2024 Educate Maine Symposium: Full Schedule

10:00am EST

Expanding Equitable Access to Pre-K Throughout Maine

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

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

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

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

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