Maine DOE Update – September 15, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Reports Open Soon: Fall Reports – October 1 Enrollment, Dropout, and Quarterly Reports

Fall reports will be opening soon. All reports require review, validation and/or certification by superintendents. | More

Webinar: October 1 Enrollment (EPS Student Count) – September 26, 2023

Join the Data Team for information about the October 1 Student Enrollment report. The data from this report is part of determining state funding allocations to SAUs. | More

Webinar: Dropout Reporting – September 19, 2023

Join the Maine DOE Data Team for a webinar about dropout reporting. This report defines dropouts based on the federal requirements meeting all three of the following criteria: students enrolled at any time from 10/1/2022-9/30/2023, who are exited with a code that is expected to return, and are not enrolled on 10/1/2023. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

71 Maine Schools Begin BARR Model Implementation to Increase Student and Staff Wellbeing and Increase Academic Achievement

As the new school year begins, 71 schools across Maine launched their first year of implementing the BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) model with students and staff. The Maine Department of Education (DOE) invested $10 million in federal emergency relief funds to provide access to the BARR model for Maine schools. BARR is a research-backed model focused on strengthening relationships, reducing high-risk student behavior, and improving academic achievement. | More

Maine Department of Education Releases Climate Education Professional Development Grant to Promote Climate Education in Maine Schools

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to launch a new climate education professional development pilot grant opportunity to support the growth of climate education throughout the state and most especially in underserved communities. This grant initiative was designed out of LD 1902 which passed in the spring of 2022. This grant initiative is designed first and foremost to support teachers and schools. Climate change content and pedagogy can be challenging to approach for many different reasons. It can be a new area for teachers, a subject matter that is challenging to navigate in a school’s community, and an area of education where teachers and schools just don’t know where to get started. | More

Maine DOE Staff Recognized During Recent Red Sox vs. Dodgers Game at Fenway Park

Maine DOE’s Amelia Lyons Rukema, a Monster Finalist in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl Educators of New England Award, recently participated in the pregame ceremony for the Red Sox vs. Dodgers game at Fenway Park. Amelia serves as the McKinney-Vento specialist for the Maine Department of Education and was recognized as one of the three finalists for the award. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Spruce Mountain High School Envirothon Team Finishes 16th at the Envirothon World Championships

Do you know what a frogsickle is? Can you ﬁnd the perimeter of a circular 1/250th hectare plot of forest land? Can you interpret LIDAR images to identify landforms? Do you know that manmade salt marshes work more eﬀectively than dykes to protect shorelines from rising sea levels? These are just a few things that Spruce Mountain High School students learned as they competed in the 2023 National Conservation Foundation Envirothon in Tantramar New Brunswick, Canada from July 23rd to the 29th. The team represented Maine well, taking 16th place out of 49 teams at the competition held at Mount Allison University. | More

UMPI ELO Coordinator Partners with High Schools to Bring Career Opportunities to Both College and High School Students

“It is my job to connect UMPI students with community-based career exploration and paid work experiences outside the classroom,” says Sarah Bushey of her work as the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Coordinator at the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI). Bushey helps UMPI students find mentorships and opportunities at local businesses and organizations. She also works closely with Valerie Waldemarson, JMG Master Specialist at Caribou High School and Allison Reed, Director of Guidance, Presque Isle High School to bring similar, credit-earning opportunities to younger students. | More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development, Training, and Events

Apply Now for Conceptual Classrooms & Educational Programs for Teachers (ConCEPT)

For the past few weeks, the Interdisciplinary Instruction team has been offering informational webinars on “Conceptual Classrooms & Educational Programs for Teachers” (ConCEPT), an innovative approach to enhance your teaching practices and student engagement through concept-based inquiry strategies. If you couldn’t attend the live webinars but would like to learn specifics about the ConCEPT pilot, you can watch the recording on our website. You will also find links to the application and the menu of professional learning opportunities offered in this pilot. | More

Learning Series: Supporting Children, Families, and Communities to Thrive

Maine’s Department of Education’s (DOE) Early Learning Team and Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services are excited to announce a professional learning opportunity for child care and public-school educators working with children birth-8 years old. This opportunity is funded through Maine’s Preschool Development Renewal Grant. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – September 8, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Webinar: Dropout Reporting – September 19, 2023

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

National Governors Association Selects Maine to Participate in Student and Educator Wellbeing Initiative

The National Governors Association (NGA) selected Maine as one of five states to participate in a new initiative launched to bolster the mental health and wellbeing of students and school staff. Through this initiative, the NGA will support the implementation of the BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) model at 71 schools across Maine. BARR is a research-backed model focused on strengthening relationships, reducing high-risk student behavior, and improving academic achievement. | More

Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative Provides Innovative Coastal and Inland Forestry Experiences for Maine Students Over the Summer

Clam digging, investigating coastal tide pools, learning about and raising mussels, backwoods backpacking, exploring the coast on kayaks, sailing, and learning about forestry careers were just some of the activities that students experienced this summer as part of the second year of the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative. | More

Maine DOE’s Second Annual Computer Science Showcase Features Innovative Student and Educator Projects

Students and educators from 40 school administrative units (SAUs) across Maine recently participated in the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Second Annual Computer Science Education Showcase at the Collins Center at the University of Maine. The Showcase highlighted innovative computer science education programs and projects in schools across Maine, with hands on, interactive exhibits. | More

Join the #LoveMaineSchools Movement!

The 2023 County Teachers of the Year cohort (CTOYs) want to share your amazing stories! During the 2023-2024 academic school year, the 2023 CTOYs will collect and share positive stories from Maine educators to elevate the teaching profession and connect with a variety of audiences. The group of teachers plan to showcase and distribute stories, images, and videos that capture the exceptional efforts of our magnificent Maine educators as they engage students in dynamic learning opportunities. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Brunswick ELO Program Expanding Career Exploration Opportunities for Students

As an Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Ed Tech, Molly Myers supports “the expansion of career exploration experiences and career planning” at Brunswick High School. From career fairs to internships, Myers helps students prepare for their post-high school pursuits. | More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development, Training, and Events

Community of Practice: Building High-Quality Transitions to Kindergarten

The Maine Department of Education’s Early Learning Team is pleased to announce a new Community of Practice (CoP) focusing on supporting schools and districts in building high-quality plans for kindergarten transitions. Recognizing the significant milestone that transition to kindergarten is for children and families, this CoP explores strategies for positively engaging children, families, caregivers, educators, and community providers in this process, including ideas for building transition teams and year-long transition plans. | More

Regional Conversations for McKinney-Vento Liaisons and Organizations

Join the Maine Department of Education’s Climate Culture Resilience Team for In-Person Fall 2023 Regional Meetings for McKinney-Vento Liaisons and Organizations! | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – September 1, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Webinar: Quarterly Reporting – September 12, 2023

Join the data team for a webinar about quarterly state reporting requirements – Attendance, Truancy, Behavior, and Bullying. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

What Holds Us Together. Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin’s Back-to-School Message

It’s time to celebrate the start of a bright new school year! Maine students, teachers, and school staff members are transitioning into familiar rhythms and routines, reconnecting with classmates and colleagues, and forging new micro-communities on the bus, in the classroom, in the cafeteria, and on the playground. Maine’s public schools are outstanding and unique in many ways. | More

Maine DOE’s Career Advancement and Navigation Specialists Build Workforce Skills Across Maine

The Maine Department of Education (DOE)’s Adult Education team recently launched a Career Advancement and Navigation Specialist initiative to build workforce skills across Maine. The four state Career Advancement and Navigation Specialists work in different regions of Maine and serve people with the next steps in their careers. They help people explore career options, create impactful resumes, apply for positions, seek further career and skills training, obtain translator services, and connect them with community support resources. | More

Maine DOE Launches Website Updates!

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce some updates to our website! This week we launched a new homepage, an updated navigation menu, and a brand-new set of DOE office web pages to streamline your ability to get the resources and support you need from the DOE. | More

MaineCare in Education: New Resources and Updated MaineCare in Education 2023 Guide

The Office of MaineCare Services has updated the MaineCare in Education web page. This webpage provides information and important updates about policy and billing changes to MaineCare-covered services that are provided in an educational setting. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Celebrating Summer Food Service Programs Providing Free, Healthy Meals for Students Across Maine

Portland’s Munjoy South playground filled with people as meals were distributed to students through the USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) recently. The Munjoy South playground site, which is one of 12 summer meal sites throughout the city and over 400 across the state, is operated through Portland Public Schools. The site serves 20 to 30 students a day on average and on this particular day, was serving sandwiches, chicken drumsticks, cornbread, fruits, vegetables, milk, and more. | More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development, Training, and Events

Focus on Challenging Behaviors in the Classroom – A Community of Practice (CoP) Opportunity

The Maine Department of Education’s Early Learning Team is pleased to announce a new Community of Practice (CoP) focusing on supporting challenging behaviors in the classroom. We are excited to bring together pre-k-2nd grade educators across our state in a virtual platform to build a community of support, resources, and learning. | More

Info Sessions: Conceptual Classrooms & Educational Programs for Teachers (ConCEPT)

On August 31st and September 7th, the Interdisciplinary Instruction Team is offering informational webinars on “Conceptual Classrooms & Educational Programs for Teachers” (ConCEPT), an innovative approach aimed at enhancing your teaching practices and student engagement through concept-based inquiry strategies. This program offers a comprehensive learning experience grounded in evidence-based research that will equip you with valuable tools and knowledge to transform your classroom approach. | More

Pre-K for ME, K for ME and 1st Grade 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,  K for ME, and 1st Grade for ME in their classrooms.  | More

2023/2024 Community of Practice for New Special Educators

Are you a new special education teacher in your first year or two of teaching? Beginning in September 2023, the Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education’s Special Educator Engagement, Development & Supports (SEEDS) project will host a community of practice for you! | More

2023/2024 Community of Practice: Plan on Purposeful Play

Fred Rogers wisely said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But, for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” When focusing on the whole student, ensuring the early childhood years are filled with opportunities for play fosters growth across domains of development. If infusing more opportunities for play into your instruction practice interests you, come join Maine DOE’s Early Learning Team for a play-filled community of practice (COP) during the 2023-24 school year. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – August 25, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Webinar: Alternate Economic Status Form – September 5, 2023

Join the Maine DOE Data, Child Nutrition, ESEA, and School Finance Teams for a webinar about the various tracks for reporting economic status for EPS Funding, and specifically how to utilize the Alternate Economic Status form. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

2024 Maine Teacher of the Year State Finalists Announced

Four Maine teachers were announced today as the State Finalists for the 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year program. Second-grade teacher Joshua Chard from Cumberland County, sixth-grade writing and social studies teacher Edith Berger from Lincoln County, fifth-grade science teacher Lacey Todd from Oxford County, and high school science teacher Colleen Maker from Washington County were all selected to move forward in the Teacher of the Year process and were chosen from the 2023 Maine County Teachers of the Year. | More

Second Annual ELO Conference Sparks Learning, Collaboration, and Celebration of Career Exploration Programs in Maine Schools

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) partnered to host the 2nd Annual ELO (Extended Learning Opportunities) conference at the University of Maine at Orono (UMaine) recently. The event brought together more than 75 ELO coordinators, mostly from different school administrative units, across three days. | More

Maine DOE RREV Team Hosts Second Annual Coaches Summit

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Rethinking Responsive Education Ventures (RREV ) initiative is a U.S. DOE grant that provides federal funds to Maine’s educators, allowing for innovative, integrative learning opportunities to be incorporated into curriculums. Supported by the Office of Innovation at the Maine DOE, the RREV grant has been implemented for the past two years. At each RREV awardee school, the pilot implementation process is overseen by a RREV coach, who offers guidance and support to the pilot teams. This summer, these coaches met for a two-day Coaches Summit, and this is what they learned. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

South Portland ELO Coordinator Making Career Exploration Opportunities More Accessible for Students

As South Portland High School’s Extended Learning Coordinator, Sheree Inman hopes to open career exploration opportunities to as many students as possible. When South Portland received the Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) grant, Inman was tasked with uniting the school’s existing internship and co-op programs and expanding these offerings to more students. Inman has been immensely successful in implementing the school’s ELO Program with many students participating in internships, job shadows, and other career-related opportunities. | More

Meroby Elementary School Improves Student Attendance with Family Engagement Opportunities

As student absenteeism became a persistent issue at Meroby Elementary School, three school leaders worked together in a successful effort that decreased the school’s chronically absent rate by more than 40% over the course of a school year. | More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development, Training, and Events

Focus on Challenging Behaviors in the Classroom – A Community of Practice (CoP) Opportunity

Powerful Practices Professional Learning Community (PLC) Sessions: Reflection

Want to develop a reflective practice and need some support? Although many educators know reflection is important, it can be challenging to carve out the time to do it. This workshop series provides teachers with the resources and time to start (or restart) reflecting on their practice. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

School Mental Health Distinguished Educator Opportunity

The Office of School and Student Supports (O3S) at the Maine DOE is seeking a mental health professional for SY 2023-24. This opportunity is open to contracted school counselors, school social workers, or school mental health clinicians. | More

Applications Open for 2023-2024 MOOSE Instructional Designers

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is currently looking for dynamic, creative, and collaborative educators to join the MOOSE Team! Now in its fourth year, Maine’s Online Open-Source Education (MOOSE) platform continues to grow. We have been expanding our module library in areas of identified need, creating a robust resource for Maine students designed by Maine educators. These modules are student-driven and center on interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and available for free online. | More

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – August 18, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Webinar: SY 23-24 Enrollment – August 29, 2023

Join the Maine Department of Education (DOE Data Team for a webinar about entering student enrollments for 2023-2024. All students have been exited from Synergy and must be reenrolled for the new school year, this webinar will review the procedure for enrolling students manually and via uploads to State Synergy. | More

Graduation Report Due August 30, 2023

Graduation reporting is due on August 30th by midnight. Synergy is now in the 2023-2024 School Year, which has locked all 2022-2023 student data. If updates to 22-23 exit codes need to be made for graduating students, please email MEDMS.Helpdesk@maine.gov or call 207-624-6896. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Press Release: Mills Administration Announces Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan Initiative to Expand Educator Apprenticeships in Maine Schools

The Mills Administration announced today a new initiative to help Maine schools recruit, train, and retain educators through pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. The initiative, funded in part by Governor Mills’ Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, is part of a larger overall effort by the Mills Administration to connect employers with a skilled workforce and workers with career opportunities. The initiative was unveiled during a visit to the Gorham School District by Commissioner of Labor Laura Fortman and Deputy Commissioner of Education Dan Chuhta. | More

Hundreds of Maine Educators Gather in Augusta for 2023 Maine Educator Summit

Educators and school/district staff from across Maine gathered at the Augusta Civic Center recently to attend the second annual Maine Educator Summit. Hosted by the Maine Department of Education (DOE), the 2023 Summit offered more than 130 professional learning opportunities and workshops across four days, with topics including school safety, project-based learning, computer science education, student well-being, outdoor education, interdisciplinary instruction, and more. Doubling the previous year’s registration numbers, more than 600 educators attended the Summit which was themed Inspiration, Innovation, and Inclusion. | More

The Maine Educational Technology Directors Association Launches New Mentorship Program

The Maine Educational Technology Directors Association (METDA) will be launching a new mentorship program this fall that will provide a state-wide approach to providing professional development and support specific to Technology Directors who are in their first years as district decision-makers, resource managers, and instructional leaders. | More

Share Your Good News! Maine DOE Seeking to Highlight ESSER Federal Emergency Relief Funding Projects

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is looking to share stories of school administrative units (SAUs) using Federal Emergency Relief Funding to positively impact their students and school communities. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Lamoine Students First Middle School Students from Maine to Compete at National SkillsUSA Competition in Atlanta

In June, three students from Lamoine Consolidated School’s Team Engineering Challenge team made history by being the first middle school team to go to Atlanta, Georgia to compete at the National Leadership and SkillsUSA Conference. Benjamin Baldridge, Ian Frost, and Jordan Chan fundraised over $10,000 to attend the weeklong conference and compete in the world’s largest skill competition after winning gold at the State Championships in Bangor back in March. | More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development, Training, and Events

What Really Works in Education 2023 Conference: High Leverage Practices & Collaboration for Inclusive Classrooms

Are you looking for strategies, tips, and practical techniques around high-leverage instructional practices and collaboration that work with diverse learners to create Inclusive Classrooms? This conference is for you and your team! For the first time ever, the popular What Really Works in Education conference is coming to Maine! This year’s conference, hosted by the Maine Department of Education’s Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, will engage learners around high-leverage practices by local, national, and international experts. | More

Public Pre-K and Partnership Open Office Hours Scheduled

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Early Learning Team is pleased to offer Open Office Hours focusing on technical assistance for public pre-k. These office hours will feature Marcy Whitcomb, Public Pre-K Consultant, as well as Sue Gallant and Julie Raymond, Public Pre-K Expansion Consultants. Sessions are meant to be a time for educators, pre-k coordinators and administrators to come together to ask questions, celebrate successes and/or work through problems of practice in public pre-k that educators, administrators, and partnership programs may be experiencing. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

We Are Hiring: CDS/AmeriCorps First4 Partnership Member Positions

The Maine Department of Education is recruiting 17 AmeriCorps members to serve and support children with disabilities with building social-emotional skills and school readiness for children enrolled in CDS preschools across the state. The investment in members will not only serve to ensure positive preschool experiences and improve child outcomes for those children, this opportunity will also provide important, dynamic training, 1:1 mentoring, and experience for each volunteer to utilize toward certification in the educational field. | More

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – August 4, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Open Reports: Graduation Certification Report and Staff Certification Report

Graduation Certification – The Graduation Certification Report is now open in NEO and available for certification. The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Data Team hosted a webinar on Tuesday, August 1st regarding this report, and the recording is available on the Maine DOE Data Team YouTube Channel. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Maine Department of Education Hosts 1st Computer Science Summer Institute

Nearly 100 educators from across the state attended a multi-day institute in July, focused around computer science education. Educators spent two and a half days engaging in sessions and collaborating to integrate computer science into their classrooms and upcoming school year activities. Topics included Robotics & Programming, Coding & Hardware, Augmented & Virtual Reality, and much more! | More

Share Your Good News! Maine DOE Seeking to Highlight ESSER Federal Emergency Relief Funding Projects

Teacher Shortage Areas For 2023-2024 School Year

The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) annually designates teacher shortage areas for the purposes of deferment of loan repayments or reductions of teaching obligation. The Maine Department of Education (DOE) recently requested input regarding designated teacher shortage areas for federal reporting and would like to thank all those who submitted information during the comment period. | More

Resources Available for WIDA ELD Standards

On May 25, 2021 the Maine Department of Education announced through a Priority Notice its adoption of the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition as a critical companion to the Maine Learning Results. WIDA’s ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Edition, serves as a foundation for systems that foster engaged interactive student learning and collaborative educator practice. | More

Unraveling Roots: Cultivating Genealogy as an Instructive Journey

At the end of June, a group of teachers met to learn about using genealogy to teach inclusive history with Dustin Axe, the Youth Genealogy Curriculum Coordinator with the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS). This workshop kicked off the American Ancestors pilot that supports teacher planning for inclusive historical inquiry projects using genealogy. During the next school year, teachers in this pilot program will participate in monthly virtual meetings to deepen their understanding of this work and to collaborate with each other.| More

MCI Teacher Ethan Brownell Named 2023 Maine History Teacher of the Year

Ethan Brownell, at teacher at the Maine Central Institute (MCI), has been named the 2023 Maine History Teacher of the Year, an award presented annually by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to K-12 American history education. | More

Build Academic and Social Emotional Skills with SpiritCorps Maine (Funded Through ARP Grant)

Through a partnership with Spirit Series, the Maine Department of Education is offering SpiritCorps, a three-week, project-based, narrative writing and self-discovery program designed for students from 7th to 10th grade. First-time participating schools receive 100% funding through January 1, 2024, thanks to a federal ARP grant. Openings for the fall remain available on a first-come, first-served basis! | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development, Training, and Events

Professional Learning Series: Conceptual Classrooms & Educational Programs for Teachers

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction (II) Team is excited to introduce “Conceptual Classrooms & Educational Programs for Teachers” (ConCEPT), an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing your teaching practices and student engagement through concept-based inquiry strategies. Grounded in evidence-based research, this program offers a comprehensive learning experience that will equip you with valuable tools and knowledge to transform your classroom approach. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – July 28, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Semifinalists for 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year Announced

Eight Maine educators were announced today as the state semifinalists for the 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year. These distinguished educators, who are members of the 2023 County Teacher of the Year cohort, embody the dedication, innovation, and leadership that are hallmarks of Maine’s outstanding classroom teachers. As representatives of their students, colleagues, and school communities, their selection acknowledges their excellence in teaching and celebrates the collective achievements and commitment of the entire teaching profession in Maine. | More

Approval of Tydings Amendment Waiver of FY22 ESEA funds and FY23 Carryover of Excess Title I, Part A Funds

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce that we have been granted a Tydings Amendment Waiver of FY22 ESEA funds and FY23 Carryover of Excess Title I, Part A Funds. Pursuant to the authority granted under section 8401(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the Maine Department of Education (DOE) received approval for these waivers from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). As a reminder, state FY21 ESEA funds, subject to last year’s Tydings Waiver, are expiring and should be obligated by September 30, 2023. | More

Final SAU ESEA Allocations Released and Now Available

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) ESEA Federal Programs team is pleased to share that all ESEA Federal Program final allocations are now available. Final allocations can be viewed on the ESEA allocations webpage and have been uploaded into the Grant Award Notification (GAN) within the School Administrative Unit (SAU) ESEA Consolidated Application. Applications can be accessed through the Grants4ME platform. SAUs can complete and submit their ESEA consolidated application to assign Title I, II, III, IV-A and V funding, if applicable, to SAU and school projects. | More

Maine DOE Hosts Second Annual, “Supporting Adult Multilingual Learners Summer Institute”

The annual “Supporting Adult Multilingual Learners with their Educational and Career Pathways Summer Institute” was held at Sugarloaf from June 10th – 12th and brought together adult multilingual educators, directors, advisors, and other interested stakeholders from across the State of Maine. This year’s theme was “Building Bridges” and encouraged participants to seek connection across programs and inside the classroom. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Students Rewrite Their Stories in Biddeford ELO Program

“Our main goal of this project is exposure and exploration,” says Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Coordinator Andrew Burnell. Burnell co-leads the ELO program at Biddeford High School’s Alternate Pathways Center (APC) alongside Tabatha Frawkins. Burnell and Frawkins work as a team to provide students with various career exploration opportunities including site visits, guest speeches, and the school’s ELO course. “We are a team and successful because we are such a cohesive team!” says Burnell of his work leading the program with Frawkins. | More

Gardiner Area High School Improves Student Engagement in Earth Science Class Through Outdoor Learning

Gardiner Area High School is one of 45 Maine schools that have received an award through RREV, or Rethinking Responsive Education Ventures. Supported by the Office of Innovation at the Maine Department of Education, the RREV initiative is a U.S. DOE grant that provides Maine educators funds to implement innovative, cross-disciplinary learning opportunities to be incorporated into curricula. This grant has allowed schools like Gardiner Area High School to redesign instruction that leads to improved learning experiences for students. | More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development, Training, and Events

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – July 21, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Webinar: Graduation Report – August 1, 2023

Join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Data Team for a webinar about graduation reporting. No registration is required to join. The Join Live event link below will be active on the date and time of the webinar. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Media Release: College and Career Success Coordinators Provide Academic and Career Supports and Help Students Transition to College

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Maine Community College System announced that current and prospective community college students across the state now have access to College and Career Success Coordinators to provide them with academic and career supports and assist them with the transition to college. Through Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan (MJRP) funding, the Success Coordinators have already served more than 1,000 students and helped nearly 400 students develop career and academic plans. | More

We’re Hiring! AmeriCorps Program Manager with the Maine Department of Education – Application period extended!

Are you seeking an opportunity to utilize your education and leadership experience to support future educators and students simultaneously? This opportunity to join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) will allow you to expand your impact in education through management with two different cohorts of AmeriCorps members focused on supporting Child Development Services (CDS) preschool classrooms (CDS AmeriCorps) and incoming high school students in two rural schools (Maine AmeriCorps Mentors for Success). | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Orono Middle School Students Embrace their Culture with Classmates and Community

Highlighting the diversity of students is crucial to fostering a sense of belonging, both in schools and in the wider community. To accomplish this, and to enjoy delicious foods from across the world while doing it, students at Orono Middle School held a cultural festival to celebrate their different backgrounds. The event was organized by middle school teacher, Jessica Archer, who recently was recognized as Penobscot County’s 2023 Teacher of the Year for her innovative teaching. | More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development, Training, and Events

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – July 14, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Staff Certification Report Opens on 8/1

All staff in the Maine Department of Education’s NEO Staff reporting module for all school administrative units (SAUs) have been rolled over to the new school year in Pending Status. All staff will need to be reviewed, updated, or deleted in NEO Staff for the current school year. Update email addresses and phone numbers for district personnel, this information is used by the DOE to contact proper individuals for various purposes. Years of experience increment automatically for individuals with previous experience in a position. | More

Reminder: Special Education Exit Report Due 7/30

The Special Education Exit Report is in regard to students who have exited special education during the 2022-2023 school year and are no longer receiving services with a district. This includes students who are moving and known to be continuing services in a different school administrative unit (SAU). | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Media Release: College and Career Success Coordinators Provide Academic and Career Supports and Help Students Transition to College

Commissioner Makin Joins Students Participating in Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative Program in Port Clyde

Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin joined high school students as they dug clams and took part in hands-on coastal ecology learning opportunities at Herring Gut Coastal Science Center in Port Clyde. | More

You’re Invited! Maine DOE and UMaine to Host 2nd Annual Computer Science Education Showcase Event!

Join us for an afternoon of computer science(CS) fun and learn more about computer science education in the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) 2nd annual CS Ed Showcase! The showcase highlights educators, students, community organizations, and other partners who are teaching, learning, and expanding access to and participation in computer science education. | More

Invitation to a Conceptual Conversation Regarding Adult Education Rule Chapters 221, 225, 229

Since 1979, Rule Chapters 221, 225, and 229 have outlined the processes by which high school equivalency credentials are conferred to Adult Education students. Much has changed since 1979, therefore, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is working on updating Rule Chapters 221, 225, and 229. | More

School Renovation Funding Available

The Maine Department of Education is accepting applications to receive funding for school renovation projects through the School Revolving Renovation Fund (SRRF). The application deadline is October 31, 2023. | More

Seeking Submissions for Maine DOE Educator Talent Pool

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) believes that a great way to ensure a robust educator workforce is to develop and engage a network of outstanding educators as leaders and models for our state.  By highlighting the excellence that exists in classrooms and schools across Maine, we will increase the trust and respect given to educators, as well as promote the profession and attract others interested in teaching in Maine. | More

Maine DOE’s Emily Poland Honored with Outstanding School Nurse Consultant Achievement AwardS

Emily Poland from the Maine Department of Education (DOE) was recently awarded the Outstanding State School Nurse Consultant Achievement Award. This award is given by the National Association of State School Nurse Consultants (NASSNC) to recognize individuals making incredible contributions to the organization and to their profession. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Career Navigator, Strengthening Maine Workforce Program Help New Mainers get Jobs at Maine General

Kennebec County Career Navigator Karen Morin supports job seekers getting hired at Maine General Hospital in Augusta. Three people have had job offers thus far while the rest are in the process of getting hired. | More

Yarmouth High School ELO Coordinator Supporting and Empowering Students to Explore Career Paths

At Yarmouth High School, Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Coordinator Brittany Brockelbank is supporting students in exploring their career interests. From finding internships and work studies to connecting students with mentors in the community, Brockelbank is helping students engage with their learning while also preparing them for their future careers. | More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development, Training, and Events

Register NOW for Maine DOE’s 2023 Educator Summit

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) 2023 Educator Summit is being held August 7-10 at the Augusta Civic Center. This year’s theme is Inspiration, Innovation, and Inclusion and participants will have access to more than 140 sessions and professional learning opportunities. | Learn More and Register here

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

We’re Hiring! AmeriCorps Program Manager with the Maine Department of Education

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – June 30, 2023

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Reminder: Daily Attendance Certification Due 7/15

Daily attendance report certifications for the 2022-2023 school year are due on Saturday, July 15th. All reports must be reviewed and certified in NEO by superintendents in all LEAs. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Administrative Letter: Legal Requirements to Provide English Language Acquisition Services to Students who are Multilingual Learners* (Revised 6.21.23)

SUBJECT: The legal requirements for providing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services to students who are Multilingual Learners. | More

ESEA Annual Comprehensive Needs Assessments (CNA) Updates

Another annual process for SAUs is meeting with a variety of stakeholders to update their district and school Comprehensive Needs Assessments (CNA) based on new data. As part of the ESEA application, districts are asked to document the high-needs areas of their districts and schools, as well as the data sources they used to make those determinations, the names of the stakeholders involved, and the dates the updates were conducted. | More

County Teachers of the Year Share Positive Stories and Advocate for Educators, Students in Meeting with Senator King’s Office

The teacher leaders from the Maine Teacher of the Year program including 2023 Maine Teacher of the Year Matt Bernstein and the 2023 Maine County Teachers of the year got the opportunity to meet with representatives from Senator Angus King’s office. Deputy Legislative Director Sanjay Kane and Legislative Aid Kate Durost of Senator King’s office joined the teachers via a Zoom video call to give them the chance to speak about important topics and issues in Maine schools and the teaching profession. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Caribou 8th Graders Collaborate with Local Historical Society on Student-Created Podcasts

The Caribou Historical Society hosted Caribou Community School (CCS) 8th-grade podcasters recently, to celebrate the unveiling of student-created podcasts with a listening party and ribbon-cutting ceremony. This event was the culmination of a year-long collaborative project between the two groups. | More

Career Advancement and Navigation Specialists Attend Employer Summit

Three out of the four Adult Education-based Career Navigators attended the Employer Summit in Augusta in late May. The Navigators are part of the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan (MJRP) which has committed $6 million dollars to address the workforce development needs of those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Maine’s Department of Education, Adult Education team is using these funds to help eligible adults and employment sectors recover from the stresses of the pandemic through a variety of academic and job training supports including Career Advancement Navigators and College and Career Success Coordinators.| More

| Submit your Maine School Success Story |

Professional Development, Training, and Events

New School Nurse Orientation Registration Now Open!

If you have hired or will be hiring a new nurse for your school over the summer? Be sure to include this workshop in their new hire work plan. The Maine Department of Education’s New School Nurse Orientation is a specialized program, designed to help nurses transition into the unique specialty of school nursing. | More

Register NOW for Maine DOE’s 2023 Educator Summit

The countdown is on for the start of the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) 2023 Educator Summit, which is being held August 7-10 at the Augusta Civic Center. Last year’s inaugural Summit attracted more than 600 educators from across the state. This year’s theme is Inspiration, Innovation, and Inclusion and participants will have access to more than 140 sessions and professional learning opportunities. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |