Rescheduled Webinar: Creative Connections – Showcasing Student Artwork in the Community

Discover practical strategies for displaying student art in public spaces to celebrate creativity and strengthen community ties. This engaging webinar, hosted by Maine Department of Education (DOE) Arts Integration Teacher Leader Fellow Joshua Chard, will explore ideas like partnering with local businesses, hosting gallery nights, creating murals, and using digital displays to highlight student talent.

Participants will benefit from:

Real-world examples and tips for successful implementation.
Interactive discussions to inspire innovative approaches.
A downloadable checklist for actionable insights.

This session is designed for educators, administrators, and community leaders seeking to promote youth creativity and engagement. Joshua Chard will be joined by special guest Emily Serway, a National Board Certified Art Educator, to share expertise and inspiration.

Date: ~~Wednesday, January 29, 2025~~ Wednesday, February 27, 2025
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Location: Join online via Zoom here. (No preregistration is required.)

Bring student art into your community with confidence and creativity. Don’t miss this opportunity!

The Teacher Leader Fellow Program is part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. For further information, please contact Joshua Chard at joshua.chard@maine.gov.

Webinar: Discover the Power of Classroom Maker Spaces

Join Maine Department of Education (DOE) Arts Integration Teacher Leader Fellow Joshua Chard for a 45-minute webinar, designed to inspire and equip educators with tools to create dynamic classroom maker spaces. Explore how these spaces can spark creativity, foster critical thinking, and enhance student engagement.

You will learn:

Practical tips for setting up and organizing maker spaces, including budgeting, sourcing materials, and maintaining a safe and engaging environment.
Strategies to integrate maker projects into the curriculum across grade levels with hands-on, cross-curricular activities.
Best practices for classroom management, fostering collaboration, and assessing student work in maker-focused settings.

This session will conclude with a Q&A segment, offering personalized guidance, resources, and actionable next steps to bring these ideas to life in your classroom.

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your classroom into a hub of innovation and creativity!

Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Time: 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

Join the webinar via Zoom here. (There is no need to register in advance.)

The Teacher Leader Fellow Program is part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. For more information, please contact Joshua Chard at joshua.chard@maine.gov.

Webinar: Maine Civics Network – Join the Conversation!

Did you know that Maine has a Civics Network? Join Breanna Bellefontaine-Krupski, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Civics Teacher Leader Fellow, as she hosts the Maine Civics Network’s steering committee member Todd West for a webinar.

Todd will share updates about the important work the network is doing across the state, goals for growing the network, and details about an exciting professional development series launching this winter and spring.

If you’re interested in learning more about this organization, how to get involved, or how to sign up for the spring professional development sessions, we invite you to join us on Tuesday, January 7 at 4 p.m. via Zoom.

No pre-registration is required. Simply use this link to join the session.

The Teacher Leader Fellow Program is part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. For further information, please contact Breanna Bellefontaine-Krupski at breanna.krupski@maine.gov.

Afterhours Zoom Sessions Available for the Celebrating Rural Maine Project

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction team is excited to announce three Afterhours Sessions for the Celebrating Rural Maine project, presented in partnership with the National Council for History Education (NCHE). These interactive sessions will feature guest speakers and educators exploring three topics related to this year’s theme: Geography of the Place We Now Call Maine. These sessions are open to all Maine educators.

Event details:

January 9, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Bri Lolar, Maine DOE Wabanaki Specialist, discusses intellectual property and primary sources. Register here.
January 21, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Learn more about rural representation in primary sources with Dr. Deb Reid of the Henry Ford Museum and Dr. Pam Riney-Kehrberg of Iowa State University. Register here.
February 6, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Explore how primary sources can support and bridge content areas. Register here.

Who should attend: pre-K-12 educators and administrators, museum educators, and librarians

The Celebrating Rural Maine project is a free, three-part professional learning series designed to help rural educators explore Maine’s history through an interdisciplinary lens. By connecting history with broader disciplines, the program focuses on the Library of Congress’ rural interdisciplinary collections and other resources, situating Maine’s local stories within the larger human experience. Participants will receive support in designing and implementing community-connected projects that bring value to rural students and their communities.

This series includes online asynchronous, online synchronous, and site-based learning opportunities, all offered at no cost, providing a unique opportunity to deepen understanding of Maine’s past and future, while fostering meaningful connections between students and their rural communities.

The Interdisciplinary Instruction team is part of the Maine DOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning. For more information, please contact Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist Jaime Beal at jaime.beal@maine.gov or NCHE Program Manager Regina Holland at regina@ncheteach.org

This opportunity is funded through the Library of Congress’ Teaching with Primary Sources program and is presented in partnership with the National Council for History Education.

Maine DOE Announces Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is thrilled to announce the Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series, a comprehensive professional learning opportunity designed to equip educators, administrators, and school administrative unit (SAU) leaders with strategies and resources to celebrate multiculturalism and expand multilingual pathways.

This series is part of the Maine DOE’s broader commitment to recognizing language and culture as essential assets in education. Attendees will learn practical steps to integrate world language instruction, embrace Indigenous and critical languages, and leverage international partnerships to create dynamic, globally-connected classrooms.

What to Expect

This five-part virtual series will equip participants with strategies to recognize language and culture as assets, build robust multilingual programs, and leverage global partnerships to enhance learning opportunities for Maine students.

Who Should Attend

This webinar series is open to:

Superintendents, principals, and SAU leaders seeking to enhance student outcomes through multilingual pathways.
Seal of Biliteracy coordinators, bilingual/multilingual directors and coordinators, bilingual/multilingual educators, and world language educators eager to access resources and international connections to strengthen their programs.
Educators and community partners committed to equity, cultural awareness, and global learning opportunities.

Why Multilingualism Matters

Multilingualism is more than an educational goal; it is a key driver of student success in a global economy. Students who master multiple languages develop critical thinking skills, cultural competence, and career readiness for a world that values communication and collaboration. By investing in language programs, Maine schools can position themselves as leaders in equity and global engagement.

When and How to Participate

The Multilingual/Multicultural Connections Webinar Series will be held virtually, making it accessible to participants statewide. The first session is scheduled for Monday, January 6. You may register using this link.

The full schedule for this series is as follows:

January 6, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
February 3, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
March 3, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
April 7, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
May 5, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

Take the Next Step Toward Global Leadership

The Maine DOE invites you to participate in this innovative series and join the movement to celebrate multilingualism and multiculturalism in Maine schools. For more information, please contact Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships, at ayesha.hall@maine.gov.

Educators Invited to Register for Continuation of Maine Solutionaries Project

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction team works with educators throughout the state to deliver high-quality professional development that is both relevant and useful. In a continuation of the Interdisciplinary Instruction team’s partnership with the Institute for Humane Education, the Maine Solutionaries Project will extend through the winter for educators interested in supporting their students in applying their learning.

This innovative project offers Maine educators a unique opportunity to participate in a customized version of the Institute for Humane Education’s Solutionary Micro-credential Program. Educators who register for the Maine Solutionaries Project join statewide educator cohorts focused on specific topics of interest. Participation is free, and participating educators are eligible to receive a $1,000 stipend and 30 contact hours upon completion of the program.

The winter cohorts will combine traditional Solutionary programming with a fresh emphasis on cross-curricula literacy integration, featuring targeted strategies and insights from literacy specialists.

Cohorts A through D will focus on the traditional Solutionary framework and highlight:
- Climate Change (Cohort A)
- Human Rights and Equity (Cohort B)
- Water Quality (Cohort C)
- Food Waste (Cohort D)
Cohorts E and F will blend the traditional Solutionary program with literacy integration throughout all content areas and will include literacy experts Cris Tovani and Kellie Smith.
- Cohort E: available to any educator who teaches grades 4 through 8
- Cohort F: available to any educator who teaches grades 9 and higher

For kickoff information, including Zoom session dates and times, and to register, please visit the Maine Solutionaries Project website. There, you can also learn more about this collaboration. Spots are limited and filling quickly, so don’t delay!

The Interdisciplinary Instruction team is part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. For more information about this project, please contact Interdisciplinary Instruction team members Kathy Bertini at kathy.bertini@maine.gov or Erik Wade at erik.wade@maine.gov.

Integrating Literacy through Applied Science Workshop with Katie Coppens

A number of studies on literacy have concluded that students who engage with texts on specific topics, particularly social studies and science, make greater advances in reading skills and comprehension compared to those who work solely with texts focused on reading.

To support educators with literacy integration, the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction team is hosting a workshop on Integrating Literacy through Applied Science with educator and author Katie Coppens. This event is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick.

Participants in this workshop will explore, discuss, and engage with:

The role of applied science in literacy.
The role of applied science in interest and in comprehension (or “meaning-making.”)
How applied science helps a student gain or transfer new knowledge.
Ways this support can be incorporated into their classrooms and future learning.

Limited in-person spots are available and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants may also join virtually through Zoom, and the workshop will be recorded and shared with educators. Contact hours are available to participants. To register for this event, please use this registration link.

The Interdisciplinary Instruction team is part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning. If you have any questions about this workshop, please contact Interdisciplinary Instruction team members Kathy Bertini at Kathy.Bertini@maine.gov or Heather Martin at Heather.Martin@maine.gov.

Registration Open for 2025 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit: “Nourishing the Body, Mind, and Soul”

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of School and Student Supports’ Employee Health Promotion and Wellness Program is pleased to offer the 2025 Maine School Winter Wellness Summit: “Nourishing the Body, Mind, and Soul.” School employees from across the state are invited to join their colleagues and register for this event being held on Thursday, January 30 and Friday, January 31 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport.

This event is open to individuals and school teams interested in supporting and implementing a school health promotion and wellness program that will positively impact staff and students. The Winter Wellness Summit is designed to renew and refresh school personnel mid-year by providing access to information, resources, and experiences that will inspire and empower participants to take care of their personal health – and to create healthier, more supportive, and safer school environments for all within the school community.

When school and district employees have positive attitudes and feel healthy, it enhances their ability to do their jobs. This is true for all employees, including central office employees, nutrition and transportation staff, educators, health service providers, administrative assistants, school board members, and all others who perform the day-to-day essential functions that help a school to operate and successfully fulfill its mission.

This year’s agenda includes two educational and inspirational keynotes focused on healthy eating and cultivating relationships. A plenary session will be led by state leaders and health and wellness champions making connections to The Regulated Classroom© and the Wellness Policy. Additionally, there will be engaging workshop sessions on wellness practices for personal and professional growth, creating positive and healthier school environments, and worksite wellness program planning, as well as networking opportunities with colleagues and professionals from across Maine who value health promotion and wellness.

The cost of the two-day event:

$175/person for those registering now through January 3, 2025
$200/person for standard registration (after January 3, 2025)
Accommodations are not included in the registration, but a block of rooms has been secured at a conference rate.

Details, including those pertaining to registration and the agenda, can be found on the Winter Wellness Summit webpage.

WEBINAR: Teach Maine Center Presents “Practical Strategies for New Teacher Success”

Get ready for an inspiring and transformative experience! Educate Maine and the Maine Department of Education (DOE) are teaming up to launch the Teach Maine Center, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support and elevate the next generation of Maine educators.

To kick things off, we’re offering an exclusive free webinar (“Practical Strategies for New Teacher Success”) for novice teachers who are in their first three years of teaching and interested mentors, featuring Shanna Peeples, the 2015 National Teacher of the Year, on January 14, 2025, from 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.

This dynamic session will focus on:

Developing your teaching skills and confidence, as you navigate your early years in the classroom.
Setting realistic goals to ensure growth and success.
Practical, actionable strategies you can implement immediately in your classroom.
Reconnecting with your “why” — the powerful purpose that brought you to teaching in the first place.

Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 14 for this webinar via Zoom. This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the country’s most-celebrated educators, share insights with fellow teachers, and build lasting connections with your peers!

You can register here and download a flyer about the event here. Please help us spread the word and take advantage of this invaluable event to grow, share, and thrive together.

Supporting Black, Indigenous, and Educators of Color: The Maine DOE BIPOC Educators Network

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to promote the BIPOC Educators Network, an independent network the Maine DOE has established, dedicated to empowering and supporting Black, Indigenous, and other educators of color across the state. This network complements the work of The Third Place, which actively fosters inclusive spaces for connection and professional development through efforts like SHIFT Maine by Maine Initiatives.

On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the BIPOC Educators Network is holding its next meeting virtually. This will provide another vital opportunity for BIPOC educators to connect, share experiences, and access tailored resources that promote professional growth and community building. This network plays an instrumental role in building a diverse and resilient workforce of educators committed to enhancing equity and excellence in Maine schools.

Educators who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, or people of color are encouraged to get involved by completing the BIPOC educator information form with their career details, expectations, and interests. Please use this link to join the BIPOC Educators Network event on December 10.

This collaboration highlights the Maine Department of Education’s commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment for educators of all backgrounds. It celebrates and elevates the unique contributions of Black, Indigenous, and other educators of color, while reinforcing the Maine DOE’s dedication to educational equity and excellence. By supporting educators who reflect the diverse identities and experiences of their students, this initiative advances the Maine DOE’s mission to ensure equitable opportunities for all Maine learners.

Please contact Ayesha Hall, Maine DOE Director of Strategic Partnerships, at ayesha.hall@maine.gov for more information.