Professional Learning Schedule

Celebrating Rural Maine Community Civics & Place-Based Inquiry

This three-part professional learning series aims to engage rural teachers in a deep examination of Maine’s history. Using history as a foundation, the profession development takes an interdisciplinary approach as it connects teachers with the Library of Congress’s rural interdisciplinary collections and other supporting organizations and supports teachers in designing and implementing works of public value that connect rural students to their community.

Click here to learn more and register

Integrated Literacy Office Hour: Maps in Literacy

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Join in on the conversation as we explore ways to embed Literacy in all aspects of learning. This week's topic of focus will be how to use maps in literacy instruction.

Register via Zoom here

Integrated Literacy Office Hour:  PK-2

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Join the Interdisciplinary Instruction team's Integrated Literacy Specialist, Heather Martin, for a discussion on promoting literacy in all classrooms through evidence-based research and pedagogy. 

Register via Zoom here

Integrating Literacy through Mapmaking with David Sobel

November 8, 2024, from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM at the Steele House, 639 Maine St., Rockland, ME

“In the beginning, children’s maps represent their experiences of beauty, secrecy, adventure, and comfort. With these effective endeavors as a foundation, I then gradually start to focus on scale, location, direction, and geographic relationships.” Analogous to the foundational skills of reading and writing, mapmaking is a deeply human way for a child to order and make meaning from their world and strengthen literacy. Join acclaimed educator and author David Sobel (Mapmaking with Children) for this hands-on workshop exploring maps and cognitive processes.

Use this registration link to spend the day learning with David Sobel.

Integrating Literacy through Background Knowledge with Josie Cameron

December 12, 2024, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Wells Conference Center, 169 Hilltop Road, Orono, ME

“Students often tell me they have NO IDEA what to write about! When we dig into place-based writing, they’re surprised to find story ideas hidden right in front of their eyes!” Background Knowledge, the information and wisdom acquired through our own lived experiences, has in the past been overlooked. However, as research reveals more about the ways in which students learn, it is gaining recognition as a fundamental element in students’ comprehension and ability to make meaning from text - foundational skills to literacy. Join Josie Cameron, Maine author and educator (Not All Heroes, Maybe a Mermaid) as we explore the importance of Background Knowledge, and how to harness it for learning!

Use this registration link to spend the day learning with Josie Cameron.

Asynchronous Question Formulation Technique January Course

• The Question Formulation Technique (QFT), from the Right Question Institute, is a questioning strategy that:

• Facilitates student curiosity and engagement
• Helps students build confidence to ask questions and become empowered to seek answers
• Improves student questions that support deeper learning
• Improves the skills and strategies students need beyond the classroom

To learn more and register, visit the QFT webpage.

Integrating Literacy through Applied Science with Katie Coppens

January 15, 2025, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St. Brunswick, ME

“Integrating science and literacy engages students while enhancing their scientific knowledge and improving their writing skills! Not only that, but it's fun and a great way to see students' interests through built-in voice and choice!” Learn strategies on integrating science and literacy from Maine teacher and author Katie Coppens (The Acadia Files, What do Black Holes Eat for Dinner?,  Geometry is Easy as Pie). The focus will be on strategies to integrate fictional and nonfiction reading and writing in science, thereby gaining proficiency in literacy, with an emphasis on differentiation. Models and rubrics will be provided. Everyone will leave with ideas for implementation in their own classroom. 

Use this registration link to spend the day learning with Katie Coppens.