The Maine Department of Education (DOE) invites educators to apply for a year-long professional learning opportunity. The Maine Leadership Development Program (LDP) is an initiative designed to build and strengthen leadership skills among Maine’s educational leaders. In our ongoing efforts to support and foster impactful leadership in Maine, educators who aspire to do the same are invited to take advantage of this high-impact opportunity! 

Who should apply?   

• Current and aspiring leaders within schools, School Administrative Units (SAUs), or at the state level;  
• Some examples of past and current participants are teachers, principals, assistant principals, department leaders, school board members, school counselors, assistant superintendents, instruction and curriculum directors, CTE directors, DOE staff, transition coordinators, school improvement coaches, and superintendents; 
• Instructional coaches, K-12 deans of students, heads of schools, Title I directors, special education directors, English learner directors, CTE instructors and ESEA coordinators are encouraged to apply as well. 
• If you are a leader in education in Maine, this program may be a great fit for you! 

What is the commitment? 

• Participants will attend a fall orientation on September 30, 2021, followed by 12 two full day units (virtual and in-person). Pre-work is required for each unit;   
• Each participant will design and develop a job-embedded action learning plan over the course  of the year. 

How is the program designed?  

• The LDP is a nationally researched (NISL), evidenced-based, locally delivered cohort model of learning that improves the practice of leadership, transforms instruction, and focuses on increasing equity and student achievement in schools; 
• The program is a blended learning model that includes inquiry (using research-based texts and case studies), action learning, and engaging activities and simulations with practical applications that meet the needs of leaders. Cohort members experience deep learning not only through the materials and program design, but also through lively and fulfilling content and context-based conversations with fellow participants. 
• Upon completion of the Maine LDP, participants will be nationally NISL certified and receive a certificate for corresponding contact hours.  

I’m interested… What next? 

• The Maine DOE encourages educational leaders to apply today for this exciting opportunity! Prior to making the commitment, please be sure to review the schedule for the 2021-2022 Maine LDP cohort, found here; 
• To access more information, hear from past participants, and review application materials please visit: http://www.maine.gov/doe/educators/maineldp;  
• Applications are due by August 24, 2021 and require the support of a supervisor; 
• Half hour interviews will be scheduled after applications are reviewed; 
• Selected participants are expected to attend a virtual half-day orientation on September 30, 2021; 
• For more information please email emily.doughty@maine.gov.  

What other opportunities are available to current or aspiring leaders?  

• To explore other leadership development opportunities please visit: https://www.maine.gov/doe/educators/leader 

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) invites school principals to apply for an inspiring professional learning opportunity. The Transformational Leaders’ Network (TLN) offers Maine principals an opportunity to deepen their leadership skills while they are leading transformational efforts in their schools. This “learner-centered” program has a ten-year history of success and is open to ALL Maine principals rather than only those previously-identified as in need of additional support. 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 types of sessions throughout the year:  in-person full days, two-hour Network sessions, and 1.5-hour Learning Leader Team sessions.  The three full-day in-person sessions (aligned to CDC safety guidelines) will be in October, February, and mid-May at a site(s) to be determined based on participation.  The majority of your time will be in Zoom-based Learning Leader Teams(LLTs) of 5-8 principals, facilitated by experienced educators. Alternating with LLT sessions will be larger group Zoom-based Network sessions designed to assist your understanding of leadership and your own strengths and challenges.

How is the program designed?

• The TLN experience revolves around each principal’s efforts to improve their school’s success with students. In Network sessions, principals examine the leadership challenges inherent in making progress on improvement goals.  In a small group led by a facilitator, each principal will design an action plan and an accompanying “learning plan.”
• Colleagues and resources from facilitators provide on-going consultation and advice focused on the principal’s, “continuous improvement” as a leader for the, “continuous improvement” of the school.  In this fashion, each principal’s learning goal(s) drives the curriculum of the Network.
• Successful completion of the TLN will result in contact hours for re-certification purposes.

I’m interested… what next?

• Applying now for this exciting opportunity is encouraged by the Department.
• An online application can be found here.
• Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis until the cohort is full or August 24,2021, whichever comes first. Please note, applications require the approval of the superintendent before submittal.

Where can I find more information?

• For answers to questions or more details about TLN, please contact Fran Farr, TLN Facilitator, at franfarr522@gmail.com or (207) 439-9659 or (207) 752-2439.
• To access more information, hear from past participants, and download application materials please visit:  https://www.maine.gov/doe/educators/leader/tln

What other opportunities are available to current or aspiring leaders?

To explore other leadership development opportunities please visit: https://www.maine.gov/doe/educators/leader

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is committed to supporting the growth and development of educators aspiring to be mentors.  Over the past three years, the Maine DOE has collaborated with teacher leaders, administrators, and higher education partners to customize Maine’s mentor resources. These resources are available to School Administrative Units (SAUs) who wish to provide local support and training to new mentors.  We extend our sincere thanks to educators who continue to offer this training throughout the state.    

Mentors serve a critical role within their schools, and we are appreciative of their ongoing dedication to supporting and growing the profession.  Current mentors have been crucial to the educational environment—each individual mentor has made an impact.  We are encouraged by and thankful for those educators who are enthusiastically stepping up to become mentors.   

This summer, the Maine DOE will be offering virtual mentor trainings. These interactive sessions will serve as a foundation for aspiring mentors and a refresher for current mentors.  Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the principles of mentoring, reflect deeply on the role of mentors, apply practices into real-world situations, and engage in lively discussion with peers from across the state.   

Details: Educators are welcome to select either session below that works best with their schedule. The sessions will take place via Zoom, a link will be sent to participants following registration. Sessions are offered at no cost, all materials will be available electronically.

Choose from two sessions:

July 22, 2021
8:30am – 3:30pm (with a built-in lunch break)
Registration Form

August 10, 2021
8:30am – 3:30pm (with a built-in lunch break)
Registration Form

Contact Hours: Educators will receive contact hours for participation 

Educators are welcome to discuss the opportunity, along with local training requirements, with their mentor chairperson prior to registering.    

Interested in learning about future offerings, discussing customizable resources, or sharing promising practices?  

Please reach out to Emily Doughty at Emily.doughty@maine.gov or at 207-592-0314.  

Instead of a week-long event this summer, Maine Agriculture In The Classroom (MAITC) will be holding three single day, in-person events focusing on Dairy, Aquaculture, and Wild Blueberries.

Each professional development event for PK – Grade 12 educators will offer 7 contact hours or .7 CEU’s (Total possible = 21 contact hours or 2.1 CEU’s)

Each event will start at 8:30 AM and finish at 4:00 PM. A lite breakfast, snack, and lunch will be provided at each training.

Dairy – Thursday, August 12
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

A full day of resources, lessons, and programs surrounding dairy will be provided by MAITC and the Maine Dairy Nutrition Council. In the afternoon participants will visit dairy farms, including the Flood Farm in Clinton, and experience a day in the life of a dairy farmer! Learn about silage, see a milking parlor, and learn much more about our local dairy farms!

A Day of Aquaculture – Thursday, August 19
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Join MAITC for a day of exploring aquaculture at the picturesque Downeast Institute on Beals Island. We will spend the day exploring aquaculture with hands-on activities, hosted by Dr. Anne Langston Noll. In the morning, topics include aquaculture through history, online resources for production, ocean temperatures, salinity, etc. and an introduction to aquaculture globally, in the U.S. and Maine. Later we will tour the Institute’s working shellfish hatchery, and research facilities, including spawning shellfish and (if successful!) observing fertilization and cell division, and data collection for a real-life research project piloting the farming of sea scallops in ME lobster pounds. Last but not least we will explore resources available for teachers through MAITC and our colleagues at 4H and have the opportunity to try out activities included in the 4H teacher “toolkits”. Please bring your own computer or iPad if you are able. WIFI will be available. Venue: Downeast Institute – 39 Wildflower Lane, Beals, ME 04611

Wild Blueberry Emersion – Friday, August 20
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Our day will begin at the Bluebird Ranch Family Restaurant, 78 Main Street in Machias. After a lite breakfast we will join teacher Eric Brooks for exploration of MAITC Wild Blueberry resources and curricula. Representatives from the Wild Blueberry Commission will host an afternoon tour of local farms and barrens to view harvest, culture, and production of Maine’s official berry! Do you know that Maine produces more wild blueberries than anywhere else in the world? Do not miss this opportunity!

Registration Fees & Information

• 1 Training – $35
• 2-Trainings – $60
• All 3 Trainings – $75

Download registration form to mail a check

Online registration

Limited space – register early! Pre-Registration only – Deadline August 6, 2021. For more detailed information, including options for accommodations please visit: https://me.agclassroom.org/programs/summer/

Maine Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) is a grassroots program coordinated by the United States Department of Agriculture, and housed at the Maine Department of Agriculture. Our goal is to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society so that they will become citizens who support wise agricultural policies and local agriculture endeavors.

For more information visit https://me.agclassroom.org/ or contact MAITC at (207) 287-5522 or maitca@maine.gov

In addition to the many professional learning opportunities hosted by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) this summer, the Office of Innovation is offering an array of digital learning and computer science professional learning opportunities.

Topics include remote learning, green screen creation, digital worksheets, innovative ways to use memes, gifs, and emojis, and sessions on digital learning for students at different grade levels including elementary, middle, and high school level.

Find details about each of these sessions, in the order that they are offered, in the list below. You can also find them on the Maine DOE Professional Development Calendar, where many other professional learning opportunities and events are also available in a calendar view.

Digital Learning and Computer Science Summer Professional Learning: 

June 2021 

Date/Time: June 29th, 2021, 10am.  

Topic: Rethinking Remote Learning 

Description: As we emerge from the cloud of remote learning due to necessity, let’s explore what worked and what didn’t. We’ll share best practices for remote learning as well as dig into innovative ways to rethink how remote learning can be done. 

Register Here

Contact: For more information contact Emma-Marie Banks emma-marie.banks@maine.gov or Jonathan Graham jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov 

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Date/Time: Asynchronous. Available on June 29th, 2021. 

Topic:  Green Screen Creation 

Description: Green screen technology may seem intimidating at first, but the basics are fairly simple and allow for tremendous creativity.  While having a professional green screen is helpful, teachers have been “hacking” this technology for years with green clothing, green tents, puppets on green sticks, green screen boxes and even green playdough.  Teachers can transport themselves anywhere and students’ imaginative play can go to a new level. 

Contact: For more information contact Emma-Marie Banks emma-marie.banks@maine.gov or Jonathan Graham jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov 

July 2021  

Date/Time: July 6th, 2021, 10am. 

Topic: Decoding Coding: Integrating Computer Science in the Elementary Classroom 

Description: Computer science can often feel like “yet another thing” that needs to “fit” in with all of the other learning requirements that teachers need to ensure are covered within a given year, Join this session to learn about strategies and best practices to integrate computer science skills, topics, and core competencies into your elementary classroom. 

Register Here

Contact: For more information contact Emma-Marie Banks emma-marie.banks@maine.gov or Jonathan Graham jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov 

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Date/Time: July 13th, 2021, 11am. 

Topic: Memes, Gifs, and Emojis! 

Description: In this session, we will explore innovative ways to use memes, gifs, and emojis to enhance connection in remote and hybrid environments and increase general student engagement. We will also look at some best practices to get students excited about digital communication. 

Register Here

Contact: For more information contact Emma-Marie Banks emma-marie.banks@maine.gov or Jonathan Graham jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov 

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Date/Time: July 20th, 11am. 

Topic: Digital Worksheets 

Description: Teachers can leverage several popular tools (Seesaw, Book Creator, Google Slides, etc.) to create engaging and personalized digital worksheets.  They can work off of pre-existing worksheets or generate their own.  The process of addressing interactivity, including various media, and allowing for multiple ways of demonstrating learning is challenging, but the final products can be transformative. 

Register Here 

Contact: For more information contact Emma-Marie Banks emma-marie.banks@maine.gov or Jonathan Graham jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov 

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Date/Time: July 27th, 2021, 10am. 

Topic: Decoding Coding: Integrating Computer Science in the Middle School Classroom 

Description: Computer science can often feel like “yet another thing” that needs to “fit” in with all of the other learning requirements that teachers need to ensure are covered within a given year, Join this session to learn about strategies and best practices to integrate computer science skills, topics, and core competencies into your middle school classroom. 

Register Here

Contact: For more information contact Emma-Marie Banks emma-marie.banks@maine.gov or Jonathan Graham jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov 

August 2021 

Date/Time: Asynchronous. Available on August 10th, 2021. 

Topic: Book Creator in the Elementary Classroom 

Description: Due to the openness and user-friendly design of Book Creator, it could easily be leveraged in multiple ways.  First, a teacher could use it to create content with rich multimedia elements (pictures, videos, audio, diagrams, etc.).  Second, the teacher could work with the class to create a “class book” filled with content from everyone.  Third, the teacher could create an interactive workbook that students are able to manipulate and add their own answers.  Lastly, students could create digital books with their own content. 

Contact: For more information contact Emma-Marie Banks emma-marie.banks@maine.gov or Jonathan Graham jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov 

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Date/Time: August 17th, 2021, 10am. 

Topic: Decoding Coding: Integrating Computer Science in the High School Classroom 

Description: Computer science can often feel like “yet another thing” that needs to “fit” in with all of the other learning requirements that teachers need to ensure are covered within a given year, Join this session to learn about strategies and best practices to integrate computer science skills, topics, and core competencies into your high school classroom. 

Register Here

Contact: For more information contact Emma-Marie Banks emma-marie.banks@maine.gov or Jonathan Graham jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov 

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Date/Time: August 24th, 2021, 10am.  

Topic: Strategies for Hybrid Learning 

Description: Join MDOE digital learning specialists for a session on strategies for hybrid learning. As teachers continue to adapt their teaching practices to meet the changing classroom environment, we’ve seen some great strategies to accommodate hybrid learning environments. In this session, we will discuss different models for hybrid learning and dig into some best practices, with a deep dive into strategies.  

Register Here

Contact: For more information contact Emma-Marie Banks emma-marie.banks@maine.gov or Jonathan Graham jonathan.m.graham@maine.gov