Category: News & Views

Governor Mills Proclaims September 18-24 Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

While adult education provides so much more than just the high school equivalency, it is certainly a milestone for adult learners who have have grit and determination. They are fighting for a better future for themselves and their families!  The Maine Department of Education joins Governor Mills to celebrate their hard work as well as the work of adult education professionals who show up everyday to empower their learners.

Governor Janet T. Mills has proclaimed September 18 – 24 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in the State of Maine – view the proclamation here.

Maine Adult Education programs offer classes and tutoring sessions to help adults acquire and improve their skills in reading, writing, mathematics, English language proficiency, and problem solving to become self-sufficient and to participate effectively as workers, family members and citizens.

For more information on the local adult education program near you, please contact Amy Poland, amy.poland@maine.gov or view our Maine Adult Education Directory or visit The Maine Adult Education Association’s Website.

Register Now for Maine Construction Career Days – Oct 6

Maine’s chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC Maine) and the Maine Associated General Contractors (AGC Maine) are hosting a Maine Construction Career Days event on October 6th from 7:30am – 2:00pm at Midcoast Excavation in West Bath. The event will be open to all high school students.

The event will be a hands-on experience and include exhibitors and educational resources. It will be attended by construction companies, school districts, state agencies, labor unions, trade and professional organizations. All of them are collaborating to provide students with an introduction to various aspects of construction. The event will also be the platform to award scholarships to deserving Maine students entering a construction related field.

Schools interested in sending students can click here for a school registration form.

Download a printable flyer

For more information or questions, reach out to:

Webinar to Assist with October Student Data Submission

To assist those who are responsible for the important task of reporting October student data to the Department of Education, the DOE Data Team will be holding a webinar on Tuesday, September 27th from 10 am to 11:30 am.

This webinar will focus on how to complete, validate and certify the October Student Data Reports. If you are tasked with editing, validating or certifying the any of the following October Student Data Reports for your school administrative unit (SAU) or school, you are encouraged to attend.

  • October 1st Student Enrollment Count (formerly titled EPS Enrollment)
  • Special Education Child Count EF S 05 Part 1
  • CTE October Student Count

All of these reports and their subsequent counts are used to allocate and distribute state and federal funding to SAUs.  It is vital that these counts are correct and the reports are submitted accurately and on time.

Click here to Join Live.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns in regards to this webinar, please do not hesitate to contact us at the MEDMS helpdesk at MEDMS.Helpdesk@Maine.gov or (207) 624-6896.

Serving Students Experiencing Housing Instability: Regional Conversations for McKinney-Vento Liaisons and Organizations

Join us for In-Person Fall Regional Meetings            

  • Hear updates on federal, state, and local policies and resources for students and families who are homeless or have unstable housing
  • Learn how to increase your school and district’s capacity to support students
  • Hear youth perspective and strategies to improve student engagement for students with housing instability from the New Beginnings Youth Action Board members
  • Brainstorm solution-oriented strategies affecting youth in your school and community
  • Network with colleagues from other schools and organizations in your region

Dates and Times for Schools and Organizations in Your Region!

Penobscot & Piscataquis Counties
Bangor High School, 885 Broadway
Thursday, October 13
8:15-10:30am

Washington & Hancock Counties
University of Maine at Machias
Thursday, October 13
1:00- 3:15pm

Aroostook County
University of Maine Presque Isle, MMG Center
Friday, October 14
9:00-11:15am

Androscoggin, Franklin, & Oxford Counties
Lewiston Central Office, Dingley Building Conference Room
Wednesday, November 16
8:30-10:45am

Mid Coast, Kennebec & Somerset Counties
University of Maine at Augusta, Randall Student Center, Fireside Lounge
Wednesday, December 7
9:00-11:15am

York & Cumberland Counties
DHHS Regional Office, 457 Alfred St, Biddeford
Thursday, December 8
9:00-11:15am

No cost to participants ~ Registration is required. REGISTER HERE. 

Download a printable Flyer

For More Information Contact:

Get to Know the Maine DOE Team: Meet Alexandra Cookson

Maine DOE Team member Alexandra (Allee) Cookson is being highlighted this week as part of the Get to Know the Maine DOE Team Campaign. Learn a little more about Alexandra in the question and answer below.

What are your roles with DOE?

I am the Data Quality Trainer with the MEDMS Helpdesk, and my main job is to ensure that school data is reported in an accurate, complete, and timely manner.

What do you like best about your job?

I appreciate that I am able to work with both the districts and various teams in the DOE so that we can ensure consistency in all of our reporting and data use across the state.

How or why did you decide on this career?

I am very excited about the opportunity to help districts and DOE teams, and this was my main reason for choosing this new adventure in my career as an educator after 5 years as a classroom teacher. I look forward to meeting and working with the incredible educators across this great state!

What do you like to do outside of work for fun?

My hobbies outside of the DOE/Education world include group fitness instructing, 5k obstacle course races, spending time with my family, and enjoying the wonderful adventures and experiences that Maine has to offer.  I am also a certified life coach.

 

 

An Invitation to School Principals: Join Maine’s 2022-2023 Transformational Leaders’ Network 

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) invites school principals to register for a year-long professional learning experience. The Transformational Leaders’ Network (TLN) offers Maine principals an opportunity to deepen their leadership skills and network with colleagues across Maine, while they are leading transformational efforts in their schools. This “learner-centered” program has a rich history of success and is open to ALL Maine principals. The primary requirement for joining the TLN is the ambition to improve your leadership and your school! 

Who should apply? 

  • School Principals (PreK-12) 

What is the commitment? 

  • The program consists of three in-person full day sessions and five shorter virtual sessions. The three full-day in-person sessions (aligned to CDC safety guidelines) will be in October, February, and May at a site(s) to be determined based on participation.  The TLN will be facilitated by experienced educators.  Sessions are aligned to leadership standards and informed directly by the needs of participants.   

2022-2023 Schedule: 

  • October 14, 2022: 8:30-2:30 full day in person session  
  • November 4, 2022: 8:30-11:00 virtual session 
  • December 9, 2022: 8:30-11:00 virtual session 
  • January 13, 2023 8:30-11:00 virtual session 
  • February 3, 2023: 8:30-2:30 in person session 
  • March 10, 2023: 8:30- 11:00 virtual session 
  • April 7, 2023 8:30-11:00 virtual session 
  • May 5, 2023: 8:30-2:30 full day in person session 

How is the program designed? 

  • The TLN experience revolves around each principal’s efforts to improve their school’s success with students.  
  • Colleagues and resources from facilitators provide on-going consultation and advice focused on immediate and long-term goals.  In this fashion, each principal’s learning goal(s) drives the curriculum of the Network. 
  • Participants are provided readings and resources throughout the year. 
  • Successful completion of the TLN will result in to contact hours for re-certification purposes. 

I’m interested… what next? 

  • In order to receive materials by the first session, participants are encouraged to apply by October 5, 2022.   
  • Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.  
  • Registration for the 2022-2023 TLN can be found here:  http://events.egov.com/eventreg/ME/event.htm?name=transformationalleadersnetwork 
  • The cost of the TLN is $60 per participant for the full year of professional learning.  This includes all TLN content, meals at in-person events, and materials. Participants will be responsible for travel.  A credit card will be needed at time of registration. Please reach out directly to Emily Doughty regarding financial support.   

Where can I find more information? 

Opportunity for Cost Sharing on Goods and Services Through State Master’s Agreements

Is your school administrative unit (SAU) looking for cost saving measures? Did you know that schools can use the State’s Master Agreements (MA) to benefit from State pricing on goods and services from a large number of vendors?

Search within this list of State Master Agreements on the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS) Division of Procurement Services to discover the many vendors like WB Mason, Grainger, Interpreting services, etc. (Note: In the last column, if there is a Y listed, this vendor does participate in State pricing for schools)

When ordering with the vendor, be prepared to have the Master Agreement number to get the State price.

For further information or questions, reach out to Denise Towers on Maine DOE’s School Finance team at denise.towers@maine.gov.

Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) Virtual Professional Development Sessions

The Maine Department of Education and SupportEd are partnering up to provide K-12 Maine educators with four free virtual professional development sessions focusing on Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE).

  • Zoom – Conveniently join all virtual PD sessions online via Zoom.
  • Maine Educators – Virtual PD sessions are intended for all Maine teachers grades K-12.
  • 2-hour Sessions – Sessions will last two hours with time to apply strategies included.

SupportEd’s vision is to reimagine the landscape of education for Multilingual Learners (MLs). Specializing in Multilingual Learners (MLs), SupportEd meticulously crafts personalized solutions to fit every partners’ strengths and goals. SupportEd provides educators and administrators with the expertise and resources to help champion the success of MLs within and beyond the classroom. The SupportEd team is comprised of nationally recognized Multilingual Learner experts, best-selling authors, and accomplished researchers — all with extensive experience working in the classroom and/or district.

Download a flyer

Culturally Responsive Teaching and Social Emotional Learning for SLIFE

Thursday, September 22 | 3:00 pm

During this two-hour session, participants will develop an understanding of culturally responsive teaching and social emotional learning for SLIFE. SupportEd will lead participants in defining SLIFE and their characteristics and exploring strategies and tools for creating a culturally responsive school climate that includes social emotional learning practices for SLIFE. Time will also be provided to apply the tools and strategies to their class and school communities.

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Effective Instruction of SLIFE  

Thursday, October 20 | 3:00 pm

During this two-hour session, participants will develop an understanding of effective instruction for SLIFE. SupportEd will lead participants in exploring a framework for effective instruction of SLIFE and discussing strategies for supporting SLIFE engagement with and understanding of content learning. Time will also be provided to set goals for supporting the academic needs of SLIFE in all classrooms and schools.

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Supporting SLIFE Family and Community Engagement 

Thursday, November 17 | 3:00 pm

During this two-hour session, participants will develop an understanding of how to support SLIFE family and community engagement. SupportEd will lead participants in defining the importance of engaging SLIFE families and community in learning and exploring strategies for partnering with SLIFE families and expanding community collaboration in support of students. Time will also be provided to plan for partnering with SLIFE families and expanding community collaboration.

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Supporting Graduation and Post-Secondary Success of SLIFE  

Thursday, December 15 | 3:00 pm

During this two-hour session, participants will develop an understanding of how to support the graduation and post-secondary success of SLIFE. SupportEd will lead participants in discussing barriers and solutions related to graduation and post-secondary success for SLIFE and explore strategies for supporting graduation and post-secondary success of SLIFE. Time will also be provided to apply strategies to plan for implementing strategies for supporting graduation and post-secondary success of SLIFE.

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Media Release: Maine Department of Education Partners with Live + Work in Maine to Bolster Education Workforce Recruitment Efforts, Promote Education in Maine

The Maine Department of Education announced a new partnership with Live + Work in Maine to bolster efforts to recruit and sustain a vibrant educator workforce and to promote the work of Maine schools to support, engage, and prepare all students to thrive. Through this new partnership, all school administrative units (SAUs) now have free access to Live + Work’s online job board, and will benefit from the extensive marketing activities Live + Work facilitates in order to attract educators and school staff to join Maine’s education workforce.

With Live + Work in Maine’s singular focus of celebrating and promoting the unique advantages and opportunities of living and working in Maine, the partnership allows schools to expand recruitment efforts on a platform with a strong Maine brand while creating a central resource for all education-related job openings in the state. The partnership will also highlight the creative and innovative teaching and learning happening in Maine schools.

“We are thrilled to partner with Live + Work in Maine to showcase the amazing teaching and learning happening in our state and provide schools with a resource to attract people to come teach and work in our schools. This partnership provides a big megaphone to let educators and prospective educators in Maine and across the country know that we are committed to creating and supporting a culture of innovation and creativity for educators, and that we want you to come live and teach here in Maine,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin.

“Maine’s world-class public education system has long stood out as a key competitive advantage in attracting and retaining talented people to live and work in Maine. With opportunities in every corner of our state, there’s never been a better time to attract talented folks to a career in education in Maine. We’re pleased to partner with the Maine Department of Education, and eager to help make a positive difference for Maine schools and children,” said Live + Work in Maine Executive Director Nate Wildes. 

As an employer-driven, 501c3 non-profit organization, Live + Work in Maine is uniquely positioned to provide the perspective, focus and speed that this urgent opportunity presents. Live + Work has broad reach both within and outside of Maine, with tens of thousands of job seekers visiting Live + work’s website every month, dozens of unique events and programs throughout the year, and partnerships with private employers and communities alike to grow and strengthen the Maine talent economy.

The partnership with Live + Work in Maine aligns with the Maine Department of Education’s comprehensive Teach Maine plan released earlier this year to develop, support, and sustain a robust educator workforce. The Teach Maine Plan is organized around four key themes: incentivize recruitment and retention efforts; expand and diversify educator workforce efforts; support educator development, growth, and leadership; and elevate educators and the education profession. This partnership was made possible through American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding.

Maine’s school administrative units (SAUs) can sign up for the job board here.

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About Live and Work in Maine
Live and Work in Maine’s mission is to market Maine as a career destination. Through our marketing efforts, we show the world that when it comes to quality of life and career opportunities, you can have the best of both by choosing to live and work in Maine. LiveandWorkinMaine.com is a robust resource for potential and current Mainers, which enables searching for employers and jobs based on lifestyle and/or geographic region within Maine. The site also includes “success story” testimonials from professionals who have relocated to Maine, details on internships and first career options for college students and new graduates, and information on the lifestyle offered by each of Maine’s eight geographic regions.

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15 across the nation. The month is a time to honor Hispanic heritage by celebrating the histories, cultures, languages, and the remarkable contributions of Hispanic people to the fabric of the United States, whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It is also a time to revisit ways to integrate diverse cultural material into education lessons all year long.

Here are some educational resources that can be used by schools to honor, recognize, and teach students about Hispanic heritage:

For further resources and information about integrating diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences into classroom lessons, please visit the Maine Department of Education’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion webpage.