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
Statewide Professional Learning
- 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
Session Recordings & Resources from the October 10, 2025 EngageMEnt Series
To request contact hours for these sessions, click here. Please Note: The Maine Department of Education issues contact hours for participation in professional learning. Approval for these hours to count toward certification is determined at the local level, please consult with your administrator to determine eligibility.
- Beyond the Silos: An Integrated Approach to Teaching STEAM
- Supporting Student Engagement with Universal Design for Learning
- Understanding the Role of Play in Early Elementary
- Cultivating Dispositions Through STEAM
- Elevating Student Expression with Universal Design for Learning
- Scaffolding Success for All Learners: Accessing and Implementing Supports for Multilingual Learners
- Historical Literacy Through Place-Based Learning
- What is Numeracy?
- Graphic Novels and the Architecture of Meaning
- Problem-Based Learning & Numeracy
- 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
- Beginning Your Wabanaki Studies Journey
- Facilitating Inclusive Community Engagement Spaces
- Sustainability Through School Communities
- Continuing on Your Wabanaki Studies Journey
- Retaining and Supporting a Diverse Educator Workforce
- Presentation | Teacher Certification Program | Dr. Flynn Residency
- Environmental and Outdoor Education for Everyone
Contact
Beth Lambert
Chief Teaching & Learning Officer
Office of Teaching & Learning
Phone
Email: Beth.Lambert@maine.gov