EngagMEnt: Cultivating Innovative Teaching & Learning is a statewide professional learning initiative, led by the Maine Department of Education Office of Teaching & Learning and Office of Innovation in collaboration with the University of Maine System. We are offering three full days of free, high-quality professional development during the 2025–2026 school year. Designed for educators, education technicians, and pre-service teachers, the program delivers a diverse array of workshops—available both in person at UMaine Orono, University of Maine Farmington, University of Maine Portland, and virtually statewide. Sessions are aligned with district professional development calendars and cover topics such as early childhood education, Wabanaki Studies, STEAM, literacy, multilingual learners, climate education, outdoor learning, and inclusive practices. With a hybrid format, flexible access, and eligibility for contact hours, the initiative supports Maine’s educator workforce with engaging, regionally grounded, and accessible learning experiences.
Locations & Logistics
3 On-Site Locations Across the State
- University of Maine (UMaine) - Orono
- University of Maine Farmington - Farmington
- University of Southern Maine - South Portland
Statewide Hybrid Options
- All 3 sites will broadcast sessions live in a hybrid format that can be accessed remotely
- Recordings will be available for all sessions
Dates & Details
Statewide Professional Learning
- Friday, March 20 (in partnership with WMEC Rendezvous)
2 Workshop Blocks
- Morning Workshops: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Lunch Break: On your own
- Afternoon Workshops: 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- Plan your entire year of professional development in advance, completely for free
- Receive high-quality professional learning aligned with state priorities
- Regional, live offerings at University of Maine System campuses (UMaine, UMF, USM)
- Rich, hybrid learning option to join remotely
Previous Session Recordings & Resources
To request contact hours for these sessions, click here. Please Note: The Maine Department of Education issues contact hours for participation in professional learning. Approval for these hours to count toward certification is determined at the local level, please consult with your administrator to determine eligibility.
- Beginning Your Wabanaki Studies Journey
- Beyond the Silos: A Practical Approach to Teaching STEAM
- Continuing on Your Wabanaki Studies Journey
- Cultivating Dispositions Through STEAM
- Elevating Student Expression with Universal Design for Learning
- Environmental and Outdoor Education for Everyone
- Facilitating Inclusive Community Engagement Spaces
- Graphic Novels and the Architecture of Meaning
- Historical Literacy Through Place-Based Learning
- Partnering for Innovation in Schools
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- Presentation | Why Interdisciplinary Instruction | Three Pillars for Integrated Numeracy
- Conceptual Understanding Examples | Numeracy Conceptual Relationship Questions
- Numeracy Opportunities & Demands | Climate Change | Fast Fashion | Food Waste | Plastic Pollution | Water Quality
- Area & Perimeter | Task Key
- Maine Learning Results Strand Descriptions
- Promoting Positive Engagement
- Retaining and Supporting a Diverse Educator Workforce
- Scaffolding Success for All Learners: Accessing and Implementing Supports for Multilingual Learners
- Supporting Student Engagement with Universal Design for Learning
- Sustainability Through School Communities
- Understanding the Role of Play in Early Elementary
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Contact
Beth Lambert
Chief Teaching & Learning Officer
Office of Teaching & Learning
Phone
Email: Beth.Lambert@maine.gov