Annual gathering features presentations by Maine teachers for Maine teachers.
English teachers can use blogs, poetry slams and graphic novels to craft engaging lessons that appeal to students who don’t learn best by reading books and writing papers.
A teacher in the southern Maine town of Sanford can teach Advanced Placement English to students located almost 400 miles to his north, in the town of St. Agatha.
Conference offers instructors a preview of newly produced curriculum materials that align with the Common Core.
A South Portland High School math teacher described his class’ experience building a boat to drive home math lessons.
A Lisbon Community School teacher discussed how she uses picture books with her young students to help them visualize mathematical concepts.
Jim Rier, director of finance and operations at the Department, will take on the number 2 role.
AUGUSTA – Jim Rier, head of finance and operations at the Maine Department of Education since 2003, has assumed the position of deputy commissioner. Commissioner Stephen Bowen announced the move on Wednesday.
“Jim has a depth of experience at the Department, is an expert in school finance, and understands policy and the legislative process like few others in state government,” Bowen said. “I have known Jim since my days in the Legislature. We are lucky to have his experience working for Maine schools.
The 10 nominees for 2012 span the regions of the state, subject matter and grade levels.
AUGUSTA — Wanda Whitener notices the students who stick with her music classes all nine years they attend her school are students who excel in academics and occupy the top slots in their graduating classes.
“They tend to know what discipline is and apply themselves to everything they do,” said Whitener, who teaches music at Tremont Consolidated School in Bass Harbor. “I feel that they learn some excellent lifelong skills through music.”
Whitener — who directs two bands, two orchestras and a chorus along with teaching instrument lessons and classroom music — is one of Maine’s 10 nominees for 2012 Teacher of the Year.
Continue reading “Teacher of the Year nominees honored at State House”
Sumner Memorial High School overcomes ‘low-performing’ stigma to make major changes, engage students in learning.
SULLIVAN — When Sumner Memorial High School landed on a federal list of 10 low-performing Maine schools, it was a difficult piece of news for the community to digest.
Continue reading “Sumner uses improvement grant to its advantage”
Federally funded program wants to partner with more Maine high schools to keep struggling students from dropping out.
BANGOR — The Penobscot Job Corps takes 350 young adults — many at risk of dropping out of school — catches them up on academics and equips them with skills that make them employable.
As I tour the state, I wonder what’s getting in the way of letting educators do what’s best for their students.
Fred Woodman has done it all in his career in Maine schools.
He’s been a teacher, principal and superintendent. Now, he’s director of the United Technologies Center in Bangor, which I visited Thursday on the second day of my statewide listening tour.
Students apply math and science skills in classes they find relevant at United Technologies Center in Bangor.
Continue reading “Technology center engaging students, training future workforce”
Parents and teachers offer suggestions on how the Maine DOE can support schools in their work.
TURNER — How do schools need to change and how can the Department of Education help educators make that happen?
Continue reading “Commissioner seeks input at first public forum in Turner”
Maine DOE Newsroom 