Category: Professional Development

TRAINING: On Any Given Day – Leadership Lessons from Columbine and Beyond

Sponsored by Franklin County Emergency Management Agency, the Maine Department of Education’s Maine School Safety Center, and the US States Attorney.

Retired Principal of Columbine High School Frank DeAngelis will provide a training designed and intended for school administration, educators, law enforcement and public safety personnel who have the responsibility for building and executing safety plans for school related events.

Date and Time
Tue, October 18, 2022
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Location
Mt. Blue High School
129 Seamon Road
Farmington, ME 04938

Register here – Given the sensitive nature of this topic, the training is open only to those with an authorized role in school safety planning. Attendance is subject to verification. Registration information will be confirmed.

Download a printable flyer

For further information or questions contact Sara Bickford at SBickford@franklincountymaine.gov and or 207-860-4277.

 

 

 

An Invitation to School Principals: Join Maine’s 2022-2023 Transformational Leaders’ Network 

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) invites school principals to register for a year-long professional learning experience. The Transformational Leaders’ Network (TLN) offers Maine principals an opportunity to deepen their leadership skills and network with colleagues across Maine, while they are leading transformational efforts in their schools. This “learner-centered” program has a rich history of success and is open to ALL Maine principals. The primary requirement for joining the TLN is the ambition to improve your leadership and your school! 

Who should apply? 

  • School Principals (PreK-12) 

What is the commitment? 

  • The program consists of three in-person full day sessions and five shorter virtual sessions. The three full-day in-person sessions (aligned to CDC safety guidelines) will be in October, February, and May at a site(s) to be determined based on participation.  The TLN will be facilitated by experienced educators.  Sessions are aligned to leadership standards and informed directly by the needs of participants.   

2022-2023 Schedule: 

  • October 14, 2022: 8:30-2:30 full day in person session  
  • November 4, 2022: 8:30-11:00 virtual session 
  • December 9, 2022: 8:30-11:00 virtual session 
  • January 13, 2023 8:30-11:00 virtual session 
  • February 3, 2023: 8:30-2:30 in person session 
  • March 10, 2023: 8:30- 11:00 virtual session 
  • April 7, 2023 8:30-11:00 virtual session 
  • May 5, 2023: 8:30-2:30 full day in person session 

How is the program designed? 

  • The TLN experience revolves around each principal’s efforts to improve their school’s success with students.  
  • Colleagues and resources from facilitators provide on-going consultation and advice focused on immediate and long-term goals.  In this fashion, each principal’s learning goal(s) drives the curriculum of the Network. 
  • Participants are provided readings and resources throughout the year. 
  • Successful completion of the TLN will result in to contact hours for re-certification purposes. 

I’m interested… what next? 

  • In order to receive materials by the first session, participants are encouraged to apply by October 5, 2022.   
  • Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.  
  • Registration for the 2022-2023 TLN can be found here:  http://events.egov.com/eventreg/ME/event.htm?name=transformationalleadersnetwork 
  • The cost of the TLN is $60 per participant for the full year of professional learning.  This includes all TLN content, meals at in-person events, and materials. Participants will be responsible for travel.  A credit card will be needed at time of registration. Please reach out directly to Emily Doughty regarding financial support.   

Where can I find more information? 

Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) Virtual Professional Development Sessions

The Maine Department of Education and SupportEd are partnering up to provide K-12 Maine educators with four free virtual professional development sessions focusing on Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE).

  • Zoom – Conveniently join all virtual PD sessions online via Zoom.
  • Maine Educators – Virtual PD sessions are intended for all Maine teachers grades K-12.
  • 2-hour Sessions – Sessions will last two hours with time to apply strategies included.

SupportEd’s vision is to reimagine the landscape of education for Multilingual Learners (MLs). Specializing in Multilingual Learners (MLs), SupportEd meticulously crafts personalized solutions to fit every partners’ strengths and goals. SupportEd provides educators and administrators with the expertise and resources to help champion the success of MLs within and beyond the classroom. The SupportEd team is comprised of nationally recognized Multilingual Learner experts, best-selling authors, and accomplished researchers — all with extensive experience working in the classroom and/or district.

Download a flyer

Culturally Responsive Teaching and Social Emotional Learning for SLIFE

Thursday, September 22 | 3:00 pm

During this two-hour session, participants will develop an understanding of culturally responsive teaching and social emotional learning for SLIFE. SupportEd will lead participants in defining SLIFE and their characteristics and exploring strategies and tools for creating a culturally responsive school climate that includes social emotional learning practices for SLIFE. Time will also be provided to apply the tools and strategies to their class and school communities.

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Effective Instruction of SLIFE  

Thursday, October 20 | 3:00 pm

During this two-hour session, participants will develop an understanding of effective instruction for SLIFE. SupportEd will lead participants in exploring a framework for effective instruction of SLIFE and discussing strategies for supporting SLIFE engagement with and understanding of content learning. Time will also be provided to set goals for supporting the academic needs of SLIFE in all classrooms and schools.

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Supporting SLIFE Family and Community Engagement 

Thursday, November 17 | 3:00 pm

During this two-hour session, participants will develop an understanding of how to support SLIFE family and community engagement. SupportEd will lead participants in defining the importance of engaging SLIFE families and community in learning and exploring strategies for partnering with SLIFE families and expanding community collaboration in support of students. Time will also be provided to plan for partnering with SLIFE families and expanding community collaboration.

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Supporting Graduation and Post-Secondary Success of SLIFE  

Thursday, December 15 | 3:00 pm

During this two-hour session, participants will develop an understanding of how to support the graduation and post-secondary success of SLIFE. SupportEd will lead participants in discussing barriers and solutions related to graduation and post-secondary success for SLIFE and explore strategies for supporting graduation and post-secondary success of SLIFE. Time will also be provided to apply strategies to plan for implementing strategies for supporting graduation and post-secondary success of SLIFE.

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A Moving Child Is a Learning Child: FREE Early Childhood Text Study

“All learning begins with the body…the body is the brain’s first teacher. And the lesson plan is movement.” (Connell, G. & McCarthy, C. 2014)

Join specialists from the Maine Department of Education’s Early Learning Team for a web-based professional development opportunity. Early childhood educators in the Pre-K through Grade 2 span will utilize a virtual text study format each month for 60 minutes.  The sessions will be held on Thursdays.  The series will utilize the text, A Moving Child is a Learning Child by Gill Connell and Cheryl McCarthy, 2014. Reading will be completed independently between sessions.

A Moving Child is a Learning Child is grounded in best practices and current research. This hands-on resource connects the dots that link brain activity, motor and sensory development, movement, and early learning in an effort to best support and educate the whole child. The expert authors unveil the Kinetic Scale: a visual map of the active learning needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children in primary grades that fits each child’s individual timetable. Educators will find a wealth of information, actionable tips, and games they can use to support the whole child across domains of development. If you’re looking for new ideas to grow your practice, engage children in a way that meets their individual needs and build deeper, more meaningful relationships with your students, then consider joining us for this opportunity.

The text study is set to begin on Thursday, November 3, 2022, from 3:30-4:30pm. and will continue the following Thursdays:

  • November 17
  • December 8
  • January 5
  • January 26
  • February 16

Registration will be open through September 28th and limited to 30 participants on a first come, first served basis.

Those interested are encouraged to register. Participants will receive a copy of the book and up to 18 contact hours at the end of the text study.

Registration is free and can be completed here.

For further information, please contact Nicole Madore, Early Childhood Specialist at Nicole.Madore@maine.gov

 

Pre-K for ME and K for ME Professional Learning Communities Offered 

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) along with public school teachers from across the state are teaming up to offer monthly professional learning communities (PLCs) for educators implementing Pre-K for ME and/or K for ME in their classrooms. 

These PLCs are provided to promote understanding of program design and to support successful program implementation.  Program components will be explored in greater depth and teachers will be encouraged to share examples of practice/student work.  Lead teachers and ed techs using the programs are strongly encouraged to attend, whether you are new to using the programs or have been using them for a while. 

This year’s PLC opportunities will be held virtually from 3:30-4:30pm on the following Tuesdays: 

  • October 11 
  • November 1 
  • December 6 
  • January 10 
  • February 7 
  • March 7 and  
  • April 4  

Although it is highly encouraged, teachers and ed techs do not have to commit to attend every session. Registration is now available here. Details about how to access the sessions will be provided after registration is completed. Registrations for the PLCs should be received by September 30, 2022. 

For additional information about Pre-K for ME, contact Nicole.Madore@maine.gov, and for K for ME, contact Danielle.m.Saucier@maine.gov. 

Virtual Professional Learning Community to Support Educators in Engaging Multilingual Newcomers

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to invite educators to participate in a virtual Professional Learning Community (PLC) which will develop participants’ understanding about the needs of multilingual newcomers, creating a collegial community of support, as well as practices for engaging newcomers for success in the classroom.

This PLC is based on the WIDA eLearning course “Engaging Multilingual Newcomers,” available through the WIDA Secure Portal.  All Maine public school teachers are eligible for a free Secure Portal account by contacting WIDA Client Services. Each PLC session will address one module of the course, which participants will complete before each PLC session.

See the list of PLC sessions below for dates and topics of focus. Sessions will be held from 3:00-4:00pm on Mondays on the dates listed below. Participants should plan to attend all sessions in the series, to the extent possible. Contact hours will be available for participation in the sessions.

The workshops will be facilitated by Rebecca Carey, Maine DOE ESOL Consultant. If you have any questions, contact Rebecca at rebecca.carey@maine.gov.

Register HERE to receive the Zoom link.

Date Topics
Session 1 Monday, September 26, 2022 Engaging Multilingual Newcomers: The Social and Emotional Needs of Newcomers

 
Session 2 Monday, October 3, 2022 Engaging Multilingual Newcomers: Building Collegial Relationships
Session 3 Monday, October 17, 2022 Engaging Multilingual Newcomers: Exploring Instructional Strategies for Multilingual Newcomers

 

 

VIRTUAL TRAINING: New or Recent Maine School Business Manager Training

Please join the Maine Department of Education’s School Finance & Compliance Team for a brief overview of requirements, resources, and contacts useful for all Maine School Business Managers.

September 21, 2022
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Virtual Training

Agenda:

  • 9:05 – 9:20         MEFS System features for Code Combinations – Denise
  • 9:25 – 9:45         MaineCare, EF-S-07/214, Audits – Stephanie
  • 9:50 – 10:05       Coding Handbook, State vs. Federal Codes – Mary
  • 10:10 – 11:10     Website Walk Through – ED279 Explained – Paula
  • 11:15 – 11:35     EPS Formula, Gifted & Talented, Special Ed, and CTE – Ida
  • 11:35 – 12:00     Questions and answers

To register and receive meeting info, or for further questions, please contact Stephanie Clark at stephanie.clark@maine.gov. 

Free Micro-Credentials and UCLA Graduate Credits on Teaching Multilingual Learners: Information Session on 9.14.22

The Maine Department of Education invites educators of multilingual learners (MLs) to participate in an exciting new professional learning program called ExcEL Leadership Academy, which offers free micro-credentials on many ML-related topics. Whether you’re a classroom teacher who is new to teaching MLs, an experienced ESOL teacher, an administrator, or other educator, you can enhance your practice with one or more targeted micro-credentials.

Join ExcEL Director Laureen Avery and April Perkins, Maine DOE ESOL & Bilingual Programs Specialist, for an information session on 9.14.22 at 3pm. Register here.

Funded through the US Department of Education, ExcEL Leadership Academy is not only totally free to participants, but they also receive a $250 stipend for each micro-credential they complete and can even earn free graduate credit through UCLA!

ExcEL makes professional learning accessible wherever you are located and meets your individualized needs. Here are some key facts about the program:

  • Micro-credentials are competency-based.
  • You can choose to participate in just one, a few, or all of the offerings!
  • You work at your own pace and in your own classroom.
  • You learn about (and implement) best practices with your existing students. Implementation is integrated into what you are already doing.
  • Participants join a peer network with members from across New England, creating opportunities to learn with and from other teachers.
  • The program is self-paced and flexible – with lots of support and options.

To learn more about participants experiences with ExcEL Leadership Academy, check out this video (13:05) featuring the voices of ExcEL teachers in Rhode Island (or this shorter version [1:24]).

For more information or to participate please reach out by email to avery@gseis.ucla.edu.

 

Professional Learning Series: Learn about the WIDA English Language Development Standards for Multilingual Learners 

Are you a classroom or content area teacher with multilingual learners (MLs) in your classroom? If you’re looking to enhance your practice, the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards are a great place to start. The ELD Standards are the essential foundation for providing effective instruction for MLs. 

Join April Perkins, ESOL & Bilingual Programs Specialist, for a statewide virtual professional learning community (PLC) to support you in integrating this standards framework into your practice. See dates and topics below. All PLC sessions will be from 3:30-4:30pm. To receive the Zoom link for each session, click on the links in the Module/Topic column. 

The PLC will be centered around the WIDA self-paced eWorkshop WIDA ELD Standards Framework: A Collaborative Approach. Participants will complete each module in advance of the session. In order to access the eWorkshop, you will need a free WIDA Secure Portal account, which you can obtain by contacting WIDA Client Services at 1-866-276-7735.  

If you have any questions, contact April Perkins at april.perkins@maine.gov.  

Date  Module/Topic 
9.20.22  Module 1: Connect Current Knowledge and Practices to the WIDA ELD Standards Framework 
10.18.22  Module 2: Integrate Student Assets into Content Learning 
11.8.22  Module 3: Focus on Key Language Uses 
12.13.22  Module 4: Identify Language Expectations Within a Unit 
1.17.23  Module 5: Put Language Expectations into Action 
2.28.23  Module 6: Plan for Language Growth Over Time 

McKinney-Vento Liaison Annual Training

You can receive your 22-23 McKinney-Vento certificate from the Maine Department of Education (DOE) by participating in a Zoom training session with Amelia Lyons amelia.lyons@maine.gov

Sessions are open to M-V Liaisons and any interested staff.  See below for schedule! Choose the session time that is convenient for you. These will be the same session repeated, with lots of time for dialogue, breakout rooms, and resource sharing:

Location Date Time
Zoom: Register here Wednesday, September 14 10am-12pm
Zoom: Register here Thursday, September 29 9am-11am
Zoom: Register here Tuesday, October 18 10am-12pm
Zoom: Register here Wednesday, October 26 12pm-2pm