The Social Studies Specialist for the Maine Department of Education facilitates two national programs on behalf of Maine students and educators:
Maine's United States Senate Youth Program
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students. Each year, two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity spend a week in Washington, D.C., experiencing their national government in action. Student delegates hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies. Delegates also participate in a meeting with a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, each delegate will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses are provided by the Hearst Foundations.
Learn more about the competition requirements for Maine students by checking out the Maine U.S. Senate Youth Program webpage.
Maine's History Teacher of the Year
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Preserve America and the History Channel annually recognize outstanding American history teachers at the state and national levels. Nominees may be any full-time educator of grades K-12 who teaches American history (as a separate subject or through social studies, reading, language arts and other subjects). State winners receive a $1,000 prize and an archive of classroom resources. One national winner receives a $10,000 prize. More information can be found at the Gilder Lehrman National History Teacher of the Year home page.
Learn more about the competition requirements for Maine educators by checking out the Maine History Teacher of the Year webpage.