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Social Security Reform a Boon for Maine Teachers

One of the biggest barriers to teacher recruitment and retention in Maine has been lifted with a stroke of President Joe Biden’s pen. Starting this month, retired teachers and numerous other public employees can get the full Social Security benefits they have earned—which have been denied to them for years under a federal law designed to prevent “double dipping” in retirement funds. On Jan. 5, the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law, repealing the Windfall… READ MORE

Supporting Child Care and Early Childhood Ed in Maine

Early childhood education and reliable, skilled childcare are foundational for Maine's workforce and our growing economy. Read what Washington County 2024 Teacher of the Year Ashley Cirone had to say about this important issue in the Bangor Daily News. https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/01/16/opinion/opinion-contributor/urgent-need-quality-early-care-education-in-maine-joam40zk0w/   f READ MORE

Symposium 2024 In the Books

Education Symposium 2024 brought hundreds of educators, business leaders and policymakers together last week to tackle the topic of innovation in education and workforce development. More than 450 attendees and presenters gathered Friday, Dec. 13 at Maine’s largest annual education event, presented by Educate Maine. This year’s theme was “Innovation,” featuring presentations on skills training, teacher workforce development, and amplifying student voices. Among the highlights were a… READ MORE

New Apprenticeship Opportunity With MDI Biological Laboratory

Are you eager to learn and gain hands-on experience in a laboratory setting? Educate Maine has teamed up with MDI Biological Laboratory to offer an exciting paid opportunity for someone interested in animal care and aquaculture. MDIBL is hiring for their new Registered Apprenticeship Program for Aquaculture Animal Care Technician. This is ideal for someone seeking an introductory opportunity to a career in laboratory aquaculture, whether transitioning careers, a recent high school or… READ MORE

Annual Education Symposium to Highlight Innovation

The state’s largest event focused on education and workforce development – Educate Maine’s annual Symposium – this year celebrates innovation and new approaches to teaching, learning and training the state’s future workers.  Symposium 2024 brings together hundreds of teachers, business leaders, policymakers and administrators in a daylong event in downtown Portland Dec. 13.  This year boasts 82 speakers, 23 exhibitors and 450 registered attendees. More than 20 breakout sessions will… READ MORE

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Laurie Lachance Honored with Wes Bonney Award

Laurie G. Lachance, a pathbreaking college president, economist and champion of career readiness, will be honored with the prestigious Weston L. Bonney Education Leadership Award for 2024, Educate Maine announced. Lachance, the first female president of Thomas College, was also the first woman as Maine’s state economist and first female CEO of the Maine Development Foundation. She is being recognized for her achievement in both education and business and for her work making education and… READ MORE

Seasoned CTOYs Inspire Teachers-to-Be at Thomas College

It may not be in the official job description for Maine's County Teachers of the Year, but "inspiring the next generation of educators" is definitely a big aspect of the role. CTOYs from Franklin, Penobscot and Androscoggin spent a day with pre-service teachers at Thomas College Nov. 5, offering education students their seasoned perspective on the profession. Vickie Lailer, Emilie Throckmorton and Tanya Perreault, teachers in residence for the day, discussed their "why", and stressed the… READ MORE

Making Connections: First CSCLE Brings Educators, Business Innovators Together

Here's a recipe for success: Take a couple dozen Maine educators, mix well.  Fold in great lessons and networking with business innovators from across the state.  Season with practical advice.  Let them cook!  Maine's first Computer Science Connected Learning Experience was a big hit last week. The unique professional development opportunity, a project of Educate Maine and the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, offered teachers  the opportunity to tour and network with diverse and… READ MORE

Introducing Maine's 2025 Teacher of the Year

Educate Maine and its partners are pleased to announce  Maine’s 2025 Teacher of the Year! Becky Hallowell is a fourth-grade classroom teacher at Wiscasset Elementary School and Lincoln County Teacher of the Year.  She has been teaching Maine students for 30 years. Known for her dedication to place-based and project learning, her mentorship of new educators and her love of the outdoors, Hallowell strives to connect her students to their environment and their community.  Hallowell earned… READ MORE