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Every Teacher A Leader Summit 2026
Type: Equity clear filter
Thursday, July 30
 

11:00am EDT

Newitakehkimesi- Learning with One Another Through Wabanaki Studies Education
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
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.
Speakers
avatar for Kaya Lolar

Kaya Lolar

Director of Policy & Wabanaki Studies, Maine Environmental Education Association
Kaya Lolar is a citizen of the Panawahpskek Nation. She started at MEEA in 2023 as a Changemakers Fellow, transitioned to Policy & Wabanaki Studies Coordinator, and has since graduated from Harvard University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Anthropology and English. Kaya... Read More →
avatar for Brianne Lolar

Brianne Lolar

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 →
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
Alfond 136

1:30pm EDT

Circle Up Everyone! Using Whole School Read Alouds to Foster Equity and Belonging
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
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.
Speakers
avatar for Gigi McAllister

Gigi McAllister

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 →
avatar for Jennifer Baker

Jennifer Baker

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 →
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

1:30pm EDT

SEL + Life & Career Readiness: Integrating Heart & Mind for Meaningful Learning
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
This workshop explores how Social Emotional Learning (SEL) aligns with Life & Career Readiness standards to support the whole student. Participants engage in interactive activities to design meaningful, equitable learning experiences that build self-awareness, collaboration, and decision-making skills. Educators leave with practical strategies to embed SEL into everyday instruction, fostering inclusive classrooms and preparing students for success beyond high school.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Dumont

Jennifer Dumont

JMG (Jobs for Maine Graduates), Windham High School
Jennifer Dumont is a JMG Specialist at Windham High School with over a decade of experience supporting students in developing the skills needed for success in school, career, and life. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Literature from Gordon College and a master’s... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Alfond 227

1:30pm EDT

Use Your Voice and Make a Difference
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
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.
Speakers
avatar for Caitlin Hutt

Caitlin Hutt

Social Studies Teacher, Troy Howard Middle School
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 →
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Ayotte 103

1:30pm EDT

When Something Goes Wrong: Restorative Responses to Bias and Harm
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
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.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Hendrix

Stephanie Hendrix

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 →
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Alfond 209
 
Friday, July 31
 

9:00am EDT

From Reflections to Actions: How Anti-Racist Teacher Leaders are Doing the Work
Friday July 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
This session shares a year-long, teacher-led anti-racist community of study where educators engaged in reflection, dialogue, and action to confront inequities in their practice. Participants will explore structures that support sustained learning and activism and leave with practical tools to build similar communities, fostering equitable classrooms where all students feel valued, supported, and meaningfully engaged in literacy learning.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Laura Jiménez

Dr. Laura Jiménez

Senior Lecturer, Boston University
Dr. Jiménez is faculty at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development and the director of Educating Critically. Her work focuses on the representations of marginalized communities in children and YA literature. In addition she supports teachers in bringing... Read More →
avatar for Melissa Guerrette

Melissa Guerrette

Grade 5 Teacher, Oxford Elementary School, MSAD17
Melissa Guerrette, NBCT, is a 5th grade teacher at Oxford Elementary School in Oxford, Maine and a member of the Teach Maine Center Executive Team. She is the 2021 Oxford County Teacher of the Year, and in 2025 received the Claudette and John Brassil Distinguished Educator Award from... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
Ayotte 104

10:30am EDT

Empowering our Youth: Elevating Student Voice in Schools
Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
Students have historically been seen as the recipients of information and passive engagers in learning. Learn firsthand the impact and importance of empowering student voices in schools, both within and outside of the classroom setting, through experiences in extracurricular programming and unique learning opportunities. This session will provide you with a roadmap in beginning your journey to empowering youth to promote positive learning experiences and meaningful, authentic student-led action in your school community. 
Speakers
avatar for Travis Palmer

Travis Palmer

Social Studies Teacher, Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, MSAD 17
Travis Palmer is a social studies teacher at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, where he advises several student leadership organizations including the Culture, Awareness, Respect, and Education (CARE) Team, Civil Rights Team, and National Honor Society. His practice centers... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am EDT
Alfond 209
 
Every Teacher A Leader Summit 2026
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