Welcoming Library Professional Learning
The Welcoming Library professional learning modules, part of the Pine Project, are designed to support your professional development through the CASEL framework. We encourage you to engage with them sequentially, pausing to reflect and complete the built-in Reflection Opportunities before moving on. These moments of reflection deepen your understanding, encourage meaningful connections to your teaching practice, and help cultivate inclusive, supportive learning environments. If you encounter unfamiliar topics, feel free to revisit them or explore further using your preferred search engine. These modules are open to all—no RSVP required.
To support this initiative, every School Administrative Unit (SAU) in Maine received a Welcoming Library: Pine Collection, which was shipped to each superintendent’s office in September 2024.
A Commitment to Growth
This professional development was created at a specific time with input from a diverse community of voices. Language, terminology, and perspectives continuously evolve, and this training may not always reflect the most current shifts. In 1993, anthropologist Brian Street introduced the idea that identity and traditions are not fixed but dynamic and ever-changing. Practicing humility in our learning means staying curious, seeking updated information, and continuously expanding our understanding of diverse perspectives.
We recognize that mistakes are part of the learning process. By engaging in reflection and growth, we move closer to our shared goal—creating more inclusive and supportive learning environments for all.
New Opportunity!
Pine Project: Earn up to 10 Contact Hours
Educators can earn up to 10 contact hours by engaging with Pine Project modules focused on key social-emotional learning competencies: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. Every school administrative unit in Maine has received a Pine Library.
Educators can watch videos and interact with the content to deepen their understanding and professional growth.
How to Earn Contact Hours:
- Use your Pine Library and download the Reflective Opportunities Guide
- Watch and Engage with each Module
- After each module, follow the link to the contact hours form.
- Respond to the form and share your reflections. Each module has a separate contact form.
- Contact hours will be awarded within two weeks of the form’s submission
Pine 1: Introduction
Welcome to the PINE Project, an innovative initiative led by the Maine Department of Education in partnership with I’m Your Neighbor Books. This project equips educators with a collection of 30 picture books and self-guided professional development designed to foster belonging and support meaningful Social Emotional Learning by reflecting the diverse experiences of immigrant families and their new generations.
Pine 2: Self-Awareness
CASEL reminds us that Self-awareness includes the ability to understand one's emotions, thoughts, and values. It asks us to examine how human experiences influence behavior across contexts. Self-awareness requires us to look within ourselves, assess our attitudes and emotional states to become grounded in the things that help us find purpose.
After watching and engaging with the video, you can access the contact form here: Pine 2: Self-Awareness - 2 Contact Hours
Pine 3: Social Awareness
To explore social awareness, CASEL highlights essential competencies such as perspective-taking, recognizing the strengths of others, demonstrating empathy and concern, expressing gratitude, understanding social norms, and recognizing situational demands and opportunities. Additionally, understanding how organizations and systems shape behavior is vital for promoting inclusion and equity.
After watching and engaging with the video, you can access the contact form here: Pine 3: Social Awareness - 3 Contact Hours
Pine 4: Self-Management
CASEL defines self-management as the ability to regulate emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to achieve personal goals and aspirations. This includes building resilience, cultivating positive relationships, and supporting academic and professional success. Integrating these self-management skills into classroom practices is essential for creating equitable learning environments.
After watching and engaging with the video, you can access the contact form here Pine 4: Self-Management - 2 Contact Hours
Pine 5: Relationship Skills & Responsible Decision-Making
Relationship skills are essential for fostering positive connections and ensuring successful interactions. According to CASEL, these skills include effective communication, demonstrating cultural competency, resolving conflicts, collaborative problem-solving, showing leadership, offering support, and advocating for others. Developing strong relationship skills is crucial for students to become respectful, responsible members of society. This skill set represents the convergence of previous competencies: self-awareness—understanding our own identities and emotions—and social awareness—recognizing the cultures, identities, and emotions of others. Together, they form the foundation for meaningful and impactful relationships.
After watching and engaging with the video, you can access the contact form here.: Pine 5: Relationship Skills & Responsible Decision-making - 3 Contact Hours
ESSERF (CRRSA and Emergency) funds received from the US Department of Education (USDOE) support the implementation of this project. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, the USDOE or the U.S. Government.
Contact
Melanie JunkinsMultilingual and Bilingual Education Specialist
Email: Melanie.Junkins@maine.gov