RISE Award Nominations Open. Nominate an Extraordinary Classified School Employee Today!

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) invites students, friends, families, community members, educational organizations or associations, co-workers, and supervisors to nominate school employees for the RISE Award.  Anyone can nominate!

In collaboration with Maine Governor Janet T. Mills and the U.S. Department of Education, Maine DOE is now accepting nominations for the Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award. This federal award, passed by Congress and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education, is intended to honor and promote classified school employees who provide exemplary service. Nominees must demonstrate excellence in: Work performance; School and community involvement; Leadership and commitment; Local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work); and Enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and in schools.

A classified school employee is defined as an employee who works in any of the following occupational specialties: paraprofessional (ed tech), clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades (pre-kindergarten through high school).

The Maine Department of Education will put forth up to two finalists to the U.S. Department of Education.  The U.S. Department of Education will select one finalist from across the United States to inspire excellence among classified school employees around the nation.

The deadline to submit a nomination is October 20, 2023. Nominate today by clicking here.

Healthy Acadia ELO Coordinator Creating Opportunities for Rural Washington County Students

As an Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Coordinator, Healthy Acadia’s Corrie Hunkler has led a pilot to expand the organization’s youth employment and career exploration programs while creating ELO opportunities for students in the coastal Washington County region. The project aims to create and promote ELO opportunities by developing new and existing partnerships with community-based organizations and local high schools.

As part of this initiative, Hunkler has worked with several high schools to support and develop their ELO programs and offerings. At Narraguagus High School, Hunkler assisted with the creation of a Learning Korean and Photography ELO for alternative education students. She collaborated with students at Jonesport-Beals High School and community mentors to create Sports Management and Dental Hygienist ELOs. Students at Jonesport-Beals are also offered several formal ELO courses including Career Exploration, Cultural Explorations, Community Service Learning, and Fishing Industry Exploration and Innovations.

Through Community Service Learning at Jonesport-Beals, high school juniors and seniors got the opportunity to mentor students at a local elementary school. This experience allowed the student mentors to build relationships with the younger students while also learning about goal setting and community service.

Under Hunkler’s leadership, this pilot has expanded and brought awareness to local ELO programs and opportunities. “I love working with kids, helping them develop deeper, more meaningful ways to expand their education,” said Hunkler. “I love that ELOs help connect schools to communities and use these connections to enrich and expand the learning opportunities for small, rural schools.”

Hunkler would like to thank the students and school leaders she has partnered with throughout this project.

Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) are hands-on, credit-bearing courses outside of the traditional classroom, emphasizing community-based career exploration. These opportunities are personalized for students and help them explore options for their professional lives. They help students engage in learning through instruction, assignments, and experiential learning. The Maine Department of Education (DOE), along with state-wide partner Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG), have made a concerted effort to provide working models, support, and funding opportunities for Maine schools to set up ELO programs within their school communities. To learn more about Maine’s initiatives with extended learning opportunities, visit: https://www.maine.gov/doe/index.php/learning/elo or reach out to Maine DOE ELO Coordinator Rick Wilson at rick.wilson@maine.gov.

Maine DOE MLTI Ambassador Program Welcomes Five New Distinguished Educators

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Ambassador program is expanding to include five additional distinguished educators.

MLTI Ambassadors are distinguished educators, on loan from their school for two years, to bring their expertise and experience as a resource and partner with MLTI.

The Ambassador program is a signature program of MLTI 2.0. The full team of ten Ambassadors will deliver professional learning experiences and provide instructional coaching to MLTI-participating schools.

Chris Beckwith

Chris Beckwith comes to the MLTI Team from Reeds Brook Middle School, where he served as a technology integrator. A 30-year veteran with a Masters in Instructional Technology, Chris has taught technology, computer science, science, mathematics and health. Prior to his time in RSU22, Chris worked at the James Doughty School and Ellsworth Middle/High School. He has also run summer camp classes at the Maine School of Mathematics and Science (MSSM) for ten years. He is currently part of the DOE’s CSI program and has participated in both CS Ed Showcases. Chris is passionate about robotics, 3D design, drones, and AR/VR and has shared these topics and others at state and regional conferences. Chris is an avid Star Wars fan and lives in Hampden.

Jeff Ireland

Jeff Ireland comes to the MLTI Team from Oak Hill Middle School in Sabattus, where he served as a 5th/6th grade STEM teacher. A 27-year veteran with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Jeff worked for 10 years as a late elementary level teacher followed by 10 years as a building assistant principal and principal before returning the classroom to teach fifth grade. He has spent his entire career in the same school system, RSU4 (formerly School Union 44). Jeff is also a Registered Maine Guide and Professional Fly Casting Instructor. He is married to an elementary school teacher, is the proud grandfather of two, and lives in Wayne.

Gwyneth Maguire

Gwyneth Maguire comes to the MLTI Team from Old Orchard Beach High School, where she served as a library/media specialist and technology integrator. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Technology from Boston College and a Library Media Endorsement from Central Washington University. A 25-year veteran, Gwyneth has taught in both public schools, including Cape Elizabeth and MSAD60, as well as Department of Defense Schools. She was previously the ACTEM Conference Co-Chair and continues to serve on the Conference Committee. Gwyneth was called the district’s “MVP” by her superintendent for her ability to connect staff to appropriate tech, produce useful tutorials, and help with systematic organization of tech during COVID. She has worked with adults of all skill levels and backgrounds through positions at the Department of Defense, The Cape Courier, and the Portland Dioceses, as well as EdTech professional learning contractors. Gwyneth lives in Cape Elizabeth.

Donna Netzer

Donna Netzer comes to the MLTI Team from Princeton Elementary School, where she served as the math teacher for grades 6-8. A 15-year veteran, Donna holds a Masters of Education with focus on Special Populations (Trauma-informed). In her small school, Donna has worn many hats – math instructional coach, trauma coach, local teacher’s association president and running a PK-8 tech club. Princeton Elementary was the school she attended and it is where she has worked for her entire career and she is particularly proud of the national Pegasus Award for Princeton’s work on positive school culture. Donna is well respected in her school and in the Washington county region as someone who makes technology happen through writing grants, organizing training and building carts. She recently participated in the DOE’s CSI program. She lives in Princeton.

Aaron “AJ” Rog

Aaron “AJ” Rog comes to the MLTI Team from the Lyman Moore School in Portland, where he serves as Computer Science teacher and technology instructional coach. A 27-year veteran with a Masters of Education in Technology, AJ has spent most of his career working in Portland Schools. In addition to computer science and technology integration, AJ spearheaded an iPad initiative at elementary level. Prior to teaching in Maine, AJ taught in Las Vegas for 12 years, working in grades 3-5 and later grades 6-8. He has done a lot of computer science training of other educators through CSTA Maine and Project>Login. Outside of school, AJ is a longtime swimming coach and is currently the Head Coach of Seacoast Swim Club in Cumberland. AJ lives in Cumberland with his wife Alexis.

The Maine DOE’s Learning Through Technology Team works hand-in-hand with the MLTI Ambassadors to support the MLTI professional learning plan in addition to the many other components of MLTI. For more information about MLTI 2.0, please contact Project Manager Bethany Billinger (bethany.billinger@maine.gov). To work with the MLTI Ambassadors, please contact MLTI Ambassador Program Facilitator Jonathan R. Werner (jonathan.werner@maine.gov).

Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) to Host New Library Staff Affinity Session on 10/5

School librarians are leaving the profession, nationwide and in Maine. Yet we know the impact of school librarians on student learning and growth, particularly during the pandemic — and how a certified school librarian prepares students for their post-secondary success.

The Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) is a professional community for all school library staff whose members access free, ongoing professional development, scholarship opportunities for continued learning, members-only resources, mentoring, and support. With a modest annual membership fee of $25, MASL connects, uplifts, and supports school library staff across our state.

MASL is hosting a “Newbie” Affinity Session on October 5th at 7:00 pm via Zoom, suitable for new hires in libraries, new school librarians or library ed techs, anyone who has transitioned from the classroom to a library, or a staff member who is juggling multiple roles (including a library assignment), or just anyone who still feels “new” at their job in a Maine school library!

“Send all the new school library folks our way,” says Iris Eichenlaub, chair of MASL’s Mentoring Committee, “as the lonely-onlies in our buildings (or district), connecting with the Maine school librarian professional community is how we keep more librarians in Maine schools.”

For more information or further questions, reach out to maslibraries@gmail.com.

Applications Open for Comprehensive Electronic Health Record Pilot Grant Program – Request for Applications (RFA #202305111)

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is accepting applications from school administrative units (SAUs), publicly supported secondary schools, and Education in the Unorganized Territory (EUT) that meet eligibility requirements stated in RFA# 202305111 as an ongoing open application period.

Using American Rescue Plan, and state reservation funds, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) will cover the costs of implementing a comprehensive electronic health record of up to $6000 which includes a nominal stipend for an SAU designated EHR champion. This widespread pilot aims to show that maintaining an electronic health record is beneficial to both local schools and the State of Maine as it will increase the efficiency of services provided, decrease the burden of reporting health data, allow for data-informed decisions and policy, and increase revenue possibilities with MaineCare.

Proposals submitted that meet the requirements will be accepted on a first-come, first served basis until funds are no longer available or by May 31, 2024.

Eligible school administrative units that are interested in the Comprehensive Electronic Health Record Pilot Grant Program opportunity may access the application and the previously released question/answer document through the Grant RFPs and RFAs webpage.

All questions about the Comprehensive Electronic Health Record Pilot RFA should be submitted to the Grant Coordinator: Emily Poland, Office of School and Student Supports, Emily.Poland@Maine.gov

Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative: Maine Students’ Forestry and Recreation Careers Blossom Thanks to Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters Summer Program

Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, in partnership with the Katahdin Learning Project and numerous local outdoors-oriented organizations, facilitated multiple summer experiences for 217 youth grades 6-12 from the Katahdin Region and beyond this summer as part of the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative.

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative was launched by the Maine Department of Education in 2022 at the request of Governor Mills with the goal of expanding student access to hands-on, immersive experiences allowing them to explore while learning in Maine’s beautiful bounty of natural resources. Summer 2022 focused on coastal education and career exploration opportunities; this year the Initiative was expanded to include inland forestry opportunities. More than 1,000 middle and high school students participated in programs across Maine this past summer.

Through the programs offered by the Katahdin Learning Project, a program of the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, career development conversations took place during hiking, camping, paddling, and mountain biking trips across the region. During their excursions, students got to experience hiking, biking, fishing, camping, outdoor cooking, canoeing, wading, stargazing, team building, plant identification, career discussions, fire-starting, and more!

After spending time outdoors engaged in these activities, one student remarked, “I make better decisions, my brain feels much more clear. I’ve started to ride my bike. And you get to appreciate nature and see beautiful views.”

Pictures from a day hike this summer:

During their summer programs, students also engaged in career-related conversations with Maine professionals from logging and outdoor recreation businesses and nonprofits, exposing them to multiple support networks, and enabling them to understand possible next steps in their forestry or recreation careers.

“I truly have learned a lot, and I’ve been able to reflect on my abilities, passions, hobbies, and think about exactly what career would fit me best,” said one high school participant. “I have never thought about a future career path in that sense before.”

“Students have formed lifelong connections to their place and the people in it,” said Kala Rush, Education Director for Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters. Rush explains that some youth arrived at their summer programs unaware of how to explore their interests or were hesitant to initiate career-related conversations. Many arrived knowing little about Maine’s vast and varied woods and backwoods. Through career discussions along a hiking trail or on a paddling trip, they strengthened bonds with not only the lands and waters of Maine but importantly, the people whose careers are based on forest stewardship and outdoor recreation.

Pictures from an overnight paddle this summer:

A key tenet of The Katahdin Learning Project is the support of students along varied developmental pathways. It is hoped that by combining outdoor adventures with career discussion and mentorship, students develop a love for the outdoors and a desire to grow and thrive as individuals. Katahdin Learning Project students are able to begin their next school year with knowledge, experiences, support, and connections critical for making decisions about their next steps in life.

“I want to go to college to work just like you guys,” said one of the elementary students who participated.

“We now have multiple young adults who want to continue with additional training and head into a career in the outdoor industry,” said Rush. “They know who to reach out to in their community and feel well-supported.” The summer 2023 programming provided participants with a great breadth of new experiences, connections, and resources for their personal, academic, and career futures.”

Looking ahead, The Katahdin Learning Project hopes that students who participated in the summer career exploration program return to their schools comfortable and ready to share their experiences while staying connected to summer leaders and co-participants.

Community organizations collaborating with Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters included The Katahdin Gear Library, Katahdin Area Trails, The Outdoor Sports Institute, Skowhegan Outdoors, and Syntiro, a Maine-based nonprofit that provides professional development and services, focusing on career exploration, and promoting equity and social justice.

Pictures from an overnight hike this summer:

A project of the Maine Department of Education, The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, was offered to middle and high school students during the summers of 2022 and 2023. The summer programs provided opportunities for students across Maine to participate in either marine and coastal ecology or inland forestry experiences allowing and encouraging them to learn about and interact with nature through hands-on, interactive projects and experiences. Career exploration opportunities that connect them to Maine-based industries were a key component of all programming.

Governor Mills’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Program funds received from the US Department of Education supported the implementation of this project. The $1.3 million dollar project was fully funded with GEER funds to support The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the USDOE or the U.S. Government.

Read more about the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative and see a listing of summer programs. To learn about more outdoor education initiatives and opportunities provided by the Maine DOE  visit our website.

Maine Educators Provide Valuable Input Through Maine Educational Assessments Panels

The Maine Department of Education wishes to extend a special thank you to the Maine educators who recently participated in educator panels across the Maine Educational Assessments: Maine Through Year, Maine Science, Multi-State Alternate Assessment, and WIDA ACCESS for ELLs.

Below is a list of panels and the dates they were held:

Multi-State Alternate Assessment, Item Review Committee, June 2023
MSAA Science, Standard Setting, July 2023
Maine Science Assessment, Rangefinding, July 2023
Maine Through Year Assessment, Alignment Study and Embedded Standard Setting, July 2023
WIDA ACCESS for ELLs, Online Forms Review August 2023
Maine Through Year Assessment, Content & Bias Review, August 2023

The expertise of Maine educators is critical to the development of the state’s assessments. Their engagement ensures that Maine continues to strive towards high standards and achievement for all Maine students. Many thanks to the following panelists for sharing their time and expertise during this review!

Below are the names of educators pictured above, listed from left to right:

Row 1: Mark Dennett, Kelley Wallace, Morgan Brewer, Melanie Bowlus, Abbey Trask, Rachel Ahearn, Nicole Lemay
Row 2: Travis Michaud, Amanda West, Lisa Russell, Lacey Todd, Brian Rounds, Christina O’Grady, Erin McGuan
Row 3: Amy Tucker, Melanie Duran, Sarah Collins, Tricia Alley, Misty Favreau, Jennifer England, Karen Galella
Row 4: Karen Laliberte, Amy Mousseau, Michelle DeBlois, Jenny Chichocki-Perry, Stacy Del Gallo, Michelle Hayward, Emily Darby
Row 5: Wendy Dunbar, Tammy Craig, Teresa Sinclair, Anne Tibbets

Below are the names of educators who participated but are not pictured:

Andrea Bozzino, Kailie Bascom, Ann Kenny, Barbara Marshall, Katherine Miller, Victoria Kasper, Autumn Pepin, Machaela Howatt, James Skrabak, Daniel Magas, Michelle Reynolds, Elizabeth Ross, Tamara Flewelling, Kerry Lathrop, Paula Cole, Misty Houlsen, Melanie Ruark, JoDell Torrey, Melissa Adams, Lori Smith, Molly Perry, Melissa Arbour, Karen Mayo, Sharon Pelkey, MaryAnn Wheeler, Kristina Swensen, Nicole Ellis, Diana Iwaszkiewicz Carson, Danielle Pouzol, Francine Young, April Flagg, Sara Crabtree, Scott Bickerstaff, Shannon Scribner, Juliet Tinckham, Ian Campbell, Amanda Boynton, Megan Moyniham, Kaitlyn Silva, Patricia Adams, Kate Greeley, Fallyn Adams, Linda Ross, Melanie Slocum, Rachel Larrabee, Melanie Doran, Rebecca Eugley

13th Annual Maine PBIS Conference

Join us to celebrate, learn, and network with PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) leaders and implementers from across Maine and beyond to enhance the quality of life of students by promoting evidence-based and effective positive behavior supports to realize socially valid and equitable outcomes for people, families, schools, agencies, and communities.

Thursday, November 9, 2023
Augusta Civic Center
9:00 AM until 3:45 PM

Registration Cost:

General (individual)- $195
Group (groups of 3 or more attendees)- $165
Student (full-time undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in 6 credits per semester for at minimum 2 semesters per year)- $85
Lead Presenter (those accepted to present; only lead presenters are at no charge; co-presenters will be charged the individual rate)- $0

Keynote Speaker:

Lindsay Fallon, Ph.D., BCBA-D is an Associate Professor and Director of the School Psychology Ph.D. Program in the College of Education and Human Development at University of Massachusetts Boston. She is a former New York City special education teacher and special education faculty member. She is a licensed psychologist and a doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has authored over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and has presented her work nearly 150 times at international, national and regional conferences. Her work focuses on multi-tiered systems of support, behavioral interventions, implementation science, as well as culturally responsive practice. She works extensively with school districts to design and implement positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) in and around Boston.

Register here.

Questions regarding the conference or proposal submissions may be directed to: Courtney Angelosante (courtney.angelosante@maine.edu) and Sarah Wilkinson (sarah.wilkinson@maine.edu)

Application Deadline Extended for ConCEPT Asynchronous Professional Learning Opportunity

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is piloting a program designed to support educators throughout the state with professional learning that is practical and flexible.

Conceptual Classroom and Educational Programs for Teachers (ConCEPT) is focused on providing professional learning to educators across Maine through asynchronous evidence-based modules, topic-driven office hours, asynchronous book studies, and customized support from the Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction team. ConCEPT offers a menu of choices for educators to choose from that can be tailored to your team’s goals. ConCEPT is completely free to Maine educators. Contact hours and reimbursement for planning purposes outside the regular contracted day are available.

Set up a time to have a conversation by making a request through this link.

To learn more about ConCEPT, you can watch the prerecorded webinar below or visit the ConCEPT webpage.

You can also reach out to Kathy Bertini at Kathy.Bertini@maine.gov for further questions.

Opportunity to Strengthen Nurse Leaders in Maine Schools

As part of funding from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for COVID-19 Emergency Response, Public Health Crisis Response, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) was awarded $8,861,778 for a two-year period, starting July 1, 2021, which has been extended through June 30, 2024. This grant requires that at least 25% of the award support school-based health programs, including nurses or other personnel. Maine DHHS in collaboration with the Maine Department of Education (DOE) has partnered to provide opportunities to promote continued development of the current school nurse workforce. Emphasis on school nursing workforce development strengthens the quality of health services within schools. The purpose of this opportunity is to strengthen leadership confidence, values, and competencies to improve student health and achievement in Maine schools.

Encourage your outstanding nurse leaders to apply!

This opportunity is open to Maine school nurses who have demonstrated leadership within their district. Outcomes include identifying competencies for improvement and leadership style, creating a plan for professional growth, and demonstrating best practices for leadership.

This program includes individual consultations with the instructors and includes topics such as the following: developing leadership, goal setting, using technology effectively, using data to tell a story, conflict management, advocacy, finance, budgeting, ethics, legal requirements, and policy development.

To be eligible for this opportunity, school nurses must:

be employed and have worked in a Maine school for at least three years;
hold a current 524 professional endorsement from the Maine Department of Education;
submit a letter from your Superintendent confirming your demonstrated leadership within your school unit; and
be willing to share your experience and learning with school nurses in Maine as part of the School Nurse Summer Institute or other educational school nurse events.