Multilingual Learners Teacher Leader Fellowship Program
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) Office of Teaching and Learning is pleased to welcome the 2025–2026 cohort of Teacher Leader Fellows. These accomplished educators bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to strengthening teaching and learning across Maine. Among them, two dedicated ESOL educators are applying their knowledge to develop high-quality professional learning opportunities and practical resources designed to support educators working with multilingual learners. Their contributions reflect our belief that the most effective ideas come from those working directly in the field.
Districts are encouraged to share ideas, needs, or priority topics for future professional development sessions and resource development. Submissions will help ensure our work remains responsive, relevant, and impactful for Maine’s schools and students.
Multilingual Learners Teacher Leaders
Rebecca Carey
ESOL Teacher Coordinator, RSU 3
Area of Focus: Dual Language Learners and Elementary
Email: Rebecca.Carey@maine.gov
Melissa Frans
Special Education Multilingual Coordinator, Portland Public Schools
Area of Focus: Multilingual Learners with Disabilities
Email: Melissa.Frans@maine.gov
Resources for the field
Providing ESOL educators with a variety of resources regarding federal mandates, state guidance, instructional and assessment practices, and tools for engaging multilingual students and their families.
- Terminology & Definitions
- ESOL Program Toolkit
- Civil Rights & Lau Plans
- Standards & Instruction
- Interpretation & Translation
- Multilingual Learners with Disabilities
- Newcomers & SLIFE
- Dual Language Learners & Pre-K
- WIDA - Standards, Assessment, & Professional Learning for English Language Development