 3, 2025
  • $200/person for standard registration (after January 3, 2025)
  • Accommodations are not included in the registration, but a block of rooms has been secured at a conference rate.

Details, including those pertaining to registration and the agenda, can be found on the Winter Wellness Summit webpage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEBINAR: Teach Maine Center Presents “Practical Strategies for New Teacher Success”

Get ready for an inspiring and transformative experience! Educate Maine and the Maine Department of Education (DOE) are teaming up to launch the Teach Maine Center, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support and elevate the next generation of Maine educators.

To kick things off, we’re offering an exclusive free webinar (“Practical Strategies for New Teacher Success”) for novice teachers who are in their first three years of teaching and interested mentors, featuring Shanna Peeples, the 2015 National Teacher of the Year, on January 14, 2025, from 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.

This dynamic session will focus on:

  • Developing your teaching skills and confidence, as you navigate your early years in the classroom.
  • Setting realistic goals to ensure growth and success.
  • Practical, actionable strategies you can implement immediately in your classroom.
  • Reconnecting with your “why” — the powerful purpose that brought you to teaching in the first place.

Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 14 for this webinar via Zoom. This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the country’s most-celebrated educators, share insights with fellow teachers, and build lasting connections with your peers!

You can register here and download a flyer about the event here. Please help us spread the word and take advantage of this invaluable event to grow, share, and thrive together.

Maine Surplus Property – December Update for Educational Institutions

If you missed the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Newsroom article posted in November with details about the Maine Surplus Property Donee Program, you can read it here.

Is your school looking for folding chairs or desk sets? Maine Surplus Property has these and other items available! Open this PDF to view some of the current inventory.

Approved donees may stop by Maine Surplus Property at 85 Leighton Road in Augusta Mondays through Fridays between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to purchase items from the warehouse or auction yard.

Not an approved donee yet? Members of the general public may purchase items during the Maine Surplus Property public sale on the second Friday of each month. Check out this flyer for details about the upcoming sale on December 13!

For more information, please visit Maine Surplus Property. You can also sign up here to receive automatic updates!

$7 Million Expansion of Biddeford CTE Center Boosts Career Pathways for Students

Students from Biddeford and surrounding communities are gaining new opportunities to build in-demand career skills, thanks to a $7 million expansion of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT).

This expansion was part of Governor Janet Mills’ Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, which designated $20 million of Covid-era funding to the Maine Department of Education (DOE) to support the 27 Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools in the state—specifically by upgrading infrastructure and equipment.

This project added 17,500 square feet of new space to the high school-adjacent facility. Great Falls Construction completed the work at BRCOT using a mobile studio design.

“This expansion is a major win for Biddeford and surrounding communities,” Ryan Fecteau, former and newly re-elected Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, said when speaking to

“It isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about creating new pathways to success for students,” Biddeford Schools Superintendent Jeremy Ray told

The new BRCOT wing houses three brand-new CTE programs: culinary arts, hospitality/travel/tourism, and athletic training/sports medicine — the latter being the first of its kind in Maine. This expansion has also allowed the center to grow its existing programs, too, like emergency medical technician training, plumbing, and heating.

“This new wing isn’t just about creating space; it’s about creating opportunity,” Biddeford Regional Center of Technology Director Paulette Bonneau said. “It’s about giving students the tools, resources, and experiences they need to build their futures.”

BRCOT now offers 20 CTE programs and serves around 500 students in grades 9-12 from eight communities. These additional programs will provide students with industry-recognized certifications, college credits, and hands-on training to prepare them for careers and/or further education.

The culinary arts program, for example, allows students to earn their ServSafe certification; the athletic training program offers training in CPR and first aid; and the hospitality/travel/tourism program provides a pathway to Maine’s vital tourism industry.

“We’re not just preparing kids for jobs; we’re preparing kids for careers,” Ray said.

“It’s more than just a building for Biddeford,” Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman said.

During the center’s grand opening ceremony, guests were treated to an impressive brunch spread prepared by culinary arts students under the guidance of Chef Steve Ogden. Senior Emma Alward, a hospitality student, served appetizers.

“I think it’s fun,” Alward said of the program when speaking with Saco Bay News.

Eleventh-grader Sophia Auger, who is enrolled in the culinary arts program, said she never expected to have this opportunity.

“It’s an honor to be able to be a part of the first group to get to do this,” Auger said.

Auger’s classmate, Maya Cochrane agreed, noting that the program is a great fit for students interested in cooking and working in a kitchen.

“When students have interest, we don’t want them to wait,” Ray said. “We want to make sure that they’re ready to capitalize on that, so they can dig right in.”

Bonneau noted that the programs at BRCOT also offer dual enrollment, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school.

“This grand opening is a monumental milestone for our school and our community,” Bonneau said. “The programs housed here will spark innovation, drive economic growth, and give our students a pathway to success.”

This project was a part of Maine’s Whole Student Pandemic Response, made possible through the American Rescue Plan. To learn more about Maine’s CTE schools or how the Maine Department of Education used federal emergency funding to support Maine schools, please visit the Maine DOE website.