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
3 Days of Statewide Professional Learning
- Friday, October 10, 2025
- Friday, January 16, 2026
- 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
Session Information & Resources
Click on the session to go directly to the Zoom meeting
University of Maine, Orono
October 10, 2025
9:00 a.m. (Session A)
- Beyond the Silos: An Integrated Approach to Teaching STEAM [Wells Conference Center / Room 1]
- Supporting Student Engagement with Universal Design Language [Wells Conference Center / Room 2]
- Understanding the Role of Play in Early Elementary [Wells Conference Center / Room 3]
- Overflow / Remote Learning [Murray Hall / Room 102]
11:30 a.m.
- Lunch on your own
12:30 p.m. (Session B)
- Cultivating Dispositions Through STEAM [Wells Conference Center / Room 1]
- Elevating Student Expression with Universal Design Language [Wells Conference Center / Room 2]
- Overflow / Remote Learning [Murray Hall / Room 102]
University of Maine Farmington
October 10, 2025
9:00 a.m. (Session A)
- Scaffolding Success for All Learners (Middle School) [Roberts Learning Center/Room 023]
- Historical Literacy Through Place-Based Learning [Roberts Learning Center/Room 101]
- What is Numeracy? [Roberts Learning Center/Room 103]
- Overflow / Remote Learning [Olsen Student Center/The Landing]
11:30 a.m.
- Lunch on your own
12:30 p.m. (Session B)
- Scaffolding Success for All Learners (Grades 3-5) [Roberts Learning Center/Room 023]
- Graphic Novels and the Architecture of Meaning [Roberts Learning Center/Room 101]
- Problem-Based Learning & Numeracy [Roberts Learning Center/Room 103]
- Presentation
- Conceptual Understanding Examples
- Numeracy Opportunities & Demands
- Numeracy Opportunities: Climate Change
- Numeracy Opportunities: Fast Fashion
- Numeracy Opportunities: Food Waste
- Numeracy Opportunities: Plastic Pollution
- Numeracy Opportunities: Water Quality
- Area & Perimeter | Task Key
- Maine Learning Results Strand Descriptions
- Overflow / Remote Learning [Olsen Student Center/The Landing]
University of Southern Maine
October 10, 2025
9:00 a.m. (Session A)
- Beginning Your Wabanaki Studies Journey [Payson Smith / Room 42]
- Facilitating Inclusive Community Engagement Spaces [Payson Smith / Room 44]
- Sustainability Through School Communities [Payson Smith / Room 205]
- Scaffolding Success for All Learners (Prek - 2nd Grade) [Payson Smith/ Room 207]
- Overflow / Remote Learning [Payson Smith / Room 204]
11:30 a.m.
- Lunch on your own
12:30 p.m. (Session B)
- Continuing on Your Wabanaki Studies Journey [Payson Smith / Room 42]
- Retaining and Supporting a Diverse Educator Workforce [Payson Smith / Room 44]
- Presentation | Teacher Certification Program | Dr. Flynn Residency
- Environmental and Outdoor Education for Everyone [Payson Smith / Room 205]
- Scaffolding Success for All Learners (High School) [Payson Smith/ Room 207]
- Overflow / Remote Learning [Payson Smith / Room 204]
Contact
Beth Lambert
Chief Teaching & Learning Officer
Office of Teaching & Learning
Phone
Email: Beth.Lambert@maine.gov