Office of Innovation
Trail Guide Coaches work alongside Maine teachers and schools to co-plan lessons, model outdoor learning strategies, and connect standards-aligned classroom learning to the natural world right outside the school door.
About the Trail Guides Project
The Maine Department of Education's Office of Innovation is excited to introduce the Trail Guides project, an initiative designed to support educators in bringing meaningful, hands-on learning outdoors. The Trail Guide Coaches work alongside teachers and schools to co-plan lessons, model outdoor learning strategies, and help connect standards-aligned classroom learning to the natural world right outside the school door.
Whether you are just beginning to explore outdoor learning or are looking for new ways to take your existing lessons outside, a Trail Guide can help you get started.
Trail Guides is a free program. To learn how your school can participate, contact Sharon Gallant or Mary Bellavance using the details at the bottom of this page.
Weekly Conversations and Collaboration
Monday Night Office Hours
Another way to engage in environmental and outdoor education professional learning and networking is to join one or more of the Outdoor Learning Team's Monday Night Office Hours. Meetings are held each Monday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
These virtual sessions enable educators from across the state to connect with one another, share ideas, and learn about practices and resources designed to support outdoor learning. While regular attendance is welcome, participants do not need to commit to every session.
These conversations take place on EnGiNE, Maine's Professional Learning Ecosystem for Educators and School Staff.
Contact
Sharon Gallant
Maine DOE Trail Guide Coach
Email: Sharon.Gallant@maine.gov
Mary Bellavance
Maine DOE Trail Guide Project Coordinator
Email: Mary.Bellavance@maine.gov