In Today’s News

Maine’s teachers of the year need your help so our students can succeed

Kate Smith

In today’s Bangor’s Daily News you can read an article about the revised Maine Teacher of the Year program – now for the first time we have county teachers of the year. Representing Franklin County is the Central Elementary School, South Berwick music teacher Kate Smith. Kate is also one of the Phase IV Maine Arts Assessment Initiative’s (MAAI) Teacher Leaders. We’re proud of you Kate – CONGRATULATIONS!

The article includes how important it is that each of us has a responsibility. Educators, families, administrators, students, and community members all have a role to play in this standards-based school environment. Gone are the days that students could move along the school track from grade level to grade level getting pieces. The proficiency-based learning environment is about all kids! If you’re wondering how to get started or have questions about the work you are doing in your arts classrooms/schools/districts you can find helpful resources on the new MAAI website, specifically in the section called Proficiency Toolbox that you can find at this link.

To read the entire Bangor Daily News article please click here.

Kate with Village Elementary School, York, music teacher Cynthia Keating. Kate and Cynthia will be collaborating to present their workshop for phase IV of the MAAI.

Phase IV Teacher Leaders: MAAI

Teacher Leaders announced

The Maine Arts Assessment Initiative (MAAI) is proud to announce the new Teacher Leaders who have stepped up to take on a leadership role during phase IV and the 2014-15 school year. The Summit on Arts Education officially launched Phase IV of the MAAI with the Summit on Arts Education held at USM, Portland, July 29-August 1.

The following are the new Teacher Leaders and below them you will find the Teacher Leaders returning for another year from a previous phase. To date, MAAI has provided professional development for 61 Teacher Leaders representing all regions of Maine. These teachers have created and presented workshops to over 1000 Maine educators during the first three phases of MAAI. Please join me in thanking them for taking on the leadership and providing learning opportunities for Maine teachers! MMAAI has 38 active teacher leaders participating during Phase IV! YAHOOOOO!

During the 2014-15 school year you will be able to read their Another Arts Teacher’s Story which is a series of blog post containing the Teacher Leaders stories. You can read the teacher stories from the last three years by searching for them on the blog using the search words “Another Arts Teacher’s Story”.

For a complete listing of the MAAI Teacher Leaders from all four phases please go to the new website and check out the Who We Are page under MAAI, specifically at http://www.maineartsassessment.com/#!teacher-leaders/ceac.

New Teacher Leaders

MUSIC

• Cynthia Keating, grades K-2, Village Elementary School, York
• Frances Kellogg, grades K-4, Ellsworth Elementary Middle School
• Pamela Kinsey, grades K-12, Easton Schools
• Kate Smith, grades PK-3, Central Elementary School, South Berwick

VISUAL ART

• Theresa Cerceo, grades K-12, Dr. Levesque Elementary School, Wisdom Middle/High School
• Samantha Davis, grades 6-8, Molly Ockett Middle School
• Michaela DiGianvittorio, grades 9-12, Gray-New Gloucester High School
• Sarah Gould, grades 9-12, Gray-New Gloucester High School

DANCE

• Emma A. Campbell, grades 9-12, Thornton Academy

Returning Teacher Leaders from Phase I, II, and/or III

MUSIC

• Drew Albert, grades 9-12, Maranacook Community High School
• Sue Barre, grades 5-12, Waterville Senior High School
• Jennifer Etter, grades 5-8, York Middle School
• Judy Fricke, early childhood, Maine Street Music Studios
• Patricia Gordan, grades K-4, Raymond Elementary School
• Jane Kirton, grades 9-12, Sanford High School
• Linda McVety, grades K-5, Songo Locks Elementary School
• Jen Nash, grades 5-8, Sebasticook Valley Middle School
• Jenni Null, grades K-6, Songo Locks Elementary School
• Ashley Smith, grades 9-12, Brunswick High School
• Jake Sturtevant, grades 9-12, Bonny Eagle High School
• Shari Tarleton, grades 6-8, Brunswick Junior High School

VISUAL ART

• Amy Cousins, grades 6-8, Gorham Middle School
• Melanie Crowe, grades 6-8, Marshwood Middle School
• Jennie Driscoll, grades 9-12, Brunswick High School
• Suzanne Goulet, grades 9-12, Waterville Senior High School
• Gloria Hewett, grades 6-8, Mount View Middle School
• Lisa Ingraham, grades K-4, Madison Elementary School
• Danette Kerrigan, grades 6-8, Sacopee Valley Middle School
• Charlie Johnson, grades 9-12, Mount Desert Island High School
• Lisa Marin, grades K-12, Jonesport-Beals High School and Union #103
• Brian McPherson, grades K-5, Woodside Elementary School
• Jeff Orth, grades 6-12 Richmond Middle/High Schools
• Pam Ouellette, grades 9-12, Lisbon High School
• Janie Snider, grades K-8, Hancock Grammar School

DANCE

• MaryEllen Schaper, grades 6-8, Bonny Eagle Middle School

PERFORMING ARTS

• Beth Lambert, grades 9-12, Carrabec High School
• Lisa Neal, grades 9-12, Nokomis Regional High School