From Investment to Impact: Celebrating Extended Learning Opportunities Success in Maine

Pictured: Students in Washington County learn how to grow crops.

Since 2022, Maine has invested a historic $7.1 million to expand Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) programming throughout the state. ELOs provide schools with opportunities to create meaningful connections with employers statewide. In turn, they help young people better understand career opportunities and acquire valuable foundational career skills, including initiative, adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.

Through ELOs, Maine students are learning by doing. They are earning credentials, such as certified nursing assistant; installing boilers alongside skilled tradespeople; training to become future educators; participating in law-related ELOs; and engaging in countless other hands-on, career-connected experiences.

In 2024, the Maine State Legislature codified ELOs in statute as an approved education pathway. This statute, intentionally written with flexibility, empowers schools and communities to design ELO programs that meet local workforce needs, while honoring student interests and goals.

ELOs by the Number

There have been two rounds of Maine DOE ELO grants. The first round, $5.6 million of the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan (MJRP), was awarded in 2022 to 26 schools and community-based organizations throughout the state, covering 13 counties. In 2025, the state invested a second round of $1.5 million to support ELO 2.0, which funded 12 ELO programs. These awardees included expansions of existing ELO programming and the launch of new programs.

Between the fall of 2022 and fall of 2025, the Maine DOE grant-funded ELO programs have seen:

3,000+ core and elective credits earned.
6,000+ student participants.
3,000+ new school-employer partnerships.
8,000+ community and business engagements.

These numbers represent more than participation; they reflect aspiration, engagement, and strengthened collaboration among educators and employers, as ELOs continue to become part of the fabric of Maine’s education landscape. (Please note that this data does not include the outcomes of other ELO programs in Maine, such as those that are supported locally or funded through other agencies.

Some examples of these recent investments include ELOs at:

Mountain Valley High School, focused on building local aspirations and local talent.
Brewer High School and Marshwood High School, embedding ELOs schoolwide.
A partnership between the Rural Aspirations Project and Healthy Acadia, expanding ELO access to all high school students in Washington County.

Buckfield student who learned how to install a boiler

Brewer High School student group ELO in a hospital setting.

Together, these programs demonstrate that ELOs are not isolated efforts; they are becoming part of the fabric of Maine’s education landscape.

The ELO program at the Maine DOE also works closely with the Maine Career Exploration Program, housed within the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. This program provides 75 hours of paid career exploration for youth ages 16-24, supporting job shadows, internships, mentorships, apprenticeships, digital learning, independent study, community service, and work-based learning experiences, including ELOs.

Regional Collaborations

Throughout Maine, the Community Coordinators Collaborative (C3) serves as an active educator-led network dedicated to building strong business partnerships that expand students’ access to meaningful career exploration experiences, including job shadows, career talks, workplace tours, and internships. By connecting students directly with employers, C3 helps Maine youth navigate future career pathways and strengthens efforts to retain talent and grow Maine’s workforce. Likewise, there are several regional collaborations, both newly formed and long established, such as the York County, Washington County, and Midcoast Collaboratives, all working to deepen partnerships and expand opportunities within their communities.

Current and Future ELO Opportunities

Career Exploration Survey: On February 6, 2026, a short survey was shared through the Maine DOE newsroom. This survey was designed to identify which school administrative units (SAUs) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools are currently engaged in career exploration activities—and to gather insights into what is working, what is needed, and where additional support could make the biggest impact. Responses will help inform statewide efforts related to resources, professional development, and technical assistance for pre-K–12 students and school staff.
Monthly, no-cost, virtual, synchronous professional development hosted by the Maine DOE ELO team: Professionals in the field will share their best practices and resources, and agency partners will present on their programs and how students and school ELO programs may access them. The Maine DOE ELO team will also host office hours for ELO grantees. Please see the Maine DOE ELO webpage for upcoming opportunities.
ELO celebration at the Hall of Flags: Join the Maine DOE ELO team and students/staff from ELO programs statewide on April 30, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. at the Hall of Flags in Augusta.This afternoon will be spent celebrating and raising awareness about ELOs in Maine by highlighting the impactful work of communities, students, staff, and partners. Students will display their ELO work through a student showcase of statewide ELO profiles.
Supporting younger learners in career exploration: The Maine DOE ELO team will be launching a community of practice (COP) for educators who provide career exploration experiences for younger learners (preK-8). This COP builds on the successful summer pilot, Maine Out of School Time program. (MOST) which supported career exploration for students in grades 4–6. To learn more about MOST, please watch this short video and stay tuned for updates on how to join the community of practice. This expansion reflects the understanding that career exploration does not begin in high school; it begins with early exposure, curiosity, and possibilities!

For further information about ELOs and Maine’s efforts to expand career exploration for Maine students, please visit the Maine DOE ELO webpage or contact Maine DOE Extended Learning Coordinator Lana Sawyer at Lana.Sawyer@maine.gov.

For further information about the Maine Career Exploration Program, please visit the Maine Career Exploration Program website or contact Karen Morin, Workforce Planning Coordinator, at Karen.Morin@maine.gov.

Maine Solutionaries Literacy Project Kicks Off with Engaged Educators

On February 3, 2026, the Institute for Humane Education, in partnership with the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, launched the Maine Solutionaries Literacy Engagement Project. This initiative centers on Solutionary learning, an approach that engages students in identifying real-world problems, researching root causes, considering multiple perspectives, and designing ethical, sustainable solutions, while strengthening literacy skills across disciplines.

The in-person kick-off event opened with a reflective prompt, inviting participants to name a skill, habit, or disposition they hope their students develop before leaving their classroom. This question grounded the work ahead and set a shared goal for the next two months to better equip educators to cultivate those outcomes.

This first session featured literacy-focused activities that modeled authentic reading, thinking, and collaboration. Participants rotated through stations to read and analyze texts through a Solutionary lens. A role-based reading and perspective-taking exercise then invited educators to explore the impacts of pollution from the viewpoints of both people and animals. Finally, small-group discussions supported collaborative meaning-making, as participants shared passages and built understanding through structured conversation.

Together, these experiences highlighted core literacy practices, including reading across text sets, explicit vocabulary development, active listening, annotation, and collaborative discussion. The energy in the room was palpable: Although many participants had just met, a strong sense of community quickly formed around a shared commitment to engaging students in meaningful, real-world learning.

As a follow-up to the in-person kickoff, educators from across the state gathered virtually on February 9, 2026, with noted educator and author Cris Tovani. Tovani guided participants in exploring the critical role of background knowledge in building comprehension and deepening literacy skills. Educators reflected on their experiences creating text sets and discussed the power of pairing non-fiction and fiction texts to spark engagement and understanding. This session also focused on curating accessible resources that promote universal access and support ongoing inquiry.

The Maine DOE’s Solutionary-integrated literacy work is set to continue, with additional virtual sessions scheduled later this month and into the spring.

For further information, please contact Kathy Bertini, Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Coordinator, at kathy.bertini@maine.gov.

Title 4A funds received from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) support the implementation of this project. The project has an award totaling $50,000, of which $50,000 is federally funded and directly attributed to project implementation. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ED or the U.S. government.

Registration Now Open for the 23rd Annual Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Student Conference in May

Registration is now open for the Maine Department of Education’s (DOE) 23rd annual Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) Student Conference. The deadline to register is March 27, 2026.

The conference will be held on May 21, 2026, at the University of Maine campus in Orono. This statewide event is open to all MLTI school administrative units (SAUs) and is expected to welcome more than 1,000 students in grades 5-10 for a full day of hands-on learning, creativity, and exploration.

How to Register for the Conference

Step 1: Request your registration packet. Complete this brief form to receive your comprehensive registration packet via email.

Step 2: Submit your registration materials. Fill out the packet and use the included link to upload the required documents. Registration must be completed by March 27, 2026, to ensure correct conference T-shirt sizes for your group.

Step 3: Sign up for sessions. Once your registration is reviewed, you will receive a link to select sessions. Sessions fill up quickly and are first-come, first-served, so early sign-up is encouraged!

About the Conference

This year’s theme, “Full STEAM Ahead,” invites students to explore the world of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) through engaging, hands-on sessions. Past topics have included:

Multimedia creation
AR/VR
3D design
Robotics
Machine learning
Game design

Students will receive a conference T-shirt designed by a fellow student. The T-shirt design contest is currently open through March 20, 2026. Additionally, the call for session proposals for both students and educators is open through March 20, 2026.

The event will conclude with a large-scale, interactive “Global session,” bringing hundreds of students together for a collective experience.

With questions about the MLTI Student Conference, MLTI Maine Winter Classic, or other MLTI events, please contact Maine DOE MLTI Project Manager Bethany Billinger at bethany.billinger@maine.gov.

MLTI is part of the Maine DOE Office of Teaching and Learning.

Unlocking Numeracy Series Launches with a Successful Kickoff

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning is pleased to celebrate the successful launch of Unlocking Numeracy, a new, five-part virtual professional learning series designed to strengthen numeracy instruction across classrooms and communities statewide.

The opening session, “Foundations of Numeracy,” a virtual workshop held on February 3, 2026, marked a strong collaboration between the Maine DOE Interdisciplinary Instruction Team and nationally recognized math educator Dan Finkel, founder of Math for Love. Approximately 40 educators participated in the kickoff, joining as numeracy teams and “partner pairs” to engage in a shared exploration of what numeracy truly means and how it comes to life in classrooms.

The workshop opened the series with a foundational conversation about numeracy, led by Finkel. He focused on designing learning experiences that transform people’s relationships with mathematics by fostering curiosity, confidence, and joy. Throughout the session, participants reflected on the hallmarks of a numerically literate student and envisioned what classrooms that genuinely teach numeracy look and feel like.

Educators engaged in hands-on activities that modeled how intentional experiences can deepen mathematical thinking. Participants explored tasks such as, “Don’t Break the Bank,” “Broken Calculator,” and “Close Calls and Bullseyes”–each designed to promote reasoning, sense-making, and rich student discourse. Teachers left the session with ready-to-use materials to begin building a numeracy toolkit, while administrators gained strategies to support and sustain a culture of numeracy within their schools.

A key theme throughout the session was mindset. Finkel emphasized that numeracy is not about perfection but about growth.

“The goal is not to instantly do everything perfectly,” Finkel shared. He said instead, numeracy opens pathways to deeper mathematical thinking, agency, and enjoyment for all learners.

Finkel also outlined essential elements of classrooms that unlock numeracy: spaces where curiosity and wondering are valued, where students care about one another’s understanding, where meaningful practice leads to visible growth and confidence, and where learners experience ownership of their work. In these environments, student thinking is diverse, choice is encouraged, and learning feels authentic.

Immediate feedback highlighted the impact of the session. One educator shared: “I really enjoyed last night’s session. Thank you very much! I went home and, over dinner, shared your activities with my 7th grader, who loves math. He said, ‘Your students will love these!’ I appreciate you teaching me new things and also reminding me of some I haven’t done in a while.”

The Unlocking Numeracy series will continue on March 5, 2026, with the next session, “Classroom Openers for Numeracy.” The Maine DOE looks forward to building on this strong start as educators across the state continue to deepen their practice and strengthen numeracy learning for all students. For more information about the Unlocking Numeracy series, click here.

Title IIA funds received from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) support the implementation of this project. The project has an award totaling $19,500.00 of which 100% is federally funded and directly attributed to project implementation. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ED or the U.S. government.

Maine DOE Update – February 13, 2026

From the Maine Department of Education

News & Updates

Maine Celebrates Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February

The Hall of Flags at the Maine State Capitol was buzzing with energy the week of February 9, 2026, as representatives from Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools, Maine Community College System (MCCS), Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education (MACTE), SkillsUSA Maine, Maine’s FFA program, and other partners/supporters came together to celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. | More

Later Secondary School Start Time Planning Grant; Informational Session on March 4

Pursuant to S.P. 182, L.D. 396, Resolve 2025, Chapter 110, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is now accepting applications for a competitive, one-time funding opportunity for Maine school administrative units (SAUs) that are interested in collaborating to change school start times so that secondary schools begin at 8:30 a.m. or later. | More

Maine Students Invited to Participate in Youth Agriculture Policy Day on March 25 in Augusta

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), in partnership with the Maine Department of Education (DOE), Maine FFA, 4-H Cooperative Extension, and youth leaders from across the state, invites individual students to apply to participate in Youth Agriculture Policy Day at the State Capitol in Augusta. | More

Nominations Open for 2026 Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is joining Volunteer Maine in encouraging schools across the state to submit nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism, which recognize outstanding individuals, teams, and organizations that are making a meaningful impact through volunteer service. Nominations are open now through March 9, 2026. | More

Maine Students Invited to Participate in National Civics Bee® Competition; Submission Deadline Extended

Due to the widespread impact of winter storms—including school closures, postal service delays, and power and internet outages—the National Civics Bee is implementing a one-time, nationwide extension of the 2026 essay submission deadline to Tuesday, February 17, 2026. | More

Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories

Lewiston High School Theater Students Inspire Connors Elementary School with Original Performance

In December, students in Lewiston High School’s Advanced Theater class brought creativity, collaboration, and joy to Connors Elementary School through a special performance of an original play, inspired by The Tortoise and the Hare. | More

Building Belonging and Improving Attendance at Eliot Elementary School

At Eliot Elementary School (EES), a dedicated team of educators is working intentionally to build trust and strong relationships with students from the moment they arrive, helping children to feel known, valued, and supported and want to come to school. This pre-K–grade 3 school serves approximately 275 students and is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive environment. With dedicated educators, supportive families, and strong community connections, EES is a place where students and staff grow together each day. | More

Q&A with Julia Edwards, Maine’s 2026 Teacher of the Year

Get to know 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year Julia Edwards, a choral music teacher at RSU 16’s Bruce Whittier Middle School and Poland Regional High School. Julia shares more about herself in this Q&A, as she begins her year of service. | More

Kathy McNamara of Montello Elementary School in Lewiston Named 2026 Maine School Counselor of the Year

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) joins the Maine School Counselor Association (MESCA) in congratulating Kathy McNamara, school counselor at Montello Elementary School in Lewiston, for being named 2026 Maine School Counselor of the Year. | More

Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.

Professional Learning/Training Opportunities

From Ideas to Impact: Early Learning Solutions Lab Community of Practice and Mini-Grant Opportunities

The Early Learning Team within the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning, in partnership with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Child and Family Services, is offering a joint professional learning opportunity, designed to strengthen community-centered mixed-delivery systems. | More

Collaborative Learning Series – ‘Unlocking Multilingual Learners’ Potential: Strategies for Making Content Accessible’

Are you looking to deepen your understanding of evidence-based instructional practices for multilingual learners? Would dedicated time to collaborate with colleagues, reflect on practice, and translate research into actionable strategies for your classroom, school, or school administrative unit (SAU) be valuable? | More

Reminder: Register for the Second Annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference on April 8

Registration is now open for the second annual Maine Inclusive Education Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Augusta Civic Center. | More

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

Career/Project Opportunities:

Find education-related jobs in Maine.

Maine Celebrates Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February

The multi-day event showcased the innovation, impact, and opportunity that CTE provides students across Maine. Open to legislators, industry partners, and the public, the Hall of Flags gatherings highlighted the work of Maine’s 27 CTE schools and MCCS through hands-on demonstrations, student presentations, and conversations about workforce development and postsecondary pathways. Students had a chance to speak directly with legislators, partners, and members of the public about their experiences and the many opportunities available through CTE.

Currently, there are 11,370 enrollments in Maine CTE programs—the highest number to date. Maine’s CTE schools provide students with access to more than 90 unique programs that prepare them for a wide range of postsecondary pathways, including employment, apprenticeships, and higher education. Dwight Littlefield, Maine DOE Director of Career and Technical Education, welcomed the Hall of Flags crowds each day, emphasizing the growing impact of CTE statewide.

“This year is the fifth consecutive year of increased enrollment in CTE across Maine,”Littlefield said.

Student Voices Highlight the Power of CTE

A central focus of the celebration was student voice, with learners from across the state sharing their personal stories and experiences.

“Having the opportunity to take a CTE class all four years of high school has opened my eyes to a whole new world,” Caribou Technology Center student Brady Barnes said. “They motivate me to come to school. I’ve always felt like I was seen, and now I have a clear career path and plan on becoming an electrician.”

“When I was asked how Caribou Tech has helped me develop life skills and how the Tech Center will benefit me in the future, one thought came to mind almost instantly: leadership,” fellow Caribou Technology Center student Leo Stacy said. “It has provided not only myself but also all of my classmates a safe space to start the transition to adulthood. [We are] learning to lead in a positive way.”

“Career and Technical Education isn’t a backup plan; it’s a smart plan,” Jackson Lavertu, a student at Westbrook Regional Vocational Center, said. “[Westbrook Regional Vocational Center] has given me skills, confidence, direction, and opportunities I never imagined I’d have in high school.”

Maine FFA State Reporter and Southern Maine Community College student Jillian McLaughlin highlighted the academic and leadership benefits of CTE.

“CTE programs are not an alternative to academic rigor; they are an expansion of it,” McLaughlin said. “CTE and agricultural education specifically builds confidence, responsibility, and leadership. Through programs such as FFA, DECA [Distributive Education Clubs of America], and Skills USA, students learn how to problem solve, speak comfortably and confidently in front of others, and become active leaders in their communities.”

Educators Emphasize Workforce Impact and Community Strength

Speakers from day two of the events: Sanford Regional Technical Center Director Matt Petermann (at the podium), FFA State Reporter and SMCC Student Jillian McLaughlin (far-left), and Westbrook Regional Vocational Center student Jackson Lavertu (middle).

Kevin Lavoie, Director at St. John Valley Technology Center and President-Elect of the Maine Career and Technical Education (MACTE) Association

CTE leaders spoke about the broader impact of these programs on Maine’s workforce and economy.

“Students graduate academically prepared, workforce ready, and equipped with employability skills, such as problem solving, teamwork, and leadership…This is transformational,” Kevin Lavoie, Director of St. John Valley Technology Center, said. “It doesn’t happen by chance. It has been driven by the intentional leadership and collaboration exemplified by the work of MACTE, the Maine DOE, and all other supporters. MACTE’s strategic vision focuses on priorities that directly benefit our students.”

“CTE connects classroom learning to real careers, builds essential skills, and opens doors to family-sustaining wages right here in Maine,” Sanford Regional Technical Center Director Matt Petermann said. “Many of these CTE schools are the lifeblood of their regions and communities. These students are necessary to help rebuild skilled labor in Maine and keep our programs and communities strong.”

Schools and partners from across Maine were represented at the Hall of Flags event:

On February 10, 2026, schools and partners from northern Maine showcased their programs, including:

Caribou Technology Center – Caribou
St. John Valley Technology Center – Frenchville
Presque Isle Regional Career and Technical Center – Presque Isle
MSAD 24 – Van Buren
Region 3, Northern Penobscot Technical Center – Lincoln
St. Croix Regional Technical Center – Calais
Washington County Community College – Calais
Northern Maine Community College – Presque Isle
Maine FFA

Mackenzie Bennet, Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator, Dr. Tyler Stoldt, Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services, and Katie Erskine, Coordinator of Admissions and Marketing, attended the event representing Washington County Community College (WCCC) in Calais

With a snow day impacting the originally scheduled February 11, 2026, agenda, February 12, 2026, hosted Maine’s southern, central, and coastal schools, including:

Bath Regional Career and Technical Center – Bath
Biddeford Regional Center of Technology – Biddeford
Lake Region Vocational Center – Naples
Portland Arts and Technology High School – Portland
Sanford Regional Technical Center – Sanford
Westbrook Regional Vocational Center – Westbrook
Region 8, Mid-Coast School of Technology – Rockland
Region 10 Technical High School – Brunswick
Region 11, Oxford Hills Technical High School – Norway
Lewiston Regional Technical Center – Lewiston
Central Maine Community College – Auburn
Southern Maine Community College – Brunswick and South Portland
York County Community College – Wells
Maine FFA
SkillsUSA

Students from Maine FFA and Skills USA Maine

Governor Janet Mills stopped by the Hall of Flags on day one to welcome CTE directors, instructors, students, staff, and partners to the Maine State Capitol and learn more about their hands-on, innovative work.

Career and Technical Education Month continues to highlight how CTE is expanding opportunities for Maine students, strengthening local communities, and building a skilled workforce for the future. Find a full listing of Maine’s CTE sites/centers here. To learn more about Career and Technical Education in Maine, visit the Maine DOE website.

Collaborative Learning Series – ‘Unlocking Multilingual Learners’ Potential: Strategies for Making Content Accessible’

If so, consider joining a five-part professional learning series designed for Maine educators and centered on the book, Unlocking Multilingual Learners’ Potential: Strategies for Making Content Accessible. The series is developed and facilitated by Maine Department of Education (DOE) Teacher Leader Fellow Rebecca Carey, with book author and national expert Diane Staehr Fenner joining select sessions.

Each participant will receive a copy of the book and explore high-impact instructional practices that support multilingual learners’ academic success, engagement, and sense of belonging. Sessions emphasize asset-based approaches, language development, and equitable access to rigorous content across subject areas. They will include structured learning, grounded in the text and current research; facilitated discussions and collaborative activities; time for instructional planning and integration; and opportunities for application, feedback, and resource sharing.

Intended Audience

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teachers and specialists
General education teachers across grade levels and content areas
Instructional coaches
School and SAU administrators
Any educators supporting multilingual learners

Schedule

Sessions will be held virtually via Zoom from 3:30-5 p.m. on:

March 16, 2026 (featuring author Diane Staehr Fenner)
April 2, 2026
April 30, 2026
May 14, 2026 (featuring author Diane Staehr Fenner)
June 2, 2026

Complimentary books will be provided to the first 45 registrants who commit to attending all five sessions, as full participation is required to receive a copy. Additional participants are welcome to join and may purchase the book independently. Participants may earn 10 total contact hours, including 7.5 hours of live participation and 2.5 hours of supplemental work.

Registration is required. Please register here.

The Teacher Leader Fellows program is a part of the Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning. For more information about this opportunity, please contact Jane Armstrong, Maine DOE State ESOL Specialist, at jane.armstrong@maine.gov.

Kathy McNamara of Montello Elementary School in Lewiston Named 2026 Maine School Counselor of the Year

Credit: Maine School Counselor Association

This announcement occurred during National School Counseling Week, celebrated annually during the first full week of February, at an event held in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State Capitol. This year, MESCA hosted events from February 2-6, 2026, to recognize and celebrate the essential role that school counselors play in supporting student success.

Administered by MESCA, the Maine School Counselor of the Year Award is part of a national recognition program honoring school counselors who lead outstanding, comprehensive counseling programs at the elementary, middle, or high school level. McNamara was selected for her data-driven approach, strong leadership, and deep commitment to supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students.

McNamara delivers a comprehensive school counseling program, rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and evidence-based practices.

“Through collaborating with colleagues and participating in school activities, I help create inclusive spaces where everyone can contribute and succeed,” McNamara said.

McNamara’s partnerships with classroom teachers have helped students apply critical social-emotional skills learned during classroom lessons.

“Her insight, empathy, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable partner in supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic growth,” Montello Elementary School Multilingual Teacher Sharon Wood said.

McNamara earned her bachelor’s degree in communications and her master’s degree in counselor education from the University of Southern Maine. She has served as the school counselor at Montello Elementary School since 2016. Prior to that, she worked as a school counselor at Bonny Eagle High School in Standish and Elm Street School in Mechanic Falls.

“At the heart of Kathy’s work is a deep commitment to helping every member of our community feel safe, seen, and supported,” Montello Elementary School Principal Tiffany Sax said. “She builds trust through compassion, responsiveness, and genuine care. Families know they can turn to her for guidance and support, and students know they have a trusted adult who will listen, advocate, and help them navigate challenges.”

As the 2026 Maine School Counselor of the Year, McNamara will participate in several speaking engagements and professional events throughout the coming year. She will be honored at the American School Counselor Association annual conference in Columbus, Ohio, in July 2026, and invited to attend a formal gala in Washington, D.C., in winter 2027.

For more information, visit the Maine School Counselor Association website or contact MESCA Board Chair Kelly Wright at chair@maineschoolcounselor.org.

Maine Students Invited to Participate in Youth Agriculture Policy Day on March 25 in Augusta

This full-day, immersive leadership experience will bring together students who are interested in agriculture and natural resources. They will have an opportunity to meet with legislators and key stakeholders from DACF, the Maine DOE, and 4-H Cooperative Extension; observe and participate in legislative committee meetings; and connect with their peers on issues that matter to them. The goal of Youth Agriculture Policy Day is to help support youth voice by developing their skills in policy, advocacy, and civic engagement—specifically, as it pertains to agricultural advancement and education.

Youth Agriculture Policy Day coincides with Maine Ag Day, an annual celebration honoring the dedication and impact of Maine’s farmers, producers, and agricultural community. The Hall of Flags at the State Capitol will be the hub of this activity on March 25, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Student Application Details

The application for participation should be completed by individual students. While the Hall of Flags is open to the public, only a select group of 20 students will be chosen to join the Youth Agriculture Policy Day group. Students may apply using this link. Participating students must be available to attend all sessions (listed below). The application deadline is March 1, 2026.

Event Schedule

March 13, 2026 – virtual (via Zoom) pre-session (3:30-4:30 p.m.)
March 25, 2026 – Youth Agriculture Policy Day in Augusta (8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.)
March 27, 2026 – virtual (via Zoom) post-session debrief (3:30-4:30 p.m.)

Students are encouraged to apply today to use their voice, learn how policy is shaped, and represent Maine’s agricultural future!

For more information, please contact Maine DOE Natural Resource Specialist/FFA Liaison Emily Doughty at emily.doughty@maine.gov or 207-592-0314.

Lewiston High School Theater Students Inspire Connors Elementary School with Original Performance

Under the direction of Lewiston High School Theater Teacher Aimee Ranger, the students wrote, created, and performed their own version of the classic tale, rather than staging a traditional production. They performed twice for hundreds of elementary students. For both the high school performers and their young audience, the experience was meaningful and memorable—highlighting the power of collaboration between schools and the impact of student-led creativity.

One standout moment came when a student composed an original song for the production—her first time ever writing music. She taught the song to her classmates, and the ensemble performed it together as the show’s finale, earning enthusiastic applause from their audience.

“Every semester when we do this project, I can visibly observe growth in my students as actors and collaborators,” Ranger said. “Creating a new play and performing for hundreds of students requires creativity, teamwork, problem solving, and courage.”

This project was made possible through the support of Lewiston High School Principal Jon Radtke and Assistant Principal Emily Shaner, whose encouragement helped bring the vision to life. Special thanks also goes to Connors Elementary School Principal Debra Rodrigue, along with Brandon Davis, physical education teacher; Kelsey Boucher, art teacher; and the entire team of educators and support staff at Connors Elementary School for their partnership and hospitality.

Following the performances, teachers at Connors Elementary School invited their students to write thank-you notes to the Lewiston High School Advanced Theater class. When the high school students read the notes together, they were deeply moved by the responses. One message in particular stood out: A child wrote that watching the play made them excited to go to high school.

This unforgettable experience not only showcased student talent and leadership but also demonstrated how creative collaboration can inspire learners of all ages—and build lasting connections across school communities.

This story idea was written in collaboration with Lewiston High School. To submit a good news story to the Maine DOE, please fill out the good news submission form.