Special Educator Engagement, Development & Support (SEEDS)

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Maine Special Educator Engagement, Development & Supports (SEEDS) is a collaboration between the Maine Department of Education, Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education, and the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. Maine SEEDS is dedicated to developing and strengthening the special educator workforce, supporting early career special educators, and providing teacher leadership opportunities. 

Maine SEEDS Goals

  • Provide information and guidance to people interested in a special educator career
  • Support early career special educators seeking professional teacher certification
  • Create leadership opportunities for veteran special educators to [share their expertise with] early career colleagues
  • Assist Local Education Agencies (LEAs) interested in building their special educator support system
Conditional Certification Pathway Development & Supports
Conditional Certification pathway development & supports are provided in collaboration with the University of Maine to provide individualized guidance and learning opportunities to assist in the preparation of those conditionally certified on their paths to professional licensure.
To enroll in conditional certification supports in the SEEDS program  and receive the required letter for certification please go to the Program Registration Form.
New Special Educator Engagement

With experts from across the state, SEEDS provides new special educators with a community of practice and other supports.

Special Educator Mentoring
Special Education Mentors are vital to the development and retention of new special educators.  Experienced special educators are needed to mentor across the state. 
Special Educator Workforce Pipeline Development

SEEDS currently hosts a monthly “Grow Your Own” community of practice where special education directors and other administrators congregate to discuss their ideas and strategies for recruiting, preparing, and retaining people from their communities to serve as special educators and educational technicians.

Inclusive Education Preparation

Maine is currently working with the CEEDAR technical assistance center funded by OSEP to examine ways to develop dual certification and inclusive education pathways for educators.

 

Contact

Valerie Smith, Ph.D.
SEEDS Coordinator
Email: Valerie.Smith@maine.edu

Tracy Whitlock
Special Projects for Inclusion Coordinator
Email: Tracy.W.Whitlock@maine.gov