Category: Newsroom Articles

The Success of the Maine Out of School Time Career Exploration Grant Program

Between June and September of 2024, 267 students in fourth through sixth grade participated in the Maine Out of School Time (MOST) Career Exploration grant program. Through this program, these students engaged in activities that allowed them to explore diverse career paths in their communities in a hands-on and intentional way. This happened through more than 60 visits to different employers and businesses, as well as visits from several guest speakers, including a clinical psychologist, a Maine guide, and a cartoonist. Students were introduced to fields ranging from health care and technology to trades and the arts, giving them a broad understanding at an early age of careers they might explore in the future.

Eight groups across Maine participated in the MOST grant program:

  • Alan Day Community Garden in Norway provided career exploration opportunities to participants through gardening, local tours, guest speakers, and community immersion.
  • The Boys & Girls Club of Bangor developed and incorporated a Virtual Reality Career Exploration component into its program in addition to community-based career exploration.
  • The Boys & Girls Club of Kennebec Valley held themed weeks, and high school mentors helped to guide youth in their career exploration.
  • The Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine incorporated career exploration into its Bridge to Success program to help youth successfully transition to careers and college.
  • The Intercultural Community Center in Westbrook hosted a “Power Summer” with field trips, diverse guest speakers, and project-based learning.
  • MCD Global Health Baileyville Community Connections Center held community-immersed trips for participants to explore businesses in Washington County and neighboring counties.
  • North Haven Community School explored green businesses and provided opportunities for youth to learn about careers focused on environmental sustainability.
  • Tree Street Youth in Lewiston integrated career exploration into its WILLOW workforce program, providing participants with soft skills and career exploration, ranging from guest speakers to employer visits to “on the job” opportunities.

The MOST grant program was funded by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) through Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding, provided by the American Rescue Plan Act. The Maine After School Network supported this work. Building on the success of the career exploration experiences of high school students in Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO), this grant program provided career exploration opportunities specifically for younger students.

By exposing young learners to potential careers early on, the MOST grant program aimed to build a foundation for students to gain confidence, develop aspirations, and make informed educational and career choices. Participants reported an increased understanding of themselves and what they might like to pursue professionally. They also said they learned something new about careers and/or career pathways and that they felt better prepared for career exploration.

While visiting the Passamaquoddy Tribal Warden Services, a ten-year-old participant in the MCD Global Health program in Baileyville said, “This is so neat! I want to work here when I’m 17!”

At Tree Street Youth, one of the participating students was interested in news, reporting, and videography. They were able to help create, produce, and direct a video public service announcement encouraging people to stop vaping. This student interviewed community members, utilized large filming equipment, and practiced interviewing skills. Tree Street Youth won the Healthy Community Coalition award for this video project.

Students at the Intercultural Community Center visited WisMaine Farm in Westbrook weekly, developing a better understanding of and appreciation for local food systems around their community. They created themed career exploration topics, like “Future Foodies”.

At Alan Day Community Garden, students were prompted on the first day of the program to write down or draw a picture of what careers they wanted to pursue. At first, several students said they wanted to become YouTube content creators, but by the end of the program, these students had identified other career options, including a chef, a teacher, and a job in the military. One student said he was interested in becoming a musician and shared lyrics for a song he recently wrote. Parents frequently pulled staff aside to express their gratitude for what the MOST grant program provided, as students who were once chronically identified as disruptive in a classroom setting thrived in this community-based and hands-on environment.

When the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maine visited the Portland Fire Department, firefighters there presented career exploration talks. One child enjoyed the experience so much that he didn’t want to take off a fire helmet and insisted he hopes to wear it again someday when he becomes a firefighter.

The success of the MOST grant program highlights the importance of not only introducing children to career possibilities but also the power of fostering curiosity and helping young people to connect to their communities. This program served students from all parts of the state with different backgrounds and experiences. Of the 267 students served, 88% were identified as economically disadvantaged, 62% were BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), 42% were multi-lingual learners, and 17% of the students were experiencing homelessness.

The Extended Learning team at the Maine DOE worked with Black Fly Media to produce a short video, showing how the Maine Out of School Time Career Exploration grant program engaged students this summer!

 

Submit a T-Shirt Design to Represent the 2025 Maine Winter Classic!

The Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI), through the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, is excited to announce a T-shirt design competition for the Maine Winter Classic, MLTI’s virtual statewide student conference. This contest is open to all students in MLTI schools.

Students who would like to participate are invited to create a design for the official T-shirt that will be distributed statewide to thousands of students during the Maine Winter Classic, scheduled for the week of March 3, 2025. This conference offers an engaging, game-based learning experience for students, as they “travel” across a virtual gameboard, completing various tasks and earning tokens, while exploring topics like computer science, digital citizenship, digital design, and gamification.

The Maine DOE is looking forward to selecting a student design for these T-shirts (which will also be available in youth sizes this year). You can review eligibility and submission guidelines for the T-shirt design competition here. Please submit your entry using this 2025 MLTI Student Conference T-Shirt Design Competition Submission Form.

Competition Timeline and Important Dates:

  • Nov. 1, 2024: competition opens
  • Jan. 3, 2025: T-shirt designs due (no late entries accepted)
  • Jan. 24, 2025: finalists selected and winner notified

If you have questions about this contest or need assistance, please contact MLTI Project Manager Bethany Billinger at bethany.billinger@maine.gov.

For more information about the Maine Winter Classic and/or the in-person MLTI Student Conference later in the year, please email doe-ltt@maine.gov.

 

 

Deering High School Hosts French, Gabonese, and Central African Ambassadors in Celebration of Global Education and Cultural Exchange

On Oct. 25, 2024, Deering High School in Portland welcomed a distinguished delegation of international leaders, including Laurent Bili, French Ambassador to the United States; Noël Nelson Messone, Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic to the United States; and Martial Ndoubou, Ambassador of the Central African Republic to the United States. This event was made possible through a partnership with the French Institute for Culture and Education, whose Education and Cultural Project Manager, Marceau Crespo de Nogueira, invited schools in Maine to participate in this unique cultural exchange.

Organized in collaboration with the DeFranco Heritage Center and supported by the Maine Department of Education (DOE), this gathering brought together students, educators, and dignitaries to celebrate the rich heritage and connections within the Francophone community. This event highlighted the value of educational partnerships in fostering multicultural understanding and global citizenship.

Melanie Junkins, Multilingual and Bilingual Education Specialist at the Maine DOE, addressed the assembly, emphasizing the role of language learning in connecting cultures and communities.

“Language learning opens doors to connection and cultural exchange, and French holds a special place—both globally and here in Maine—bridging communities and fostering collaboration across continents,” Junkins said.

Junkins also highlighted Maine’s Seal of Biliteracy, which honors students who are proficient in two or more languages and represents the State’s dedication to multilingual education.

At the event, students and educators presented on French heritage initiatives and discussed the rising popularity of French language programs in Maine, which have seen substantial enrollment growth over the past decade. The ambassadors engaged with students through a Q&A session and shared insights into the roles of cultural ties in international relations.

Left to Right: Jane Armstrong, Maine DOE State ESOL Specialist; Martial Nboubou, Ambassador of the Central African Republic to the United States; Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships; Page Nichols, Maine DOE Chief of the Office of Innnovation Melanie Junkins, Maine DOE Multilingual and Bilingual Education Specialist; Noel Nelson Messone, Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic to the United States; and Charles Mugabe, Director of Refugee Services, Catholic Charities of Maine
Deering High School students speaking with Mr. Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States
Left to right: Melanie Junkins, Maine DOE Multilingual and Bilingual Education Specialist; Jane Armstrong, Maine DOE State ESOL Specialist; Mr. Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States; Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships; and Page Nichols, Maine DOE Chief of the Office of Innovation

As Maine continues to embrace multiculturalism, events like this serve as powerful reminders of the importance of language and cultural education in preparing students to be globally-engaged citizens.

For more information, please reach out to Maine DOE Multilingual and Bilingual State Specialist Melanie Junkins at Melanie.Junkins@maine.gov.

 

Boosting Content Knowledge with Readers’ Theater: Creating Engaging, Leveled Texts Using AI

Join Maine Department of Education (DOE) Arts Integration Teacher Leader Fellow Joshua Chard for an insightful webinar on leveraging readers’ theater to build reading fluency and increase content knowledge in the classroom. This session is perfect for educators looking to incorporate expressive reading to improve students’ oral fluency, comprehension, and confidence.

This session will also highlight how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to create scripts tailored to various reading levels, ensuring that all students are engaged and challenged appropriately. Teachers will gain practical tips for implementing readers’ theater and utilizing AI tools to customize materials. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with dynamic strategies to support diverse learners through engaging, leveled texts.

This webinar is ideal for educators who are new to using AI in the classroom. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your teaching toolkit!

For further information or questions, please contact Maine DOE Arts Integration Teacher Leader Fellow Joshua Chard at joshua.chard@maine.gov.

 

 

Informational Webinar About the Celebrating Rural Maine Project

Join the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning Interdisciplinary Instruction team for a 60-minute informational webinar about the Celebrating Rural Maine project. It’s scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Educators from grades pre-K-12 are welcome to attend.

The Celebrating Rural Maine project aims to engage rural teachers in a deep examination of Maine’s history with an interdisciplinary place-based approach. The goals of this three-part professional learning series are to:

  • Connect teachers with the Library of Congress’ rural interdisciplinary collections and other supporting organizations to situate local narratives in the larger human experience.
  • Support teachers in the design and implementation of works of public value that connect rural students to their community.

The theme for the first year of this project, slated to run from December of 2024 through the fall of 2025, is “The Geography of the Place We Now Call Maine”. Educators who participate will have an opportunity to connect with content experts, master teachers, and colleagues to explore Wabanaki and African American studies, outdoor learning and innovative teaching models, and climate education. Regina Holland, project manager at the National Council for History Education, will be a guest speaker.

Please click here to register for the Nov. 13 webinar. If you cannot make the live webinar, it will be recorded and posted to the Celebrating Rural Maine project webpage.

This series is hosted by the Maine DOE in partnership with the National Council for History Education. It is funded through the Library of Congress’ Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program.

For more details about the Celebrating Rural Maine project, please contact Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Jaime Beal at jaime.beal@maine.gov.

About the Teaching with Primary Sources Program

Since 2006, the Library of Congress has awarded Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) grants to build a nationwide network of organizations that deliver educational programming and create teaching materials and tools based on the Library’s digitized primary sources and other online resources. Each year, members of this network, called the TPS Consortium, support tens of thousands of learners to build knowledge, engagement, and critical thinking skills with items from the Library’s collections.

Additional Public Comment Period for Rule Chapter 132: Learning Results, Parameters for Essential Instruction 

During the Second Regular Session of the Maine Legislature, the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee declined to authorize the proposed social studies content standards of the Maine Learning Results. The Committee directed the Maine Department of Education (DOE) to reengage in the rulemaking process for the social studies standards. To that end, the Maine DOE reopened the 2024 Steering Committee and writing team conversations for the social studies standards.

On October 1, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) opened public comment on the proposed revisions to Rule Chapter 132, Learning Results: Parameters for Essential Instruction (Social Studies MLR). This public comment period concludes on October 31 at 5 p.m. To ensure ample opportunity for public participation, the Maine DOE is opening a second period of public comment, beginning on November 6 and concluding on December 6 at 5 p.m.  

A public hearing date is scheduled for November 25 from 4-6 p.m. in Room 103 A/B of the Cross Office Building, located at 111 Sewall Street in Augusta. As space is limited, participants are encouraged to attend virtually via Zoom using this link.

Written comments may be submitted via mail to Maine DOE Legislative Team member Laura Cyr, State House Station #23, Augusta, Maine 04333 or via email to laura.cyr@maine.gov until 5 p.m. on December 6.

The proposed revised Chapter 132 (Social Studies MLR) can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/doe/about/laws/rulechanges.

CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING: Laura Cyr at laura.cyr@maine.gov or 207-446-8791

Maine Celebrates Fourth Anniversary of Revolutionary School Resource Officer Training Program

This summer, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Maine School Safety Center hosted its annual School Resource Officer (SRO) Certification program for a fourth year. This training is a first-of-its-kind program that the State of Maine, along with its many partners and stakeholders, has been building from the ground up since 2021.

SRO training allows SROs to earn a certification or re-certification, based on common standards specific to police officers who work in schools. Maine’s SRO training is special because of its unique curriculum, which centers around the whole child. It is taught by current SROs and educators across Maine, and that provides instant access to mentors and collaborators for those entering the field.

“One of the highlights of having a Maine SRO co-teach each of our classes is that when they are finished, they will know around a dozen SROs in their area who can help them from the start,” Robert Susi, Maine School Safety Center Director, and a former Maine SRO of 30 years, said.

In 2020, the Maine Criminal Justice Academy contacted the Maine DOE to assist with the creation of a Maine SRO program as an alternative to the more-expensive National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) training. At the time, NASRO was the only option for police officers working in Maine schools.

The Maine School Safety Center and the Maine Criminal Justice Academy partnered to offer a training specific to Maine that would be more affordable for districts and local police departments. The goal was to provide programming responsive to the unique needs of Maine schools and students and to help improve the relationship between law enforcement, students, and their families.

“The curriculum had to be developed and then approved by the Board at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy,” said Susi, who has been at the helm of this initiative since the beginning. “The first class of Maine’s SRO training was in the summer of 2021.”

The training itself happens over a two-week period in the summer when participants visit the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro to engage in learning with instructors and presenters who specialize in areas like brain science and development, learning and emotional intelligence, trauma-informed practices, restorative practices, behavioral threat assessment, food insecurity, homelessness and McKinney-Vento policy, foster care, substance abuse, bullying (including cyberbullying), and teen suicide.

“SROs need to learn that they operate in the school as a resource, first and foremost,” Susi said. “This program is unique in that it is taught by a collaboration of Maine resources, with a decided focus on Maine issues and schools.”

“Integrating brain science and emotional intelligence into SRO training is critical for assisting officers with the knowledge and information needed to build trust, connection, and ‘felt safety’ with youth of all ages,” Maine DOE Social Emotional Learning Specialist Kellie Doyle Bailey said. “When officers understand the brain’s stress response and dysregulated nervous system states, they are better equipped to offer co-regulatory, trauma-informed de-escalation strategies.”

Participants also take classes on policymaking, building trust, mentoring, classroom management, responding to school threats, juvenile criminal law, and school emergency management. As SROs complete the training, they engage in group discussions with other SROs and content specialists about complex issues they encounter in their roles.

Maine DOE Behavioral Threat Assessment/Mental Health Coordinator Karen Barnes is a regular presenter at the training. She discusses instances when student distress may manifest in behaviors that indicate movement toward acts of violence.

Karen Barnes

“SROs learn how to recognize signs at the earliest point possible that a student may be on the pathway to violence and connect them with supports and services to remove them from that pathway,” Barnes said.

“Not only are we introducing police officers, who are new to the SRO role, to terms and principles like ‘social emotional learning’ and ‘brain science’;  we’re also sharing information on special education laws and topics like threat assessments,” Renee Bernard, an instructor of the program, as well as a long-time SRO and a police detective, said. “These are all relevant topics in our current school climates.”

The Maine DOE Maine School Safety Center and the Maine Criminal Justice Academy do the bulk of the coordinating for this training, but a number of other partners help to make it possible: the Maine DOE Offices of School and Student Supports and Special Services and Inclusive Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the York District Attorney, the Maine Department of Corrections, the Maine Department of Public Safety, Cumberland County Child Advocacy Center, the Maine Information and Analysis Center, and York Hospital. Local school administrators and current SROs also support the training every year by presenting and being available to trainees.

“This program, to me, represents what I think the foundation of police reform should rest on,” Deputy Justin Onofrio, the SRO for RSU 56, said.

A graduate of the program, Onofrio says this training helped him understand how mental health and childhood trauma directly impact behavior and the relevance of that dynamic to SROs and police officers.

“Having this insight into who and what motivates an individual to act in such an unregulated way provides so much in terms of de-escalation,” Onofrio said.

The Maine School Safety Center has incorporated feedback from current SROs and training participants over the years to expand and develop the program to meet Maine’s unique needs. One way they have changed the program is by bringing in current SROs from all backgrounds and regions of the state to help participants feel supported.

Participants who complete this course, as well as a six-month peer mentoring training program, are eligible for the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Certification as an SRO.

Since its inception, this program has trained, certified, and re-certified 68 SROs serving in Maine schools. It has also started to change the landscape of traditional relationships between Maine schools, students, and law enforcement by equipping SROs with the resources, knowledge, and support needed to help prevent school violence and to connect students and families with the support they need to thrive in Maine classrooms.

“If we are all working together toward the same goal, we have a much greater chance of supporting SROs in their roles,” said Barnes.

For more information about the School Resource Officer Certification program, contact Maine DOE Assistant Director of the Maine School Safety Center Jeff Upton at jeffrey.upton@maine.gov.

Career and Technical Education Educators Honored for Excellence

Recently, Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education (MACTE) and Maine Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE-ME) announced the recipients of their 2024 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Excellence Awards at the annual CTE conference held in Lewiston.

The CTE Excellence Awards recognize outstanding work and dedication in career and technical education in Maine. Awardees are selected for their exceptional contributions to the success of CTE through high-quality work, dedication to their students and their craft, and involvement within the CTE community.

CTE New Teacher of the Year

Adam FernaldAdam Fernald
Waldo County Technical Center
Employability Skills Program and STRIVE Program Instructor

Adam Fernald’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment has not gone unnoticed. Since joining Waldo County Technical Center, Fernald has demonstrated an unwavering passion for the program and a genuine care for student success. His ability to integrate real-world applications with academic concepts has enhanced students’ educational experiences and inspired them to pursue their goals confidently and enthusiastically.

The impact Fernald has made in such a short period of time is truly remarkable. His colleagues speak highly of his collaborative spirit, willingness to share best practices, and proactive professional development approach. Fernald’s impressive ability to adapt and thrive, continuously seeking new ways to improve and innovate, is a testament to his dedication and growth mindset.

“He was one of the best teachers I have ever had,” said one of Fernald’s students. “He is kind and respectful and would help anyone if needed. I will carry what I learned in this class for the rest of my schooling and adulthood. I feel he will help this class and many others.”

CTE Teacher of the Year

Roland GodboutRoland Godbout
Oxford Hills Technical School (Region 11)
Law Enforcement Instructor

Roland Godbout joined Oxford Hills Technical School (OHTS) in November of 2021 to become a Law Enforcement instructor. As a retiree of the Lewiston Police Department, with nearly 30 years of service, Godbout stepped into a struggling program at OHTS, which had two instructors in fewer than two years. Further complicating Roland’s transition into teaching was the hybrid instruction model used at OHTS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Godbout set to work, taking classes to earn his teaching certification. Before long, he had utilized the experienced staff at OHTS and his wealth of contacts in law enforcement to rebuild the program. During the 2022-2023 school year, students returned to full in-person instruction, and there was an uptick in student enrollment in the OHTS Law Enforcement program.

Moving into the next school year, student enrollment continued to expand, as students heard about the engaging activities available in the OHTS Law Enforcement classes. Students in the program were exposed to a multitude of experiences beyond the classroom, such as drills and practice scenarios with local police officers, visits to federal border patrol offices in Rangeley, opportunities to attend the Maine Police Academy graduation ceremonies, and interactive sessions with the law enforcement students and instructors at Central Maine Community College. Godbout also facilitated countless community service projects, ranging from traffic control to youth outreach.

CTE Lifetime Achievement Award

Thomas HustonTom Huston
Caribou Technology Center
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Instructor

As a state finalist for a past Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year award, Tom Huston is among the best when it comes to excellence in CTE instruction. The Maine Department of Motor Vehicles has also commended his program for its exemplary standards, highlighting Huston’s effectiveness and dedication.

Few educators have made as profound an impact as Huston has over his 25 years in career and technical education. His career, marked by unparalleled dedication, innovation, and compassion, is a testament to the transformative power of teaching.

Tom’s CDL class has been a haven for students written off by traditional educational systems.

“Many of these students, facing expulsion or legal troubles, have found in [Tom Huston] a mentor who not only educates but also inspires,” said a spokesperson from Caribou Technology Center. “Through his guidance, students develop a thirst for knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose. Tom’s teaching goes beyond merely imparting technical skills; he equips his students with the confidence and motivation to succeed in life. His record speaks for itself—every student who has taken his course has successfully passed the State commercial driving test, a testament to his exceptional teaching abilities.”

CTE Administrator of the Year

Rob CallahanRob Callahan
Lewiston Regional Technology Center
CTE Director

Rob Callahan’s staff at Lewiston Regional Technical Center nominated him for the CTE Administrator of the Year Award—and did so with much excitement. They believe Rob is deserving of this recognition and were eager to help provide information and personal stories for the nomination. Thatquick response is a testament to Callahan’s leadership abilities and, more importantly, his leadership style, which is a direct result of the quality person that he is.

According to a former assistant director of the school, Callahan has a style of “servant leadership”, which means that as a leader, he always pitches in when something needs to be done; no job or person is beneath him; and he leads with compassion, character, and competence.

Callahan’s dedication to excellence, his ability to inspire and motivate students and staff, and his relentless pursuit of innovation have set a high standard for CTE leadership. His contributions have elevated his institution and had a profound impact on the broader educational community in Maine.

Rob Callahan has served as CTE Director at Lewiston Regional Technical Center for 17 years, during which he has significantly transformed the school’s CTE programs. His forward-thinking approach and dedication to student success have resulted in remarkable achievements.

Callahan is a passionate advocate for CTE at both the state and national levels. He has actively participated in policy discussions, contributed to educational forums, and shared best practices with fellow educators. His leadership has influenced positive changes in CTE policies and funding, benefiting students and educators across the state.

The CTE Excellence Awards are administered through Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education (MACTE) and the Maine Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE-ME). Each recipient will advance to the regional level for a chance to progress to the national level through the National Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE). You can find descriptions of these awards on ACTE’s website.

MaineHousing Seeking Proposals from Maine SAUs for Homelessness Prevention Funding

The Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing) is seeking proposals from school administrative units (SAUs) in Maine interested in hiring a Homelessness Prevention and Housing Navigation Specialist. This position is designed to assist students and families in maintaining their current housing and in obtaining new housing that meets their needs.

SAUs may also apply for Direct Financial Assistance Payments, which are provided to families utilizing the Student Homelessness Prevention Pilot.

Proposals are due by Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 at 5 p.m. You can review the notice for funding assistance and the application process here.

Please note that the Maine DOE will not be overseeing this housing initiative. All questions related to the notice for funding assistance should please be directed to MaineHousing’s Lauren Bustard at studenthomelessnessrfp@mainehousing.org by Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 at 5 p.m.

 

REMINDER: Seeking Public Comment on Chapter 115 – the Credentialing of Education Personnel

The Maine State Board of Education is conducting conversations with the public about Rule Chapter 115: The Credentialing of Educational Personnel, from August through December. Resolve 2024, Chapter 137 directed the State Board of Education to amend Rule Chapter 115, with special attention to sections related to the State Board of Education’s report submitted to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs in 2023.  

The State Board of Education intends to take the following steps with respect to review of these rules: 

  1. Begin speaking with experts in the field 
  2. Revise necessary sections of Chapter 115 
  3. Invite public feedback on the revisions 
  4. File updated rule 
  5. Engage with Legislative oversight of the rule 

The State Board of Education will hold several regional meetings focused on ideas and goals related to certification regulations in a general sense. These meetings will also focus on specific sections of Chapter 115 and will provide invaluable feedback to the State Board. In addition, the State Board of Education’s Certification and Higher Education Committee will provide time within the established meeting schedule to receive public feedback on Rule Chapter 115.  

 Remaining dates for these meetings are as follows. For the Zoom link, please email Emily Cummins.

  • November 20, 2024: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
  • December 18, 2024: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Taking into consideration the insights gained from all of these discussions, the State Board of Education will propose updates to Rule Chapter 115 and begin the Maine Administrative Procedures Act (A.P.A.) routine technical rule process pursuant to Title 5 MRS §8052 (public notice of filing, public hearing, open public comment period). Once the proposed rule has been filed, the public will be notified of the scheduled public hearing and comment period.  This will be an opportunity to provide written and oral comments regarding the proposed rules. The State Board of Education will review all comments and respond accordingly.  Updates to the rules will then be submitted for review as to form and legality and legislative oversight before final adoption.    

For more information and updates, check the State Board of Education webpage. 

For more information about the conceptual conversations for Rule Chapter 115, contact Laura Cyr at laura.cyr@maine.gov.