Category: Professional Development

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.

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.

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. Participants will have opportunities to learn from regional success stories, share ideas, and develop strategies to support long-term sustainability action planning in their schools and districts.

Middle and high school students, teachers, administrators, facilities managers, superintendents, community-based organizations, and community partners are all encouraged to attend.

View the event website to register and learn more! Registration is free, and participants are encouraged to bring a cohort of up to five students.

Event details:

  • What: Collaborative events featuring interactive workshops, professional learning, networking, resource sharing, regional success stories, and more.
  • Why: To build capacity for long-term sustainability action planning in schools, promote youth leadership, and strengthen local connections while advancing our shared statewide vision for a healthy, resilient public education system in Maine.
  • When/Where:
    • Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Wells Conference Center in Orono
    • Friday, November 6, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay
    • Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth
  • Who: Middle and high school students, teachers, administrators, facilities managers, superintendents, community-based organizations, and other partners. Registration will be limited to 100 participants.

Each gathering will offer the same programming, so participants should register for the date and location that is most convenient for them. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

If you have questions about the regional gatherings or the Maine Green Schools Network, please contact the Maine DOE Green Schools Network Coordinator, Naomi Lopez, at naomi.lopez@maine.gov.

We hope to see you this fall! Thank you for all that you do to support Maine students and schools.

Maine DOE to Host Fall 2026 McKinney-Vento Regional Meetings

In October, November, and December, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) will host McKinney-Vento Fall 2026 Regional Meetings to provide updates on federal, state, and local policies and discuss resources available to students and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

During these in-person meetings, participants will learn strategies to increase local capacity to support McKinney-Vento-eligible students. Participants will also have an opportunity to brainstorm solution-oriented approaches for affected youth in their schools and communities—and to network with colleagues from other schools and organizations.

The scheduled meetings are as follows:

Androscoggin, Franklin, & Oxford Counties
Edward Little High School
77 Harris Street
Auburn, ME 04210
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Mid Coast, Kennebec, & Somerset Counties
Capital Area Technical Center
40 Pierce Drive
Augusta, ME 04330
Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

York & Cumberland Counties
People’s Choice Credit Union
23 Industrial Park Road
Saco, ME 04072
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Penobscot & Piscataquis Counties
Wings for Children and Families
900 Hammond Street
#915, Bangor, ME 04401
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Washington & Hancock Counties
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
38 Prescott Drive
Machias, ME 04401
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Aroostook County
Maine Department of Labor
66 Spruce Street, Presque Isle 04769
Friday, December 4, 2026, 9:00 – 11:30 p.m.

Registration for the McKinney-Vento Fall 2026 Regional Meetings is required. Participation is free. This event is appropriate for school staff or community-based organizations that support families and students experiencing housing instability or that are involved in the child welfare system. It is intended to be a space for connection and collaboration.

You may learn more and register here. Additionally, you may download a related flyer here (PDF).

With questions, please contact Susan Lieberman, consulting Homeless Children and Youth Specialist, at susan.lieberman88@gmail.com or Signe Lynch, Maine DOE McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Specialist, at signe.lynch@maine.gov.

Registration is Open for the Maine School Safety Specialist Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Maine School Safety Center’s (MSSC) free training for the School Safety Specialist Program is open to schools and school administrative units (SAUs). The School Safety Specialist (SSS) Program helps schools and districts fulfill the requirements of Public Law 2023, chapter 254, to have a designated employee having oversight regarding school safety.

School Safety Specialist (SSS) Program prepares participants to:

  • Support and assist administrators in coordinating the review, editing, and updating of Emergency Operations Plans for their district and/or school building each year.
  • Involve appropriate stakeholders in the development of district/school- level emergency operations planning through the formation of a safety team to include the following: police and fire departments, emergency management agency, emergency medical services (EMS), local medical facilities, community members, administrators, parents, and students.
  • Network with appropriate stakeholders to enhance school safety at the SAU and school level.
  • Act as a resource for other individuals in the SAU on issues related to school safety.
  • Work with the Maine School Safety Center to provide professional development for faculty and staff on school safety-related issues that encourage a safe school environment.

The details of the program:

  • Cohorts start at the beginning of every other month and have 6 weeks to complete. The first cohort of this school year begins in October.
  • All work is done asynchronously and takes approximately 20-25 hours to complete.
  • Work is divided into badges. Each badge is earned when participants review interactive modules and complete a quiz and reflection questions. Incident Command System (ICS) courses are included in the SSS coursework and are accessed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website.

Benefits of participation: 

  • Become a safety leader in your school.
  • Earn digital badges and contact hours for recertification.
  • Become a partner with the Maine School Safety Center
  • Join a community of practice and network with safety specialists across the state.

If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, fill out the School Safety Specialist interest form.

The Maine School Safety Center has a School Emergency Management Coordinator who can help with resources, training, and guidance on emergency management in schools.  The areas include, but are not limited to:

  • Emergency Operations Plans 
  • Emergency Exercises and Drills
  • Implementation of Multi-Disciplinary Teams
  • Implementation of Safety Teams

For further support or information regarding School Emergency Management, reach out to Maine DOE School Emergency Management Coordinator, Jack Peck Jack.Peck@maine.gov.

For further information about the services offered by the Maine School Safety Center, visit the Maine School Safety Center website.

Professional Learning and Resources to Support Improved School Attendance

The Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC), a statewide collaboration working to strengthen student engagement and attendance and to address chronic absenteeism in Maine schools, is focused on weaving together Maine Department of Education (DOE) initiatives to coordinate practical tools and opportunities for educators to learn from one another to improve student attendance.

To support this work, MEAC has cultivated a growing collection of resources and professional learning opportunities on data use, family engagement, school leadership, progress monitoring, and Tier 1 attendance strategies.

Check out the MEAC webpage to find updated resources and tools, including the Maine Attendance Toolkit. For more information on how the toolkit can strengthen your classroom, school, or district practices, view this four-part recorded series highlighting aspects of the Attendance Toolkit:

Be Pine Tree Present Logo

Consider adopting the MEAC motto to support attendance efforts: “Rooted in Learning, Growing Every Day: Be Pine Tree Present!”


September is National Attendance Awareness Month, and MEAC will add Maine-themed resources throughout the month to help educators improve attendance.  One resource to support our Maine educators is this Pine Tree Present Fact Sheet.

MEAC has also developed a two-page Attendance Tracker designed to help families monitor missed school days and identify when additional support may be needed. The resource pairs a family-facing tracker with Maine DOE’s Evidence-Based Interventions and Attendance Support Plan. Educators can share copies with families or design their own to support their learning community.  Research shows that families underestimate how quickly absences add up throughout the school year.  

Count ME In!, a state partner and member of MEAC, has a collection of attendance communication tools. These tools support clear, proactive, and relationship-centered outreach with students and families. Find those resources here and sign up for the monthly newsletter today: Count ME In! Attendance Help for Maine Schools, Teachers, Principals and Students | Everyone Counts! 

This month, MEAC will launch a virtual Attendance Support Series for those seeking technical assistance from data experts at Maine DOE and school personnel throughout the state, including classroom teachers, building administrators, school counselors, and attendance team members. 

The series’ topics are aligned with the natural rhythm of the school year and will highlight positive relationship-building and effective use of data, barrier identification and intervention, and reflection and planning for next steps.  

Monthly attendance topics:  

Dates Each session will take place from 3:30-4:30 p.m.Topics
September 17, 2026  Using Attendance Data to Drive Action  
October 22, 2026Building Routine, Relationships, and Relevance  
November 19, 2026Creating Emotionally and Physically Safe Learning Environments
December 17, 2026Using Consistent, Growth-Focused Attendance Messaging
January 21, 2027Removing Logistical and Emotional Barriers to Learning  
February 25, 2027Strengthening School-Home Partnerships  
March 18, 2027Engaging Families Through Proactive, Supportive Outreach
April 29, 2027Implementing Positive Recognition and Motivation Strategies
May 20, 2027Establishing Early Warning Systems and Team-Based Responses


Please use this link to register for the Attendance Support Series. 

For further information and questions about MEAC, please visit the Maine DOE MEAC webpage or reach out to Sarah Nelson, Maine DOE Attendance and Engagement Specialist at  Sarah.Nelson@maine.gov. 

Maine Educators Invited to Explore Genealogy and Local History Through New Professional Learning Cohort

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning invites educators to apply for American Ancestors: Unlocking Maine’s Story, a free professional learning cohort that begins with an in-person kickoff on October 13, 2026, at the University of Maine at Farmington from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cohort is designed to help educators use genealogy and local history to strengthen classroom learning.

The cohort is designed for educators serving students in grades 4–8, with an emphasis on English language arts, social studies, and humanities instruction. Participants will explore how interdisciplinary learning can strengthen literacy and historical thinking while engaging students in meaningful research and inquiry. Genealogical research provides students with meaningful opportunities to work directly with primary sources and historical evidence. Throughout the cohort, educators will explore ways to support students in investigating family and community histories, examining archival materials, developing questions, evaluating sources, and sharing their discoveries.

The approximately 30-hour cohort includes both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Participants will engage in an in-person kickoff, four monthly one-hour virtual synchronous meetings, and two to eight hours of online individual or small-group coaching with American Ancestors, depending on each group’s needs. The remaining time will be completed asynchronously through the Maine DOE learning management system, EnGiNE. Approximately half of the cohort will consist of synchronous learning, with the exact balance depending on participants’ coaching needs.

The initiative brings together organizations with expertise in Maine history and education, including American Ancestors, the Maine Historical Society, the Maine Genealogical Society, and the University of Maine at Farmington. Participants will collaborate with staff from these organizations, historians, archivists, Maine DOE specialists, fellow educators, and community partners to develop interdisciplinary learning experiences that integrate literacy, history, research skills, and inquiry-based learning. These partners will provide access to historical resources, archival expertise, and perspectives that can help bring Maine’s diverse history into the classroom.

Participants can earn professional development contact hours and may qualify for a $500 implementation grant to support classroom projects incorporating genealogy, local history, research, and interdisciplinary learning.

To expand access to professional learning opportunities across Maine, preference will be given to educators from underserved areas. Overnight accommodations will be provided for participants traveling more than 50 miles to the University of Maine at Farmington.

A limited number of spots are available. Apply online.

For more information, please contact Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Geoffrey Wingard at Geoffrey.Wingard@maine.gov

Maine DOE Launches Free Virtual Literacy Learning Series

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Offices of Teaching and Learning and Special Services and Inclusive Education invite educators and education professionals—including teachers, administrators, literacy specialists, and educational technicians—to participate in a free virtual literacy professional learning series during the 2026–2027 school year.

Designed to provide flexible, connected learning opportunities, the series allows participants to choose a professional learning path based on their grade span, interests, and learning goals.

Choose Your Literacy Learning Path

In November of 2026, and January and March of 2027, participants can engage in three connected literacy learning opportunities. Each month will focus on a different aspect of literacy instruction, with sessions tailored to three grade spans: Prek through grade 3, upper elementary and middle school, and high school.

Participants may choose from two learning pathways:

  • Explore Across Grade Spans and Topics: Register for all nine sessions to engage in nine hours of literacy professional learning across multiple grade spans and topics.
  • Deepen Learning Within a Grade Span: Follow one grade-span strand across the three sessions for a total of three hours of literacy professional learning, building knowledge and connections across the series.

Educators may also register for individual sessions based on their interests and professional learning needs. Contact hours will be awarded based on the number of sessions attended.

Whether educators are looking to broaden their understanding of literacy instruction or deepen their practice within a specific grade span, the series offers opportunities to learn, reflect, and connect evidence-based literacy practices to classroom instruction.

Registration

Session descriptions, dates, and registration links are provided below. Participants must register separately for each session they plan to attend.

November – Vocabulary & Morphology 

Vocabulary & Word Study for Young Learners (PreK-3)
November 5, 2026, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Dee Saucier, Maine DOE Inclusive Education Literacy Specialist & Dyslexia Coordinator

In session 1, participants will explore several explicit word study opportunities, such as vocabulary routines, word play, phonics, word analysis, and varied word sorts, to strengthen reading and language skills in young learners. 

Register Here

Cracking the Code: Words in Upper Elementary & Middle School
November 12, 2026, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Heather Martin, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist

Explore how understanding meaningful word parts—prefixes, suffixes, roots, and base words—can help students unlock vocabulary, make connections across disciplines, and become more confident readers and learners. 

Register Here

Cracking the Code: Words in High School
November 19, 2026, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Cee Belolan, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist

Examine how morphology supports increasingly complex vocabulary, disciplinary language, and comprehension, with strategies for helping students analyze and apply word structures across academic disciplines. 

Register Here

January – Vocabulary, Background Knowledge, & Verbal Reasoning

Oral Language to Build Vocabulary & Background Knowledge in Young Learners (PreK-3)
January 7, 2027, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Dee Saucier, Maine DOE Inclusive Education Literacy Specialist & Dyslexia Coordinator

In session 2, participants will explore the critical importance of oral language in a comprehensive literacy program and consider how rich oral language opportunities can support explicit vocabulary instruction and the developement of background knowledge. 

Register Here

Say it Like You Mean It: Disciplinary Discourse and the language of learning in Upper Elementary & Middle School
January 14, 2027, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Heather Martin, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist

Explore how students can use the language of different disciplines to explain ideas, ask questions, build on others’ thinking, and communicate their understanding through purposeful speaking, listening, reading, and writing. 

Register Here

Say it Like You Mean It: Disciplinary Discourse and the language of learning in High School
January 21, 2027, 3:30-4:30 p.m.  
Cee Belolan, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist

Examine how disciplinary discourse helps students engage in academic conversations, construct and defend ideas, and communicate using the language, evidence, and conventions of different fields. 

Register Here

March – Verbal Reasoning, Literacy Knowledge, and Language Structures 

Say Language Structures & Verbal Reasoning to Develop Critical Thinking for Young Learners (PreK-3)
March 4, 2027, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Dee Saucier, Maine DOE Inclusive Education Literacy Specialist & Dyslexia Coordinator

In session 3, participants will explore the remaining language comprehension strands of Scarborough’s Reading Rope, with a focus on language structures, verbal reasoning, and building deeper understanding for young learners.

Register Here

Text Complexity & Critical Thinking in Upper Elementary & Middle School
March 11, 2027, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Heather Martin, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist

Explore how increasingly complex texts challenge students to make connections, draw inferences, and build deeper understanding, with strategies to help students navigate challenging texts while maintaining rigorous thinking demands.

Register Here

Text Complexity & Critical Thinking in High School
March 18, 2027, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Cee Belolan, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist

Explore how increasingly complex texts create opportunities for more sophisticated thinking and examine how students can analyze, interpret, evaluate, and question complex ideas in disciplinary texts.

Register Here

We hope you will join us in strengthening literacy instruction and supporting Maine students as readers, writers, and thinkers.

If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Bertini, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Team Coordinator, at Kathy.bertini@maine.gov or Dee Saucier, Maine DOE Inclusive Education Literacy Specialist & Dyslexia Coordinator, at danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov.

Maine DOE to Host Virtual ‘For ME Instructional Programming’ Professional Learning Communities for Pre-K through Grade 2 During 2026-2027 School Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with teacher leaders from across the state, is once again offering professional learning communities (PLCs) for educators and caregivers implementing the For Me Instructional Programming, which include Pre-K for ME, K for ME, 1st Grade for ME, and 2nd Grade for ME.

These monthly virtual PLCs are designed to deepen participants’ understanding of program design and implementation. Participants will explore units and program components in greater depth through real-world examples, shared practices, open discussion, and student work. Whether you are new to a program or have been using it for several years, these PLCs offer valuable support for teachers, educational technicians, instructional coaches, and other staff.

Pre-K for ME PLCs 2026-2027
Participants may choose from two meeting times: 3:30-4:30 p.m. or 6:00-7:00 p.m., on the first Monday of each month. The same content will be offered during both sessions.

  • October 5, 2026
  • November 2, 2026
  • December 7, 2026
  • January 4, 2027
  • February 1, 2027
  • March 1, 2027
  • April 5, 2027
  • May 3, 2027

K for ME, 1st Grade for ME, and 2nd Grade for ME PLCs 2026-2027
Sessions will be held virtually from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month:

  • October 13, 2026
  • November 10, 2026
  • December 8, 2026
  • January 12, 2027
  • February 9, 2027
  • March 9, 2027
  • April 13, 2027

Registration

While regular attendance is encouraged, participants do not need to commit to every session. Access details will be provided after registration. 

Please register by Friday, September 25, 2026. You may do so using the following links:

Questions?

Maine Department of Education to Offer Professional Learning Webinar Series on Multi-Tiered System of Supports

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) will offer a virtual professional learning series focused on school-level implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) beginning September 29, 2026. The series will provide school teams with opportunities to deepen their understanding, reflect on their current implementation, consider how to begin, and/or identify action steps to strengthen their system.

The learning series will center on the Maine Multi-Tiered System of Supports Fidelity of Implementation Rubric (MTSS-FIR), which will be piloted during the 2026–2027 school year through this series and other Maine DOE professional learning opportunities. The MTSS-FIR is designed to support MTSS Leadership Teams in assessing school-level implementation, establishing goals, and engaging in continuous improvement. The series will begin with a focus on Tier 1 and later transition to considerations for Tier 2 and Tier 3 implementation.

Sessions will emphasize practical application, providing participants with opportunities to deepen their understanding of effective MTSS implementation, reflect on their learning, and apply it within their school contexts.

MTSS Professional Learning Webinar Series

The MTSS Professional Learning Webinar Series will be held from 3:30–5 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month, with exceptions in September, December, and May:

  • Tuesday, September 29, 2026*
  • Monday, October 26, 2026
  • Monday, November 23, 2026
  • Monday, December 21, 2026*
  • Monday, January 25, 2027
  • Monday, February 22, 2027
  • Monday, March 22, 2027
  • Monday, April 26, 2027
  • Monday, May 17, 2027*

*September 29 is the fifth Tuesday; December 21 and May 17 are the third Monday of their respective months.

Registration is required, and participation as a school team is encouraged. Teams may include administrators and educators from both general and special education. MTSS Leadership Team composition will be addressed early in the series, including guidance on whom to invite to participate.

To get the most from the series, each participating school team should include at least one administrator and at least one educator who plan to participate in every session. Participants will receive 1.5 contact hours for each session they attend for which they complete an exit survey.

Why Participate in This Series?

Implementing MTSS provides schools with a coherent framework for organizing and optimizing resources to support all learners. By aligning high-quality instruction, differentiated supports, data-based decision making, and collaboration within one connected system, schools can move from separate or disconnected efforts toward a more coordinated approach to meeting student needs.

Effective MTSS implementation strengthens universal foundations for belonging and learning. Through ongoing use of implementation and outcome data, schools can identify strengths, address areas for growth, and make informed decisions about how to use their resources. The result is a more equitable and inclusive continuum of support, and a stronger, more responsive system for helping every student succeed.

Register for the MTSS Professional Learning Webinar Series

MTSS Office Hours

Maine DOE will also offer two types of virtual MTSS office hours beginning in September. These sessions will provide participants with additional opportunities to ask questions, seek support, and engage in conversation about MTSS implementation.

  • Walk-In Office Hours: Beginning Wednesday, September 23 from 3–4 p.m., participants may bring questions or topics for discussion. Please see the Maine DOE Event Calendar for more information, including additional dates, times, and registration links for MTSS Walk-In Office Hours.

Register for MTSS Walk-In Office Hours

  • Topic-Based Office Hours: Beginning Wednesday, September 16 from 2–3 p.m., each session will include 20–30 minutes of focused professional learning on a specific MTSS topic, followed by an opportunity for discussion. Please see the Maine DOE Event Calendar for more information, including additional dates, times, and registration links for MTSS Topic-Based Office Hours.

Register for Topic-Based Office Hours

For more information, please contact Bryan Lescord, Maine DOE MTSS Specialist, at Bryan.Lescord@maine.gov.

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.

In its 16th year, the conference theme will be, “The Fabric of Maine Schools: Braiding Academics, Behavior and Belonging.” The conference will feature a captivating keynote presented by Kathleen Lynne Lane, Ph.D., BCAB-D, CF-L2 from the University of Kansas, “Creating Positive, Productive School Environments: Data-informed Instruction in Integrated Tiered Systems to Meet Students’ Multiple Needs.”

Following the keynote will be a choice of over 30 breakout sessions that will allow participants to walk away with new ideas and a renewed sense of connection with students and their teaching methods. Breakout sessions include integrating academics and behavior within the Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model, behavior supports and strategies for preschool, elementary, middle, and high school, implementing and sustaining PBIS, and family engagement.

Conference pricing:

  • Early Bird until October 15: $185.00
  • After October 15: $210.00
  • Complimentary registration will be provided (up to 3 educators per school) for educators that work in schools identified as part of Maine’s Model of School Support.

Please visit the PBIS Conference website for more information and to register.

School culture does not transform by accident, it happens when we connect, collaborate, and celebrate together. That is exactly what is happening at this year’s Maine PBIS Conference. Join us for a day to rejuvenate your teaching practices, braiding instructional applications, positive student interactions, and educator well-being into a strong educational experience for all!

For more information, please contact Maine DOE Special Projects & Educator Supports Program staff, Anne-Marie Adamson at anne-marie.adamson@maine.gov.