Maine Education Association

08/28/2026

S**o Teachers Have a New Contract!

After months at the bargaining table and weeks in mediation, the S**o Education Association teachers have a three-year contract with a salary scale that significantly increased the base salary and steps, eliminated the false base, which delivers average increases of over 5% each year of the contract that fairly compensate all teachers.

SEA was able to maintain current insurance coverage for all three years and bargained provisions to ensure teachers have blocks of planning time; that observations are transparent; the RIF procedure is fair; and other improvements to transfers and retirement benefits. Congratulations to the SEA negotiating team for their hard work and perseverance!

08/25/2026

Cape Elizabeth EA leaders, President Lisa Melanson (right) and Vice President Sonia Pareja (left) at a recent new hire event. They signed up seven new members to join our union.

08/24/2026

Brunswick EA members welcomed new teachers at Coffin School for new hire day.

08/20/2026

This morning, MEA members gathered in Lewiston to announce their endorsement of Matt Dunlap for Maine's 2nd Congressional District.

“Throughout his career in public service, Matt has proven himself to be a strong advocate for working people, including educators. We look forward to working with Matt to advance policies that strengthen our public schools, create opportunities for students, support all Mainers, and address the challenges facing our communities,” said MEA President Jesse Hargrove.

Read the full release at the link in the comments.

08/14/2026

MEA President Jesse Hargrove attended a recent Maine Public News and Brews trivia night hosted by MEA members Lou Demers and Sophie Wood (MPBCEA).

Check out upcoming dates to attend an event near you: https://www.mainepublic.org/news-brews-trivia-nights

08/11/2026

Great turnout at our recent South Portland office bargaining training! Designed for negotiation teams preparing to head to the bargaining table this fall, the session helped new team members get up to speed quickly while providing valuable refreshers for experienced negotiators.

08/06/2026

After a rigorous member-driven endorsement process involving MEA members from across Maine, MEA is proud to endorse Hannah Pingree for Governor.

“Hannah demonstrated a deep commitment to public education and to listening to educators from pre-K through higher education,” said MEA President Jesse Hargrove. “As governor, she has committed to addressing the educator workforce shortage, expanding access to early childhood education, and maintaining a fully funded public education system.”

Read more: https://maineea.org/news/maine-education-association-endorses-hannah-pingree-for-governor/

08/05/2026

NEW MEA Learning Hub Course!

Attendance Basics by Count ME In Maine

This course was developed in collaboration with Count ME In! Count ME In! is a Maine non-profit with a mission to increase student attendance through data-driven strategies so that every child is an engaged, successful learner. Count ME In! was founded through community collaboration and partnership in 2013 in Southern Maine. They now work statewide providing coaching, training, and technical support to Maine schools. They also partner with state and local organizations, including the MEA to be sure that they are addressing the needs of those with lived experience.
Upon completion, learners can earn 6 hours toward state recertification.

Sign up today! FREE for members: https://maineea.learnupon.com/

08/05/2026

According to data released by the National Education Association, higher education salaries in Maine continue to rank near the bottom nationally and across New England. Faculty at Maine’s public four-year institutions earned an average of $93,892, ranking 35th nationally. Faculty at public two-year institutions earned $66,879, ranking 33rd. Education support professionals (ESPs) earned an average of $47,852, placing Maine 19th.

Read more:

According to data released by the National Education Association, higher education salaries in Maine continue to rank near the bottom nationally and across New England. Faculty at Maine’s public four-year […]

08/04/2026

Congratulations to MEA member Donna Olsen (Lewiston EA) for being named 2026 Maine History Teacher of the Year!

Donna Olsen, a teacher at Lewiston High School, has been named the 2026 Maine History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Since 2004, the Gilder Lehrman Institu…