Category: Professional Development

Professional Learning Series: Developing Individual Language Acquisition Plans (ILAPs) for Multilingual Learners with Collaboration and Instructional Planning in Mind

Are you new to Individual Language Acquisition Plans (ILAPS) or looking to strengthen your team’s approach? Do you serve a small multilingual learner population and want a practical framework that ensures compliance with state and federal guidelines and promotes student growth? If so, consider attending a two-part virtual series that the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is hosting to offer a clear, collaborative process for developing ILAPS that reflect each student’s language profile, strengths, and instructional needs.

An ILAP is a required, school-based plan for every student identified as a multilingual learner. An effective ILAP clarifies educator roles, targets timely and individualized supports, and honors students’ identities and assets to foster growth, engagement, and belonging. Led by Maine DOE Teacher Leader Fellows Rebecca Carey and Melissa Frans, this series will help participants to learn how to design ILAPs that meet state and federal requirements, while advancing equity, access, and belonging through intentional instructional planning and partnership.

Format:

Participants must attend both sessions of this series. Each session includes one hour of structured learning followed by 30 minutes of collaborative sharing and discussion. Registration is required. Please register here.

Session Topics:

Intended Audience:

English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers, directors/coordinators of multilingual programs, and general education teachers who support multilingual learners may find this series beneficial. Participants will develop actionable, collaborative approaches to ILAPs aligned with WIDA Standards and supportive of instructional planning.

Schedule:

This two-part virtual series will be held from 3:30-5 p.m. on:

  • Wednesday, November 5, 2025
  • Thursday, November 6, 2025

Participants who attend both sessions will receive three contact hours.

The Teacher Leader Fellows program is a part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. For more information, please contact Jane Armstrong, Maine DOE State ESOL Specialist, at jane.armstrong@maine.gov.

Register Now for the 2025 Fall Alternative Education Association Conference

The Alternative Education Association (AEA) of Maine has announced that its fall conference will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Marti Stevens Learning Center in Skowhegan from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the theme “Connection!”

The 2025 Fall AEA Conference will showcase inspiring alternative education success stories from around the state. It will also feature engaging breakout learning groups and regional connection meetings. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, share, and connect with fellow educators committed to student success through alternative pathways.

  • Cost: The 2025 Fall AEA Conference is $75 per person. (Lunch will be provided and is included in the cost.)
  • Date and Time:Friday, November 14, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Location:Marti Stevens Learning Center (140 Academy Circle, Skowhegan, ME 04976)

Please click here to register.  Registration must be completed by November 6, 2025.

With questions, please contact Tristen Hinkle, AEA President, at thinkle@msad54.org or Tracey Menard, AEA Vice President, at menart@portlandschools.org.

Maine DOE and Maine Community College System Host Statewide Virtual Showing of Counted Out Film Highlighting Math Literacy and Opportunity

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Maine Community College System (MCCS) are inviting educators, families, and community members to a free statewide virtual showing of the film Counted Out on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 7 p.m.

This live virtual event, made possible through the partnership of the Maine DOE and MCCS, is part of a shared commitment to promoting numeracy and equitable, rigorous math pathways across public education in Maine.

Counted Out argues that numeracy and math literacy—the ability to speak the language of math—are critical determinants of social and economic mobility and engagement. This film highlights how access to meaningful math learning experiences can open doors to opportunity, civic participation, and confidence for all learners.

While Counted Out is not about math pathways specifically, its message underscores the central role of math literacy in ensuring students’ future success. This virtual showing offers a chance for educators and community members statewide to join a collective conversation about how to help all Maine students see themselves as capable mathematical thinkers.

Registration is required to participate in the live showing, and the film will begin promptly at 7 p.m. on October 21. Upon registering, participants will receive a unique ticket link by email. Watch the Counted Out trailer and register here.

Celebrating Statewide Engagement

Earlier this fall, in-person screenings and guided dinner discussions were hosted in communities across the state through a collaboration between the Maine DOE, the Maine Math and Science Alliance (MMSA), and the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Maine (ATOMIM). These regional events brought together educators, administrators, and community members to reflect on the film and share ideas for advancing numeracy in Maine schools.

Participants described Counted Out as “inspiring,” “eye-opening,” and “a reminder that math is for everyone.” Many highlighted the importance of creating classrooms where mathematics feels relevant, engaging, and connected to real life.

One educator wrote, “Creative math classrooms result in creative mathematical thinkers,” while another reflected that, “We need to change the narrative, so every student sees themselves as capable and curious about math.” Others expressed a desire to continue connecting with like-minded educators and exploring new approaches to hands-on, community-based math learning.

Maine DOE Chief Teaching and Learning Officer Beth Lambert praised the collaboration behind the screenings and the enthusiasm of participants statewide.

“The conversations around Counted Out remind us that math is more than numbers—it’s a language of empowerment,” Lambert said. “We’re excited to bring that message to even more Mainers through the upcoming virtual showing.”

Maine Department of Education Expands Access to High-Quality Literacy Professional Development

As part of Governor Janet Mills’ recently launched Maine State Reading Action Plan, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce an opportunity for Maine educators to access evidence-based literacy professional learning modules at a reduced cost.

In the summer of 2024, the Maine DOE provided free access to AIM Institute for Learning & Research’s Steps to Literacy modules. Nearly 650 educators completed more than 20,000 hours of professional learning grounded in the science of reading, covering phonological awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, language expression, writing, emerging literacy, vocabulary, dyslexia, and supports for multilingual learners.

Building on that success, in 2025, to sustain momentum, the Maine DOE has expanded access to AIM modules and launched Communities of Practice (COP) for school teams. The COPs are designed to deepen professional knowledge and build school-level capacity to implement high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction.

Recognizing that access to affordable and user-friendly professional learning is critical, the Maine DOE invited professional learning providers offering asynchronous modules that met established criteria to extend reduced-rate access to Maine educators. The Maine DOE has established master agreements with two providers, enabling school administrative units (SAUs) to purchase quality, evidence-based literacy modules at a discounted cost. Details are available here: Maine Department of Education | Professional Literacy Modules.

Reimbursement Opportunity

While any Maine educator may purchase modules at the reduced price, Maine’s Preschool Development Grant (PDG) will reimburse SAUs for modules successfully completed by educators working, or supporting, pre-K through grade 3.

  • Who pays up front: SAUs may purchase modules directly from one of the approved vendors (below).
  • Reimbursement window: Through December 15, 2025, SAUs may submit for reimbursement.
  • What to submit: Invoices should be submitted on SAU letterhead with proof of successful completion for each module.
  • Where to send: Please email invoices and documentation to Renee Reilly, Maine DOE PDG Manager, at renee.a.reilly@maine.gov.

Professional Learning Module Options

AIM Pathways™ is an interactive digital training platform that delivers evidence-based content in the science of reading. Each Steps to Literacy module follows a “learn, practice, apply” cycle and includes teaching techniques, demonstration videos, and printable resources to help educators integrate new strategies into classroom practice. Learn more about accessing AIM Pathways modules here.

Keys to Literacy offers a comprehensive, research-backed approach to sustainable literacy improvement. Its courses integrate evidence-based instruction with systems, structures, and leadership practices that support equitable and effective learning environments. All modules are designed for asynchronous, on-demand access, allowing educators to engage in professional learning on their own schedules. Learn more about accessing Keys to Literacy modules here.

Through these master agreements, the Maine DOE is ensuring that Maine educators have affordable opportunities to deepen their expertise and strengthen literacy instruction for all students.

For additional information or questions related to module content, please contact Dee Saucier, Maine DOE Inclusive Education Literacy Specialist and Dyslexia Coordinator, at danielle.m.saucier@maine.gov. For inquiries regarding reimbursement, please contact Renee Reilly at renee.a.reilly@maine.gov.

Explore Innovation in Action: Maine DOE Fall Peer-to-Peer Learning Tour Registration Now Open

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Innovation is pleased to announce that this fall, there will be several opportunities for educators to engage in peer-to-peer learning that highlights innovative educational programming!

Are you an educator interested in exploring immersive learning experiences for your school and students? The Office of Innovation’s Mobile Learning Van is conducting various Learning Tours throughout the school year, and we’d love for you to join us! On each tour, we visit a school that is engaging in innovative learning programs for its students, and we invite educators across the state to see the programs in action and collaborate on all aspects of implementation.

This work stems from $16.9 million in  Rethink K-12 Education Models Funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Maine was one of 11 states to receive that funding in August of 2020 and used it to launch the Rethinking Responsive Education Ventures (RREV) project, a multi-pronged solution with a primary goal of generating innovative remote learning models to provide equitable access to high-quality remote (out-of-the-classroom) learning opportunities for all students. The Office of Innovation is continuing the momentum of this work by offering Learning Tours and fostering peer-to-peer professional learning.

The Learning Tour space is limited to 10 additional Maine educators at each location. If you are interested in joining us on any Learning Tour, please register here or contact Elaine Bartley, Maine DOE Innovative Research and Design Director, at elaine.bartley@maine.gov. You may also contact Elaine with any questions. Additionally, keep an eye on our website for future Learning Tour opportunities!

The current list of tours and events scheduled for the fall of 2025 includes:

St. George Municipal School
October 28, 2025
9 a.m.-2 p.m.

St. George Municipal School was a RREV awardee. Through its innovative pilot, it has created the first pre-K-grade 8 Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum in the nation. It also used part of its funding to help build the Grace Innovation Center—the first pre-K-adult CTE center! On October 28, we will get the opportunity to see its new Makerspace building, see the learning in action, and talk to teachers and students.

Kennebunk High School (Alternative Education)
December 2, 2025
9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Kennebunk High School (KHS) was a RREV awardee through its Alternative Education program. During this Learning Tour, we will discuss conducting independent projects with students; tour the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, where KHS students have helped to create an immersive learning space; and observe an alternative education program in action.

Princeton Elementary School (Technology Education)
December 9, 2025
8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Princeton Elementary School technology educator Donna Netzer was a recent Maine DOE Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) ambassador. During this tour, we will observe and discuss technology integration in the math classroom. We will explore showcase products, experience recommended technology tools, and share numerous resources. There will also be an opportunity to stay longer and participate in an after-school tech group that will be working with the technology available in the Maine DOE Mobile Learning Van. Students will explore interviewing and broadcasting skills!

Special Outdoor Learning Day Event at MeANS
October 27, 2025

In addition to our Learning Tours, the Office of Innovation will be co-hosting the upcoming Outdoor Learning Day in collaboration with the Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA) on October 27, 2025. This event is happening at the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences (MeANS), which was also a RREV awardee. Experienced educators will model lessons for a wide variety of grade levels and subject areas, with time for debrief and discussion after each lesson. Attendees will be able to view outdoor learning infrastructure at MeANS and participate in conversations about funding outdoor learning, safety planning, and behavior management. Use this link to register for the event. We hope to see you there!

Monthly Arts Integration Office Hours Available Starting in November

Do you have questions about arts integration? Are you looking for fresh ideas to make your lessons more engaging? Join Maine Department of Education (DOE) Arts Integration Teacher Leader Fellow Joshua Chard each month for an informal drop-in, virtual office hours—an open space to explore creative connections between the visual and performing arts and your teaching.

Bring your questions, ideas, or even your curriculum to collaborate on natural, seamless ways to integrate the arts into your classroom. Whether you are just getting started or are ready to expand what you already do, this is a space to brainstorm, problem-solve, and get inspired.

Arts Integration Monthly Office Hours will be held the first Tuesday of each month from 4-5 p.m.
Join the conversation via Zoom here. (There is no need to register in advance).

Session Dates

  • November 4, 2025
  • December 2, 2025
  • January 6, 2026
  • February 3, 2026
  • March 3, 2026
  • April 7, 2026
  • May 5, 2026
  • June 2, 2026

If you can’t make office hours or have other questions, please contact Joshua at joshua.chard@maine.gov to schedule another time. He’s available by appointment, Monday through Thursday, from 2:15-5 p.m.

Asynchronous Professional Learning Opportunity: Exploring the Question Formulation Technique (QFT)

Starting October 21, 2025, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning invites educators to explore the Question Formulation Technique (QFT), developed by the Right Question Institute.

In education, answers matter, but the ability to ask the right questions builds critical thinking and fosters deep learning. The QFT is a practical and structured method for generating, refining, and using questions to drive learning.

This free professional learning opportunity will be available through EnGiNE, the Maine DOE’s online learning platform. Participants will progress through two online modules per week for approximately four weeks, engaging with readings, asynchronous videos, and discussion prompts. The experience concludes with the design of a lesson using the QFT.

Educators who wish to delve further into the QFT can join an optional virtual learning community, with support available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. These sessions provide opportunities to practice the QFT collaboratively, share ideas, and apply it in authentic contexts.

Please complete this form to register for the QFT EnGiNE course. Registration will close on October 20, 2025. Following registration, an email with instructions on how to set up an EnGiNE account will be sent to the email address submitted in the registration.

Together, we will connect the QFT with object-based learning and deep conceptual thinking, equipping educators with powerful strategies to spark curiosity and inquiry in their classrooms. Course participants can earn up to 12 contact hours.

For more information, please contact Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Heather Martin at Heather.Martin@maine.gov.

Reminder to Register for the Maine Green Schools Symposium on November 7

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is thrilled to announce Maine’s first-ever Green Schools Symposium—a groundbreaking event celebrating climate education and sustainability leadership across Maine’s schools. It will take place on Friday, November 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Thomas College in Waterville.
 
This unique, statewide gathering will bring together school leaders, educators, youth, environmentally-focused nonprofit organizations, and private entities for a full day of networking, resource sharing, and cross-sector collaboration. Please register here and attend to hear inspiring stories of school-led sustainability efforts and explore practical tools for improving energy efficiency, cutting facilities costs, and creating healthier learning environments.
 
The Symposium will offer four workshop tracks:
 
Leadership
Engage with students, principals, and superintendents, as they share innovative case studies of sustainability efforts across the state. Breakout sessions will explore tangible strategies to drive change at both the school- and school administrative unit-levels.
 
Facilities
Receive hands-on guidance from facilities managers to explore cost-effective, sustainable infrastructure solutions—from clean energy systems to waste reduction to green campus design.
 
Learning Resources
Discover age-appropriate, interdisciplinary approaches to climate education and pathways to integrate classroom learning with school facilities and operations. Breakout sessions will offer practical strategies to build and expand outdoor learning programs. 
 
Career Pathways
Meet industry professionals to learn about green trades and professional development opportunities in Maine. Breakout groups will help attendees to identify their skills and discover how to align them with Maine’s green career opportunities. 
 
Limited funds are available to subsidize the cost of substitute teachers and transportation for schools to reduce financial barriers to attending the Symposium. Please contact Lucy Van Hook at Lucy.Van-Hook@maine.gov, if financial assistance is needed to attend the Symposium. Contact hours for Maine educators will be available.
 
We look forward to celebrating and advancing climate education and resiliency in Maine schools with you on November 7 in Waterville.

Monthly Professional Learning Community for Civics Teachers Launching in October

Attention, Maine civics and government educators! Join Maine Department of Education (DOE) Teacher Leader Fellow Breanna Bellefontaine-Krupski for a monthly civics professional learning community (PLC) group that will launch in October.

The Civics PLC is open to all civics educators in Maine, from elementary through high school. Meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. via Zoom.

Goals of the PLC:

  • Connect with civics educators across Maine to share ideas, feedback, and strategies.
  • Discuss the needs of civic education at all grade levels.
  • Partner with Maine civic organizations to build classroom-to-community connections.
  • Explore opportunities for professional development in civics-related fields.
  • Earn up to seven contact hours (one hour per meeting).

Please sign up here. Registration is limited to 30 teachers. Monthly attendance is encouraged but not required. Registration will close on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Meeting dates:

  • October 16, 2025
  • November 20, 2025
  • December 18, 2025
  • January 15, 2026
  • *no meeting in February*
  • March 12, 2026 *second Thursday of the month*
  • April 16, 2026
  • May 21, 2026

This is the second year that Breanna Bellefontaine-Krupski has served as the Maine DOE Civics Teacher Leader Fellow. Having participated in civics-focused PLCs in the past, she has gained some of the best professional development and classroom strategies from like-minded peers across the country. She looks forward to leading this group during the 2025-2026 school year!

For further information or questions, please contact Breanna Bellefontaine-Krupski at breanna.krupski@maine.gov.

Registration Open for 15th Annual Maine PBIS Conference

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Maine Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) State Team are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 15th Annual Maine PBIS Conference, which will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. Early-bird pricing is available through October 15, 2025.

This annual event brings together educators, school and district leaders, and student support professionals from across Maine to celebrate their progress and deepen their practice in building positive, equitable school climates where every student can thrive.

This year’s conference will feature a keynote address from Dr. Steve Goodman, a nationally recognized leader in schoolwide systems of support. Dr. Goodman’s keynote is titled, “Better Together: Integrating Academics and Behavior Support in MTSS.”


Dr. Goodman is a research specialist at the University of Connecticut, a partner with the Center on PBIS, and a co-investigator with the Integrated Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Research Network. He previously served as director of Michigan’s MTSS Technical Assistance Center and currently serves on state, national, and international advisory boards for the implementation of MTSS.

With more than 65 publications and extensive experience working with educators across the nation and in ten other countries, Dr. Goodman will bring powerful insights into how schools can integrate academic and behavioral supports within an MTSS framework to ensure the success of all students.

About the Conference

For 15 years, the Maine PBIS Conference has provided a space for educators to share successes, learn from one another, and explore new strategies to improve student outcomes. Participants gain tools and inspiration to enhance their PBIS implementation and foster school cultures grounded in safety, support, and belonging.

Educators are encouraged to register early and join colleagues from across the state for this day of professional learning, collaboration, and celebration.

Please visit the Maine PBIS Conference website to register or learn more about how you can contribute to the conference’s success.

With questions, please contact the Maine PBIS team at pbis@maine.edu.