Literacy is the foundation of all learning. It is essential across every content area and grade level, empowering students to access, understand, and apply knowledge in a wide range of subjects. When we teach literacy across disciplines, we give students the tools to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems while engaging with a more holistic approach to education—preparing students to navigate both academic challenges and real-world situations with confidence. Welcome to the Maine Department of Education's Literacy Hub, your go-to space for research, resources, and practical tools to support literacy instruction at every level.
Maine State Literacy Action Plan
Literacy for ME 2.0 is Maine's statewide approach to advancing literacy for all learners. Grounded in the belief that literacy is essential for lifelong learning, educational equity, and a thriving society, this initiative provides guidance, tools, and resources to support high-quality, culturally responsive literacy instruction across all grade levels. Explore Maine's comprehensive state literacy plan, Literacy for ME 2.0 to inform your practice, strengthen collaboration, and drive meaningful literacy growth in your community.
As Maine continues to implement its statewide Literacy Action Plan, the need for practical, accessible tools has been clear. The newly developed Literacy Playbook serves as a companion resources that translate strategy into practice, offering actionable tools, real-world examples, and tiered guidance to support educators, school administrative unit (SAU) teams, and school leaders.
Maine administrators, educators, coaches, and community partners are invited to mark a major milestone in advancing teaching and learning statewide: the launch of the Literacy Playbook. The event will take place on May 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wells Conference Center at the University of Maine at Orono. Participants at the launch will engage in an interactive day designed to bring the Literacy Playbooks to life. The event will include opportunities to explore the Playbooks in depth, interactive engagement with the Genially tool aligned to roles and supports within the Playbooks, time to collaborate with educators and partners from across Maine, and time to identify actionable next steps for the upcoming school year. Space is limited to 50 literacy participants. Lunch will be provided. Those interested are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
Building Literacy
Strong, versatile readers are the key to a bright future. Discover how integrated and foundational literacy skills lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and success!
- Early Learning Foundational Skills - Young brains are wired for language! Discover how early interactions and instruction from parents & caregivers build strong literacy foundations!
- Integrated Literacy - Want to boost learning across subjects? Discover how integrated literacy weaves reading, writing, and communication into every lesson for deeper understanding!
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High-Quality, Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction - Guidance document for Maine school administrative units that outlines the tenets to which high-quality early literacy programming (Pre-k to Grade 3) should be aligned.
Structured Supports
Striving & emerging readers need more than practice—discover how evidence-based, structured literacy builds strong skills in phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension!”
- Dyslexia & Reading Difficulty - Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) - Curious how to support every readers success? Learn how a Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) ensures all students have timely and relevant access to evidence-based literacy instruction and intervention!
- Multilingual Learners - Multilingual learners bring valuable assets to our classrooms! Learn how integrating literacy instruction with culturally responsive teaching builds on strengths, for long-term success.
Foundations of Literacy Video Series
An overview of professional terminology and basic instructional strategies to support elementary instruction connecting the alphabet to sound, coding, and decoding words.
Learn essential terminology and basic instructional strategies to support elementary students in being able to read a text quickly, accurately, and with expression, and to make sense of the information
Explore how to support students in developing a rich, robust vocabulary and becoming proficient in spelling.
Resources & Professional Development
Literacy in Action
See how you can use literacy to make a difference!
- At the Library - Use this link to receive an online library card from the Maine State Library
- Open Library - Log in to "borrow" virtual books
- Libby the Library App - Access in-person books from your local library, or borrow free Audiobooks
- YouTube - click for a selection of free audiobooks
- The Pine Project: Everyone is Welcome - The Welcoming Library modules are designed for your professional development and guided by the CASEL framework. *Contact Hours Opportunity
Learning & Professional Development
Striving readers need more than practice—discover how evidence-based, structured literacy builds strong skills in phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension!”
- EnGiNE - Maine DOE's community forums and learning management system. [Note: You do need an EnGiNE account to engage]
- What We are Reading, Watching, Listening to, & Thinking About - Join the community forum to discuss favorite books and the latest thinking on literacy.
- Office Hours - Connect with us to speak in-depth on all things literacy
- Integrated literacy topical discussions
Every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. - 4:40 p.m. - Early Learning Office Hours
Every 3rd Thursday of the month
- Integrated literacy topical discussions
Contact
Heather Martin
Integrated Literacy PreK-12
Phone: 207-557-0386
Email: Heather.Martin@maine.gov
Dee Saucier
Structured Literacy, Striving Readers & Dyslexia
Phone: 207-441-1383
Email: Danielle.m.Saucier@maine.gov