AUGUSTA - Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, introduced two bills to address Maine's shortage of educational technicians before the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee on Thursday.
LD 343 would provide $400,000 to support the Learning Facilitator Credential Program at Eastern Maine Community College through 2025. LD 1366 would allow the Commissioner of Education to approve additional educational technician training programs offered by accredited postsecondary institutions in Maine.
"As we have repeatedly heard this session, our public schools are facing significant workforce shortages," said Brennan. "By the end of August last year, there were 500 job openings across the state. This loss has a major impact on all students because educational technicians often provide support for students with disabilities who may already be struggling with their course content."
Due to this pressing need, the Learning Facilitator Program at Eastern Maine Community College is helping to address these shortages in schools by providing job-site training, reflection and mentorship for an entire school year for those enrolled in the program. The program removes barriers to obtaining the educational technician credential by allowing for certification without having to commit to a four-year program.
"Fortunately, we have developed a unique approach to help more individuals receive the training they need to be educational technicians," said Brennan. "However, we must continue to maintain this good work to ensure that our students are supported and jobs are filled."
The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee will hold a work session on the bills in the coming weeks.
Brennan is serving his third consecutive term in the Maine House, having previously served four terms in the House and three in the Senate. He represents House District 115, which includes a portion of Portland, and serves as House chair of the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Brennan], 305-965-2744