2024 Educate Maine Symposium: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

8:00am EST

Check-in, Breakfast, Networking & Expo

Friday December 13, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am EST

Main Ballroom

Friday December 13, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am EST
Main Ballroom

9:00am EST

Welcome and Morning Plenary Session

Friday December 13, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am EST

Main Ballroom

Welcome from Executive Director, Jason Judd
Opening comments from our Premier Sponsor, Spirit Aerosystems
Plenary session panel - From Classroom to Career: Preparing Maine’s Workforce for a Dynamic Economy

Join us for an engaging plenary session with Maine leaders as they discuss the importance of fostering interdisciplinary learning and supporting students in exploring diverse interests that build transferable skills. Learn how Maine's economic landscape is being shaped by innovative roles and ventures that rely on collaboration and a broad skill set, paving the way for successful careers across diverse industries. This panel will explore how Maine can equip students with the adaptability needed to thrive in today’s dynamic workforce.

Speakers

Lisa Sawin

Principal, Harriman

Aileen Huang-Saad

Director of Life Sciences, Health, and Engineering Programs, The Roux Insistute at Northeastern University

Amanda Stebbins

Talent Acquisition Manager, Spirit AeroSystems

Owen McCarthy

President and Co-Founder, MedRhythms, Inc

Sponsors

Spirit Aerosystems

Friday December 13, 2024 9:00am - 9:50am EST
Main Ballroom

10:00am EST

Visit the Exhibitor Tables

Friday December 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am EST

Main Floor Hallway

Friday December 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am EST
Main Floor Hallway

10:00am EST

Innovative Healthcare Career Pathways through Pre-Apprenticeships and Apprenticeships

Friday December 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am EST

Oxford

MaineHealth, in collaboration with Southern Maine Community College and JMG, has created a unique Clinical Healthcare Career Awareness Pre-Apprenticeship opportunity with over 100 participants to date. In this session, the Maine Department of Labor will do a short presentation on pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship. Session attendees will also learn from MaineHealth about how and why they created this new opportunity, and how JMG is helping to expand healthcare career pathways to students across the state of Maine. Session participants will have the opportunity for questions during a facilitated Q&A following the presentations.

Speakers

Joan Dolan

Director of Apprenticeship & Strategic Partnerships, Maine Department of Labor

Melinda Hull

Director, Workforce Development Grant Programs, MaineHealth

Rachael Magill

Healthcare Workforce Liaison, Jobs for Maine Graduates

Friday December 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am EST
Oxford

Postsecondary Pathways, STEM

10:00am EST

Navigating Change: Innovative Approaches in Maine's Higher Education

Friday December 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am EST

Casco Bay Hall

Join us for an engaging discussion with a distinguished panel of college and university leaders from across Maine. This session will explore emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the landscape of higher education. Moderated by Katie Shorey of Live + Work in Maine, panelists will share their visions for the future, innovative strategies their institutions are implementing, and how they are adapting to the evolving demands in education. Engage with leaders who are at the forefront of transforming higher education and gain a deeper understanding of the direction in which Maine's higher education institutions are heading.

Speakers

Katie Shorey

Director of Engagement, Live + Work in Maine

Dr. James Herbert

President, University of New England

Dave Daigler

President, Maine Community College System

Dannel Malloy

Chancellor, University of Maine System

Jeannine Diddle Uzzi

President-Elect, Thomas College

Sponsors

Live and Work in Maine

Friday December 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am EST
Casco Bay Hall

Postsecondary Pathways

10:00am EST

Expanding Equitable Access to Pre-K Throughout Maine

Friday December 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am EST

Massachusetts

Public preschool is a fundamental and important building block in early learning. Yet, in Maine only about 50 percent of 4-year-olds are in public Pre-K, and current Maine law only requires Pre-K to be for 10 hours a week. The scheduling of Pre-K programs can be a challenge for the 73% of preschoolers who have working parents. In 2023, the Maine Legislature passed a law to establish an equitable, mixed-delivery public preschool system and created a Commission to report back to the legislature recommendations to achieve this goal. In this session, policymakers will share the work of the Commission, discuss the recommendations for implementation, and share more about how we can work together to reach this goal.

Speakers

Senator Eloise Vitelli

State Senator, State of Maine, Senate District 24

Kim Russell

Director of Special Projects, Educate Maine

Tavis Hasenfus

State Representative, State of Maine, House District 57

Friday December 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am EST
Massachusetts

Strong Student Outcomes, Early Childhood

10:00am EST

Leveraging Partnerships: Strengthening Justice-Oriented Teaching and Learning in Maine

Friday December 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am EST

Somerset

Participants will learn about a dynamic and state-wide partnership among several educational institutions during the 2023 – 2024 school year. The mission of this partnership was to build a network of like-minded educators from across the state of Maine and deliver to them professional development on a wide range of equity- and justice-oriented approaches to teaching and learning. Partners included the University of Maine at Augusta, Penobscot River Educational Partnership, OUT-Maine, Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine, Bangor School Department, and Abbe Museum. During this session, attendees will have opportunities to discuss current equity and justice focused initiatives relevant to their work and share ideas about building partnerships with educational institutions to further equity and justice goals within their own organizations.

Speakers

Justin Seip

Bachelor Student, Elementary Education, University of Maine at Augusta

Tim Surrette

Associate Professor of Education, University of Maine at Augusta

I'm an associate professor of education at the University of Maine at Augusta and advocate for pK-16 public education and non-profit organizations with youth-serving missions. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Bangor Public School Department, Boys and Girls Club... Read More →

Friday December 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am EST
Somerset

Strong Student Outcomes, Inclusion

10:00am EST

Space 101: Space STEM Integration for Educators

Friday December 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am EST

Lincoln

Space 101 is designed to engage educators in integrating space-related content into their classrooms, enhancing STEM learning and inspiring students' curiosity about the universe. Participants will explore the educational potential of space through hands-on activities, discussions, and resource sharing. The session aims to equip teachers with practical tools and strategies to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills essential for future careers in STEM fields. By incorporating Space STEM education, educators can prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow's world, igniting a passion for space exploration and scientific inquiry.

Speakers

Kathy Bock

K-12 Educator, Cape Elizabeth High School

I have taught a wide variety of scientific disciplines over my career. I currently teach earth, space and environmental science to high school students at all levels. My classes include real world experiences and activities that allow students to “do” science. I believe that... Read More →

Jim Lenke

K-12 Educator, Machias High School

Long time engineer now teaching physical sciences to high schoolers, which allows me to introduce engineering fundamentals of STEM education in particular as it applies to "harsh environments" such as space and the ocean. I'm a huge Tinkercad fan and use it for both 3D printing and... Read More →

Rhonda Stevens

Grade 8 Teacher, Sipayak Elementary School

Karin Paquin

K-12 Educator, St John’s Catholic School

I am dedicated middle school science teacher and space enthusiast with over a decade of experience in both informal and formal education. Holding a Master's in Science Education in Curriculum Design and Theory and a Bachelor's in Marine Science from the University of New England... Read More →

Friday December 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am EST
Lincoln

Strong Student Outcomes, STEM

10:00am EST

Stepping into Career Pathways with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

Friday December 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am EST

Cumberland/Kennebec

Over the past 10 years, Vocational Rehabilitation Services have evolved and grown exponentially for transition aged youth with disabilities through both Pre-Employment Transition Services (PreETS) and individualized programming. Through an interactive discussion and presentation participants will learn what Pre-Employment Transition Services are, and how PreETS engage youth with disabilities, community partners, and businesses. They will discover ways they might be able to partner with VR to build career pathways and build skills for youth with disabilities. Participants will better understand the partnership among Dept of Education, Dept of Corrections, Dept of Health and Human Services, and Dept of Labor and how they support employment and careers for youth with disabilities.

Speakers

Shannon Burns

Rehabilitation Consultant, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Amanda Muller

Apprenticeship Navigator, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services

Amanda is a vocational rehabilitation professional with over seven years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment.As an Apprenticeship Navigator for the Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services under the Department of Labor, she focuses... Read More →

Caitlin McGouldrick

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, ivision of Vocational Rehabilitation

Friday December 13, 2024 10:00am - 10:50am EST
Cumberland/Kennebec

Strong Student Outcomes, Inclusion

10:50am EST

Coffee Break: Expo & Networking

Friday December 13, 2024 10:50am - 11:10am EST

11:10am EST

Visit the Exhibitor Tables

Friday December 13, 2024 11:10am - 12:00pm EST

Main Floor Hallway

Friday December 13, 2024 11:10am - 12:00pm EST
Main Floor Hallway

11:10am EST

Youth voice, youth text, youth mattering

Friday December 13, 2024 11:10am - 12:00pm EST

Somerset

The Telling Room's unique approach to education puts young people in charge of sharing the stories they want to tell. In this session, we'll talk about the progression we use to empower kids to share their voices, and the benefits - and pitfalls - of how and why we tell stories. Telling Room sessions are always lively, youth-led, and interactive, so come prepared to have fun and leave inspired!

Speakers

Jude Marx

Lead Teacher, The Telling Room

Devin Gifford

Youth Presenter, The Telling Room

Fatimah Lamloom

Youth Presenter, The Telling Room

Friday December 13, 2024 11:10am - 12:00pm EST
Somerset

Amplify Student Voices

11:10am EST

Addressing Maine’s Educator Gap: Collaborative Strategies for Success

Friday December 13, 2024 11:10am - 12:00pm EST

Casco Bay Hall

Maine is committed to enhancing educational quality through robust support for educators and a strong teacher education pipeline. This session will explore Maine's current educator pathways and highlight innovative strategies to address these challenges. Led by Jason Judd, Executive Director of Educate Maine, the session will introduce the organization’s newest initiative, The Teach Maine Center, designed to strengthen teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention. Panelists will share their groundbreaking efforts to retain talent and support both new and mid-career educators. The session will also examine teacher certification processes and their role in shaping the educator workforce. Join us to gain actionable insights and best practices for building a stronger educational workforce in Maine.

Speakers

Wendi Malenfant, PhD

Education Program Director, University of Maine at Presque Isle

Maria Frankland

Guidance Director, Narraguagus High School

Patricia Hrusa Williams

Division Chair for Teacher Education, Health, and Rehabilitation Services, University of Maine at Farmington

A focus of my work since the pandemic has been on understanding and solving teacher workforce issues. Approaches include conducting needs assessments, developing supports for new and alternatively certified teachers (UMF's New Teacher Academy), and designing work-embedded training... Read More →

Jason Judd

Executive Director, Educate Maine

Friday December 13, 2024 11:10am - 12:00pm EST
Casco Bay Hall

Educator Workforce

11:10am EST

It’s Not Just Astronauts: Building a Workforce for Maine’s Growing Space Sector

Friday December 13, 2024 11:10am - 12:00pm EST

Oxford

Did you know that Maine is one of the best positioned states, both geographically and in terms of existing industries, to grow a robust space sector? Many of our existing design and manufacturing companies are connected to the space industry already or have workforces that can easily map onto the space sector, but to build a robust space economy, Maine must also develop, attract, and leverage companies across all aspects of the value chain, from launch and satellite manufacturing to data analytics, R&D, and monetizable services.

The Maine Space Corporation, a partnership between industry, education, and policymakers, has completed a Space Economy Workforce Roadmap to help achieve these goals. In this session, participants will:

--Learn about the current context of the nascent space economy, both nationally and in Maine specifically,
--Review key learnings from the Space Economy Workforce Roadmap, and
--Take part in breakout groups to discuss what role their own organization or educational institution might play in implementing the Roadmap’s recommendations.

Speakers

Kristin Sims

Science Teacher, Medomak Middle School

Sascha Deri

CEO, blueshift Aerospace

Terry Shehata Ph.D.

Interim Executive Director, Maine Space Corporation

Erica Watson

Maine Development FoundationSenior Program Director Education & Workforce

Friday December 13, 2024 11:10am - 12:00pm EST
Oxford

Postsecondary Pathways, STEM

11:10am EST

Pathways to Potential: Transformative Training and Education

Friday December 13, 2024 11:10am - 12:00pm EST

Lincoln

Join us for "Pathways to Potential," where we will explore innovative short-term training programs designed for justice-involved individuals, new Mainers, and adults who have not considered post-secondary education as an option. Participants will learn about best practices for developing on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and career exploration programs, and discover strategies for fostering collaborations between education and businesses. This session includes an interactive panel discussion, success stories, and practical takeaways that attendees can implement in their own contexts to identify solutions and create sustainable pathways for underrepresented populations.

Speakers

Dan Belyea

Chief Workforce Development Officer, Maine Community College System

Liz Love

Director of Sector Partnerships, Maine Community College System, Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine's Workforce

I have 15 years of experience leading economic development, adult education, and workforce training programs both domestically and internationally. I'm passionate about building strategic, cross-sector partnerships that support economic growth and develop equitable training pathways... Read More →

Octavie Nkama

Director of Workforce Academies, Maine Community College System

With my background in higher education and workforce development, I believe that education is an important key toward a more fulfilling life. Whether it is through short term training or college, everyone should be given the opportunity to learn. It is just a matter of finding the... Read More →

Colleen Coffey

Education Equity and Advancement Coordinator, Maine Department of Corrections/Maine Community College System

Colleen Coffey is an Education Equity and Advancement Coordinator—a shared position between the Maine Department of Corrections and the Maine Community College System, growing technical and trade education opportunities in prisons across Maine. In this role she is tasked with connecting... Read More →

Friday December 13, 2024 11:10am - 12:00pm EST
Lincoln

Postsecondary Pathways, Inclusion

11:10am EST

Transforming CS Education: Forging Industry Partnerships for K-12 Success

Friday December 13, 2024 11:10am - 12:00pm EST

Massachusetts

A dynamic panel discussion featuring non-profit and business leaders, educators, and students exploring how forging strong relationships can transform CS education by aligning curriculum with industry needs, integrating critical CS skills, and enhancing experiential learning. We will discuss innovative ideas for integrating relevant CS skills into K-12 programs to better prepare students for future career opportunities, and take questions from the audience. Participants will also learn actionable strategies for developing sustainable partnerships.

Speakers

Laura Muller

The Jackson Laboratory

Kate Kastelein

Research Associate, Maine Mathematics andd Science Alliance

Angela Oechslie

Program Director, Educate Maine

I direct the Project>Login program at Educate Maine and love to support CS teachers as they implement computer science in their schools. I am a trained CSforALL SCRIPT facilitator, the community partner for Girls Who Code, and the regional partner, along with MMSA, for Code.org's... Read More →

Friday December 13, 2024 11:10am - 12:00pm EST
Massachusetts

Postsecondary Pathways, STEM

11:10am EST

Inspiring Inclusion & Creating Cultures of Neuroinclusion

Friday December 13, 2024 11:10am - 12:00pm EST

Cumberland/Kennebec

This will be a combination session in which you will hear from two different presenters, Pasha Marlowe and Miranda Engstrom. Descriptions of their individual presentations, ~25 minutes each, are below.

Pasha Marlowe: Cultures of neuroinclusion live at the intersection of neurodiversity, disability, mental health, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. Participants will learn the inclusive and non-pathlogizing language of neuroinclusion and the importance of shifting away from the pathology paradigm and towards the neurodiversity paradigm. The expansive neurodivergent umbrella, apparent and non-apparent disabilities, and the need to be both neurodiversity aHirming and LGBTQIA+-aHirming will be highlighted. In this highly impactful, interactive, and engaging presentation, participants will learn frameworks and actionable tools to create cultures of neuroinclusion at work, school, and home. There will be an opportunity for sharing of case studies, resources, and lived experiences as well as Q and A.

Miranda Engstrom: Through innovative and collaborative partnerships, Maine Odyssey of the Mind was one of three teams in the world to pilot Odyssey Inclusive in 2024, a creative problem solving program for neurodiverse students, aged K-22. An opportunity for students to showcase a performance in one of three ways, solve a spontaneous problem, and be successful in the way they present to an audience, students of all kinds can partake in the performing arts in an inclusive and meaningful way. According to several therapies and ongoing research projects, such as those within the Speech Pathology and Language Therapy/Communications, groundbreaking research for students that struggle with communication disorders benefit tremendously by taking part in Performing Arts. See how you can work within your school to bring these programs to your school to help revolutionize your school's inclusive climate and bring leadership development to all students, regardless of abilities or characteristics and foster teamwork and creativity with all students.

Speakers

Jason Wheeler

Association Director, Maine Odyssey of the Mind

Miranda Engstrom

Teacher, Lamoine Consolidated School

Miranda Engstrom is a proud Maine educator with 17 years of experience. Formerly a Kindergarten teacher, she now serves as a Literacy Specialist at Lamoine Consolidated School teaching Reading Recovery, Title 1 and Gifted and Talented. Her commitment to inclusive education shines... Read More →

Pasha Marlowe, MFT

CEO, Neurobelonging

I speak to schools and organizations about neuroinclusion and neurodiversity-affirming practices. My work as a speaker, consultant, and coach is at the intersection of culture, neurodiversity, disability, mental health, and LGBTQIA. I believe intersectionality is at the heart of any... Read More →

Friday December 13, 2024 11:10am - 12:00pm EST
Cumberland/Kennebec

Strong Student Outcomes, Inclusion

12:00pm EST

Break: Expo & Transition to Lunch

Friday December 13, 2024 12:00pm - 12:15pm EST

12:15pm EST

Lunch

Friday December 13, 2024 12:15pm - 12:45pm EST

Main Ballroom

Friday December 13, 2024 12:15pm - 12:45pm EST
Main Ballroom

12:45pm EST

Leadership Luncheon Awards & Plenary

Friday December 13, 2024 12:45pm - 1:35pm EST

Main Ballroom

Education Leadership Awards Recognition
Wes Bonney Award Presentation
Plenary panel - Student Voices, Lasting Impact: Empowering Change in Maine Schools

Join us for an insightful plenary session featuring a student panel that will illuminate the transformative impact of innovative school programs designed to empower students. Hear directly from students involved in programs across rural Maine that are strengthening school-community partnerships, nurturing a sense of belonging, and amplifying student voices. Moderated by Emilie Throckmorton, 2024 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year, student panelists will share their experiences with initiatives such as mentorship models that support aspirations for post-secondary education, community relationship-building, and the active inclusion of student feedback in school decisions. Discover how these innovative approaches are shaping educational experiences and elevating student engagement and success.

Speakers

Emilie Throckmorton

2024 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year, Bangor High School

Aspirations Incubator

Student Speaker

Maine Highlands Working Communities Challenge

Student Speaker

North Haven Community School

Student Speaker, The Quaker Town Hall

Friday December 13, 2024 12:45pm - 1:35pm EST
Main Ballroom

1:35pm EST

Break: Expo & Networking

Friday December 13, 2024 1:35pm - 1:50pm EST

1:50pm EST

Visit the Exhibitor Tables

Friday December 13, 2024 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST

Main Floor Hallway

Friday December 13, 2024 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST
Main Floor Hallway

1:50pm EST

If You build It With Them, They Will Come: Creating a Peer Workforce Program With Learners

Friday December 13, 2024 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST

Cumberland/Kennebec

The Peer Career Guide program was created at The University of Southern Maine's Career & Employment Hub through partnership with students to determine the information and support they wanted for successful career discovery and access to the workforce after graduation. This collaboration with Career Hub staff and Maine employers has empowered students to be trained in developing the skills they find most valuable and to teach these skills to their peers. Discover how we involve our students in the design and management of the program to create student buy-in and achieve successful outcomes and the critical role that employers can play in encouraging and advancing student engagement.

Speakers

Norrie Crocker

Career Advisor and Peer Career Guide Program Lead, University of Southern Maine

Andy Osheroff

Director, Career & Employment Hub, University of Southern Maine

As a passionate advocate for leadership and organizational development, I have dedicated my career to fostering growth and driving positive change within educational and community-focused organizations. Currently, I serve as the Director of the Career & Employment Hub at the University... Read More →

Kami Wert

Student & Senior Peer Career Guide, University of Southern Maine

I am currently in the last semester of my senior year, where I have been studying English with a double minor in Regulatory Ethics and Risk Management and Insurance. I Have been a Peer Career Guide since my sophomore year, and I have watched the program grow from two to 98 total appointments... Read More →

Stephanie Johnson

Sr. Early Career Talent Consultant, Unum

Friday December 13, 2024 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST
Cumberland/Kennebec

Amplify Student Voices

1:50pm EST

The Aspirations Incubator - strengthening school-community partnerships to raise aspirations in rural Maine communities

Friday December 13, 2024 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST

Casco Bay Hall

The Aspirations Incubator is a long-term comprehensive mentoring model designed to bolster and sustain rural youth aspirations for post-secondary education. The model is rooted in nurturing a sense of belonging for rural youth through building individual and community relationships both inside and outside of the school environment. Following the successful completion of a 6-year pilot to test implementation of the Aspirations Incubator model in 5 rural Maine communities, we will share information about the model, and provide reflections from program and school staff from the pilot sites about what worked and what was challenging during the pilot implementation process. Workshop participants will learn about the Aspirations Incubator and what readiness factors need to be in place in order to implement a model like the Aspirations Incubator in their own communities.

Speakers

Jon Doty

Assistant Superintendent, RSU #34

Justin Bondesen

Program Manager, NorthStar

Gretchen Leithiser

Program Manager, River Runners

Ryder Scott

Executive Director, University of Maine 4H Centers

Erin Cinelli

Associate Director, Rural Futures Fund

Friday December 13, 2024 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST
Casco Bay Hall

Amplify Student Voices

1:50pm EST

ECE Pre-apprenticeship with a Universal Design Lens

Friday December 13, 2024 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST

Somerset

Enticing new practitioners to enter the early care and education or out-of-school time field requires removing barriers and providing support through an individualized approach, especially when recruiting New Mainers or other underrepresented groups. Learn how we applied both Human Centered Design and Universal Design frameworks, guided by our work as participants in the 2023-2024 Bank Street ECE Apprenticeship Action Research Fellowship program. Discover how we explored how to successfully recruit and connect with potential early childhood and school-age workforce candidates by collaborating with many partners and trusted messengers, culminating in the development of our competency-based pre-apprenticeship model. Utilizing the advantages of registered apprenticeship including on-site mentors and incremental wage increases, our design provides opportunities for successful assimilation into the field in a variety of settings (license-exempt care, family child care home business or licensed child care centers) that include pathways for earning Maine credentials or an Associates Degree in ECE or related field.

Speakers

Lori Moses

Coordinator of Apprenticeship and Credential Programs: Maine Roads to Quality PDN, University of Southern Maine

Lori Moses is the Coordinator of Apprenticeship and Credential Programs at Maine Roads to Quality Professional Development Network. Prior to that, Lori was the Executive Director of several non-profit childcare centers for many years in the Greater Portland area, after working at... Read More →

Marnie Morneault

Research Associate, University of Maine

Friday December 13, 2024 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST
Somerset

Educator Workforce, Early Childhood

1:50pm EST

Teach Maine Center: Shaping the Future of Education Together

Friday December 13, 2024 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST

Lincoln

Since fall 2023, Teach Maine Center staff have embarked on a statewide listening tour, connecting with more than 240 teachers across 16 counties to explore why they chose teaching, what sustains their commitment, and how we can attract and retain more educators in our state. We have more than 50 pages of insights on the joys, challenges, and motivators that drive Maine's educators. Join us to hear the findings, share your feedback on the recommendations based on what we heard from educators, and help shape the next phase of the Teach Maine Center's development. This journey is just beginning!

Speakers

Dolly Sullivan

Program Director, Educate Maine

State Coordinator for the Maine Teacher of the Year program.

Marcus Mrowka

Victura Strategies

Friday December 13, 2024 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST
Lincoln

Educator Workforce

1:50pm EST

First Generation Employees: Best Practices for Workforce Development for Immigrant/Refugee Teens

Friday December 13, 2024 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST

Oxford

In this presentation you will learn best practices for workforce development with high school students, specifically students who are immigrants or refugees. Topics covered include how to break down career skills in a way that is culturally relevant and trauma informed.

Speakers

Andrea Levinsky

Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator, Portland High School

Workforce development, especially with immigrants and/or teens

Friday December 13, 2024 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST
Oxford

Postsecondary Pathways, Inclusion

1:50pm EST

The Maine Solutionaries Project: Engaged Learning to Informed Action

Friday December 13, 2024 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST

Massachusetts

Presenters will share examples, video and pictures to show how the Maine Solutionaries Project provides innovative answers to three key questions:
--How do we engage today’s students in meaningful deeper learning and help them develop key transferable skills?
--How do we empower students to address issues they care about in their schools and communities?
--How do we train teachers across Maine so they can confidently design and facilitate solutionary inquiry to action projects?

Participants will be able to ask questions about how the highly successful Maine Solutionaries Project has already engaged 200+ teachers across all counties in the state and will affect >4000 students statewide in the 2024-2025 school year and how teachers can get involved. The project is a collaboration between the Institute for Humane Education and the Office of Innovation’s Interdisciplinary Instruction Team at the Maine DOE.

Speakers

Kathy Bertini

Interdisciplinary Instruction Coordinator, Maine Department of Education

Rene Neuner

Solutionary Teaching and Learning Facilitator, Institute for Humane Education

Julie Meltzer

Director of K-12 and Teacher Education, Institute for Humane Education

I am passionate about supporting others to design and facilitate meaningful inquiry to action projects with students. I believe that all students should have multiple opportunities throughout their time in school to work on addressing issues they care about in their schools and communities... Read More →

Friday December 13, 2024 1:50pm - 2:40pm EST
Massachusetts

Strong Student Outcomes

2:40pm EST

Snack Break: Expo & Networking

Friday December 13, 2024 2:40pm - 3:00pm EST

Main Floor Hallway

Friday December 13, 2024 2:40pm - 3:00pm EST
Main Floor Hallway

3:00pm EST

Clean Energy Career Pathways: Innovative Workforce Development Strategies and Partnerships

Friday December 13, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST

Massachusetts

The Clean Energy Career Pathways panel will be hosted by the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) within the Governor’s Energy Office. Since 2022, the CEP has invested $4.9 million in clean energy workforce development initiatives across the state. The panel will begin with a presentation on the growing clean energy economy, the range of career opportunities and skills required, and a high- level overview of statewide clean energy workforce development initiatives. Following the presentation, the CEP Program Manager will lead a panel of 2-4 Clean Energy Partnership grantees who can speak to their innovative workforce development programs. Examples would include successful pre-apprenticeship, short term training and registered apprenticeships engaging diverse adult populations, youth and rural communities in clean energy career pathways and employment with clean energy businesses. Learning objectives: Greater understanding of career pathways in clean energy and innovative strategies and partnerships to support diverse learners, youth and rural communities.

Speakers

Tagwongo Obomsawin

Kelly Sandman

Board President & Instructor, We Built This

I love building things, all kinds of things: houses, furniture, meals, clothes, gardens, relationships, to name a few. I love sharing my enthusiasm for life in general with others. I love learning new things. I love telling stories, singing, rowing, monkeying up and down staging... Read More →

Ruth Kermish-Allen

Executive Director, Maine Math & Science Alliance

Brie O'Malley

Director of Revision Energy Training Center, ReVision Energy

Abbie Yamamoto, Ph.D.

Executive Director, Portland Adult Education

Heidi Cian

STEM Education Specialist, MMSA

Researcher exploring STEM identity development in culturally nurturing contexts

Friday December 13, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Massachusetts

Postsecondary Pathways, STEM

3:00pm EST

Integrating Business Mentoring in Maine Schools

Friday December 13, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST

Lincoln

There is growing student interest statewide in entrepreneurship as part of college and career pathways. To help students pursue this pathway, partnerships with the education and business communities are particularly important. In this session, participants will hear about a partnership between SCORE, a program offering free mentoring and other educational resources to small businesses, and the United Technologies Center in Bangor. Through placing business volunteers at the school, students are able to access support for everything from marketing to networking to mentoring in high school and into their postsecondary careers. This session will also focus on what the business community could do to help support schools using the many resources that are available through SCORE. Please bring your ideas and join the conversation.

Friday December 13, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Lincoln

Postsecondary Pathways

3:00pm EST

Enhancing Early Childhood Education: The Role and Impact of Mixed Delivery Public Pre-K Programs

Friday December 13, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST

Cumberland/Kennebec

Join us for an engaging session exploring the transformative potential of mixed delivery public Pre-K programs in early childhood education. This session will delve into the dynamics, benefits, and challenges of integrating diverse delivery models—such as public schools and private providers and the integration of shared special education services—into a cohesive framework aimed at enhancing educational outcomes for young children.

Participants will gain insights into the strategic advantages of mixed delivery systems, including increased accessibility for families of varying socioeconomic backgrounds and geographic locations. We will examine how these programs uphold rigorous quality standards across different settings, ensuring that all children receive a foundation of learning that prepares them for success in school and beyond.

Speakers

Christine Frost-Bertinet

Assistant Superintendent, RSU #14

Heather Marden

Co-Executive Director, Maine Association for the Education of Young Children

Friday December 13, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Cumberland/Kennebec

Strong Student Outcomes, Early Childhood

3:00pm EST

Student Success through CTE Apprenticeships

Friday December 13, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST

Oxford

Somerset Career & Technical Center (SCTC) and Foster Career & Technical Education Center (FCTEC) have helped their students find successful career pathways through both certified pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship opportunities. In this session, the Maine Department of Labor will provide a brief overview of pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships. SCTC and FCTEC will then highlight their successful models and the student success stories from participating in these programs. Session participants will have the opportunity for questions during a facilitated Q&A following the presentations.

Speakers

Kristine McCallister

Program Manager - Apprenticeship, Maine Department of Labor

I help to connect Maine businesses, schools, and organizations to an incredible recruitment, training, and retention tool - apprenticeship programs. I look forward to connecting with you!

Galen Dalrymple

Foster Career and Technical Education Center

Jordan McMullen

Foster Career and Technical Education Center

David Dorr

Director, Somerset Career & Technical Center

David Dorr is the Director at the Somerset Career & Technical Center in Skowhegan, Maine. David served as an Electronics Technician in the Air Force and as a Process Control Technician in a paper mill before getting into education. He taught Pre-Engineering and Robotics Instructor... Read More →

Friday December 13, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Oxford

Strong Student Outcomes

2024 Educate Maine Symposium

From $133.46