Maine Education Association

06/05/2026

MEA hit the road for , visiting Winslow Elementary, Brewer High School, and Connors Elementary in Lewiston!
Congratulations to Patty Scully (Winslow EA), Madeline Boyes (Brewer EA), and Hillary Koch (Lewiston EA), whose classrooms each won a $500 grand prize towards books for their classrooms!

06/02/2026

In 1923, a 15-year-old Paiute girl named Alice Piper was denied entry to her local public school simply because she was Native American. Her family fought back, and the California Supreme Court ruled in her favor, 30 years before Brown v. Board of Education. Today, many communities mark June 2 as the anniversary of the court’s ruling.

Thirty years before Brown transformed public education in the United States, a 15-year-old Paiute student named Alice Piper stood at the center of a landmark legal victory that challenged school segregation.

06/01/2026

True learning only happens when students feel supported and celebrated in the classroom and when everyone in the school community can be their authentic selves—no matter their background. Join us in raising the voices of students and educators.

06/01/2026

05/29/2026

Check out episode 2 of "Learning From Maine" from Maine Loves Public Schools produced in collaboration with Maine Public.

In this episode, explore how Mt. Desert Island High School is helping students understand generative AI, not as magic, but as a tool they can use thoughtfully and responsibly. See MEA members Kate Meyer, Philippa Dyer and Davonne Pappas (Mount Desert Island EA).

Also featured is Nicole Davis, Emerging Learning Specialist at the Maine DOE who is presenting a session at our MEA Summer Camp, "AI in Action: From Classroom Productivity to Student Agency."

Check out the episode here: https://www.mainelovespublicschools.org/learning-from-maine?pgid=mpocae8k-ed3f0663-b707-4b22-928c-81f4181a1c8b

At Mt. Desert Island High School, students and educators are asking big questions about AI, learning, responsibility, and the future.

The newest episode of Learning from Maine explores how one Maine school is helping students understand generative AI, not as magic, but as a tool they can use thoughtfully and responsibly.

Watch the new episode tonight at 8:30 on Maine Public Television or online anytime at MaineLovesPublicSchools.org.

05/29/2026

We are sharing the stories of our incredible award winners from our MEA Awards Night.

Our 2026 Friend Of Education: Pamela Albert

As chair of the Auburn School Committee, Pam Albert has been a steady and thoughtful presence for Auburn’s schools. She has shown a strong commitment to students, educators, and the broader school community through her leadership and advocacy.

Albert’s commitment to Auburn Schools began well before she joined the School Committee as an at large member in 2022. She served on the Edward Little High School Building Committee and brought her professional expertise as an epidemiologist to the COVID Health and Safety Committee, where she helped support informed decision making during a critical time.

That commitment continues through her ongoing service in the district. Albert serves on advisory committees focused on long term planning, advocates for staff training and student safety, and recognizes the work of educators and staff during school committee meetings. She also supports students and families beyond the classroom by helping organize efforts such as Project Grad Night and a community food drive during a lapse in SNAP benefits.

05/28/2026

We are sharing the stories of our incredible award winners from our MEA Awards Night.

Our 2026 Corporate Award: Pink Feather Foundation

Founded in 2011, the Pink Feather Foundation was created to address a critical need for students by providing access to clean, well fitting clothing so they can feel comfortable and ready to learn. In 2018, the foundation launched its Teacher Program, recognizing the important role educators play in supporting students’ wellbeing.

As the program has grown, so has its impact. What began as a small effort has expanded with strong community support, allowing the foundation to operate a large warehouse and work toward establishing a permanent home. This growth has been made possible through donations and a shared commitment to supporting students.

Through the Teacher Program, educators can discreetly order clothing, shoes, and accessories for students in kindergarten through grade 12 at no cost. Teachers work directly with students when possible to help preserve dignity and build trust. All orders remain confidential and are prepared and delivered quickly, often within a few days.

05/27/2026

We are sharing the stories of our incredible award winners from our MEA Awards Night.

Our 2026 Human and Civil Rights: Jennifer Marshall

When ICE increased operations in Maine this winter, Jennifer Marshall (South Portland Service Association) stepped up to support colleagues and students in South Portland. She worked to ensure they could travel to and from school and work safely and without fear.

To help reduce stress and prevent unnecessary fear among students, Marshall created a radio code system for drivers so that ICE activity could be communicated without alarming students. This approach helped limit exposure to fear and trauma while keeping staff informed.

Marshall’s commitment extends beyond the workplace. She supports families through the South Portland community garden and the Mobile Food Pantry and has helped coordinate food deliveries for immigrant families who were afraid to leave their homes. As a union leader, she also advocates for fairness in the workplace, including helping secure a new position for a member who could no longer perform their job due to an ADA related issue.

05/26/2026

We are sharing the stories of our incredible award winners from our MEA Awards Night.

Our 2026 Golden Apple: Brittney Drew

Throughout her time in the Calais School Department, Brittney Drew (Calais EA) has shown a strong commitment to the students, families, and community she serves. She has supported students across grade levels and taken on a variety of roles inside and outside the classroom.

From serving as an Educational Technician and pre‑k lead teacher to her current role as a 7th and 8th grade science teacher, Drew has consistently stepped in where she is needed. This range of experience reflects her dedication to supporting students at every stage of their education.

Drew’s impact extends beyond the classroom. She brings care and purpose to her work, supports diverse learners, and gives her time to extracurricular programs and community efforts to help ensure all students have access to opportunities.

05/24/2026

We are sharing the stories of our incredible award winners from our MEA Awards Night.

Our 2026 Honor Medal Award: Ashby Bartke

A dedicated middle school math teacher at St. George, Ashby Bartke (St. George EA) is known for leading with integrity, courage, and a strong commitment to her students and colleagues. Each day, she brings care and professionalism to her classroom while serving as a trusted advocate within her school community.

As advisor to the Civil Rights Team, Bartke manages the Civil Rights Lending Library, which provides the school community with inclusive texts that support thoughtful conversations about race, religion, identity, and belonging.

Through this work, she has created opportunities for students to engage with inclusive learning materials in a supportive environment. When concerns were raised by parents and administrators this year, Bartke defended students’ right to access these resources and emphasized their role in building understanding and supporting a safe school environment.

Bartke’s leadership extends beyond her work with students. A respected and active member of her local union, she is often the colleague others turn to for guidance and support. Calm and steady in challenging moments, she stands up for educators’ professional rights while keeping students at the center of her advocacy.