The 10 nominees for 2012 span the regions of the state, subject matter and grade levels.

AUGUSTA — Wanda Whitener notices the students who stick with her music classes all nine years they attend her school are students who excel in academics and occupy the top slots in their graduating classes.

“They tend to know what discipline is and apply themselves to everything they do,” said Whitener, who teaches music at Tremont Consolidated School in Bass Harbor. “I feel that they learn some excellent lifelong skills through music.”

Whitener — who directs two bands, two orchestras and a chorus along with teaching instrument lessons and classroom music — is one of Maine’s 10 nominees for 2012 Teacher of the Year.

Continue reading “Teacher of the Year nominees honored at State House” →

Sumner Memorial High School overcomes ‘low-performing’ stigma to make major changes, engage students in learning.

SULLIVAN — When Sumner Memorial High School landed on a federal list of 10 low-performing Maine schools, it was a difficult piece of news for the community to digest.

Continue reading “Sumner uses improvement grant to its advantage” →

Federally funded program wants to partner with more Maine high schools to keep struggling students from dropping out.

BANGOR — The Penobscot Job Corps takes 350 young adults — many at risk of dropping out of school — catches them up on academics and equips them with skills that make them employable.

Continue reading “Jobs Corps offers ‘a different pathway’” →

Parents and teachers offer suggestions on how the Maine DOE can support schools in their work.

TURNER — How do schools need to change and how can the Department of Education help educators make that happen?

Continue reading “Commissioner seeks input at first public forum in Turner” →