Category: Newsroom Articles

Maine Solutionaries Project Celebrates Success and a Bright Future Ahead

Every day, communities encounter new challenges that bring with them opportunities to make a positive impact. Since 2024, the Maine Solutionaries Project, a groundbreaking collaboration between the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Institute for Humane Education (IHE), has been working to address situations like these through the educational sphere.

The Solutionaries Project is an initiative that the Maine DOE’s Interdisciplinary Instruction team has spearheaded, reflecting a commitment to innovative and impactful educational practices. To date, 255 teachers and 7,500 students – hailing from all sixteen of Maine’s counties – have participated in Solutionaries Projects, and future enrollment numbers are increasing daily.

Far from being yet another “thing” for teachers to work into their lessons, the Solutionaries Project is a framework built to empower students through critical thinking skills and solution-driven, inquiry-to-action projects. Students define a problem, research the underlying issues, identify the people concerned, and create a practical and workable solution for it. Examples include everything from food waste to human rights and equity.

On Sunday, December 15, 2024, educators, change-makers, scientists, artists, and community members gathered at IHE’s home base in Surry, Maine to celebrate how the Solutionaries Project applies to the real world.

Kicking off the celebration, New York Times journalist Andy Revkin spoke about his decades as a climate reporter and how he has seen the changing environmental status of the globe reflected in the work emerging from student involvement within the Solutionaries Project. Revkin spoke at length about the importance of empowering future generations to better understand the issues facing them and make new choices.

Notable artist and humanitarian Robert Shetterly also lauded the program. The creator of Americans Who Tell the Truth spoke about the world influencers he has interviewed and the connections in philosophy to the work being done through the Solutionaries Project.

Julie Meltzer
Andy Revkin, New York Times
Zoe Weil
Robert Shetterly

“The needs facing students today are increasingly pressing and complex,” Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Team Leader Kathy Bertini said. “Students deserve an education that equips them. Thoughtful and deliberate instruction in inquiry to action is critical. The Solutionaries framework is an invaluable tool for giving teachers and students access to that way of thinking and problem-solving.”

“I would recommend this program to anyone looking to incorporate out-of-the-box, responsive teaching into their curriculum; to anyone looking to motivate and encourage students to change our world for the better,” Erika Leighton, a teacher at Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School in Brunswick, said.

The Maine Solutionaries Project is continuing into 2025, offering multiple cohorts – including cohorts that focus on integrating literacy and numeracy throughout the Solutionaries Framework.

To learn more about the upcoming Maine Solutionaries Project cohorts, please visit the Maine DOE Newsroom. You may also contact Kathy Bertini at Kathy.Bertini@maine.gov or Erik Wade, Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist at Erik.Wade@maine.gov.

The Interdisciplinary Instruction team is a part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning.

Grants for Afterschool and Summer Learning Programs Now Available; Applications Due April 2, 2025

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the release of a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids from organizations interested in implementing comprehensive afterschool and summer learning programs in 2025-2026. It is anticipated that roughly $2.5 million will be available to issue grant awards this spring.

Authorized under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Act of 2015, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program provides competitive grant funding to support before school, after school, and summer learning programs that focus on improving the academic performance of students in pre-K through grade 12.

The primary purpose of the 21st CCLC program is to provide funding for school and community partnerships that establish or expand community learning center programs. These programs provide students in high-need, economically-disadvantaged communities with academic tutoring and enrichment opportunities, designed to complement their school-day academic program. In addition, these programs can provide a broad array of additional support services related to overall student health and well-being.

Local 21st CCLC programs – which can be located in elementary schools, secondary schools, or similarly-accessible community facilities – provide high-quality support services to students during non-school hours. As such, these programs also support working parents and families by providing safe, supportive learning environments for students at times when school is not normally in session.

The request for proposal (RFP), which includes information regarding eligibility, program requirements, and more, is available on the Maine Office of Procurement Services website (Search for RFP #202412216.)

An informational webinar for this RFP will also be posted to the Maine DOE Grants4ME website on January 22, 2025. It is strongly recommended that interested organizations view this presentation in its entirety prior to submitting a proposal for 21st CCLC program funding.

Below is the anticipated timeline for the Maine DOE current 21st CCLC grant competition:

  • January 8, 2025 – RFP released to public
  • January 22, 2025 – informational webinar posted online
  • February 5, 2025 – deadline for submission of questions in response to RFP
  • February 26, 2026 – interested organizations submit intent to apply form
  • April 2, 2025 – proposal deadline
  • April 2025 – formal peer review of proposals
  • May 2025 – grant award notifications
  • July 1, 2025 – grant award start date

Please be advised that the dates above are subject to change. Interested organizations must consult the RFP document for the most accurate dates and deadlines regarding this opportunity.

For more information about the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Program, please contact State Coordinator Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov.

Quarter 2 Reports Open: Attendance, Behavior, Bullying, Truancy

Attendance, Behavior, Bullying, and Truancy reports for Quarter 2 (October, November, and December) are now open. Validation of these reports is due on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

These reports must be reviewed and validated. Superintendent validation is required for all quarterly reporting.

Software issues in Quarter 1 prevented Daily Attendance from loading into NEO reports; therefore, Quarter 1 validation will be included in the Quarter 2 validation period for both Daily Attendance and Truancy, so data listed in this report for Attendance and Truancy must include all data from July 1 to December 31.

Reporting resources:

For questions about quarterly reporting, please contact MEDMS.Support@maine.gov or call 207-624-6896.

 

Rescheduled Webinar: Creative Connections – Showcasing Student Artwork in the Community

Discover practical strategies for displaying student art in public spaces to celebrate creativity and strengthen community ties. This engaging webinar, hosted by Maine Department of Education (DOE) Arts Integration Teacher Leader Fellow Joshua Chard, will explore ideas like partnering with local businesses, hosting gallery nights, creating murals, and using digital displays to highlight student talent.

Participants will benefit from:

  • Real-world examples and tips for successful implementation.
  • Interactive discussions to inspire innovative approaches.
  • A downloadable checklist for actionable insights.

This session is designed for educators, administrators, and community leaders seeking to promote youth creativity and engagement. Joshua Chard will be joined by special guest Emily Serway, a National Board Certified Art Educator, to share expertise and inspiration.

Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 Wednesday, February 27, 2025
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Location: Join online via Zoom here. (No preregistration is required.)

Bring student art into your community with confidence and creativity. Don’t miss this opportunity!

The Teacher Leader Fellow Program is part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. For further information, please contact Joshua Chard at joshua.chard@maine.gov.

 

Webinar: Discover the Power of Classroom Maker Spaces

Join Maine Department of Education (DOE) Arts Integration Teacher Leader Fellow Joshua Chard for a 45-minute webinar, designed to inspire and equip educators with tools to create dynamic classroom maker spaces. Explore how these spaces can spark creativity, foster critical thinking, and enhance student engagement.

You will learn:

  • Practical tips for setting up and organizing maker spaces, including budgeting, sourcing materials, and maintaining a safe and engaging environment.
  • Strategies to integrate maker projects into the curriculum across grade levels with hands-on, cross-curricular activities.
  • Best practices for classroom management, fostering collaboration, and assessing student work in maker-focused settings.

This session will conclude with a Q&A segment, offering personalized guidance, resources, and actionable next steps to bring these ideas to life in your classroom.

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your classroom into a hub of innovation and creativity!

Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Time: 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

Join the webinar via Zoom here. (There is no need to register in advance.)

The Teacher Leader Fellow Program is part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. For more information, please contact Joshua Chard at joshua.chard@maine.gov.

Webinar: Maine Civics Network – Join the Conversation!

Did you know that Maine has a Civics Network? Join Breanna Bellefontaine-Krupski, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Civics Teacher Leader Fellow, as she hosts the Maine Civics Network’s steering committee member Todd West for a webinar.

Todd will share updates about the important work the network is doing across the state, goals for growing the network, and details about an exciting professional development series launching this winter and spring.

If you’re interested in learning more about this organization, how to get involved, or how to sign up for the spring professional development sessions, we invite you to join us on Tuesday, January 7 at 4 p.m. via Zoom.

No pre-registration is required. Simply use this link to join the session.

The Teacher Leader Fellow Program is part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. For further information, please contact Breanna Bellefontaine-Krupski at breanna.krupski@maine.gov.

Afterhours Zoom Sessions Available for the Celebrating Rural Maine Project

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction team is excited to announce three Afterhours Sessions for the Celebrating Rural Maine project, presented in partnership with the National Council for History Education (NCHE). These interactive sessions will feature guest speakers and educators exploring three topics related to this year’s theme: Geography of the Place We Now Call Maine. These sessions are open to all Maine educators.

Event details:

  • January 9, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Bri Lolar, Maine DOE Wabanaki Specialist, discusses intellectual property and primary sources. Register here.
  • January 21, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Learn more about rural representation in primary sources with Dr. Deb Reid of the Henry Ford Museum and Dr. Pam Riney-Kehrberg of Iowa State University. Register here.
  • February 6, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Explore how primary sources can support and bridge content areas. Register here.

Who should attend: pre-K-12 educators and administrators, museum educators, and librarians

The Celebrating Rural Maine project is a free, three-part professional learning series designed to help rural educators explore Maine’s history through an interdisciplinary lens. By connecting history with broader disciplines, the program focuses on the Library of Congress’ rural interdisciplinary collections and other resources, situating Maine’s local stories within the larger human experience. Participants will receive support in designing and implementing community-connected projects that bring value to rural students and their communities.

This series includes online asynchronous, online synchronous, and site-based learning opportunities, all offered at no cost, providing a unique opportunity to deepen understanding of Maine’s past and future, while fostering meaningful connections between students and their rural communities.

The Interdisciplinary Instruction team is part of the Maine DOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning. For more information, please contact Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Jaime Beal at jaime.beal@maine.gov or NCHE Program Manager Regina Holland at regina@ncheteach.org

This opportunity is funded through the Library of Congress’ Teaching with Primary Sources program and is presented in partnership with the National Council for History Education.

Register Now for the 2025 Maine Winter Classic Student Event in March

Registration is now open for the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) 2025 Maine Winter Classic student event, put on by the department’s Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). This event will be held the week of March 3, 2025. It is open to all MLTI school administrative units (SAUs), and thousands of students of all ages from across the state are expected to participate.

This is the second year that MLTI has hosted this event, which effectively replaced the MLTI Virtual Student Conference. The Maine Winter Classic provides an interactive game-based learning experience for students, as they “travel” around Maine on a virtual gameboard, completing a variety of tasks, earning tokens, and learning about topics like computer science, digital citizenship, digital design, and gamification.

Those interested in learning more can access the overview materials from the 2024 Maine Winter Classic, as well as a variety of support resources. MLTI also asks that all participating staff please watch this recorded session before the 2025 event.

Registration is free, and all materials will be provided. MLTI strongly recommends that teams register prior to January 3 to ensure they receive their materials (including MLTI t-shirts) before the big week! MLTI will accept registrations after this date but cannot guarantee t-shirts and materials for late registrations.

2025 Maine Winter Classic

The Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) is part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. For questions about the Maine Winter Classic or other MLTI student conferences, please contact MLTI Project Manager Bethany Billinger at bethany.billinger@maine.gov.

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.