Professional Learning Schedule

Numeracy Professional Learning Opportunities

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Maine’s Statewide Mathematics Specialist Professional Learning Community

The Numeracy and Leadership Initiative, hosted by the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Maine (ATOMIM), in collaboration with the Maine DOE, University of Southern Maine, and University of Maine at Farmington, offers multiple opportunities for educators to build capacity in both numeracy and leadership. One of these is Maine’s Statewide Mathematics Specialist Professional Learning Community (PLC).

• Audience: Math coaches, lead teachers, interventionists, and department chairs
• Dates: Participants may choose to attend all sessions or select those that best meet their needs. The Mathematics Specialist PLC will meet on the following dates:
  • February 25, 2026, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (virtually via Zoom)
  • March 23, 2026, from 1-5 p.m. (in-person at the University of Maine at Augusta—limited to 50 participants)
  • April 30, 2026, from 2-5 p.m. (in-person at the University of Southern Maine in Lewiston/Auburn)
  • May 21, 2026, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (virtually via Zoom)

Sign up here

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Math Trauma to Math Triumph: Math Therapy Conversations and Supports

Educators are invited to participate in informal, supportive conversations centered on Math Therapy by Vanessa Vakharia. Participants will discuss the book and explore the implementation of the 5 “Ms” (Mythbust, Moderate, Motivate, Makeover, and Measure) in their classrooms. This series continues learning from the December 5, 2025, in-person event with Vakharia.

• Audience: pre-K-12 educators
• Dates: Participants may choose to attend one or multiple sessions. One-hour virtual meetings will take place on the following Wednesdays:
  • January  28, 2026
  • February 4, 11, and 25, 2026
• Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

To participate fully in this opportunity, educators should have attended the in-person workshop and have read—or be in the process of reading— Math Therapy.

Literacy Professional Learning Opportunities

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Integrating Literacy with Mapmaking 

Renee Keul will explore the connection between literacy and mapmaking by engaging educators in analyzing and creating maps. This workshop models how spatial reasoning, data visualization, and critical thinking support reading, writing, and communication across content areas, reinforcing literacy as a shared responsibility. This workshop strengthens foundational literacy skills such as decoding symbols, building vocabulary, sequencing ideas, and making meaning across texts through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning.

• Audience: Pk-12 Educators
• Date: March 6, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Location: Osher Map Library in Portland (or virtually via Zoom)
• Contact Hours: seven hours available

Sign up here

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Integrating Literacy with Objects and Writing

Deb Johnson and Ronni Blaisdell will share strategies for using real-world artifacts and natural materials to support foundational reading and writing skills. By modeling object-based learning grounded in authentic texts and materials, this workshop demonstrates how interdisciplinary, hands-on instruction strengthens literacy development across grade levels and content areas. This workshop builds vocabulary, comprehension, and writing stamina through close observation and inquiry.

• Audience: pre-K-12 educators
• Date: April 10, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Location: Maine Mineral and Gem Museum in Bethel (or virtually via Zoom)
• Contact Hours: seven hours available    

Sign up here

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Reaching Reluctant Readers

Cris Tovani will explore why students disengage from reading and how educators can remove barriers to learning. Grounded in research-based strategies for knowledge building and comprehension, the session equips educators with practical tools to support confident, independent readers across content areas. This workshop addresses engagement, motivation, and access as essential components of effective literacy instruction, particularly for students who are reluctant or struggling readers.

• Audience: pre-K-12 educators
• Date: May 15, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Location: Camp Chamberlain in Augusta (or virtually via Zoom)
• Contact Hours: seven hours available 

Sign up here

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Virtual Support Hours

Virtual support will be available on Thursdays following each workshop. These sessions are open to all educators, regardless of whether they attended the corresponding workshops, and are designed to support the application of learning through collaboration, reflection, and shared problem-solving.

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Graphic Novels for Literacy (workshop already occurred)
January 8 through February 19, 2026, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Zoom registration link
This is an open, collaborative space to explore how graphic novels support comprehension, vocabulary development, and visual literacy across grade levels and content areas. Participants are encouraged to bring questions, classroom experiences, and ideas aligned with the statewide Action Plans’ interdisciplinary vision.

Integrating Literacy with Mapmaking
February 26 through April 9, 2026, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Zoom registration link
This is an informal space to explore how map analysis and creation can strengthen vocabulary, comprehension, and meaning-making across content areas, reinforcing literacy as a shared responsibility.

Integrating Literacy with Objects and Writing
April 16 through May 7, 2026, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. –Zoom registration link
This is a supportive forum to reflect on and apply hands-on strategies that build engagement, motivation, and access to literacy through object-based learning and writing.

Reaching Reluctant Readers
May 14 through June 4, 2026, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Zoom registration link
This is an open forum to extend learning from Cris Tovani’s strategies for engagement and comprehension. Educators can share challenges and explore ways to remove barriers to reading and support confident, independent literacy development.