As school districts increasingly integrate 1-to-1 device initiatives, the conversation must shift from mere technical proficiency to the cultivation of sustainable digital health. This session presents a comprehensive framework for a Digital Wellness Program that synthesizes three critical pillars: Digital Citizenship, Technical Mastery, and Cognitive Wellness. Rather than viewing these as disparate subjects, this integrated model treats them as a singular competency necessary for student success in a hyper-connected world.
Technology Integrator, Cape Elizabeth Middle School
I am currently the technology integrator at Cape Elizabeth Middle School. I teach 8th grade technology and 6th grade digital wellness. This is my 18th year as an educator and I live in Portland, ME!
This interactive session explores how arts integration can deepen learning, increase engagement, and build strong classroom communities. Participants will experience practical, ready-to-use strategies that blend the arts with core content areas, reflecting on how creative processes support academic, social-emotional, and cognitive growth. You’ll leave with simple ways to get started and a renewed understanding of the arts in your classroom.
Arts Integration Teacher Leader Fellow, Maine Department of Education Office of Teaching and Learning
Joshua Chard is a second-grade teacher at East End Community School in Portland, Maine, and the 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year. With more than 30 years in education, he creates culturally responsive, arts-integrated learning experiences that center joyful relationships, student voice... Read More →
This session offers a model for interdisciplinary, project-based instruction, engaging students with local and global issues. Participants will explore mentor texts, build knowledge, interrogate bias and credibility, and amplify student voices. The session includes sample units aligned with Muhammad’s HILL model, providing space to adapt ideas for participants’ own classrooms.
Humanities Academy Coordinator, Bangor High School
Stephanie Hendrix is a Bangor-based educator and equity advocate with 24 years of experience teaching in public schools and 10 years in higher education. As a Leaders for Just Schools facilitator and Blended Learning Instructor for the NEA, she leads national cohorts of educators... Read More →
“Nourish to Flourish” is designed to give educators a rejuvenating break from their day-to-day demands. Through active, fun, and reflective activities, participants will reconnect with themselves and with their peers — building a toolkit for self-care, stress reduction, and sustained well-being. By the end of the workshop, educators will leave feeling energized, supported, and equipped with practical strategies they can bring into their classrooms and personal lives.
When polarization roars and hope can feel futile, dreaming is essential. This session is a collaborative brainstorming space to outline “dreamy” schoolwide change. Miranda Snyder briefly storytells her trial-and-error support of Civil Rights Team’s "dreams", big and small. Processing might happen via dialogue, writing, art - your dream’s “how” is up to you and your unique context.
English Teacher & Civil Rights Team Advisor, Mount Desert Island High School
Miranda Snyder (she/her) is in her fifth year teaching English at Mount Desert Island high school. She teaches mainly freshman, centering texts and writing around identity, belonging, and justice. She also advises the Civil Rights Team, a student-led activist group, and organized... Read More →
There is no one right way to teach Wabanaki Studies, nor a curriculum that can be bought. It is a way of teaching. We all learn differently, teach differently, however we all find connection through this place we call home. In this workshop, we'll look at resources to support and empower you, examples of educators who have woven Wabanaki Studies into their curriculum, and have the opportunity to leave with a plan that works for you and your students.
Wabanaki Studies Specialist, Maine Department of Education
Brianne Lolar is a citizen of the Panawahpskek Nation and lives on Alenape Menehan, also known as Indian Island. She graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor’s in Social Work, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education, and a Master’s in Literacy. Brianne... Read More →
Readers of all ages use what they have learned about the world to make sense of new information. So, how do we build background knowledge from our classrooms? How do we build excitement about an upcoming topic? This session will explore different strategies educators can use in their own classrooms starting in the fall. Teachers will experience 4 or 5 strategies that can be adapted at any grade level and any subject. They will experience these strategies first hand, and then analyze the experience through a teacher lens. All of these activities will be active and engaging to build excitement about a topic. Finally, the educators will work together to develop a comprehensive list of ideas from their own experiences that will be recorded and shared with participants.
Jessica Harvey (she/her) is a 2nd grade classroom teacher at Elm Street School (RSU 16) in Mechanic Falls, ME and is the 2021 Androscoggin County Teacher of the Year. With a passion for outdoor learning, she co-founded her district's Get Everyone Outside Initiative (The G.E.O. Initiative... Read More →
Karen MacDonald (she/her) is a retired educator who spent 37 years in the Portland Public Schools teaching English Language Arts. In 2014 she was named Maine’s Teacher of the Year. Throughout her career, she worked to build an interdisciplinary model at King Middle School and... Read More →
This interactive session explores how educators can lead through connection, embodiment, and student voice. Participants will experience practical strategies that build trust and belonging while learning how to extend their impact beyond the classroom through student-led, community-connected initiatives and innovative, relationship-centered practices
Kristy McNaughton is an educator with over 20 years of experience teaching personal finance through hands-on experiences. She is the creator of Yoga Fusion, a Gardiner High School elective that blends yoga, reflection, team-building, nature, and breathwork to help students connect... Read More →
In this session, participants will explore the use of picture books as monthly, schoolwide read-alouds to promote equity and a sense of belonging. They will engage in an interactive read-aloud and discussion, review potential titles, and develop plans for implementing this practice effectively within their school communities.
K-5 Library Media Specialist, Village Elementary School, Gorham
Gigi McAllister is an educator with over 30 years of experience and currently serves as the K–5 library-media specialist at Village Elementary School in Gorham. She is a National Board Certified Teacher who holds a master’s degree and Certificate of Advanced Study in literacy... Read More →
Interim Assistant Principal, Village Elementary School, Gorham
Jennifer brings a diverse background supporting individuals across educational and clinical settings. She began her leadership journey as a ski and swim coach, later integrating outdoor learning into counseling practice. An advocate for alternative learners, she holds degrees in psychology... Read More →
The question is not “How can you, one person, make a difference?” The question is “What kind of difference do you want to make?” Learn about Americans Who Tell the Truth education resources and be inspired to guide students to use their voices and become change-makers.
Caitlin Hutt has taught English/language arts and social studies in Maine for almost two decades. She currently teaches at Troy Howard Middle School in Belfast, Maine. Her areas of expertise include planning projects that empower students, leading robust advisory sessions, and connecting... Read More →
Even in caring, inclusive spaces, mistakes happen—especially when addressing issues of bias, identity, or inequity. What matters most is how we respond. This session offers practical, compassionate strategies for repairing harm and rebuilding trust after missteps. Participants will explore the difference between intent and impact, learn the language of calling in/on, and practice restorative approaches to apology and accountability.
Humanities Academy Coordinator, Bangor High School
Stephanie Hendrix is a Bangor-based educator and equity advocate with 24 years of experience teaching in public schools and 10 years in higher education. As a Leaders for Just Schools facilitator and Blended Learning Instructor for the NEA, she leads national cohorts of educators... Read More →
Join this session to explore whether excessive screen time may function as an adversity-like experience for youth. Drawing on emerging research linking screen exposure with attention, emotional regulation, and brain development, we'll examine parallels with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Educators will consider implications for classroom practice, student well-being, and developmentally appropriate technology use in schools and homes.
Chair and Associate Professor, Lunder School of Education, Thomas College
Katie Rybakova serves as the chair and an associate professor at Thomas College Lunder School of Education as well as the Executive Director of the Maine Association for Middle Level Education organization and Assistant Director of the Central Maine Education Consortium.
