Maine DOE Update – October 18, 2024

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Fall reports are due soon for validation and/or certification by School Administrative Units! All reports require review, validation, and/or certification by superintendents. | More

News & Updates

Maine DOE Seeking Applicants for Assessment RFP Evaluation Committee

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is seeking proposals for a statewide reading and mathematics assessment, per State of Maine procurement regulations. A critical step in the Request for Proposals (RFP) process is the scoring of proposals. Maine DOE is seeking the involvement of Maine educators in this process through participation in the RFP Evaluation Committee. | More

FY26 Funding Estimates for Opening or Expanding Public Pre-K Programs – Survey Due by Friday, Nov. 8

If your school administrative unit (SAU) is opening or expanding a pre-K program in the 2025-2026 school year, you are eligible to receive funding on your FY26 ED279 for children you enroll in these new or expanded pre-K programs in 2025. This means you will receive the funding for enrollment in the same year that you enroll the pre-K children, without a year delay. | More

Register for McKinney-Vento Fall Regional Meetings 2024 Through the Maine Department of Education

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is hosting McKinney-Vento Fall Regional Meetings to provide updates on federal, state, and local policies and discuss resources available to students and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Participants will learn about strategies for increasing local capacity to support McKinney-Vento-eligible students. They will also receive a brief training on the practical implementation of emotional intelligence and restorative practices to create a culture of care and “felt safety” in school from Stacey Barlow and Kellie Doyle Bailey of the Maine DOE. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Caribou Technology Center Criminal Justice Students Host 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, students in the Caribou Technology Center’s Criminal Justice program collaborated with the Caribou Fire Department to hold a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Caribou Community School. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Reminder: Deadlines Approaching for Early Learning Mini-Grant and Other Professional Learning Opportunities

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Early Learning Team is sending a reminder of the following opportunities: Kindergarten Transition Mini-Grant Opportunity (deadline approaching) and Maine DOE Early Learning Team office hours. | More

Integrating Literacy Through Map-Making with David Sobel

The Interdisciplinary Instruction team in the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning is excited to welcome David Sobel, educator and author of Mapmaking with Children, to Maine on Friday, Nov. 8 for an all-day workshop exploring the connections between map-making and literacy. | More

Maine Department of Education Provides Free Professional Learning Opportunities Through the Pine Projects

The Pine Project. This first-in-the-nation Maine DOE initiative aims to foster inclusive school environments by helping readers to explore themes of immigration, diversity, and belonging. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update: October 11, 2024

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Wiscasset Elementary School Teacher Becky Hallowell Named 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and Educate Maine have named Wiscasset Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Becky Hallowell as Maine’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a surprise ceremony Thursday with students and educators at Hallowell’s school in Wiscasset. | More

Maine Department of Education Launches Math Pathways Toolkit to Support Student Success

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce the launch of the Math Pathways Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to enhance mathematical learning and decision-making for students, educators, and families across the state. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Moscow Elementary Summer Outdoor Club Engages Students with Community Garden

This summer, Moscow Elementary School in MSAD 13 launched a new summer program for students in grades 2-4. The program, which took place three mornings per week for four weeks, allowed participating students to work in a community garden. Through it, they learned about garden maintenance, fresh vegetables, and more. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Join Maine DOE Civics Teacher Leader Fellow for a Q&A Session with the National Constitution Center!

Join Breanna Bellefontaine-Krupski, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Civics Teacher Leader Fellow, in the Office of Teaching and Learning, as she hosts the National Constitution Center’s Education Team in a webinar exploring resources the Constitution Center has available for civics teachers. | More

Webinar: Arts Integration in Schools – Enhancing Cognitive Development and Social-Emotional Learning

Join Maine Department of Education Arts Integration Teacher Fellow Joshua Chard in the Office of Teaching and Learning for this 45-minute webinar, “Arts Integration in Schools – Enhancing Cognitive Development and Social-Emotional Learning,” designed for all PreK-12 teachers. | More

The Promoting Stronger Connections ECHO© Series Starts This Week: An Opportunity Open to All Maine Educators

The Maine Department of Education invites Maine educators to attend the Promoting Stronger Connections ECHO© series with once-monthly sessions starting on October 9. Made possible by the Bi-Partisan Safer Communities Act Stronger Connections grant and a statewide Title II funding opportunity, there is no cost to participate in this program, and it is open to all school-based personnel throughout Maine.| More

See Innovative PreK-8 Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Action!

Are you a PreK-8 educator interested in providing more hands-on, minds-on learning that is focused on offering your students a look into possible careers and connecting them to their community? If so, check out a Learning Tour at St. George Municipal School on Friday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine DOE Update – October 4, 2024

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Reports Open in NEO: October 1 Enrollment, Dropout, Quarterly Reports, and Staff Certification

Fall reports are open. All reports require review, validation, and/or certification by superintendents. | More

News & Updates

Maine DOE Awarded Funding for Interdisciplinary Civic Inquiry Projects

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has received $99,149 from the Library of Congress’ Teaching with Primary Sources program to support the “Celebrating Rural Maine: Civic Inquiry Place-Based” project. This initiative, in partnership with the National Council for History Education (NCHE), aims to empower rural teachers to explore Maine’s history through an interdisciplinary approach. | More

REMINDER: Seeking Public Comment on Chapter 115 – the Credentialing of Education Personnel

The Maine State Board of Education is conducting conversations with the public about Rule Chapter 115: The Credentialing of Educational Personnel, from August through December. Resolve 2024, Chapter 137 directed the State Board of Education to amend Rule Chapter 115, with special attention to sections related to the State Board of Education’s report submitted to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs in 2023. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Western Maine Superintendents Celebrate 20 Years of Collaboration and Impact

The Western Maine Education Collaborative recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a dinner among past and present superintendents who have participated in the collaborative. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Information Session: Using MOOSE Applied Ethics Modules to Support Your Classroom

Looking for ways to use Maine’s Online Open-Source Education (MOOSE) modules in your classroom? Would you like support in incorporating personal development and interpersonal skills into your learning environment? The MOOSE platform offers a PreK-12 learning progression of modules focused on Applied Ethics that might be just what you need. | More

Reminder: Register NOW for the 14th Annual Maine PBIS Conference!

Join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education for the 14th Annual Maine PBIS Conference! | More

Join the Maine DOE Learning Through Technology Team at the ACTEM Fall Conference!

The Maine Department of Education Office of Teaching and Learning’s Learning Through Technology (LTT) Team hopes to see you at the ACTEM Fall Conference. | More

Maine DOE Early Learning Team Support and Professional Development Offerings

The Maine Department of Education’s Early Learning Team, in the Office of Teaching and Learning, supports educators (teachers, administrators, and community providers) across the birth through early elementary years, with technical assistance, online tools, and professional learning opportunities. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – September 27, 2024

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine DOE Welcomes 2024/2025 Teacher Leader Fellows

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has welcomed its 2024/25 Teacher Leader Fellows. The new class of six extraordinary educators are from across the state and bring expertise in civics, personal finance, integrated arts, and multilingual learning, specifically with newcomers, as well as multilingual learners with disabilities. | More

Maine Department of Education Releases RFP for Statewide Reading and Mathematics Assessment in Grades 3-8 and High School

The Maine Department of Education is seeking proposals for a statewide reading and mathematics assessment, per State of Maine procurement regulations as outlined in 5 M.R.S.A. § 1825 A-E and Ch. 110 & 120 in 18-554 of the Code of Maine Rules (CMR). | More

Maine Kicks Off Kindergarten Entry Inventory Project

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) kicked off Maine’s Kindergarten Entry Inventory (KEI) pilot project this summer. The project is a manageable, strength-based, formative tool that aligns with the Pre-K Maine Early Learning Developmental Standards (P MELDS). It is designed to provide educators, families, and caregivers with insights about the whole child’s development to inform instructional planning and decision-making at the beginning of kindergarten. | More

Public Comment for Rule Chapter 132: Learning Results, Parameters for Essential Instruction

During the Second Regular Session of the Maine Legislature, Maine’s Legislative Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs declined to authorize the proposed social studies content standards of the Maine Learning Results. The committee directed the Maine Department of Education (DOE) to reengage in the rulemaking process for the social studies standards. To this end, the Maine DOE reopened the 2024 Steering Committee and writing team conversations for the social studies standards. | More

Integrated Literacy Resources for Maine Educators

Literacy has been at the forefront of discussions in education across our state. We are a state filled with creative, engaging, and highly skilled educators – many of whom are actively harnessing new knowledge from evidence-based research to reshape the way their classrooms work and how students interact with their learning. | More

A Day With Maine Teacher of the Year Finalist Emilie Throckmorton and Her Bangor High School Community

A Day With Maine Teacher of the Year Finalist Emilie Throckmorton and Her Bangor High School Community
Walking into Dr. Emilie Throckmorton’s classroom, one is immediately transported to another world. The tall, almost floor to ceiling window frames a small forest of trees, while the marked absence of fluorescent lighting creates a coffee shop ambiance in the room. | More

A Day With Maine Teacher of the Year Finalist Becky Hallowell and Her Wiscasset Elementary School Community

On the banks of the Sheepscot River sits the OWLS (Outdoor Wonderful Learning Space) community. This outdoor learning space at Wiscasset Elementary School was the brainchild of 4th grade teacher Becky Hallowell, and each year she and her students transform this space into a vibrant community to build, learn from, and explore through the seasons. | More

A Day With Maine Teacher of the Year Finalist Katie Strait at Baxter Academy for Technology and Science

Adventurous, vibrant, caring, fierce, authentic, inclusive, and passionate. Those were some of the words Baxter Academy for Technology and Science teacher Katie Strait’s students and colleagues used to describe her. | More

A Day With Maine Teacher of the Year Finalist Allyson Gilbert and her Mt. Ararat School Community

Allyson Gilbert is the sun. That’s how several of Ms. Gilbert’s students and colleagues at Mt. Ararat High School described her. Yes, it’s because she dresses up in a big inflatable sun costume for one of her science lessons, bringing students outside and arranging them at different distances from her like the planets in the solar system. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Common Threads of Maine Partners with Westbrook Adult Ed Program to Expand Workforce Training

When Common Threads of Maine, a nonprofit school specializing in Maine’s textile industry, made the difficult decision to close recently, owner Dory Waxman reached out to the Westbrook Adult Education program to see if they would be interested in taking over their sewing classes as part of their workforce training program. | More

Chewonki Campers Learn to Love and Protect Nature Through the Maine Outdoor Learning Program

As students returned to school this year, organizations large and small across Maine breathed a happy, yet tired, sigh of relief as they wrapped up their summer programs for the year, reflecting on the outcomes for students and staff. | More

Beloved Summer School Program Helps Midcoast Students Grow and Thrive

On a rainy summer day in Washington, Maine, students filed into the cozy main building of Camp Medomak. Looking around at the room full of smiling faces and picnic tables covered in books, games, and crafts, you may assume you’re at classic summer camp. However, these students are here for RSU 40’s Summer School program. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Maine DOE to Host Variety of Virtual Office Hours to Support Educators and Administrators for 24/25 School Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is hosting a wide variety of office hours this school year to support school and district educators/staff with everything from technical assistance to professional learning, as well as opportunities to connect and share with colleagues across the state. | More

Professional Development Conference for Rural Maine Educators

Registration is open for the Island Readers & Writers (IRW) for the Dear Teacher 2024 professional development conference, which will be held at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on October 10 and 11, 2024. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – September 20, 2024

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Fall Data Reports Open Soon: October 1 Enrollment, Dropout, Quarterly Reports, and Staff Certification

The Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) fall data reports will be opening soon. All data reports require review, validation, and/or certification by superintendents. | More

Webinar: Special Education Reports EF-S-05 Parts 1 and 2

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Data Team has added a webinar to the fall reporting webinar series. The EF-S-05 is integrated into the October 1 Enrollment and Staff Certification reports. Special Education Directors are required to certify the EF-S-05 Part 1 (special education student count) and EF-S-05 Part 2 (special education staff FTE) reports before superintendents can certify overall October 1 Enrollment and Staff Certification reports. | More

News & Updates

Maine Department of Education Sends Thousands of Free Books to be Accessed by Every Public School in the State

In collaboration with the award-winning Maine nonprofit I’m Your Neighbor Books, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) held The Pine Project’s Welcoming Libraries Celebration, marking the start of this first-in-the-nation initiative. Welcoming Libraries are collections of picture books exploring themes of immigration, diversity, and belonging, curated to foster inclusive communities.| More

Maine Department of Education Awards $750,000 in Climate Education Professional Development Grants

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) awarded $750,000 in climate education professional development grants to 10 programs throughout the state. These programs will support partnerships between school administrative units (SAUs), schools, and community organizations to strengthen climate education opportunities for students across Maine. | More

Seeking Public Feedback on Rule Chapter 128: Truants & Dropouts Guidelines

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is beginning conversations with the public relating to Rule Chapter 128: Truants and Dropouts Guidelines. Due to evolving understanding of the nature of student attendance, the lessons learned from COVID, and feedback from the Truancy, Dropout, Alternative Education Committee, we have elected to revisit this rule to ensure it aligns with what we believe is best practice and how our educators, students, and families interact. | More

Transition to Kindergarten Planning and Mini-Grant Opportunity

The Early Learning Team in the Office of Teaching and Learning at the Maine Department of Education (DOE), together with the Office of Child and Family Services at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, is pleased to extend this mini-grant opportunity to build high-quality transition to kindergarten teams and plans. This project will require SAUs to partner with their community early care and education providers. We encourage all providers who may be interested to reach to their local school administrative units to express interest in being part of their SAU’s (or school’s) transition team. This opportunity is funded by Maine’s Preschool Development Grant (PDG). | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Celebrating Adult Education Family Literacy Week

Governor Mills has proclaimed September 16 – 20 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week! Last year, Maine’s Adult Education programs helped over 12,900 students train for a career, earn their high school credentials, prepare for college, and learn English. Located statewide, over 65 adult education programs are part of the public education system and assist adult learners with their next educational and career steps. | More

St. George School Receives Production Grant to Create Immersive Field Trips

St. George MSU SealSt. George Municipal School Unit (MSU) Superintendent, Mike Felton, applied for a production grant through an organization called CareerViewXR last year. After an application and interview process, the PK-8 school was selected as one of three winning schools from across the United States. The prizes awarded to the school included one 12-month subscription to the CareerViewXR platform, two HTC VIVE virtual reality headsets, and two field trips produced in their region. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Integrating Literacy through the Dispositions with Cris Tovani

The Interdisciplinary Instruction team from the Maine Department of Education’s Office of Teaching and Learning is excited to bring educator and author Cris Tovani to Maine on October 7th for an all-day workshop that explores ways to engage, excite, and “hook” reluctant learners in building their literacy skills and mastery. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – September 13, 2024

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Seeking Educators to Pilot MOOSE Modules and Educator Guides; Info Session 9/18/24

Do you want to explore and implement innovative instructional materials this fall? Are you interested in expanding your impact outside your classroom/school? Would you like support in incorporating Wabanaki Studies into your curriculum? The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is currently seeking educators to pilot MOOSE Modules and Educator Resources and would love to have your class participate! | More

USDA awards 7.4 million in School Food System Innovation Grants in Maine

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently awarded a total of $7.4 million in School Food System Innovation Grants to seven organizations in Maine through its partner Full Plates Full Potential. The grant funding is part of USDA’s $100 million Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative, which empowers schools to continue serving delicious, healthy meals through regional school food systems. | More

Provide Input for the Maine Child Safety and Family Well-Being Plan

Please join Mariette Aborn, Special Projects Manager for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), as she and her colleagues from Maine Child Welfare Action Network (MCWAN) welcome you to provide input on the next version – Version 2.0 – of the Maine Child Safety and Well-Being Plan. Join them for a virtual community engagement session on Tuesday, September 17th. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Maine FFA Advocates in Washington, DC

The Maine FFA state officer team traveled to Washington, DC, for the 2024 State Officer Summit this summer. The Summit is a five-day training event during which hundreds of students representing all 50 states, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico engage in conversations about leadership, agriculture, and advocacy. This experience prepares the state officer team and the Maine FFA Association for a successful year. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Integrating Literacy through Applied Learning Workshops

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction Team in the Office of Teaching and Learning is pleased to announce a series of four (4) upcoming workshops on Integrating Literacy through Applied Learning. Registration is free of charge to all Maine educators. Contact hours are available, and all workshops are offered both in person (space is limited) and virtually. | More

Selection of Fall & Winter Professional Learning Opportunities for Early Learning & Childcare Educators

The Maine Department of Education Office of Teaching and Learning, Early Learning Team, along with our partners at Maine’s Office of Child and Family Services and Maine Resilience Building Network (MRBN), are hosting several professional learning opportunities for childcare and public-school educators working with children this fall and winter. These opportunities are funded through Maine’s Preschool Development Renewal Grant. | More

Pathways to Partnerships: Technical Assistance and Mini-Grant Opportunity for Early Care and Education Communities – Info Session 9/19

With the ever-growing understanding of and commitment to serving the whole child and family, the need for relationship building among early care and education providers within communities is even more important. When early care and education providers, such as child care, Head Start, schools, YMCAs, and libraries, get to know the work each does to support children and families during the early years, partnerships can emerge to achieve shared, positive outcomes. | More

New MTSS Cohort Opportunity to Equip Principals in Leading Equity-based MTSS for Student Supports

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is thrilled to announce an innovative training program that will empower school principals to champion equity-based Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for comprehensive student success. | More

Office Hours: Multi-Tiered System of Support Framework

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) team is pleased to offer office hours focused on Maine’s MTSS Framework beginning Friday, October 4th at 10am, and occurring every first Friday of the month thereafter. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

Seeking Applicants for Administrative Assistant for Celebrating Rural Maine Project

The Maine Department of Education (Maine DOE) is seeking an energetic, motivated, and experienced individual to serve in the role of the Celebrating Rural Maine Administrative Assistant Position. The selected candidate will provide initiative, guidance, and leadership in handling the necessary responsibilities as outlined to support the Library of Congress-funded project, and other duties as deemed necessary. | More

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE – September 6, 2024

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine DOE AI Guidance – We need your input!

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Learning Through Technology Team is seeking input from Maine educators, administrators, and all other support staff for the creation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance. | More

Maine Educators Named Lead Co-Regulators to Support Phase 2 with The Regulated Classroom™

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and The Regulated Classroom (TRC) have named co-regulators to support educators across the state to support wellbeing and create safe and welcoming classrooms. | More

Celebrating Community School Coordinators Week

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is joining the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) Coalition for Community Schools to celebrate Community Schools Coordinator Appreciation Week from September 15 to 21, 2024. | More

REMINDER: Seeking Public Comment on Chapter 115 – the Credentialing of Education Personnel

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Screen-Free Summer Sparks Creativity and Learning at Beech Hill School

In a world dominated by screens, Beech Hill School took a refreshing approach this summer with their screen-free summer program, offering K-7 students a four-week immersive experience focused on hands-on learning and community building this summer. Over 30 campers attended regularly, representing 45% of the school’s student population, making it a resounding success. | More

North Haven Students Explore ‘Green’ Businesses in Maine Thanks to Maine DOE Career Exploration Grant

With support from the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Maine Out of School Time grant, upper elementary and middle school students from North Haven Community School, located on North Haven Island, visited and explored a variety of Maine businesses this summer. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Implementation Toolbox Series

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to announce a new learning series on Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for the 2024-2025 school year. Each month’s session will focus on a different MTSS tool, offering you insights into how it can be used effectively within your own framework. | More

Free Training on How to Identify, Assess & Support Students Who Exhibit Challenging Behaviors

Effective behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM) protocols in schools are an indispensable component of maintaining the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the entire school community. Threat assessment is not only about identifying potential threats but also about preventing violence and promoting a supportive environment where individuals feel safe to report concerns. | More

Free Professional Learning: Integrating WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to provide support to School Administrative Units (SAUs) in their continued implementation of Maine’s English Language Development Standards. | More

Inclusive Education Professional Growth Opportunities for Early Learning Educators

To support inclusion in Maine’s early childhood programs, the Maine Roads to Quality Professional Development Network (MRTQ PDN), in collaboration with the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services, is excited to share four professional growth opportunities. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – August 30, 2024

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

September Data Management and Reporting Webinars

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Data Team has many data management and reporting webinars scheduled in preparation for fall data collection. | More

News & Updates

2025 Maine Teacher of the Year State Finalists Announced

Four Maine teachers were announced today as the State Finalists for the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year program. High school science teacher Allyson Gilbert from Sagadahoc County, fourth-grade teacher Becky Hallowell from Lincoln County, high school science teacher Katie Strait from Cumberland County, and high school English language arts teacher Emilie Throckmorton from Penobscot County were all selected to move forward in the Teacher of the Year process and were chosen from the 2024 Maine County Teachers of the Year. | More

Maine DOE’s Annual Back to School Backpack of Resources

Happy back to school! The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has put together a virtual Back to School Backpack of resources and information to assist school and School Administrative Unit (SAU) leaders as a new school year begins. The Backpack contains resources related to school and student supports, health and safety, school nutrition, school administration and operations, teaching and learning supports, and strengthening the education workforce. | More

Maine DOE Highlights Expanding Health Resource Access to Multilingual Families in Maine

In alignment with supporting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, new tools have been created for school nurses. This newest project directly reflects the advocacy and care our Maine school nurses possess, further strengthening our public health infrastructure. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

RSU 87 Superintendent Describes How His District Trains and Prepares for Emergencies

Mark Turner is the superintendent of RSU 87, which serves the communities of Carmel and Levant, Maine. What he loves most about his job is the time he gets to spend in schools. As a busy district administrator, interacting with staff and students each day is so important because he gets to see the important work they do firsthand. | More

North Haven Students Explore ‘Green’ Businesses in Maine Thanks Maine DOE Career Exploration Grant

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Maine Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Conference Registration Now Open!

Join the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education for the 14th Annual Maine PBIS Conference at the Augusta Civic Center on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM. The conference is a chance for Maine Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) leaders and implementers from across Maine and beyond to come together to celebrate, learn, and network together. | More

Maine Solutionaries Project Fall Cohorts

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Interdisciplinary Instruction Team is partnering with the Institute for Human Education to continue the Maine Solutionaries Project through the fall to educators interested in supporting students in applying their learning. This exciting project will provide an opportunity for educators in Maine to take a custom version of the Solutionary Micro-credential Program and participate in state-wide educator cohorts that focus on individual topics of interest. Not only will educators be able to participate at no cost, but they will also be eligible to earn a $1400.00 stipend upon completion of the program. | More

Training Opportunity: Moving the Needle on Inclusivity in Teaching and Learning

The Maine Department of Education (Maine DOE) is hosting a training opportunity focused on learning around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), and the impact that increasing understanding of DEIJ can have on teaching practices, instructional strategies, classroom management in every discipline area, as well as school climate. | More

Fall and Winter Professional Learning: Question Formulation Technique

The Maine Department of Education (DOE)  Interdisciplinary Instruction Team is hosting two asynchronous professional learning courses called Question, Reflect, Repeat: Introduction to the Question Formulation Technique. | More

View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – August 16, 2024

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Graduation Reporting for SY 2023-2024

If graduation exit codes need to be updated for graduated students after State Synergy rolls over to 2024-2025 on August 15th, please contact MEDMS.Helpdesk@maine.gov or call 207-624-6896 | More

News & Updates

What Makes a Great School in Maine? Join a Measure What Matters Community Conversation

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is excited to host community meetings across Maine to bring educators, parents, students, and business leaders together to discuss a shared vision for our schools. These in-person conversations will take place in August and September across the state. This week we had great conversations in Augusta, Westbrook, Topsham, and York. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative Helps Students Learn to White Water Kayak

Six students, ranging from grades 8th to 12th, participated in an Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking Camp offered by the Main Street Skowhegan Organization. Thanks to the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, these students could participate in the experience at no cost to them. | More

Carrabec Students Trek the Northern Forest Canoe Trail Thanks to Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative

In June, Seven Carrabec High School students joined a Teens to Trails intern and registered Maine Guide Tammy Long on a 30-mile canoe trip along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail on Flagstaff Lake. On this three-day trip, participants navigated the waters via canoe, camped on remote islands, and prepared food over a campfire. Thanks to the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, the trip and necessary gear were free for all participants. | More

Three Western Maine Administrators Share How Maine DOE Transformational Leaders’ Network Has Improved Their Leadership Practice

An article by Ann Dooling, Maine DOE Transformational Leaders’ Network Facilitator and Maine educator/administrator. Dooling recently interviewed Jodi Ellis, Principal of Meroby Elementary and Rumford Elementary in RSU 10; Tabitha Emery, Principal of Stratton Elementary School at Eustis School Department; and Leanne Condon, Principal and Superintendent of Andover School Department, about what keeps them coming back month after month to the TLN meetings. | More

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

Pre-K for ME, K for ME, and 1st Grade for ME Professional Learning Communities Offered

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) and teacher leaders 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

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities:

View current Maine Department of Education employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – August 2, 2024

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

MEDIA RELEASE: Department of Education Supports Learning and Enrichment Over the Summer

The Maine Department of Education has awarded $2,788,372 in Summer Learning and Enrichment Grant funding to 61 Maine schools. Summer programs differ from school to school, sometimes taking the form of community partnerships, field trips, career exploration, and innovative curricula that prepare students for the school year ahead while addressing pandemic-related learning loss. | More

Lincoln Academy Students are Building a Greenhouse to Support Their Free Summer Program

Lincoln Academy’s edLab students have been building a greenhouse to support the school’s new LA Launch Program. This free summer program, funded by the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative, will support rising 9th graders preparing to enter high school. | More

2023/24 Maine DOE Student Cabinet Closes Out Another Successful Year

Co-chaired by student representatives from the Maine State Board of Education, the Student Cabinet provides a forum for Maine students’ voices to be heard. This is the fourth year the Maine DOE has appointed students to a Student Cabinet to integrate student voices into decision-making on education issues that impact their journey through Maine’s education system. This year’s Co-chairs were Ryan Hafener, a recent Hampden Academy graduate, and Phat Thai, a rising Senior at Deering High School. | More

Approval of Tydings Amendment Waiver of FY23 ESEA funds and FY24 Carryover of Excess Title I, Part A

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce that we have been granted a Tydings Amendment Waiver of FY23 ESEA funds and FY24 Carryover of Excess Title I, Part A Funds. Pursuant to the authority granted under section 8401(b) of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the Maine DOE received approval for these waivers from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). | More

Third Annual Supporting Adult Multilingual Learners Institute Strengthens Adult Education Profession

This summer, the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) Adult Education Team hosted its third annual Supporting Adult Multilingual Learners Institute at Sugarloaf Mountain. Adult Education teachers, curriculum designers, and administrators had the opportunity to learn from speakers, engage with different breakout sessions, and have meaningful discussions with their peers. Additionally, many fun activities, such as trail walks and yoga, were offered for participants to enjoy the nature of the Carrabassett Valley region. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Portland Public Schools Become Winners of a Digital Citizenship Award

Portland Public Schools has been recognized as a Common Sense District for its work educating students on safe and healthy ways of using technology and integrating technology into the curriculum as a learning tool. | More