2024 Educate Maine Symposium: Full Schedule

10:00am EST

Space 101: Space STEM Integration for Educators

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

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
Cumberland/Kennebec

Strong Student Outcomes, STEM

11:10am EST

Pathways to Potential: Transformative Training and Education

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

Cumberland/Kennebec

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
Cumberland/Kennebec

Postsecondary Pathways, Inclusion

1:50pm EST

The Maine Solutionaries Project: Engaged Learning to Informed Action

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

Cumberland/Kennebec

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
Cumberland/Kennebec

Strong Student Outcomes

3:00pm EST

Integrating Business Mentoring in Maine Schools

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

Cumberland/Kennebec

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.

Speakers