Maine DOE Update – October 9, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

On Monday, October 12, 2026, we will celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. In 2019, Wabanaki Tribal leaders and representatives joined Governor Janet Mills as she signed legislation to establish Indigenous Peoples’ Day in what we now call Maine. This day recognizes the resilience, diversity, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples and replaced Columbus Day in Maine. The day provides an opportunity to center Indigenous voices, deepen our understanding of the devastating effects of colonization, and recognize the continued presence and leadership of Indigenous Peoples today. | More

Applications Open for Maine DOE 2026–2027 Student Cabinet

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Student Cabinet, a group of students who meet with DOE leaders to share perspectives on educational initiatives, opportunities, improvements, and policy. Applications are due November 15, 2026. | More

Reminder: National Board Certification Scholarship Fund and Salary Supplement 2026-2027 Program Information and Application Procedures

Applications are now open for Maine’s National Board Certification Scholarship and Salary Supplement programs, which provide financial support to teachers pursuing National Board Certification and salary supplements for teachers who have already achieved certification. Applications for both programs are submitted to the Maine Department of Education by a teacher’s school administrative unit (SAU). Applications close October 15. Support workshops for candidates are available through the Maine Education Association (MEA). | More

Maine DOE Educator Selected to Serve on National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Civics Advisory Group

Maine Department of Education (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Geoffrey Wingard has been selected to serve on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) National Assessment Governing Board’s Civics Content Advisory Group, bringing Maine’s experience in civics education, interdisciplinary instruction, and educator professional learning to a national effort to update the nation’s civics assessment. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Westbrook Students Explore Maine Wildlife Through Intercultural Community Center’s Power Summer Program

This summer, like many others, students at Westbrook Middle School entering grades 5–8 had the opportunity to attend Power Summer at the Intercultural Community Center. This was a free summer program that ran from June 22 to August 8 and provided both social and academic enrichment to students from immigrant families and those experiencing academic challenges. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Young Mathematicians: Building Early Numeracy Through Play, Exploration, and Meaningful Learning Experiences

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services, is pleased to offer Young Mathematicians— a professional learning opportunity designed for early care and education professionals serving children ages 3–6. | More

Emergent Literacy Professional Learning for Early Childhood Educators (Updated Registration Info Available)

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Maine Roads to Quality Professional Development Network (MRTQ PDN), is offering a free professional learning opportunity for early care and education professionals working in preschool and kindergarten settings. | More

Reminder: Register Now for the Green Schools Peer Learning Workshops

This fall, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to launch the Green Schools Peer Learning Workshops – a series of collaborative workshops designed to help participants build long-term structures to advance sustainability in their school districts. | More

Reminder: Registration Open for 16th Annual PBIS Conference

Maine’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (Maine PBIS) program, a collaboration between the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the University of Maine System (UMS), will host its annual conference on November 19, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Applications Open for Maine DOE 2026–2027 Student Cabinet

Now in its sixth year, the Student Cabinet provides a forum for student voices to inform conversations and decisions that affect Maine students. Past Cabinets have explored topics including mental health, racial equity, school safety, individualized learning, and educator workforce diversification.

During the 2025–2026 school year, Cabinet members also provided input on the DOE’s Measure What Matters initiative, mental wellness, climate education, and other issues affecting Maine schools.

Celebrating Student Bright Spots

In April and May of 2026, Cabinet members took the lead by sharing a “Bright Spot”—a 3-to-4-minute presentation highlighting something positive happening in their school or community.

Students shared stories of student leadership, service, inclusion, creativity, and connection through clubs, performing arts, unified sports, wellness initiatives, Extended Learning Opportunities, student media, community partnerships, and more.

Explore some of the 2025-2026 Student Cabinet members’ Bright Spots:

Scarborough High School Bright Spot by Michael Winchenbach (Video)
Mount Blue High School Bright Spot by Nicholas DeMarco (Video)
Waterville High School Bright Spot by Thresia Reddy (Video)
Camden Hills Regional High School Bright Spot by Iris Bolduc (Video)
Hampden Academy Bright Sport by Shelby Gray (Video)
Brunswick Junior High School Bright Spot by Campbell Frazee (Video)
Old Town High School Bright Spot by Romlah Ojugbele (Video)
Scarborough High School Bright Spot by Abigail Rasquinha (Video)
Cape Elizabeth High School Bright Spot by Brendan Oakley (Video)
Saco Middle School Bright Spot by Jackson Pfeiffenberger (Video)
Cherryfield Elementary Bright Spot by Eliza Farnsworth (Video)
Windham High School Bright Spot by Maggie Soule (Video)
Gorham High School Bright Spot by Fatima Beshir (Video)
Messalonskee High School Bright Sport by Isabella Castner (PDF/PPT)
Camden Hills Regional High School Bright Spot by Maliyah Summer (PDF/PPT)
Portland High School Bright Spot by Wyatt Clegg (PDF/PPT)
Baxter Academy Bright Spot by Avron Williams (PDF/PPT)
Lincoln Academy Bright Sport by Ori Taylor (PDF/PPT)

Apply for the 2026–2027 Student Cabinet

Students in grades 4–12 and those in their first year of college are eligible to apply. Cabinet members will serve from December 2026 through May 2027 and are expected to attend scheduled meetings, prepare as needed, collaborate with peers and DOE staff, and share their perspectives openly, constructively, and respectfully.

Meetings will be held virtually on the following dates:

Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., virtual via Zoom
Tuesday, January 19, 2027, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., virtual via Zoom
Tuesday, February 23, 2027, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., virtual via Zoom
Tuesday, March 16, 2027, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., virtual via Zoom
Tuesday, April 27, 2027, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., virtual via Zoom
Tuesday, May 18, 2027, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., virtual via Zoom

Applications are due by November 15. Apply to the Student Cabinet.

For more information, contact Rachel Paling, Communications & Outreach Manager, at rachel.paling@maine.gov.

Westbrook Students Explore Maine Wildlife Through Intercultural Community Center’s Power Summer Program

The program also provided students with two free meals a day, including breakfast and lunch, as well as two snacks and access to fresh and pantry-stable food each week, thanks to the Locker Project.

This summer, 45 students registered for Power Summer. In addition to the Intercultural Community Center’s regular English Language Arts (ELA) and STEAM (Science, Technology, Environment, Arts, and Math) programming, they provided students with experiences as Junior Animal Activists.

Thanks to many community partners, including Riding to the Top Stable, Maine Outdoor Equity Fund, Smiling Hill Farm, Mr. Drew and His Animals Too, Maine Wildlife Park, and others, students were able to take part in many amazing field trips and activities throughout the state.

These experiences taught students the importance of protecting the diverse array of animals in our ecosystem. Creating safe, positive opportunities to interact with animals was especially meaningful for students. Research and community experience have shown that BIPOC (black, indigenous, and People of Color) families can experience greater fear or discomfort around animals when they have had fewer opportunities to encounter them in safe, supportive settings. Power Summer helped students build confidence and positive relationships with animals through hands-on experiences, field trips, and repeated opportunities to learn about wildlife.

Students engaged in therapeutic interactions with horses every week, built 15 bird and bat houses over the course of the summer, explored the vast marine life along the shores and beaches of Maine’s coast, put on a theatrical rendition of the play Zoodate, and learned about and interacted with many other species of wildlife during the seven weeks of programming.

Many of the students who attended Power Summer have signed up for Intercultural Community Center’s after-school educational and social program, Power School.

This story was submitted by the Intercultural Community Center. Learn more about their programs by visiting the Intercultural Community Center website or contacting them at info@iccmaine.org. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.

Young Mathematicians: Building Early Numeracy Through Play, Exploration, and Meaningful Learning Experiences

Delivered by Education Development Center (EDC), this learning series will help educators strengthen their understanding of early numeracy and create learning environments where young children can develop mathematical thinking through play, exploration, and everyday experiences. Participants will explore ways to recognize and build on the mathematical thinking children demonstrate throughout the day and learn strategies to intentionally support foundational numeracy skills. The series will also help educators engage families in supporting early numeracy at home.

Three distinct learning tracks are available at no cost for educators with different schedules and learning preferences. Space is limited in each track. Educators are encouraged to select the track that best fits their schedule and setting. Before registering, educators should confirm that they can attend all sessions in their selected track.

Track 1: In-person + Online Learning Registration

Limited to 50 participants: This track offers school-based, Head Start, and childcare educators (preschool through grade 1) an opportunity to begin their learning together in person before continuing virtually.

In-Person Session:
October 30, 2026, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Jeff’s Catering & Event Center

15 Littlefield Rd, Brewer, ME 04412

The in-person session will be followed by two online sessions:

November 10, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
December 1, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Track 2: Fully Virtual

Limited to 100 participants: This track offers a fully virtual option for school-based, Head Start, and childcare educators (preschool through grade 1) who prefer to participate remotely.

All sessions will be held online on Wednesdays from 3:30-6:00 p.m.:

October 28, 2026
November 4, 2026
November 18, 2026
December 2, 2026

Track 3: Fully Virtual – Evening

Limited to 50 participants: This track is designed for family childcare providers and other educators who are available only during evening hours.

All sessions will be held online on Mondays from 6:00–7:30 p.m.:

October 26, 2026
November 9, 2026
November 23, 2026
December 7, 2026

Registration for all three tracks will remain open while space is available. Once a track reaches capacity, registration for that track will close. To ask about a waitlist or for more information, please contact Maine DOE Early Childhood Specialist Nicole Madore at nicole.madore@maine.gov.

Preschool Development Grant funds received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) support the implementation of this project. The project has an award totaling $45,091 funded and directly attributed to project implementation. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HHS or the U.S. government.

Maine DOE Educator Selected to Serve on National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Civics Advisory Group

The National Assessment Governing Board is undertaking a multiyear process to update the NAEP Civics Assessment Framework. NAEP, known as the Nation’s Report Card, measures what students across the country know and can do in various subjects. The civics framework guides the content and design of the civics assessment. Following public comment in spring 2026, the Governing Board approved a charge to update the framework for assessments in 2032 and beyond.

As a member of the NAEP Civics Content Advisory Group (CAG), Wingard will provide feedback to the Governing Board and the NAEP Civics Framework Development Panel. The group brings together civics experts to inform the development and review of the updated framework.

Wingard’s appointment builds on his work with the Maine DOE. He is a member of the Interdisciplinary Instruction Team, which coordinates statewide civics initiatives, develops professional learning for educators, and builds networks across disciplines to strengthen civic education. This work reflects Maine DOE’s emphasis on connecting learning across disciplines and preparing students to be informed, responsible, and engaged members of their communities.

Wingard’s national role offers an opportunity to connect Maine statewide civics work with broader conversations about how civic knowledge and skills are understood and assessed.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resources

Below are resources curated to support teaching and learning about Indigenous Peoples’ Day and the Wabanaki Nations. These resources can support learning throughout the year, beyond the observance of the single day.

Wabanaki Nations and the Dawnland

Title/Link	Notes	Resource Type
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Message: Maulian Bryant (MBIPD.mp4)	Wabanaki Alliance Director, Maulian Bryant	Video
2026–27 Wabanaki Studies Professional Development	Wabanaki Studies Professional Development Opportunities	Document
Wabanaki Studies Curriculum & Resources	Wabanaki Studies Interdisciplinary Curriculum & Resources	Documents
Dawnland	Dawnland documentary	Documentary
Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Literature Kit	Curated resources, guides, and tools to support the integration of Indigenous literature into classroom instruction	Literature Kit
Wabanaki Studies Framework	Wabanaki Studies Education framework	Framework

Additional Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Indigenous Rights Resources

Title/Link	Notes	Resource Type
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples		Declaration
Indigenous Peoples’ Day (IllumiNative)	IllumiNative	Lesson plan; confirm grade range for the linked resource
Indigenous Peoples’ Day \| All About the Holidays (PBS)	PBS	K-5 video
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resources	Zinn Education Project	Lessons and resources
Unlearning Columbus Day Myths: Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day	National Museum of the American Indian	Handout with activities and resources
Why more people are celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day \| PBS NewsHour	2019, PBS	Article
Reconsider Columbus Day \| Learning for Justice	Learning for Justice	Article with activities

To learn more about Wabanaki Studies and ways to engage, please visit the Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies webpage or contact Brianne Lolar, Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies Specialist, at brianne.lolar@maine.gov.

Maine DOE Update – October 2, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Resources for Student Civic Engagement

As the 2026 election approaches, Maine educators have access to a range of state resources that help students understand elections, civic participation, and their roles in a democracy. | More

Reminder: National Board Certification Scholarship Fund and Salary Supplement 2026-2027 Program Information and Application Procedures

Reminder: Recognize Your Outstanding School Staff: RISE Award Now Accepting Nominations

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! | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Mount View High School’s Growing Biliteracy Program Opens Doors for Students

A collaboration between the World Languages and Multilingual Learners departments at Mount View High School in RSU 3 is creating more opportunities for students to demonstrate, celebrate, and build on their language skills. | More

Transformational Leaders’ Network Offers Maine Principals a Space to Learn, Reflect, and Lead Together

Being a school principal can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Each day brings decisions to make, challenges to navigate and people to support. Sometimes a leader needs a new strategy. Other times, they need the opportunity to step back, reflect and talk with someone who understands the work because they are doing it, too. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Maine Council for English Language Arts to Offer Fall Book Study to Explore AI with Maine Educators

The Maine Council for English Language Arts (MCELA) is offering a five-part online book study of EduProtocols: AI Edition by Maine educators Kate Meyer and Nicole Karod. Together, participants will explore a practical, human-centered approach to AI that focuses on saving time, igniting creativity, strengthening student agency, and keeping ethics at the center. | More

Reminder: Registration Open for EngageMEnt 2026-2027: Cultivating Innovative Teaching and Learning

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Offices of Teaching and Learning and Innovation are pleased to announce that registration is now open for EngageMEnt 2026-2027, a statewide professional learning opportunity designed to support educators in exploring innovative, engaging, and impactful practices for teaching and learning. Offered in partnership with the University of Maine and University of Southern Maine, EngageMEnt creates opportunities for educators from across the state to learn, collaborate, reflect, and apply new ideas in their classrooms, schools, and communities. The initiative also provides opportunities for practicing educators and pre-service educators to learn alongside one another while exploring current educational priorities and practices. | More

Reminder: Registration Open for 16th Annual PBIS Conference

Register Now for the Green Schools Peer Learning Workshops

Register Now for the Green Schools Regional Gatherings

This fall, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce three regional gatherings focused on advancing sustainability and resiliency in Maine schools. Each gathering will bring together students, educators, school leaders, facilities staff, and community partners for a half-day of interactive workshops, networking, and practical resources. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Transformational Leaders’ Network Offers Maine Principals a Space to Learn, Reflect, and Lead Together

Long-time Transformational Leaders’ Network (TLN) Program Manager Fran Farr leads a session during the 2025 Maine DOE Annual Summit.

That is the idea behind the Transformational Leaders’ Network (TLN), an ongoing professional learning community that brings Maine principals together throughout the school year to connect, learn, reflect, problem-solve and recharge.

Rather than a one-time professional development opportunity, TLN is designed around the realities of school leadership. Principals bring their questions, challenges and experiences to a confidential and supportive community where they can learn from one another and consider new approaches to their work. Through in-person and regional or remote gatherings, participants have multiple opportunities throughout the year to connect with colleagues and learn together.

“We dream together about what education can be and walk out the door refreshed and ready to take on the next day,” one TLN principal shared.

A new year, a continued focus on leadership

On Friday, September 18, the TLN kicked off its sixteenth year under the capable and dedicated leadership of our Program Manager, Fran Farr. Fran has been passionate about supporting Maine’s school leaders through the TLN for the past 15 years. She has brought an innovative lens to the continuous refinement of the program design, guiding it to today’s model that responds dynamically to principals’ needs. She has built an incredible team of facilitators who provide engaging sessions and deep insight.

“Fran is the heart and soul of TLN,” co-facilitator Sally Mackenzie expressed. “She’s been with the network since its inception and masterminded the latest iteration since 2023. She believes completely in the work of Maine’s school principals. She provides the absolute best care and support for them. And network principals come back year after year. [Fran] and her faithful facilitators work hard to ensure that sessions are meaningful, interactive, and immediately resonant with principal participants.”

We celebrate Fran and her tireless commitment to the TLN!

The 2026–2027 TLN year will explore “The Principal Effect and the Power of Mattering,” drawing on current thinking about principal effectiveness, emotional intelligence, systems leadership, school climate and sustainable leadership.

A central focus will be the concept of mattering — helping people feel seen, valued and needed — and how it can strengthen relationships, engagement, school culture and staff retention.

Through the network, principals will explore practical ways to strengthen their leadership presence, navigate difficult conversations and build stronger relationships with staff. They will also examine systems thinking, shared leadership and approaches for developing schools that do not rely on the principal to solve every problem.

The goal is to give school leaders ideas and tools they can take back to their schools while also creating time to think beyond the immediate demands of the job.

TLN participants during the September workshop.

“Every time I leave, I have something I can use right away,” a TLN principal said.

Each session combines practical learning with reflection and authentic problem-solving. Participants can bring real leadership challenges to the group, learn from colleagues who have faced similar situations and consider how new strategies might apply in their own schools.

For principals new to TLN, the network offers an opportunity to build relationships with other Maine school leaders without needing to arrive with all the answers. For returning participants, it provides a chance to reconnect with colleagues, meet new members of the principal community and continue developing their leadership practice.

“It really changed how I support teachers, how I build a more positive school culture,” one participant said.

Recognizing the leader behind the role

At the heart of TLN is the recognition that effective school leadership depends not only on what principals do, but also on how they are supported as people.

The network creates space for principals to consider their own leadership, regain perspective and develop approaches that allow them to lead sustainably amid pressure, change and increasing complexity.

“I see TLN as kind of a ‘boots on the ground’ experience that you don’t get until you’re in it … it’s about recognizing the leader as a whole person,” a TLN principal said.

The work of leading a school is challenging. Through the Transformational Leaders’ Network, Maine principals do not have to lead alone.

If you are interested in learning more about the TLN, please contact Christina O’Neal, Maine DOE Educator Excellence Coordinator, at christina.l.oneal@maine.gov.

Resources for Student Civic Engagement

As the 2026 election approaches, Maine educators have access to a range of state resources that help students understand elections, civic participation, and their roles in a democracy.

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Civics webpage, available through the Maine DOE Arts and Humanities Hub, connects educators to free classroom materials, professional learning opportunities, and other resources for teaching government, citizenship, civic participation, and democratic principles. These resources can help educators build students’ civic knowledge while connecting classroom learning to current events and opportunities for community engagement. They also complement student programs offered by the Maine Department of the Secretary of State.

Bring the Election Process into the Classroom

The Maine Student Mock Election gives students the chance to experience the election process while learning about candidates and state and national issues. The 2026 Maine Student Mock Election will take place on October 27, 2026.

More than 21,000 students from over 115 schools participated in the 2024 Maine Student Mock Election. Through the program, students can explore current issues, consider different perspectives, cast mock ballots, and see how individual votes contribute to statewide results.

Educators can visit the Maine Student Mock Election webpage to register their schools and learn more.

The election season also provides an opportunity to help eligible students prepare for voting. Maine residents who are 16 or 17 years old and U.S. citizens may preregister to vote, preparing them to vote in general elections when they turn 18. The Secretary of State’s Student Voter Registration Drive webpage includes resources to help students and educators organize a school voter registration drive.

Recognize Young Civic Leaders

Civic engagement extends beyond elections to include leadership, advocacy, and service to others. The Maine Secretary of State’s Office presents the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award, which annually recognizes one Maine resident age 25 or younger who demonstrates leadership, a commitment to social justice, and efforts to improve the quality of life in their community.

The National Association of Secretaries of State established the award in 2021 in honor of the late Congressman John Lewis and his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and public service.

Students may nominate themselves or another eligible young person using the nomination form available on the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award webpage. Completed nominations must be emailed to sos.office@maine.gov by October 30, 2026. Nominees must be aged 25 or younger at the time of the award presentation.

Connect Classroom Learning with Civic Life

Resources from the Maine DOE and the Secretary of State’s Office give educators multiple ways to make civics relevant and meaningful for students. Teachers can use Maine DOE resources to build foundational knowledge of government and civic responsibility, then connect that learning to hands-on experiences such as mock elections, voter registration, and youth leadership opportunities. These experiences can also create space for students to ask questions, share their perspectives, and consider how they can contribute to their communities.

Students do not have to be old enough to vote to take part in civic life. They can understand how elections work, examine public issues, practice informed decision-making, and build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate in Maine’s democracy.

For more information, contact Geoffrey Wingard at Geoffrey.Wingard@maine.gov.

Mount View High School’s Growing Biliteracy Program Opens Doors for Students

Mt. View High School and Elementary School students are joined by RSU 3 Adult Education students at a Language and Culture Celebration held by the district.

The school’s Seal of Biliteracy Program launched in spring 2024, when one graduating senior earned the Maine Seal of Biliteracy. Participation grew from 24 students in 2024–2025 to 33 students in 2025–2026. This spring, eight graduating seniors earned a total of nine Seals of Biliteracy, including the first student in the program to earn two awards.

The school has also expanded its language assessments. In spring 2024, students were assessed in Spanish and Italian. By spring 2026, Mount View High School had administered assessments in seven languages: Spanish, German, French, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Japanese.

The Seal of Biliteracy is a national academic award that recognizes students’ proficiency in two or more languages and celebrates the knowledge and skills they develop at school, at home, and in their communities.

A graduating senior shares her experiences as a language learner at the Language and Culture Celebration.

A graduating senior receives appreciation and encouragement during the Seal of Biliteracy Awards Ceremony at the Language and Culture Celebration.

At Mount View High School, educators have seen the assessment process become an important part of students’ language-learning journeys. For students studying a world language, it provides a clear goal, feedback on their progress, and motivation to keep learning.

For heritage language learners, it also recognizes and celebrates connections to family and community.

Alicia McCormick, Principal of Mount View Elementary and Middle School, connects with multilingual families.

RSU 3 parents celebrate together during the Community Language and Culture Celebration.

RSU 3 families proudly share favorite foods and beverages at the Language and Culture Celebration.

Mount View High School Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator and World Language educator, Dr. Anna Thomas shared that, “For our heritage learners, it has meant a great sense of pride and helping them see the value of their family’s language and set goals for biliteracy.”

The program has strengthened collaboration between World Languages and Multilingual Learner educators. Educators and students establish ambitious goals for students, reflect on student progress, and evaluate and strengthen programming to better support language development.

Dr. Thomas emphasized that, “The testing is giving our language students clear targets for advancement, feedback on progress, and motivation for steps forward. As educators, this is also helping us set ambitious goals and evaluate and fortify our programming through constant collaboration across our departments.”

*Mt. View Biliteracy Testing 2024-2026 by World Language Teacher Anna Thomas*

The school’s commitment to multilingualism extends beyond assessment.

In May, Mount View High School hosted its second annual Language and Culture Celebration, welcoming an estimated 150 students, staff, and community members. The event continued the school’s Language Stories series, which invites members of the school and broader community to share their experiences with language, culture, and bilingualism.

Families, community members, and students share a meal at the Language and Culture Celebration.

Conversation tables bring students together at the Language and Culture Celebration.

RSU 3 students, families, and staff share favorite words at the Language and Culture event.

Leading up to this year’s event, as part of a Language Stories series, the school hosted three guest speakers who shared their personal journeys with bilingualism: Dr. Melissa Cuba of the University of Maine, Amelia Rukema of Maine Mobile Health, and musician Jubal Greenwood.

Hearing from bilingual and multilingual professionals helps students see how language skills can connect to their identities, communities, education, and future careers.

Mount View High School’s Biliteracy Program also helps students explore opportunities beyond high school.

Resources and advocacy from the Maine Department of Education have helped raise awareness of opportunities to earn college credit for demonstrated language proficiency. Students are also learning about careers that value multilingual skills.

Connections with multilingual educators and professionals have given students role models who demonstrate how language learning can open doors.

In two years, Mount View High School’s Biliteracy Program has grown from one Seal recipient to a program serving dozens of students, with assessments offered in seven languages. Its growth shows how cross-departmental collaboration can expand opportunities and help students recognize the value of the languages they know and use.

The Maine Department of Education celebrates Mt. View’s progress and the educators, students, families, and communities across Maine working to recognize multilingualism as an academic, cultural, and career strength.

This article was developed in collaboration with Mount View High School in RSU 3. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.