The Maine Department of Education (DOE) will offer a virtual professional learning series focused on school-level implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) beginning September 29, 2026. The series will provide school teams with opportunities to deepen their understanding, reflect on their current implementation, consider how to begin, and/or identify action steps to strengthen their system.
The learning series will center on the Maine Multi-Tiered System of Supports Fidelity of Implementation Rubric (MTSS-FIR), which will be piloted during the 2026–2027 school year through this series and other Maine DOE professional learning opportunities. The MTSS-FIR is designed to support MTSS Leadership Teams in assessing school-level implementation, establishing goals, and engaging in continuous improvement. The series will begin with a focus on Tier 1 and later transition to considerations for Tier 2 and Tier 3 implementation.
Sessions will emphasize practical application, providing participants with opportunities to deepen their understanding of effective MTSS implementation, reflect on their learning, and apply it within their school contexts.
MTSS Professional Learning Webinar Series
The MTSS Professional Learning Webinar Series will be held from 3:30–5 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month, with exceptions in September, December, and May:
Tuesday, September 29, 2026*
Monday, October 26, 2026
Monday, November 23, 2026
Monday, December 21, 2026*
Monday, January 25, 2027
Monday, February 22, 2027
Monday, March 22, 2027
Monday, April 26, 2027
Monday, May 17, 2027*
*September 29 is the fifth Tuesday; December 21 and May 17 are the third Monday of their respective months.
Registration is required, and participation as a school team is encouraged. Teams may include administrators and educators from both general and special education. MTSS Leadership Team composition will be addressed early in the series, including guidance on whom to invite to participate.
To get the most from the series, each participating school team should include at least one administrator and at least one educator who plan to participate in every session. Participants will receive 1.5 contact hours for each session they attend for which they complete an exit survey.
Why Participate in This Series?
Implementing MTSS provides schools with a coherent framework for organizing and optimizing resources to support all learners. By aligning high-quality instruction, differentiated supports, data-based decision making, and collaboration within one connected system, schools can move from separate or disconnected efforts toward a more coordinated approach to meeting student needs.
Effective MTSS implementation strengthens universal foundations for belonging and learning. Through ongoing use of implementation and outcome data, schools can identify strengths, address areas for growth, and make informed decisions about how to use their resources. The result is a more equitable and inclusive continuum of support, and a stronger, more responsive system for helping every student succeed.
Maine DOE will also offer two types of virtual MTSS office hours beginning in September. These sessions will provide participants with additional opportunities to ask questions, seek support, and engage in conversation about MTSS implementation.
Walk-In Office Hours: Beginning Wednesday, September 23 from 3–4 p.m., participants may bring questions or topics for discussion. Please see the Maine DOE Event Calendar for more information, including additional dates, times, and registration links for MTSS Walk-In Office Hours.
Topic-Based Office Hours: Beginning Wednesday, September 16 from 2–3 p.m., each session will include 20–30 minutes of focused professional learning on a specific MTSS topic, followed by an opportunity for discussion. Please see the Maine DOE Event Calendar for more information, including additional dates, times, and registration links for MTSS Topic-Based Office Hours.
Back left to right – Ayesha Hall, Bryan Lescord, Julie Smyth, Marcy Whitcomb, Courtney Angelosante, Sue Gallant, Alexandra Cookson, Monique Sullivan, and Tamara Ranger. Front left to right – Shelley Chasse-Johndro, Intern Piper Hallen, Jennifer Belanger, Ann Hanna, and Sarah Nelson (arriving after the photo – Jess Anderson)
On June 17, educators from the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and partners from across Maine gathered for a meeting of the Maine Engagement and Attendance Center (MEAC), a statewide collaboration working to strengthen student engagement and attendance and to address chronic absenteeism in Maine schools.
MEAC Responds to Attendance in Maine
Established by the Maine DOE in 2024, MEAC brings together Maine DOE teams with partners, including Count ME In! and Maine Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). The collaborative was created in response to the persistent challenge of chronic absenteeism and, through technical assistance and guidance, is designed to help schools move from responding to attendance problems after they occur toward proactive, evidence-based strategies that address the root causes of absenteeism.
MEAC’s strength is the breadth of expertise within the collaborative. Maine DOE teams and partners connect work across attendance, family engagement, multi-tiered systems of support, early learning, school climate, health, data, and community-based supports. Working across these areas helps to align efforts, identify gaps, and provides schools with more coordinated resources and strategies.
Engagement Specialist Sarah Nelson and Director of Office of School and Student Supports Julie Smyth share exit slip data from last year’s MEAC Office Hours. MTSS Specialist Bryan Lescord; Director of Strategic Partnerships Ayesha Hall; ESEA Federal Programs Director Shelly Chasse-Johndro; and Continuous School Improvement Coordinator Monique Sullivan listen in on the reflection.
In Maine, chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10 percent or more of enrolled school days for any reason, including excused, unexcused, or disciplinary absences. As the 2026-2027 school year begins, attendance remains an important focus for schools across the state, as nearly 1 in 4 Maine students miss at least 3 weeks of school each year.
The June gathering offered an opportunity to review Maine’s attendance data, reflect on the past year’s work, and begin planning resources and professional learning for the 2026–27 school year.
The data-driven dialogue focused on Maine’s current attendance data, including grade level, county, and student demographics.
The conversation emphasized that attendance challenges can look different depending on students’ age and circumstances.
For elementary students, where approximately 1 in 5 students are chronically absent, MEAC is focusing on family engagement and removing barriers to attendance.
At the middle school level, where approximately 1 in 4 students are chronically absent, the focus is on developing a sense of belonging.
For high school students, where approximately 1 in 3 students are chronically absent, MEAC emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of relevance and helping students see why school matters.
MEAC’s work has focused on weaving together Maine DOE initiatives to coordinate practical tools and opportunities for educators to learn from one another. The Maine DOE MEAC webpage features a growing collection of resources focused on data use, family engagement, school leadership, progress monitoring, and Tier 1 attendance strategies, including the Maine Attendance Toolkit. MEAC recorded a four-part series highlighting aspects of the Attendance Toolkit, which can be accessed on the MEAC webpage. The toolkit serves as a foundational springboard for building strong attendance systems across Maine schools.
Attendance Is Everyone’s Work
MEAC’s work reflects the understanding that regular attendance is connected to students’ ability to fully benefit from the learning opportunities, relationships, and supports their schools provide. The resources highlighted above emphasize that addressing attendance means looking beyond unexcused absences to consider the range of health, family, school climate, and other factors that can affect students’ ability to attend school consistently.
For MEAC, the work continues beyond any single meeting. As Maine schools prepare for another school year, the collaborative continues to develop resources, professional learning, and shared strategies to help more students attend school regularly and remain connected to their learning communities.
For further information and questions about MEAC, please visit the Maine DOE MEAC webpage or reach out to Sarah Nelson, Maine DOE Attendance and Engagement Specialist at Sarah.Nelson@maine.gov.
The national program Public School Districts’ Opioid Recovery Trust (PSDORT) has announced that applications are open for a grant opportunity to help public school districts in recovering from the opioid epidemic by supporting students harmed by the opioid epidemic. The funds target students who were born with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome or students who have suffered traumatic family loss and educational interruptions because of the opioid epidemic.
Funding targets classroom services, school-based behavioral and mental health supports, instructional innovations, or other district and school-based supports that directly affect students harmed by the opioid epidemic. The grants will be awarded to public school districts who demonstrate a clear need for opioid recovery and support services and a plan to integrate these services into their existing support frameworks. Proposals focusing on students with disabilities born with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome receive priority consideration.
Interested school administrative units (SAUs) are encouraged to register their intent to apply (Intent to Apply Registration) so that PSDORT can contact them and share information during the application process and beyond. SAU partners can join the distribution list by emailing info@SchoolDistrictOpioidRecoveryGrants.com and registering their interest.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Literature Grant Program, a funding opportunity designed to expand and strengthen the teaching of Wabanaki Studies. School entities, including school administrative units (SAUs), private schools approved for public tuition purposes, Indian Education Schools, and Education in Unorganized Territories (EUT) schools are eligible to receive up to $500 to purchase books that support Wabanaki Studies. Eligible books must align with the Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies resources and be written by an Indigenous author. This initiative supports the implementation of L.D. 1474, An Act to Strengthen the Teaching of Wabanaki Studies in Maine Schools, by expanding access to relevant instructional resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can submit for reimbursement?
Maine school entities, including SAUs, private schools approved for public tuition purposes, Indian Education schools, and EUT schools, may submit for reimbursement.
Do I need to buy from a specified vendor?
School entities may choose where to purchase the books.
Where can I find Wabanaki Studies resources that meet the criteria?
After purchasing the books, you will be eligible to receive the first half of the reimbursement. To receive the second half, complete the following requirements:
Share your project in two of the following ways:
Present to your school board.
Present at a Maine education conference.
Create a synchronous or asynchronous professional learning video or lesson for the Maine DOE to use or share.
Submit a model lesson for the Maine DOE to share with other educators.
Create a “good news” story for the Maine DOE to share.
Host a professional learning group.
Participants will be required to submit evidence of completion of the two selected activities. Once completed, send the evidence to Brianne Lolar, Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies Specialist, at brianne.lolar@maine.gov.
How do I get reimbursed?
After submitting your evidence to the Wabanaki Studies Specialist, email your receipts to Haley Neal, Maine DOE Office Specialist, at haley.neal@maine.gov. Use “Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Literature Grant Program” as the subject line.
When will payments be sent out?
Payments will be issued to school entities quarterly after they demonstrate completion of the deliverables. Target quarterly submission deadlines are September 30, December 31, and March 31. Submissions received by these deadlines will be processed and reimbursed accordingly. Submissions received outside these windows will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and reimbursement will be processed upon approval.
With questions, contact Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies Specialist, Brianne Lolar, at brianne.lolar@maine.gov.
Maine’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (Maine PBIS) program, a collaboration between the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the University of Maine System (UMS), will host its annual conference on November 19, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center.
In its 16th year, the conference theme will be, “The Fabric of Maine Schools: Braiding Academics, Behavior and Belonging.” The conference will feature a captivating keynote presented by Kathleen Lynne Lane, Ph.D., BCAB-D, CF-L2 from the University of Kansas, “Creating Positive, Productive School Environments: Data-informed Instruction in Integrated Tiered Systems to Meet Students’ Multiple Needs.”
Following the keynote will be a choice of over 30 breakout sessions that will allow participants to walk away with new ideas and a renewed sense of connection with students and their teaching methods. Breakout sessions include integrating academics and behavior within the Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model, behavior supports and strategies for preschool, elementary, middle, and high school, implementing and sustaining PBIS, and family engagement.
Conference pricing:
Early Birduntil October 15: $185.00
After October 15: $210.00
Complimentary registration will be provided (up to 3 educators per school) for educators that work in schools identified as part of Maine’s Model of School Support.
School culture does not transform by accident, it happens when we connect, collaborate, and celebrate together. That is exactly what is happening at this year’s Maine PBIS Conference. Join us for a day to rejuvenate your teaching practices, braiding instructional applications, positive student interactions, and educator well-being into a strong educational experience for all!
For more information, please contact Maine DOE Special Projects & Educator Supports Program staff, Anne-Marie Adamson at anne-marie.adamson@maine.gov.
In recognition of Constitution Day on September 17, the Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce Democracy Lab, a new facilitator’s guide designed to support educators and students in exploring the nation’s founding ideals. This interactive resource examines principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence, including natural, unalienable rights, equity, the consent of the governed, and the belief that governmental authority rests with the people. While Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution, the Democracy Lab helps participants explore the ideas that influenced the nation’s system of government.
Educators are invited to join the Maine Department of Education for a virtual launch of the Democracy Lab at 3 p.m. on September 17. During the event, educators will explore the guide and learn how its activities can support active, engaging civics learning throughout the school year.
The Democracy Lab features activities that have been tested with students in Maine schools. The guide includes interactive simulations, debates, creative visual activities, and historical inquiry using primary sources. These experiences help students move beyond learning about democracy and begin examining democratic ideas through inquiry, action, and exploration.
The virtual launch offers educators an opportunity to mark Constitution Day while discovering resources to support meaningful civic learning throughout the year.
Extend Constitution Day Learning Throughout the Year
Constitution Day can be more than a single lesson or activity. It can be a starting point for conversations about how government works, how rights are protected, how laws are interpreted, and how young people can participate in civic life.
The Maine Department of Education’s Civics page provides additional information and resources for educators seeking to strengthen civics instruction throughout the school year.
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Boston Field Office, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Education, Maine School Safety Center, will offer a 90-minute virtual training on September 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
The training will focus on responding to and investigating bomb threats and swatting hoaxes, providing participants with an overview of these types of incidents, including statistics and current trends seen across the country.
Participants will learn about the characteristics of hoax calls, law enforcement best practices for assessing and responding to threats, and the decision-making process surrounding evacuation or sheltering in place.
The training is intended for public safety dispatchers, law enforcement personnel, and school personnel, including administrators and front office staff.
To attend this training, please register here in advance. Registered participants will receive a link to join the training via Microsoft Teams on the morning of the training.
For further questions or information about this training, please reach out to the FBI Field Office at fbibostonjttf@fbi.gov.
Congratulations to Abby McCoy from Androscoggin County, Adrianne Shetenhelm from Cumberland County, Gretchen Livingston from Kennebec County, and Gina Welch from Oxford County.
Augusta, MAINE—Four Maine educators have been announced as state finalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. Abby McCoy, a Chemistry and Forensic Science Teacher at Lewiston High School; Adrianne Shetenhelm, an English and Alternative Education Teacher at Windham High School; Gretchen Livingston, a Spanish Teacher at Cony Middle and High School; and Gina Welch, a Pre-K Teacher at Crescent Park Elementary School, were selected from the 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Yearcohort to move forward in the Teacher of the Year process.
“Maine teachers are going above and beyond every day. They challenge and inspire their students with creative learning experiences, build relationships and partnerships with the families and communities they serve, and create opportunities for all students to excel,” said Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin. “We are thrilled to celebrate the transformative impact teachers have on students and communities across Maine.”
One of the four state finalists will be named 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year, an honor bestowed annually upon one educator in Maine. This announcement will be made in October, after the final stages of the selection process are complete. Maine’s Teacher of the Year serves as an advocate for the teaching profession, as well as Maine schools and students, and represents Maine in the National Teacher of the Year Program.
Each County Teacher of the Year was nominated for this recognition because of their exemplary service in education and dedication to their students. A distinguished panel of teachers, principals, and members of the business community selected them from a pool of hundreds of other nominated educators. The Maine DOE, Educate Maine, the Maine State Board of Education, and the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA) announced the state finalists.
“We have wonderful teachers across Maine, and the talent and dedication of the four state finalists for Teacher of the Year are a reflection of that,” Educate Maine’s interim executive director Kate Howell said. “We are inspired by their example and their individual stories, and look forward to celebrating and supporting the finalists and the entire 2026 County Teacher of the Year cohort. As leaders in their profession, they make a meaningful difference in the lives of their students every day.”
“The 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year finalists exemplify the pinnacle of our profession—educators who ignite curiosity, cultivate a passion for learning, and profoundly impact the lives of students each day,” Maine State Board of Education Chair Paulette Bonneau said. “Their commitment and creativity reflect the resilience of Maine’s schools and the bright future ahead.”
“We have already learned so much from these four finalists and can’t wait for the rest of the state to get to know their incredible talent and expertise,” Maine County and State Teacher of the Year Association co-president Emilie Throckmorton said. “We look forward to folding them into the strong network of educators that we already work with and continuing to be inspired by them.”
More about the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year state finalists:
Androscoggin Abigail McCoy Chemistry and Forensic Science Teacher Lewiston High School, Lewiston Public Schools
Abigail McCoy is a chemistry and forensic science teacher at Lewiston High School and the 2026 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Haverford College. McCoy creates engaging, hands-on learning experiences that encourage students to explore, question, and approach challenges with curiosity and confidence. She has advised Lewiston High School’s Black Student Union since students established the organization in 2019, helping create leadership opportunities and strengthen connections within the school community. McCoy also supports fellow educators as the science department’s content leader, helping teachers implement laboratory experiences and leading interdisciplinary professional development focused on making rigorous content more accessible to multilingual learners.
“To be a 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year finalist is a huge honor. I am humbled and grateful to be a part of this process and to learn so much from my fellow finalists,” McCoy said. “It’s also incredible to be a representative of Lewiston, a beautiful microcosm of Maine. It allows me to raise the voices of new Mainers of different races, religions, and cultures and bring them forward into our education system. I hope to use this platform to raise awareness of AI’s impact on students’ mental health and access to learning. It is critical that we understand the societal effects of AI, as I have seen it negatively affect students’ creativity and critical thinking, two essential things that keep us human.”
Cumberland Adrianne Shetenhelm English and Alternative Education Teacher Windham High School, RSU 14
Adrianne Shetenhelm has 19 years of experience in the English classroom, including 11 years leading Alternative Programming for Excellence (APEX) at Windham High School. She is the 2026 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year. Shetenhelm holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education from Wheaton College and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College. She is currently pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership at the University of Southern Maine. Through APEX, Shetenhelm provides self-paced, individualized learning pathways for students who may not thrive in conventional school structures, demonstrating her belief that rigor and flexibility can work together. She chairs her school’s Alternative Pathways Department, serves on the Extended Learning Opportunities Committee, mentors new teachers, and co-founded Student Exploratory Adventures, which connects students with local businesses and career opportunities.
“I am honored to be named a 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year State finalist, and it means the world to share this with the students, staff, and community of Windham High School who make my work possible,” Shetenhelm said. “As an alternative educator, I’ve built my career on the belief that trusting students and offering multiple pathways to success can be a lifeline. This recognition gives me a platform to spotlight that belief statewide. I hope to shine a light on the personalized, interdisciplinary learning happening in programs like APEX, where rigor and individualization aren’t a trade-off. More than anything, I want this moment to celebrate the dedicated Maine educators and their community partners who are quietly building those same pathways in their own schools.”
Kennebec Gretchen Livingston Spanish Teacher Cony Middle and High School, Augusta Schools
Gretchen Livingston is a Spanish teacher at Cony Middle and High School in Augusta and the 2026 Kennebec County Teacher of the Year. With 25 years of experience teaching Spanish in Maine, she teaches Spanish Levels 1–6 for students in grades 8–12 and has chaired the World Language Department since 2014. She also serves as the district’s Seal of Biliteracy coordinator. Livingston holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Tufts University and a master’s degree in Teaching from the School for International Training. Her student-centered approach combines authentic communication, cultural connections, project-based learning, and service learning. She has led eight student service-learning trips to Guatemala and is planning a ninth. Livingston also founded the Cony Girls Lacrosse team in 2006 and continues to coach.
“Being a 2027 MTOY Finalist is humbling, inspiring, and motivating,” Livingston said. “I am humbled by the extraordinary work of educators across Maine and inspired by how educators in my district transform students’ lives. I am motivated to use this platform to elevate every voice and story, ensuring that everyone in our schools knows they belong. This recognition shines a light on the tremendous work happening in Augusta Public Schools and throughout Maine. At the heart of that work, regardless of age or subject, is language. Language is not a barrier—it is an asset and a bridge. It builds empathy, opens doors, and helps us see how our differences make our schools, communities, and world stronger.”
Gina Welch is a pre-kindergarten teacher at Crescent Park Elementary School in Bethel and the 2026 Oxford County Teacher of the Year. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maine at Farmington and a master’s degree in Educational Studies from the University of New Hampshire. Welch brings more than two decades of early childhood experience, including 17 years with Early Head Start and Head Start, where she served as a home visitor, lead classroom teacher, and family engagement manager. When Crescent Park launched its first pre-kindergarten classroom, Welch became its founding teacher. Her play-based, child-centered approach emphasizes curiosity, hands-on learning, and strong relationships with students and families. She also serves as a mentor teacher, supporting educators in strengthening their practice and building meaningful family partnerships.
“Being named a 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year finalist is an incredible honor, and I am especially proud to shine a light on a school district that has continually encouraged and supported me in becoming the very best teacher I can be. I also see this recognition as a reflection of the outstanding colleagues and administrators who have supported, challenged, and inspired me throughout my career; this honor truly belongs to all of us,” Welch said. “I hope this platform allows me to highlight and elevate the power of relationships between teachers, students, families, and communities and the important role teachers can play as leaders in building those connections. I believe that when we intentionally strengthen those relationships, we create schools where every child and family feels that they belong, which in turn impacts student outcomes.”
For more information about the Maine Teacher of the Year program, and to see a list of Maine County Teachers of the Year and Maine State Teachers of the Year, click here.
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) invites students, friends, families, community members, educational organizations or associations, co-workers, and supervisors to nominate school employees for the RISE Award. Anyone can nominate! | More
Students at three school-based organizations across Maine will have new opportunities to pursue credentials in early childhood education and healthcare beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, as a result of nearly $500,000 in Maine Career Pathways (MCP) funding. | More
The United States Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released the K-12 Cybersecurity Foundations Resource Package, a comprehensive collection of guides, videos, and supplemental materials to help schools and districts prevent, mitigate, and respond to prevalent cyber threats. Based on current cybersecurity frameworks, these new resources outline cost-effective, actionable, and customizable steps that school and district leaders and staff can take to develop and maintain effective cybersecurity programs. | More
Maine educators from schools serving students pK-12 and higher education institutions gathered at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor from June 29 through July 1 for the 2026 Maine Department of Education (DOE) Summer Learning Institute, The Science of Learning: Developing Literate and Numerate Minds. The three-day institute connected research with practical strategies that educators can use to strengthen learning across grade levels and disciplines. | More
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) wishes all students, educators, administrators, and school staff a wonderful back-to-school season! As the 2026-2027 school year begins, please consider perusing the virtual Maine DOE Back-to-School Backpack, which contains information and resources that may be useful to school and district leaders. | More
Regional School Unit (RSU) 1, serving the communities of Bath, Woolwich, Phippsburg and Arrowsic, has completed a comprehensive, district-wide, sustainability plan joining a small but growing number of school administrative units (SAUs) taking a significant step toward making sustainability and climate action part of their long-term planning and operations. | More
When many people picture summer school, they imagine students sitting at desks, catching up on assignments while their classmates enjoy summer vacation. At Oxford Hills School District (MSAD 17), summer learning looks a lot different. | More
Maine administrators, educators, coaches, and community partners are invited to celebrate a major milestone in advancing teaching and learning statewide at the Maine Department of Education (DOE) fall launch events for the Literacy and Numeracy Playbooks, an initiative focused on turning vision into action for schools across the state. These interactive events will focus on turning Maine’s statewide vision into action in schools and communities. | More
The United States Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released the K-12 Cybersecurity Foundations Resource Package, a comprehensive collection of guides, videos, and supplemental materials to help schools and districts prevent, mitigate, and respond to prevalent cyber threats. Based on current cybersecurity frameworks, these new resources outline cost-effective, actionable, and customizable steps that school and district leaders and staff can take to develop and maintain effective cybersecurity programs.
Cyber threats are a significant and growing risk for school communities. These incidents can disrupt learning and operations, compromise student privacy and safety, and expend valuable resources. The CISA’s new resource package was developed in direct response to these needs and helps schools and districts better understand cyber risks, make informed decisions, and implement cybersecurity best practices.
The K-12 Cybersecurity Foundations Resource Package includes resources tailored for both leaders and non-technical school staff (the Getting Started Guide) as well as school and district cybersecurity and IT professionals (the more detailed Implementation Guide). It also includes a six-part video series and quick reference materials.
The guides outline essential cybersecurity practices organized around eight key objectives:
Protecting login credentials
Safeguarding devices and assets
Testing backups
Strengthening incident response capabilities
Improving cybersecurity training
Enacting policies to appropriately manage sensitive data
Aligning investments with recognized cybersecurity frameworks
Maine DOE Newsroom 