I believe that our Department has done more over the last two years than at any other period in our history to ensure there is an effective educator in every classroom and an effective principal in every building. Continue reading “Department provisionally-adopts educator effectiveness rule”
Category: Priority Notices
Adult education offers something for everyone
Last week I had the honor to speak at the annual Adult Education State House Day on behalf of the Maine DOE and Governor Paul LePage.
I was fortunate to talk with several students who had powerful stories to share about how their commitment to bettering themselves through learning is not just improving their college and career prospects, but enriching their lives and that of their families.
Adult education offers something for everyone. Continue reading “Adult education offers something for everyone”
Moving forward to serve you
This week, Governor LePage notified the State Board of Education that he would like to nominate me as his permanent Education Commissioner.
While most gubernatorial Commissioner appointments go directly to the legislative committee of jurisdiction, State statute requires the Governor’s nomination for Education Commissioner be first reviewed by the State Board of Education. Continue reading “Moving forward to serve you”
Grading system top DOE news of 2013
We hope you enjoyed the holidays and some well-deserved down time to recharge for the New Year. As our Department looks forward to serving you in 2014, we also wanted to reflect back on our work from a very busy past 12 months.
Of the nearly 600 items posted in our Maine DOE Newsroom in 2013, not surprisingly our release about Maine’s first school report cards was the most viewed item, with related posts taking up several of the other top traffic spots. Continue reading “Grading system top DOE news of 2013”
Happy Holidays From Your Maine DOE
School security strengthened since Sandy Hook
On Saturday, many of us paused to remember the courage of so many in the face of the evil of one on the anniversary of the senseless school shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary. Just one day before, a 17-year-old senior was critically injured by a classmate, who later shot himself, in a shooting at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colorado, just 10 miles away from Columbine, another tragic reminder of our need to always be prepared even for the most unthinkable.
Here in Maine, schools have always taken the safety and security of their students and staff seriously, but even more so since Newtown. Continue reading “School security strengthened since Sandy Hook”
STEM awareness week, but action year-round
Earlier this week, I was proud to join Governor Paul R. LePage in honoring the important role computer science has in our state’s classrooms and growing economy by recognizing Computer Science Education Week (CSEDdWeek).
This national awareness week (Dec. 9-15), founded by our Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) partner Microsoft and also sponsored by Apple, our longest-running MLTI partner, seeks to engage more students in computer science. Continue reading “STEM awareness week, but action year-round”
Maine schools make EdWeek innovation list
Maine schools have long been looked to as national leaders in education innovation.
That’s why I am not surprised that Education Week recently named three of our state’s schools to a list of those across the country worth visiting. Continue reading “Maine schools make EdWeek innovation list”
DOE shares new system of supports
With the holidays approaching, now is the time to thank all of our teachers and school/district leaders for the work you do each day to meet the needs of all Maine students. It is also the time to share with all of you our vision for how the Maine DOE can better support your important work. Continue reading “DOE shares new system of supports”
Thankful for great teachers and leaders
Last Friday, I had the privilege of attending the annual Teacher of the Year banquet, hosted at Unum’s Portland campus.
It was exciting to see the education and business communities come together to celebrate these champions for children. As Acting Education Commissioner, I hope to facilitate us working together more to ensure we are best serving our students and our great State. Continue reading “Thankful for great teachers and leaders”
Maine DOE Newsroom 