The students at James H. Bean Elementary School in Sidney spent the first weeks of the 2011-12 school year setting their priorities and ground rules for learning — and for having fun as they do it.
Welcome news and a special opportunity
We’ve had a flurry of activity here at the Department of Education ever since the Obama administration last week released guidelines for states interested in securing waivers from certain provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind law.
17 Maine schools recognized for fostering healthy learning environments
AUGUSTA – Seventeen Maine schools are joining a small group of schools from across the nation that have raised the bar when it comes to fostering an environment of wholesome nutrition and frequent physical activity.
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LePage honors Teacher of the Year in weekly message
Hello. This is your Governor, Paul LePage.
This last week I had the honor of congratulating Alana Margeson, a teacher at Caribou High School, on being named the 2012 Maine Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Margeson brings enthusiasm, energy and a natural positive outlook to her classroom. She engages her students in debate, inquiry, research and discussion. She encourages taking risks and thinking “outside the comfort zone.” In short, she is helping her students succeed academically and in preparing for their futures.
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Statement on No Child Left Behind flexibility
Maine Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen released the following statement today in response to President Obama’s announcement of new flexibility for states from No Child Left Behind accountability requirements:
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Bowen appears on ‘In the Arena’
Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen appeared on WCSH 6’s “In the Arena” on Sept. 22 to discuss a number of education issues in the news as a new school year gets underway.
Commissioner’s Update – Sept. 22, 2011
Announcing Mrs. Margeson as the next Maine Teacher of the Year is just one more reminder of the paramount importance of quality teachers to successful student outcomes. It sounds like a no-brainer, but we need to do more to set high expectations so that all Maine students have an Alana Margeson in their classroom every year in every class.
I encourage you to check out Gov. LePage’s weekly message on Saturday in which he will speak about the role of teachers and about our plans for supporting teachers and other educators in improving student achievement.
Second Race to the Top webinar Sept. 29
The cross-agency team preparing Maine’s application for the federal Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge will host a second webinar on Sept. 29 to provide updates on the application process and solicit letters of support for the state’s proposal.
NBC invites teachers to participate in online teacher Town Hall
Teachers have been invited to participate in a live Teacher Town Hall web chat with NBC News Anchor Brian Williams at noon on Sunday, Sept. 25. The session will offer teachers a chance to tell decision-makers about their experiences in the classroom. What works? What doesn’t? How are you making a difference?
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Penobscot Nation hosts teacher workshops
Maine K-12 educators and pre-service educators have a special opportunity to learn about Maine Indians. The 5th Annual “Teach the Teachers” series is being hosted by the Penobscot Nation’s Cultural & Historic Preservation Department on four select days in October on Indian Island.
