Maine DOE Update – September 4, 2026
From the Maine Department of Education
News & Updates
2027 Maine Teacher of the Year State Finalists Announced
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 Year cohort to move forward in the Teacher of the Year process. | More
The Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), will provide an additional training on September 11, 2026, repeating and building upon the virtual training that was held on August 26, 2026. This training will cover the recently issued joint guidance related to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and updates and clarifications to MaineCare Sections 28 and 65 services, which include behavioral and developmental services. | More
Maine DOE Launches Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Literature Grant Program
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. | More
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. | More
National Grant Opportunity for Public School Districts
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. | More
Reminder: Recognize Your Outstanding School Staff: RISE Award Now Accepting Nominations
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
Maine Schools Sharing Success Stories
Submit good news to the Maine Department of Education here.
Professional Learning/Training Opportunities
FBI Boston and Maine School Safety Center to Offer Training on Bomb Threats and Swatting Hoaxes
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. | More
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. | More
Registration Open for 16th Annual PBIS Conference
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. | More
Maine DOE Launches Democracy Lab to Bring Civic Learning to Life
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. | More
Maine Educators have FREE Access to Family Math Academy Professional Learning Series
The Center for Family Math at the National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement (NAFSCE) and the Consortium for Engaging Families Across Maine (CEFAM) are hosting a free professional learning opportunity for Maine educators to support student learning and family engagement across Maine. | More
View the Maine Department of Education’s Events Calendar here.
Career/Project Opportunities:
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