EngageMEnt: Cultivating Innovative Teaching & Learning

EngageMEnt: Cultivating Innovative Teaching & Learning is a statewide professional learning initiative, led by the Maine Department of Education Offices of Teaching & Learning and Innovation in partnership with the University of Maine at Orono and the University of Southern Maine. EngageMEnt creates opportunities for educators from across the state to learn, collaborate, reflect, and apply new ideas in their classrooms, schools, and communities. The initiative also provides opportunities for practicing educators and preservice educators to learn alongside one another while exploring current educational priorities and practices.

Building on the success of last year's implementation and participant feedback, EngageMEnt 2026–2027 has been designed as a year-long learning experience that supports both professional growth and implementation. Rather than attending a single workshop, participants join a cohort of educators who continue learning together throughout the school year. Cohorts begin at either the University of Southern Maine or the University of Maine at Orono in October and continue at the partner campus in March, providing opportunities for educators to connect with colleagues from across Maine while experiencing both university settings.

This year's cohort offerings include topics such as early literacy and numeracy, literacy and numeracy across content areas, outdoor and place-based learning, climate education, technology and learning, multilingual learner supports, community partnerships, civic engagement and student advocacy, arts integration and creative learning, and Wabanaki Studies.

Register Today!

Morning Cohort (9:00–11:30 a.m.)	Facilitator(s)	Description
Playful Literacy Strategies for Early Learning, Preschool–Grade 2	Early Learning Team	Explore literacy-rich, play-based practices that support joyful and purposeful learning in early childhood settings.
Applied Learning Lab	Cee Belolan, Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist	Experience practical approaches to designing engaging, student-centered learning through active application and reflection.
Numeracy Opportunities Within and Across Content Areas	Michele Mailhot, Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist	Learn how to identify and intentionally incorporate numeracy opportunities across disciplines using Maine's Numeracy Playbook resources.
Inquiry, Advocacy, Authentic Learning: Leading Students from Apathy to Activism	Geoff Wingard, Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist	Support student voice, inquiry, and civic engagement through meaningful and authentic learning experiences.

Afternoon Cohort (12:30–3:00 p.m.)	Facilitator(s)	Description
The Importance of Numeracy Foundations, PK–Grade 2	Early Learning Team	Explore foundational numeracy development, learning trajectories, and play-based strategies that support mathematical thinking in young learners.
From Data to Art: Visualizing, Performing, and Creating with Information	Cee Belolan, Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist	Learn creative ways to help students communicate information through visual and performing arts.
Diving into Indigenous Literature with Book Kits	Brianne Lolar, Wabanaki Studies Specialist	Explore Indigenous literature resources and instructional strategies that deepen engagement and understanding.
Beyond the Classroom: Community Partnerships That Enrich Student Learning	Ayesha Hall, Director of Strategic Partnerships	Explore strategies for building community partnerships that enhance student learning and create authentic connections.

Morning Cohort (9:00–11:30 a.m.)	Facilitator(s)	Description
Digging Deep into Literacy	Erik Wade, Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist	Explore how outdoor and authentic learning experiences can strengthen literacy development and interdisciplinary connections.
From Standards to Solutions: Engaging Students in Climate Action Through Maine's Learning Results	Glenn Cummings, Director of Green Schools, and Teddy Lyman, Climate Education Specialist	Connect climate education, civic engagement, and standards-based learning through authentic student action.
Wonder is a Literacy Practice	Heather Martin, Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist, and Kathy Bertini, Coordinator of Interdisciplinary Instruction Team	Discover literacy strategies that foster curiosity, inquiry, discussion, and meaningful student engagement.
Less Noise, More Learning: Reframing Technology Use in Schools	Learning Through Technology Team	Examine thoughtful approaches to technology use that support student learning, engagement, and well-being.

Afternoon Cohort (12:30–3:00 p.m.)	Facilitator(s)	Description
Digging Deep into Numeracy	Erik Wade, Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist	Experience hands-on approaches to numeracy through outdoor learning, observation, measurement, and authentic problem-solving.
Trail Guides: Helping Create a Cultural Shift to Place-Based Learning	Sharon Gallant, RREV Coach; Elaine Bartley, Innovative Research and Design Director; and Teddy Lyman, Climate Education Specialist	Explore strategies for integrating place-based and outdoor learning into everyday instructional practice.
Got Skills? Literacy in Every Direction	Heather Martin, Interdisciplinary Instruction Specialist, and Kathy Bertini, Coordinator of Interdisciplinary Instruction Team	Explore practical literacy strategies that can be applied across content areas and learning environments.
Cultivating Brilliance: Maximizing Multilingual Assets and Accelerating Literacy Outcomes in an Integrated MTSS Framework	Jane Armstrong, State ESOL Specialist, and Bryan Lescord, State MTSS Specialist	Learn asset-based approaches that support multilingual learners within an integrated MTSS framework.

Register Today!

To request contact hours for viewing these sessions, complete the contact hour request form. 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.

Full Video Playlist