2025 Maine Teacher of the Year State Finalists Announced

Four Maine teachers were announced today as the State Finalists for the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year program.

High school science teacher Allyson Gilbert from Sagadahoc County, fourth-grade teacher Becky Hallowell from Lincoln County, high school science teacher Katie Strait from Cumberland County, and high school English language arts teacher Emilie Throckmorton from Penobscot County were all selected to move forward in the Teacher of the Year process and were chosen from the 2024 Maine County Teachers of the Year.

“Allyson, Becky, Katie, and Emilie are extraordinary educators who care deeply about their students, schools, and communities. They lift up everyone around them, are passionate about their profession, and are true champions of all students and schools in Maine. These four finalists represent the best qualities of Maine’s amazing educators, and I congratulate them on this well-deserved honor,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin.

One of the four State Finalists will be named the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, an honor awarded each year to one teacher in Maine. The announcement will be in October after the final stages of the selection process are complete. Maine’s Teacher of the Year serves as an advocate for the teaching profession, Maine schools, and students, and represents Maine in the National Teacher of the Year program.

A member of their community nominated each educator for their exemplary service in education and dedication to their students. They were selected by a distinguished panel of teachers, principals, and business community members from a pool of hundreds of other nominated teachers in their communities. The Maine Department of Education, Educate Maine, the Maine State Board of Education, and the Maine County and State Teacher of the Year Association made the announcement about the finalists.

“The state finalists are excellent examples of the inspiring and innovative teaching that happens each day in Maine classrooms. Congratulations to each of them and their districts,” said Dr. Jason Judd, Executive Director of Educate Maine. “Maine is fortunate to have so many inspiring educators working each day to ensure that learners have what they need to be successful, and we look forward to working with these four and the entire 2024 County Teacher of the Year cohort as they continue their journey as teacher leaders and ambassadors for the profession.”

“Our teaching workforce drives the quality of our schools and education system here in Maine, and these state finalists exemplify the qualities we look for. They’re innovative, dedicated, and committed to ensuring all Maine learners receive a high quality and supportive education,” said Fern Desjardins, Chair of the Maine State Board of Education. “Congratulations to all!”

This group of outstanding educators has impressed me from the first day that I met them,” said Joshua Chard 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year. “They approach this important work from a place of passion and caring, and it has been amazing to learn from them and with them. I know that Maine schools are in good hands with educators like them representing the teaching profession in our state.”

“We are thrilled to continue learning from these four finalists and are excited to gain further insights from these outstanding Maine educators,” said MCSTOYA co-presidents Jessica Harvey and Hillary Bellefleur. “They exemplify the professionalism, compassion, and dedication that characterize teachers across our state. Their impact on their students, communities, and the state is profound, and we look forward to supporting them in showcasing the strengths and continuing the growth of Maine’s public education system.”

More information on the State Finalists and the Maine Teacher of the Year program:

Allyson Gilbert
Mt. Ararat High School, Topsham
2024 Sagadahoc County Teacher of the Year

“Being part of the Teacher of the Year program is a tremendous honor and I am immensely proud to represent my school, district, and community. I am excited to continue highlighting the outstanding work of Maine educators who make a real difference every day, while also having the opportunity to learn and grow alongside such dedicated professionals.”

Allyson Gilbert teaches 9th grade physical science and 10th grade biology at Mt Ararat High School in Topsham, Maine. Gilbert earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island, and earned her Master of Science in Wildlife Conservation and Management – Professional Wildlife Biologist from Unity College in Maine. She is the 2024 Sagadahoc County Teacher of the Year. Gilbert’s pedagogy is centered around project-based learning with an emphasis on connecting topics to local and global contexts. Her passion has led her to create student travel opportunities to locations such as Belize, Panama, and Greece. Gilbert firmly believes in the power of connection, and seeks opportunities to cultivate meaningful relationships with her students, co-workers, and members of the community. Committed to creating a cohesive school community outside of her classroom, Gilbert serves as a class advisor, a member of the attendance team, and a part of her school’s advisory committee. She is a lifelong learner, and frequently attends workshops and conferences in order to inform her own teaching practices. Recently, Gilbert has presented at two conferences on the importance and value of nature-based play and learning. When not teaching you can find her traveling, reading, or spending a relaxing night with her tortoise, Igor.

Becky Hallowell
Wiscasset Elementary School, Wiscasset
2024 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year

“The Maine Teacher of the Year process has allowed me to honor past teachers, like my mother, who dedicated her career to her first-grade students, as well as current teachers like my colleagues in Wiscasset and those who taught my sons. Most importantly, celebrating Maine’s talented educators plays an important role in inspiring our current students to become our future teachers.”

Becky Hallowell teaches fourth-grade students at Wiscasset Elementary School, on the bank of the Sheepscot River in Wiscasset, Maine. Hallowell earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maine at Farmington in 1994 and then received her Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine in 2011. She is the 2024 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year. Hallowell embraces a pedagogy that honors nature and place-based learning, establishing connections between students and the local, state, and global community. She believes learning is more powerful when linked to content that students personally value and find meaningful as they engage in project-based learning. While she finds great joy in supporting student learning, Hallowell commits to her own learning and that of her colleagues both as a mentor and a mentor trainer. She has teamed with the Maine Math and Science Alliance in a research project connecting place-based learning and science sense-making, presenting her work to other educators at conferences. Hallowell also collaborated with her teaching partner and a University of Maine at Farmington professor to connect preservice teachers with fourth-grade students to discuss literature. She presented this work with her partners at the National Council for Teachers of English conference in 2023. Hallowell enjoys exploring new trails in her free time, often finding a lesson in a unique mushroom or rock formation. She lives in Whitefield with her husband, three sons, and pesky kitty.

Katie Strait
Baxter Academy for Science and Technology, Portland
2024 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year

“The Maine Teacher of the Year program not only highlights the achievements of individual teachers, but serves to inspire the entire educational community. I am eternally grateful for the teachers that ignited my lifelong passion for science, and for my students, colleagues, administrators, and community that continue to fuel my lifelong love of learning. It is a great honor to represent Cumberland County and walk alongside all of the outstanding teachers that are paving the way for students’ futures.”

Katie Strait teaches 10th – 12th grade biology, immunology, and marine biology at Baxter Academy for Technology and Science in Portland, Maine. Strait has a Master of Science degree in Zoology from the University of New Hampshire, and Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, with a concentration in marine biology from the University of New England. She is the 2024 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year. Strait’s pedagogy centers on experiential learning, prioritizing student involvement through hands-on activities and collaborations with the community. She connects the curriculum to real-world contexts, specifically centered around the Gulf of Maine, nurturing lifelong learners who contribute positively to their communities and act as stewards of the environment. Strait is a member of the Restorative Practices Leadership Team, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Team. She has a deep passion to create inclusion and equity within our schools climate and culture, ultimately empowering students to achieve their fullest potential. She belongs to Southern Maine’s Connected Learning Ecosystems (CLE) sponsored by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, which has cultivated collaboration between other science educators and community members on climate literacy and ocean stewardship – another deep passion of hers. Strait was the 2024 recipient of Hannaford’s 20 Outstanding Women award, because of her commitment to make her community a better place to live in through her Plastic Mitigation Initiative. When she’s not teaching, you can find her surfing, gardening, doing photography, or at the beach with her wife, children, and two dogs.

Emilie Throckmorton
Bangor High School, Bangor
2024 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year

“I am so honored and proud to represent Bangor Schools and all the creative and thoughtful work that goes on every day for students. I’m passionate about teaching, especially advocating for students who struggle with mental health, and the amazing people who work in the Maine Teacher of the Year Program have stretched me and given me confidence to share my ideas.”

Emilie Throckmorton is a 9-12 English teacher at Bangor High School in Bangor, Maine. Throckmorton earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Language from the University of Michigan, Master of Education in Secondary English from the University of Maine, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Writing and the Teaching of Writing from the University of Maine, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of New England, where she completed her desertion on using the English curriculum to promote Social and Emotional Learning. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher. Throckmorton connects with and motivates students at all levels of academic success and prides herself on creating a classroom environment that fosters inclusion and belonging. Using a student-centered approach and focusing on choice, Throckmorton believes strongly in helping all students find a love for reading and cultivating a voice in writing. Outside of the classroom, Throckmorton works closely with students by advising the LGBTQ+ kids in Q+ Club, and has been the advisor for the school’s literary magazine Mosaic for over 20 years. She has also served as a Class Council advisor, a Graduation Coach, a member of the Student Support Team, and the coordinator of the school-wide Poetry Out Loud contest. Throckmorton is passionate about mental health awareness and how teachers can support students by normalizing discussion about mental health in the classroom. When not at school, Throckmorton thrives on spending time with her husband and children, she also loves hiking, yoga, skiing, and running.

The Maine Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year program is administered through a unique partnership with Educate Maine, the Maine County and State Teacher of the Year Association (MCSTOYA) and the Maine State Board of Education. Funding for the program is generously provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Dead River, Geiger, Hannaford, Maine Lottery, the Silvernail Family, and Unum.

For more information about the Maine County Teacher of the Year Program and to see a list of County Teachers of the Year, and Maine Teachers of the Year, visit http://www.mainetoy.org.

Maine Department of Education Seeks Feedback on the Essential Programs and Services Funding Formula

Resolve 2024, Chapter 164 directs the Maine Policy Research Institute and the Maine Department of Education (DOE) to conduct a targeted review of general-purpose aid for local schools. This review will focus on recruitment, retention, salaries and benefits; property valuation as a determinant of municipal ability to pay; regional cost differences; and a comparison of other states’ mechanisms. Within these focused themes, the Maine DOE will be considering expenditure-driven components, municipal ability to pay, regional adjustments, and adjustments to the state share of the total allocation. This report is due to the Maine Legislature on March 15, 2025.

In an effort to include a variety of stakeholder voices from regions all across Maine, the Maine DOE is conducting a series of listening sessions to receive your feedback. While we hope our superintendents, teachers, school business officers, directors of special services, and career and technical education directors will join in these conversations, participation is not limited to those within the field of education. To this end, each session will include a virtual-only option for participants. In order to ensure that each participant has an opportunity to speak, the Maine DOE will follow the legislative practice of a 3-minute comment.

The times and dates of these listening sessions are as follows:

September 23, 2024 from 11:30 am-1:00 pm, Zoom Link
September 24, 2024 from 3:00 pm-4:30 pm, Zoom Link
September 25, 2024 from 7:00 am-8:30 am, Zoom Link
September 26, 2024 from 5:00 pm-6:30 pm, Zoom Link
September 27, 2024 from 3:00 pm-4:30 pm, Zoom Link

Discussion questions:

How does the Essential Programs and Services (EPS) funding formula align with current needs at your school?
Do the categories of essential programs and services adequately match your understanding of what is essential to an education?
Do the categories of essential programs and services align with the ways your school utilizes funding?
What do you consider to be the greatest barrier to equity in EPS?
What do you consider to be the greatest contributor to regional differences in the delivery of education in Maine?

Participants may also submit their feedback in writing to Laura Cyr, Department of Education, State House Station #23, Augusta, Maine 04333, or laura.cyr@maine.gov. For documentation purposes, written feedback is very helpful.

Chapter 115 Public Comment: The Credentialing of Education Personnel

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

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

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

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

Dates for these meetings are as follows:

August 28, 2024: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm; for the Zoom link, please email Emily Cummins
September 25, 2024: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
October 23, 2024: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
November 20, 2024: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
December 18, 2024: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

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

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

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

Getting to Know Community Schools in Maine: Old Town Elementary School

“Education and support for our students goes way beyond the classroom,” said Principal Jeanna Tuell. As a long-time administrator for RSU 34, Tuell has been an integral part of Old Town Elementary School’s shift to the Community School Model.

Tuell explains that years ago, the school’s long-time school counselor raised concerns about the sheer amount of work it was taking to give their student population the support they truly needed to thrive at school. It was at that time that they had a collective realization they needed to seriously think outside the box to improve things not only for their students, families, and the community but for their teachers and staff as well.

A community school model, as defined by the Coalition for Community Schools, is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. Community schools exist in all regions of the United States, and their numbers are growing fast.

“When you are looking at student support, you are not just looking at what the supports are that the student needs right now, you have to look bigger, at what they might need outside the school, and what their families might need, and how that affects the whole school environment and the whole community outside,” said Jennifer Goodwin, Old Town Elementary School Coordinator. Goodwin has served in the role of Community School Coordinator since the school set in motion their plan to become a community school in 2017.

The community school model was first recognized by the Maine State Legislature in 2015/2016 when they authorized state funding for a limited number of community schools established under 20-A MRSA Chapter 333. Currently, three schools in Maine receive funding from the Maine DOE to support their community school strategies: Old Town Elementary School in Old Town, Cape Cod Hill Community School in New Sharon, and Gerald E. Talbot School in Portland.

As the longest-standing community school in Maine, Old Town has had time to build community partnerships and strategies that truly support its student population. One of those strategies is their amazing outdoor learning program which is complimented by a robust set of garden beds and greenhouses located right on school grounds.

“Almost immediately when I started, I got approached by teachers saying, ‘we want school gardens,’” explained Goodwin. “The University of Maine was able to do their capstone project and build us our first 12 beds. Then we got a partnership with Rogers Farms, and then we had an amazing parent garden coordinator come on that really helped it grow.”

The program has been so successful over the years that they have been able to do a full curriculum integration at every grade level. They have also benefited from a fruitful partnership with Rogers Farms that includes a community farm stand.

Old Town School Gardens:

Jennifer Goodwin

Several other community partnerships provide their students with everything from winter fun with Winter Kids, to theatre, and even more outdoor education through Maine Outdoor Education program in Millinocket. They also partner on Community Cupboard which serves students, families, and community members.

Another important tentacle of this work is their partnership with local health services such as Pathways of Maine, Acadia Hospital, and Penobscot Community Health Care (PCHC) for counseling services for students and families. Their partnership with PCHC extends into a recently added health clinic located inside the school building. The clinic is staffed with licensed health care professionals who provide students not only with counseling services, but basic healthcare needs like an annual wellness check, a strep test, or an ear/eye exam to diagnose and treat common childhood viruses.

The PCHC Health Clinic located inside Old Town Elementary School:

With the incredible number of meaningful community partnerships Old Town has worked so hard to get under their belt, they are quick to credit their partners and community for their shared commitment to this work.

“When anything needs to be done, it gets done here because people really care about their community, their kids, and there is a lot of pride,” explained Tuell. “Those community partners happen very naturally. It’s not just one particular partner, it’s a combination of a lot of people. I feel like that’s what makes this town so unique and so special.”

Tuell also acknowledges how incredibly important it has been for them to have a Community School Coordinator who can not only coordinate and see through the partnerships and strategies but also works to pull together administrators, teachers, and school support staff on a regular basis to prioritize the evaluation and re-evaluate their student (and community) support strategies.

To learn more about Old Town Elementary Community School, check out this video interview with Principal Tuell and Community School Coordinator Jennifer Goodwin.

Maine DOE Community Schools Consultant Ann Hanna (former principal of Gerald E. Talbot Community School) is working on advancing community school strategies in interested schools across Maine by providing technical assistance and support.

To learn more about community schools in Maine, please contact Ann Hanna, at ann.c.hanna@maine.gov.

Fifth Graders from Cascade Brook Elementary School Participate in ExploraVision STEM Competition

(Pictured: Back row, from left: Emma Hafenecker, Clara Ernst, Abigail Ragsdale, Emily Roy, Stacey Augustine, Tim Strange. Front, from left: Wiley Billings, Brennan Tibbetts, Maple Corey, Sandy Jamison. [photo courtesy of Annie Twitchell])

The fifth-grade students at Cascade Brook School had some very exciting projects this past school year. Two teams entered the 2023/24 Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision National Science competition.

Led by their Gifted and Talented Teacher/Coach, Sandra Jamison, the students brainstormed world problems, picked one, and then developed an invention that could solve the problem. This required lots of research and innovative thinking. They researched past and present technology, designed their “solution” and then wrote about breakthroughs needed to make it a reality, explained their design process, and drew their invention.

One team, comprised of fifth graders Emily Roy, Brennan Tibbetts, and Maple Corey came up with the idea for ‘H.E.L.P.’, a small device that would sit in the ear and receive signals and data from the body, diagnose the symptoms, and help treat the cause.

H.E.L.P. stands for ‘Helping Everyone Live Perfectly’ and the device is like having a doctor in your ear. The H.E.L.P. team earned an honorable mention in the ExploraVision competition, which means they placed in the top ten percent of all 2,000 competing teams. Each student received a certificate commemorating this achievement.

The second team, comprised of fifth graders Clara Ernst, Wiley Billings, Emma Hafenecker, and Abigail Ragsdale, designed MER, short for Medical Earth Robot. The students wanted to find a way to help with one of the most preventable deaths on the battlefield: loss of blood.

MER is a robot with three compartments, two of which have drills to tunnel through the ground. The third compartment is where the magic happens: a protective dome unfolds and covers an injured person. Inside the dome, robotic arms equipped with tools perform essential emergency medical care to stabilize the patient before transmitting a signal to the nearest emergency medical personnel and moving to the next patient.

The MER project was selected as one of 24 regional winning projects. As Regional winners, each student and their coach received a Chromebook and participated in a National competition.

Both teams were recognized and honored in a special ceremony on April 25, 2024 at Cascade Brook School with a Toshiba representative Tim Strange. Cascade Brook School sure is proud of these students!! Congratulations to Emily, Brennan, Maple, Clara, Wiley, Emma, and Abigail!

Maine DOE Honors 2024 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science State Finalists & Maine History Teacher of the Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) was pleased to host a special ceremony at the recent 2024 Maine DOE Annual Summit to honor educators from two prestigious national awards, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s History Teacher of the Year program.

PAEMST is the nation’s highest honor for teachers of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM, including Computer Science). Nominees complete a rigorous application process that allows them to demonstrate deep content knowledge and their ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. Maine applicants were reviewed by mathematics and science selection committees comprised of previous Maine PAEMST awardees and content area experts. More than 5,200 PAEMST awardees have been recognized since the program was established by Congress in 1983.

Each year, the Gilder Lehrman Institute seeks out the finest history teachers in the United States to acknowledge their vital work. Since 2004, they have recognized 1,000+ outstanding elementary, middle, and high school teachers in each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and US Territories. Each state committee selects a winner based on creativity, leadership, and use of primary source material.

Maine’s Honorees are as follows:

2024 PAEMST Maine

Left to Right: Deb Larsen-Soderberg, Marcia Train, Hillary Bellefleur

2024 PAEMST Maine Finalist – Elementary Mathematics Category

Deb Larsen-Soderberg, Orono Middle School, Orono

Deb Larsen-Soderberg was selected as the 2024 Elementary Mathematics PAEMST State Finalist for her variety and skillful balance of pedagogy, content knowledge, and instructional strategies that support and strengthen student growth in mathematics. Through a hands-on, active engagement approach to learning, she encourages students to think more deeply and creatively about math and complex reasoning.

2024 PAEMST Maine Finalists – Elementary Science Category

Hillary Bellefleur, Leroy H. Smith Elementary School, Winterport

Hillary Bellefleur was selected as one of the 2024 Elementary Science PAESMT State Finalists for her strong grasp of physical, life, earth, and engineering sciences appropriate for elementary grades. She provides engaging, innovative, and student-centered approaches to instruction, supporting all learners in her classroom. Hillary has worked with Maine DOE on the MOOSE project, integrating science into modules for all teachers to use. She was also recognized as the 2021 Waldo County Teacher of the Year, 2021 National Milken Educator Award, a 2022 Finalists for the Maine Teacher of the Year. She earned her National Board Certification in 2022.

Marcia Train, Long Island School, Long Island

Marcia Train was selected as one of the 2024 Elementary Science PAEMST State Finalists for her passion and dedication to science education. She engages her students in a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to learning that connects their experiences with their community. Marcia spent three months on a research vessel, connecting with her students during that time, bringing back knowledge and skills that supported students in connecting to Maine-based aquaculture. Her students developed an aquaculture site to grow and harvest sugar kelp. Some other key projects her students have been involved in are monitoring ocean health, rehabilitating and cleaning up the island beaches, and growing a school garden, to name just a few.

Maine History Teacher of the Year

Left to right: Jessica Graham, Ethan Brownell

2024 Maine History Teacher of the Year

Jessica Graham, Waterville High School, Waterville

Jessica Graham was selected as the Maine History Teacher of the Year for her excellence in history education. As a history teacher in Waterville, Jess has developed a creative and compelling curriculum that engages her students in all areas of social studies, with a particular passion for civic engagement. Her connection with students was evident when they selected her to give their commencement address. One of her students spoke on her behalf at the Educators Summit, again demonstrating her commitment and connection to her students. Jessica is currently working on her PhD in History from the University of Maine.

2023 Maine History Teacher of the Year

Ethan Brownell, Maine Central Institute, Pittsfield

Ethan Brownell was selected as the Maine History Teacher of the Year for his excellence in history education. At Maine Central Institute, Ethan has taught and developed several engaging courses with unique historical perspectives. He has developed community connections to support his students’ understanding of history and social studies. Beyond the school day, Ethan models civic engagement for his students in his local community. He is a current board member of the Maine Council for Social Studies.

Maine’s 2024 PAEMST finalists have been forwarded to a panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists and educators at the national level who will assess the applications before recommending nominees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education. The teachers chosen to be Presidential Awardees will be notified by the White House, honored at various ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.

Maine’s 2024 History Teacher of the Year, Jessica Graham, was awarded $1,000 and automatically became a nominee in the national contest this year. The national panel of eminent historians, former winners, and master teachers selects one national winner for the $10,000 award in September. Brownell received the same honors and underwent the same process in 2023.

Nominations for the 2025 PAEMST Award will open soon. This round of awards will honor mathematics, science, and engineering (STEM, including computer science) teachers working in grades 7-12. Consider a great teacher you know for nomination or nominate yourself! For more information or to nominate a teacher visit the PAEMST website.

Nominations for the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s History Teacher of the Year are currently open. Submissions are due by April 30, 2025. For more information visit the Gilder Lehrman Institute website.

2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Reflects on Enjoyable and Empowering Experience at Space Camp

Each year, the Maine Teacher of the Year attends Space Camp for Educators at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. They are joined by their National Teacher of the Year cohort, comprised of teachers from across the nation. Space Camp is a program for educators that includes simulations of astronaut training and various activities designed to deepen educators’ understanding of what it’s like to go to space. Beyond the fun and interesting activities, Space Camp allows the National Teacher of the Year cohort to connect, network, and learn from one another.

Participants at Space Camp had the opportunity to build and launch rockets, participate in an escape room, design heat shields, and rovers, learn about how origami influences the design of space vehicles, and experience two “missions” in the space station. An example of a day-long activity included a water rescue simulation where a zipline and a downed helicopter were used to simulate a pre-launch emergency escape. Then, participants had to swim out to a raft in the middle of the lake, climb said raft, fall backwards from it, swim back to shore, and climb into a sling to escape the water.

Joshua Chard, 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year and teacher at East End Elementary, enjoyed Space Camp for its fun activities and bonds he created with other educators. Although he was initially nervous about the water rescue simulation due to his limited swimming skills, the support of his team helped him overcome his fears. For Chard, the experience reinforced the importance of teamwork, a lesson he plans to bring back to his classroom in the fall.

While Chard enjoyed the experience of Space Camp, he notes that some of his favorite moments were the ones where he got to speak with other accomplished educators and hear about their teaching.

“The relationships that I have built through the National Teacher of the Year program are ones that will inform my professional journey moving forward. We bonded over our love for our students and our commitment to a rigorous and equitable education for all. I have created friendships that will last a lifetime,” said Chard.

Chard also found much value in being in a student position at Space Camp and being reminded of what it feels like to be a learner. Space Camp reminded him of what it is like to be a student experiencing new material for the first time, not knowing what to do, and being nervous of judgment from others.

“Teachers are lifelong learners, but usually we have some control over what we are learning. Being out of my comfort zone was a great reminder that many of our learners find themselves outside of their comfort zone every day,” he said.

While Chard was incredibly grateful for befriending and learning from teachers from all over the country, he is grateful that he teaches in Maine.

“I am proud to work in a state where public education is valued and celebrated and where diversity is seen as an asset,” he said. “Maine is such an amazing place to work and live.”

When Chard was asked about what lessons from space camp he would share with the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year Cohort, he emphasized the importance of teamwork.

“It sounds cliche, but we are more successful together. NASA’s scientists, astronauts, and support personnel all work together in the interest of expanding our knowledge of our world and beyond. All of us who work in schools strive for the same thing, to expand the minds and lives of our students.”

The 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year will have the opportunity to attend the annual Space Camp just like Chard did. Read more about the Teacher of the Year program here.

Over 100 Maine Students and Teacher Spend a Weekend Camping with Teens to Trails

This past spring, 100+ students and teachers joined Teens to Trails for their annual Adventure Bound weekend, a free camping and white-water rafting experience at Adventure Bound, a youth and family group whitewater rafting and outdoor recreation center in Caratunk, Maine on the Kennebec River. Participants could enjoy this trip at no cost because of the Maine Department of Education (DOE), Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, a program designed to engage more Maine students with outdoor learning and make outdoor experiences more accessible. This initiative was inspired by a promise in Governor Mills’ 2022 State of the State Address to provide students with more opportunities like the Whitewater Kayaking Camp, where kids can go outside and engage with Maine’s natural beauty.

On Friday night, the first night of the trip, participants from different schools had the chance to get to know each other through campfires, dinner, and fun icebreakers. Sam Andrews, Teens to Trails’ Program Manager, led a group conga line as well as a favorite camp game called Bob the Weasel. In this game, one person stands alone. The rest form a circle and pass a banana around while singing, “Bob the Weasel, keep it going, keep it going.” It is up to the person inside the circle to guess who has the banana, and the game almost always results in good-natured laughter.

The next day, the students enjoyed a full day of activities, including volleyball, paddle boarding, canoeing, climbing, swinging on the ropes course, hiking to Moxie Falls, and whitewater rafting. The wide variety of offerings allowed students to choose activities in their comfort zone; however, many felt encouraged to try new things and learn from their experiences. Since whitewater rafting was new to many, the students learned basic paddling skills from Adventure Bound staff. After learning the basics, students took on the challenge of paddling in white water with the help of skilled guides.

“I was incredibly nervous, but I’m glad I did it,” said a 12th-grade student from Belfast High School.

While students were out enjoying activities, teachers had the opportunity to network with other colleagues who are outdoor club leaders. Many reported it was amazing for them to see their students challenge themselves, bond with others, and enjoy nature.

On the final night, Teens to Trails’ Youth Advisory Council members led the annual s’mores contest, which included some creative confections from the students. Some combinations included a toasted banana, chocolate, marshmallow, and caramel s’more, as well as a raspberry, chocolate-covered pretzel, and marshmallow s’more. One student even created an Oreo-wheeled s’mores truck.

The joy and energy of spending a weekend outdoors and unplugged are experiences many will remember fondly. Students and teachers reported feeling connected, inspired, and excited to return to Adventure Bound with their Outdoor Clubs for many years to come.

Twelve school communities were able to attend, including Mt. Abram High School, Dirigo High School, Maine Academy of Natural Sciences, Houlton High School, Ecology Learning Center, Westbrook High School, Edward Little High School, Wiscasset Middle High School, Mountain Valley High School, Marshwood High School, Belfast Area High School, and John Bapst High School.

Thanks to the Maine DOE Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, Teens to Trails, and Adventure Bound, the positive feelings, memorable adventures, and skills learned throughout the weekend will last a lifetime.

“One of my students wants to become a rafting guide now,” added Brian Davis, a Science Teacher at Westbrook High School

Registration links for future trips will be included in Teens to Trails’ school newsletters and on their Facebook, Instagram, and website.

The Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative was created with Federal Emergency Relief Funding and is a part of Maine’s Whole Student Pandemic Response. Please visit the Maine DOE Website to learn more about Whole Student Pandemic Response and the many other programs that make it up.

Maine’s Outdoor learning Initiative Inspires a Newfound Love of Nature for 90 Lisbon Students

Ninety 7th-grade Lisbon Middle School students recently took a trip to Hurricane Island. This trip was free for all students, thanks to the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, a Maine Department of Education (DOE) grant that provides funding for middle and high school students in Maine to have outdoor learning opportunities in areas such as marine biology, ecology, and exploration. The initiative also allows Maine students to explore outdoor career fields with trained professionals.

On the trip, students explored tidal pool ecosystems, dissected scallops, and completed a raft-building challenge. Additionally, almost half of the students opted to take a 5 a.m. sunrise hike on the island. Students wanted to make the most of every moment on the trip.

“I loved seeing my students actively exploring the natural world around them,” said Deb Antl, the coordinating teacher. “Their genuine excitement and curiosity about the ocean, its plants, and animals was amazing. Not once did they ask for a phone or complain about not having access to technology. They were fully enveloped by the nature around them.”

Many discussions were had on the trip about the importance of preserving the environment and the role that each individual plays in sustaining the ecosystem, including learning about sustainable methods of ocean farming and why responsible aquaculture is growing as an industry. The 7th graders are now inspired to help their school community learn to responsibly compost next year. Additionally, students are now eager to learn more about other forms of aquaculture and meet other farmers—some even are inspired to pursue a career in aquaculture/farming.

From their first time on a boat, an island, seeing the stars, and spending the night in a cabin, Lisbon students were overjoyed with the beauty and exploration opportunities on Hurricane Island. The students were truly grateful for the experience and expressed that gratitude by writing thank-you letters to the Hurricane Island staff.

The Maine DOE’s Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative allowed students, some of whom would otherwise not have been able, to explore and connect with the resources available in their own state.

Upcoming Data Webinars August 2024

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Data Team has many data management and reporting webinars scheduled in preparation for fall data collection. The Maine DOE Events Calendar lists all Data Team webinars for Synergy and NEO. Filter to the area of focus, “Data.”

Webinars this week and next week for State Reporting in Synergy and NEO:

NEO Home Instruction Module Updates Webinar:
August 20th at 12pm – Register Here

Synergy State Student ID and Enrollment Uploads Webinar
August 22nd at 12pm – Register Here

NEO Transportation Webinar
August 27th at 12pm – Register Here

Synergy Personal Upload Webinar:
August 29th at 12pm – Register Here

Please contact Alexandra.Cookson@maine.gov if you have any questions about upcoming webinars.