Opening Bell

PENING BELL

Engaging Young Educators

Congratulations to the MEA members named County Teachers of the Year. The teachers were nominated by a member of their community, underwent a rigorous application process, and were chosen by a panel of teachers, principals and business community members. Maine County Teachers of the Year serve as ambassadors for teachers, students, and quality education state-wide. The Maine County Teachers of the Year are available to make presentations to local and regional organizations. Through the summer, they will continue to participate in an intensive State Teacher of the Year selection process. Below are the MEA members who have received this honor. Androscoggin: Shawn Rice, Edward Little High School, Auburn Cumberland: Heather Whitaker, Gorham Middle School Franklin: Robert Taylor, Spruce Mountain Middle/High School, Jay Hancock: Nell Herrmann, Blue Hill Consolidated School Knox: Thomas Gray, Camden Hills Regional High School Penobscot: Tracy Deschaine, Orono Middle School Sagadahoc: Charles Bingham, Morse High School, Bath Waldo: Ashley Reynolds, Captain Albert Stevens School, Belfast York: Ethel Atkinson, Bonny Eagle Middle School, Buxton Lincoln County did not have a nominee who both met the criteria and engaged in the application process.

Bangor Contract Success

After nearly a year of contract negotiations, Bangor EA reached a settlement agreement with the School Committee. Bangor teachers received an increase of 8% over the next three years; it’s the biggest gain in 11 years. In keeping up with the push to increase the starting teacher pay, BEA negotiated a $40,000 base for teachers on the Bachelor scale on year three. Ed Techs also received an 8% increase over three years and credit for prior experience for new hires. In addition, BEA achieved new extra duty stipends. Early career educators in the Bangor area participated in MEA’s Young Education Professionals (YEP) group as they attended a paint night. During the painting, the group learned about the extensive benefits of membership through the MEABT and through NEA Member Benefits. Further south, YEP-MEA held a technology training event at Rising Tide in Portland. The training offered advice on different technology tools educators can use to engage their students and left time at the end for members to share best practices. MEA regularly hosts these specialized events to give those newer to the profession a place to share and connect on the issues that matter to them. To learn more visit:

https://maineea.org/yep-mea/

Early Career educators learn new technology tips at an event at

Rising Tide in Portland.

Local Associations Organizing

Seacoast EA continues to reach out to members and non-members as it grows membership . The local held a member mixer-a social event for existing members and encouraged new members to attend by showing up with a completed membership application. The group met at a local brewery in Rockland, raffled off prizes every 30 minutes, fed everyone and had fun! Seventy-five people showed up, including MEA President Grace Leavitt and UniServ Director, Rose Mahoney.