Maine Educator Spring 2025

Spring 2025 | maineea.org

Picture left: Chris Coleman with NEA President Becky Pringle Picture right: Jen Cooper with NEA President Becky Pringle

Get to know our 2024 Award for Teaching Excellence Winner Chris Coleman and ESP of the Year Award Winner Jen Cooper -Page 12

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: MEA Salary Issue See where your district ranks - Page 20

Fund Maine's Future

It's Time to Invest in Maine's Public Universities -Page 16

MEA Representative Assembly The Power of WE - Page 26

NEA Member

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Exclusive

A Trusted and Valuable Benefit As an NEA member, did you know you receive $1,000 of term life insurance at no cost to you? You’re already enrolled in the NEA® Complimentary Life Insurance Plan, but it’s a good time to make sure you’ve selected a beneficiary.

When you do, you can have some peace of mind that your loved ones will receive their benefit in a time of need. This unique benefit helps ensure educators like you have additional coverage beyond what may be provided through your district. It’s just one of the many ways your union membership works hard for you.

Scan the code or go to neamb.com/mycomp for a quick and easy path to update your beneficiary information.

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*Must maintain NEA membership. This coverage is offered to Active, Reserve and Staff members, as well as to Life and Retired members who are actively employed in education.

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Maine Educator | Spring 2025

Spring 2025

CONTENTS

VOLUME 85, NUMBER 3

COVER

FEATURES

MEA Winter Conference

12 MEA Awards Photo Credit: NEA

10 Scenes from the MEA Winter Conference "Together As One" Spring 2025 | maineea.org

MEA Awards

12 We highlight our Award for Teaching Excellence Winner Chris Coleman and ESP Award Winner Jennifer Cooper.

Picture left: Chris Coleman with NEA President Becky Pringle Picture right: Jen Cooper with NEA President Becky Pringle

Get to know our 2024 Award for Teaching Excellence Winner Chris Coleman and ESP of the Year Award Winner Jen Cooper -Page 12

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: MEA Salary Issue See where your district ranks - Page 20

Fund Maine's Future

It's Time to Invest in Maine's Public Universities -Page 16

MEA Representative Assembly

Higher Education Members Advocate for UMS Funding at the State House

20 Members of all three bargaining units at the University of Maine System have been pressing lawmakers for increased funding to the University of Maine System (UMS).

The Power of WE - Page 26

$50K Salary

SPECIAL SELECTIONS Celebrate Diverse Books 8 Celebrate a nation of diverse readers with these recommended books!

In the Know 9 Quotes and Numbers MEA Notice Board 14 Contests, Grants, and MEA Summer Conference Fostering Safe and Affirming Schools for All Students 15 Find out how you can foster safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments MEA Salary Guide 2024-25 20 The MEA maintains a salary database to help members understand how educators are paid across Maine.

24 With fewer pre-service educators choosing to work in Maine’s schools, declining enrollment and completion numbers in education preparation programs, and many educators trending closer to retirement, the educator shortage in Maine is now at a crisis level.

97th MEA Representative Assembly 28 Each year, the MEA holds its Representative Assembly (RA), the democratic body of the Union. At the 97th annual RA, members will discuss the following proposals seen on the next several pages.

Editorial Staff Managing Editor Rachelle Bristol Editor Samantha Burdick Layout Design Shawn Berry

Leadership President Jesse Hargrove Vice President Beth French Treasurer Jaye Rich NEA Director Rebecca Cole

Board of Directors District A: Pamela Kinsey District B: Vacant District C: Kendrah Fisher District D: Cedena McAvoy District E: Thresa Mitchell District F: Hilary Koch District G: Valerie Pinkham District H: Dennis Boyd District I: Evelyn Atwood District J: Suzanne Nelson District K: Tom Walsh District L: Rebecca Manchester District M: William "Bill" True District O: Michael Grillo District P: Lisa Henderson District R: Kay Grindall District ESP: Jay Nicholson Student: Zach Wentworth Maine Educator (ISSN #1069-1235) is published by: Maine Education Association 35 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330-8005 Phone: 207-622-5866 Fax: 207-888-2070 POSTMASTER: send address changes to: Maine Educator 35 Community Drive, Augusta, Maine 04330-8005 Non-Profit US Postage paid at Augusta, Maine and additional mailing offices.

For advertising rates and information please contact:

DEPARTMENTS 3 4 6 7 26 30

MEA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COOK'S CORNER MEA SUMMER CAMP MEA'S LEGISLATIVE CALL TO ACTION EDITOR'S NOTE

Shawn Berry 35 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 207-622-5866

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President's Letter - Spring 2025

The Power of We

(Portland EA) at the NEA Education Support Professional Conference. Jennifer was Maine’s 2024 Joan McGovern ESP Award recipient. Now is a good time to start thinking of colleagues you would like to nominate for these awards, and many more, for the 2025-2026 school year. See the MEA Awards/ Grants page for more information.

Our Government Relations Committee has been busy working with our Government Relations Director to expand our advocacy capacity. They recently formed the Legislative Organizing Committee, which meets biweekly, to stay informed about what is happening at the Maine State House and how we can ensure educators' voices are heard by legislators.

Jesse Hargrove with Maine's NEA Director, Rebecca Cole, in Washington D.C.

I was heading home, much later than usual. My wife and kids had long been finished with school and were into evening activities – music boosters, Rocket League, taunting the cats, maybe a little homework. But the sun….it was still out, bright, and optimistic.

Suddenly, my tardiness seemed less pronounced. Spring in Maine is a roller coaster ride, hence “spring fever” and “March Madness.” We can feel the warmth of longer days, yet fully expect a surprise snowstorm, and mud. College basketball upsets have mystified us, and Arizona State University’s March Mammal Madness causes hallway debates over animal prowess and random acts of nature. Spring is volatile with change.

However, it brings the promise of vitamin D, returning colors, and outdoor activities.

While some March mammals may lose out to winter hibernation, the MEA has been a flurry of activity. The Together as One winter conferences in Presque Isle and Bangor were a huge success engaging members in critical workshops and professional development.

Our NEA Director Rebecca Cole and I had successful meetings with Maine Congressional Delegation at the U.S. Capitol.

This included an extensive conversation with Senator Collins celebrating her work on the Social Security Fairness Act to repeal the Government Pension Offset/Windfall Elimination Provision while sharing concerns for a restructured U.S. Department of Education and the programs that support Maine students. This was the first in person meeting with Senator Collins in eight years, an important step in securing Maine educator voice in the federal landscape.

While in D.C., we celebrated Chris Coleman (Damariscotta Area TA), Maine’s 2024 Award for Teaching Excellence at the NEA Foundation Gala. We’ll also be celebrating Jennifer Cooper 4

Maine Educator | Spring 2025

Over February Break, we trained a group of members on advocating for your students and colleagues at the State House.

As a result, we had over a dozen members show up to the State House, or submit written testimony, sharing with legislators the importance of passing LD 34,which would raise the minimum teacher salary in Maine.

Many more members across the state and bargaining units have been testifying on your MEA priorities to alleviate workplace shortages. In addition to an increase in teacher salary, members have been advocating for mental health supports, a robust mentoring program. Members have also been paid student teaching experiences, and meeting with their legislators through a series of “back home meetings.” This effort was modeled after our Higher Education members’ Fund Maine’s Future campaign which has engaged members across the University of Maine System to push for an increase in funding to our public universities. When we unlock the power of “we” with collective efforts, we get stuff done.

The Power of We will be the theme for our 2025 MEA Representative Assembly. This is our union’s legislative body, where members set the business, budget, and priorities of the union for the upcoming year. The MEA RA isn’t all business, we also have fun celebrating our Clyde Russell Scholarship and MEA award winners. MEA RA Delegates are invited to be part of the Screening and Endorsement Committee that decides which candidates the union will endorse in upcoming state elections. If you are not a delegate for 2025, consider running for a seat from your local for 2026 so you can help shape education policy in the 2026 legislative and gubernatorial elections.

I hope you all made it deep into your respective brackets and maybe hit on a sleeper or two. Enjoy longer days, and thank you for another great school year.

Jesse Hargrove President 207-622-5866 x 2227

From MEA's Executive Director Rach e lle Bris to l

The Only Constant is Change 3) Free membership. Got your attention, didn’t I? Hopefully, this will get the attention of potential members!

Every year, MEA provides potential members with an opportunity to join us for free until the next membership year (September 1). Early enrollment kicks off April 1st and runs through the summer. There is always room in our community/union for more, and we welcome all who wish to join the association. Please share your experiences as a member with a potential member and change their thinking about joining. We need everyone working together to make change and protect public education.

There is power in numbers, and we must continue to build our power, especially now.

Once again, the weather is changing, and the days are getting longer. This is incredibly good news for those of us who struggle in the darker months of the year here in the Maine. The sun has begun to make us long for f lipf lops and short sleeves. Flowers are peaking out of the ground albeit prematurely inspiring hope and building anticipation for summer activities. It is this time of year that always makes me think of the things that are evolving in my life, in the world, and in MEA. So, I thought I would share a few observations for your consideration.

1) The World. It has been an interesting couple of months since the turn of the calendar year. We have been challenged as a country, as communities, and as a union.

How we show up in this time for those we love and those we represent is important. MEA is constantly assessing the happenings and changing landscape in this moment and making strategic decisions to best position MEA for continued success and inf luence. If you have questions, please reach out. We are always looking to connect with you to hear your thoughts and concerns.

2) Connectivity & Contact Info. Recently, MEA has been on a data collection and cleansing mission. We want to make sure we have the best contact information for each of our members so we can communicate with you in the most efficient and effective manner on sensitive topics and updates. To that end, MEA just launched a contest to collect personal emails and cell phone numbers from members, and we need your help! You will receive an email from MEA with a link that will take you to a page to verify and/or update your personal contact information.

Any member who engages in this ask will be entered into a drawing to win a $500 VISA gift card. Five members will win. And your local can win $2500 too! Please help us stay connected to you by verifying this information!

4) Perspective. On a more personal level once the clocks spring forward, I begin to anticipate the boat splashing and ocean vistas. My partner has a 33-foot Tartan sailboat which has allowed me to experience the Maine coast from the sea. It is incredibly important to change your perspective and sometimes changing your frame can be very empowering. Looking at things differently can help better understand someone’s statements and beliefs. I am often mindful that I must get out of my comfort zone to achieve systemic change in myself, our organization, and the broader community.

As during this time of year when the rain, wind, and sun work together to bring f lowers and the promise of brighter days, if we all work together and harness the Power of We (the MEA RA theme this year), we are unstoppable and can do great things.

Find the Sunshine, Rachelle

Rachelle Bristol Executive Director 207-622-5866 x 2227 MAINEEA.ORG

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Action Steps to Foster Culturally Responsive Practices What is Culturally Responsive Teaching?

“I define culturally responsive teaching simply as...An educator’s ability to recognize students’ cultural displays of learning and meaning making and respond positively and constructively with teaching moves that use cultural knowledge as a scaffold to connect what the student knows to new concepts and content in order to promote effective information processing. All the while, the educator understands the importance of being in a relationship and having a social-emotional connection to the student in order to create a safe space for learning.” - Zaretta Hammond Why? Culturally responsive practices recognize the diverse cultural backgrounds of all students, which promotes meaningful relationship building between the educator and student, and the educator and family/guardians. They create inclusive environments that make instructional messaging compatible for all students, as the educator builds on students’ prior knowledge to introduce and explain new or complex topics. Because of this, the educator is required to learn and evolve every day.

How to Become More Culturally Responsive →Understand your own culture and how it affects how you relate to students As an educator, you have the opportunity to be a cultural bridge builder for your students. This begins with an awareness of your own cultural identity and that of your students. Consider this: every lesson you teach is influenced by your cultural perspective.

In each lesson or unit you design, challenge yourself to create connections that resonate with your students’ diverse cultural backgrounds.

Do Now: Take a moment to think about your own social/cultural upbringing. How does this impact how you see the world?

How might it differ from some of the students with whom you work? How does your cultural identity come through in your instruction or work with students? →Become aware of your own unconscious or implicit biases.

Implicit or unconscious biases are the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. Implicit biases can influence our actions, reactions, perceptions, and judgements, and result in unfavorable treatment of students or others; no one is immune; however, when we are aware of our implicit biases, we can implement behavior changes that can help to combat these biases.

Do now: Take one of Harvard’s Implicit Associations Tests. This resource from Learning for Justice provides more information on unconscious biases and will direct you to Harvard’s assessments.

(Scan QR Code) Do now: From Support Ed, this Cultural Awareness, Knowledge, and Skills Self-Assessment asks you to reflect on your areas 6

Maine Educator | Spring 2025

of strength and an area upon which you can improve. It will enable you to set goals in moving forward in your own cultural awareness and implicit biases. (Scan QR code) →Create an Inclusive Teaching and Learning Environment • Celebrate cultural traditions, holidays, and celebrations by incorporating them into lessons. Discuss the significance and how they relate to the subject matter.

• Provide opportunities for students to share their own cultural stories, experiences, and perspectives.

• Offer a mix of visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and collaborative activities to cater to diverse learning needs.

• Address cultural stereotypes or biases that arise in conversations or in materials.

• Connect lessons to current global events.

• Seek feedback from students to understand student engagement and understanding of content. A great example of this is demonstrated in this ReadWriteThink Cultural Relevance Rubric, which could be adapted for other content areas or assignments. (Scan QR Code) • Provide opportunities for independent and group learning experiences

LEARN MORE

Want to work with a grade-level group or larger committee in your school to assess the extent to which your school is culturally responsive? →Systemic Change Use SupportEd’s Culturally Resposive School Checklist and Goal Setting Form (Scan QR Code) →Scan QR Code to view resources!

Mallory Cook Director of Training & Early Educator Engagement mcook@maineea.org

SAVE THE DATE

MEA Summer Camp Conference July 28-29 CALLING ALL ADVENTURERS! DESTINATION: USM PORTLAND 96 FALMOUTH ST, PORTLAND, ME 04103

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS: WHO: ALL MEA MEMBERS COST: FREE FOR MEMBERS CONTACT HOURS: UP TO 14 HOURS EARNED

18 APRIL JULY -28-29, 24 APRIL 20252025 MEA Summer Camp offers the perfect FREE opportunity for members to connect with union colleagues from across the state and to enhance their skills as educators, leaders, and change-makers.

FOR MORE INFO: MAINEEA.ORG

MAINEEA.ORG

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Celebrate

Diverse Books

ELEMENTARY

THE BOOK THAT ALMOST RHYMED

MIDDLE GRADE

POETRY COMICS

BY: GRANT SNIDER

BY: OMAR ABED

Combining poetry and comics in a whole new way, these clever, calming poems illustrated in graphic novel-style panels are about everything from new shoes and falling leaves to friendship and growing up.

While her big brother tries to tell a more conventional adventure tale about a brave knight, little sister interrupts with creative and wild suggestions that don’t even rhyme.

YOUNG ADULT

HOW THE BOOGEYMAN BECAME A POET

BY: TONY KEITH, JR.

Poet, writer, and hip-hop educator Tony Keith Jr. traces his journey from being a closeted gay Black teen battling poverty, racism, and homophobia to becoming an openly gay first-generation college student who finds freedom in poetry.

SCAN HERE TO SEE ADDITIONAL NEA RECOMMENDED BOOKS

SCAN ME

In the Know

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School buses would be needed to hold the 2,600 LGBTQ+ students in Maine who considered suicide in the last year.

23,000

Mainers will receive retroactive and adjusted benefits due to the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).

167,705,752 The amount of federal funding for pre-k-12 schools that Maine could lose if the Department of Education is eliminated.

“The repeal of the GPO and WEP will have a profound impact on retired educators, public service workers and future retirees, ensuring they receive the benefits they have rightfully earned.

My goal was to get this fixed during my lifetime, and it is overwhelming to know that after decades of disappointment, it is finally done."

-Crystal Ward (MEA Retired) wrote in a letter to the editor published in the Sun Journal. Over 25 years ago, Ward brought the issue of GPO/ WEP to the NEA Representative Assembly and has since spent decades advocating for the repeal of both unjust provisions.

“All students benefit from programs run by the Department of Education, and we’re here today to protect our students and to protect our public schools,” -Kerrie Dowdy, president of the Portland Education Association.

Portland schools took part in the National Walk-In on March 19th to protect students and defend public schools. #ProtectStudents

“For years we have done more with less. Now it’s time for the state to do its part — not just for our sake, but for the long-term health of the state as a whole.”

- -Michael Cauvel (AFUM) Sara Abronze (UMPSA), and Clara Perka (ACSUM) said in an op-ed published in the Portland Press Herald.

"There are literally four houses in the entire state of Maine that a starting teacher would be able to afford. That's a pretty bleak outcome, especially when you can go to any other state in New England and make more money."

-Erin Beal (Portland Education Association) told WGME Channel 13 interview about LD 34: An Act to Increase the Minimum Salary for Teachers in February.

MAINEEA.ORG

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Hundreds of MEA members, including educators, support staff, and

Mykayla Conerly, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, presented teachers, for the MEA’s Together as One Winter "Unlocking aspiring the Behavior Code" at gathered both conferences, offering Conference.

The event was held at the educators practical strategies to understand and manage University of Maine Presque in late January andfrom at Bangor’s challengingIsle student behaviors.

Hailing Aroostook United Technologies Center in earlywas February.

County, Conerly delightedAttendees to reconnecthad with the boardopportunity to participate in a variety sessions important topics such as Wabanaki member Pam Kinseyof(District A) atcovering the UMPI conference.

studies, strategies for addressing challenging behaviors, support for LGBTQ+ students, Special Education law, and much more.

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2 Aspiring Educators Julia Gay and Sarah Plourde studying elementary education at the University of Maine Presque Isle, said they learned how important the voice of pre-service teachers is to the future of education.

Board member Dennis Boyd (District H) ran into former student, Julia Gay, student at University of Maine Presque 3Isle at winter conference.

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Keynote presenters Sarah Wilkinson and Gretchen shared their research findings on challenging behaviors in schools.

They conducted a statewide survey of educators to gain insights into the experiences of Maine educators with these behaviors and to assess the professional development opportunities available to address them.

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Maine Educator | Spring 2025

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1) Mykayla Conerly, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, presented "Unlocking the Behavior Code" at both conferences, offering educators practical strategies to understand and manage challenging student behaviors.

Hailing from Aroostook County, Conerly was delighted to reconnect with board member Pam Kinsey (District A) at the UMPI conference.

2) Aspiring Educators Julia Gay and Sarah Plourde studying elementary education at the University of Maine Presque Isle, said they learned how important the voice of pre-service teachers is to the future of education.

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3) Board member Dennis Boyd (District H) met Julia Gay, a former student now attending the University of Maine Presque Isle, at the Presque Isle winter conference.

4) Keynote presenters Sarah Wilkinson and Gretchen Scheibel shared their research findings on challenging behaviors in schools. They conducted a statewide survey of Maine educators to better understand the behaviors they experience in the classroom and assess the professional development opportunities available to address them.

5) Members attending the Together as One Winter Conference hosted at United Technologies Center in Bangor, participate in a morning activity to share the positive things happening at their schools.

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6) Brianne Lolar, a citizen of the Panawahpskek Nation party of the Wabanaki Confederacy, presented ‘Wabanaki Studies in and out of the Classroom,’ a vision for the future of Wabanaki Studies. The goal of this training is to help educators foster Indigenous cultural awareness and understanding across Wabanaki homelands through professional development and transformative learning experiences.

7) Aspiring educators in the Educator Preparation Program at United Technologies Center (UTC), attended a session with Mallory Cook, Director of Training and Early Educator Engagement, where they engaged in an activity to design a vision for their dream classrooms. The Educator Preparation Program offers students an opportunity to explore the world of education through classroom visits, internships, and partnerships with local schools.

8) Aspiring educators in the Educator Preparation Program at United Technologies Center (UTC), attended a session with Mallory Cook, Director of Training and Early Educator Engagement, where they shared why they wanted to teach.

MAINEEA.ORG

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2024 AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

Chris Coleman

E

ducators often go above and beyond, never intending to be recognized for the many things that they do inside and outside of their classrooms to promote public education. For Chris Coleman, fourth-grade teacher at Great Salt Bay Community School, being honored with MEA’s 2024 Award for Teaching Excellence has been a particularly special honor. Coleman says his story is not only about what he does inside the classroom—it’s about advocacy, leadership, and commitment to his students and community, that fill him with pride.

There is no question that Coleman is an accomplished and dedicated teacher—he was recognized as Lincoln County Teacher of the Year in 2017. What truly sets him apart, however, is his unwavering leadership within his profession, state and local union, and school community. Coleman shared that being acknowledged for his advocacy work and the often unpaid, behind-the-scenes efforts to improve public education in Maine was particularly meaningful.

“Usually, I am focused on recognizing my students for their accomplishments,” Coleman says. “So, it feels particularly special when other educators and the community see you and recognize the work you are doing, not only in the classroom, but outside of the classroom as well.”

Coleman understands the importance of ensuring that the voices of Maine educators are heard from the school board to the State House. This dedication is a true testament to his commitment to public education. While it may go unnoticed by some, it is what set him apart in the nomination last year for the Award for Teaching Excellence.

Serving as the president of the Damariscotta Area TA and the former chair of MEA’s Government Relations Committee, Coleman has become a tireless advocate and champion for public education, his students, and his colleagues. His consistent ability to stand up for what is just, holding administrators accountable, speaking up for his students, and advocating for MEA members in the legislature underscores his commitment to public education.

Award for Teaching Excellence recipients are nominated by each of NEA's state affiliates annually. They embody excellence in their practice, advocacy for the profession, commitment to equity and opportunity, community engagement, and leadership in professional development Coleman and his fellow awardees have opportunities throughout the year to network with one another and attend storytelling and advocacy workshops.

In February, Coleman joined his fellow awardees in person at 12

Maine Educator | Spring 2025

“

Usually, I am focused on recognizing my students for their accomplishments...So, it feels particularly special when other educators and the community see you and recognize the work you are doing, not only in the classroom, but outside of the classroom as well.

Chris Coleman 2024 Award for Teaching Excellence

”

the NEA Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education Gala in Washington D.C., to share their stories with one another and formally receive their awards.

“It is not often that we get to connect with teachers outside of Maine and share our stories,” Coleman reflected. He says “It was inspiring. I came back to school with so many takeaways and new ideas. It was what I needed. It gave me a boost of energy.”

Throughout the year, awardees fostered relationships and were inspired by one another., “I sat with a teacher from Hawaii who is working on a language immersion school to make sure students learn the native Hawaiian language,” he said. “One teacher from California shared how she entered teaching as a second career after being a police officer to have a closer impact on the kids in her community.”

Coleman hopes that we can collectively find more opportunities to lift one another up as fellow educators, recognizing the glimmers of greatness we see in each other every day. “By focusing on the positive contributions within our schools and communities. We can combat the negativity that sometimes circulates and celebrate the remarkable work happening in our schools.”

2024 EDUCATION SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL AWARD

G

rowing up, Jen Cooper never envisioned herself as an educator, but after a decade of working as an education technician in Portland Public Schools, it became clear that she had found her calling.

Jen Cooper

An exceptional educator, union leader, and advocate, Cooper works in a functional life skills room at Lyman Moore Middle School in Portland—Maine's largest and most diverse school district—and serves as the ESP President for the Portland Education Association “The most rewarding part of my work is the connection I build with my students,” Cooper says. “The joy they bring with them every day is incredible. I love how fun and energetic they are, despite any challenges that they may face.”

Connection and relationships are at the heart of what Cooper does. She works hard to build relationships with her students’ families and is passionate about integrating her students into the community to provide them with authentic learning experiences.

“We go swimming at the community pool weekly, meet other schools and community programs to take our students bowling, go behind the scenes at area businesses, and in the warmer months we do outdoor discovery at local nature conservatories.”

As a union leader and advocate, Cooper is determined to make sure that her students and colleagues have the resources that they need to thrive.

“

This really validated the work that we put in daily as educators. Sometimes you don’t hear that people are happy with the work that you are doing. It’s great to know that people see the work and appreciate it.

Jen Cooper 2024 ESP AWARD

”

Earlier this year, Cooper’s functional life skills team organized a school dance to raise money for her students’ community programming, which this programming, as valuable as it is for her students, would not be possible without the additional funds that the team works hard to secure.

As Maine Education Association’s 2024 ESP of the Year, Cooper had the opportunity to spend the last year networking with other state ESP of the Year award winners, participating in professional development, and culminating the year with the NEA ESP National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky in March.

“The dance helped us fund an outing to Uno’s,” Cooper explained. “We organized a behind the scenes experience at the restaurant, so that students could learn how restaurants operate.

They participated in everything from making their own pizzas in the kitchen to serving food in the dining room.”

“It has been great to connect with one another virtually, but I am excited to get together with NEA members from different states, and also to learn and grow and understand how to serve the people of my district more.”

Cooper is known for her tireless advocacy efforts on behalf of her students and their families. In a nomination letter for Cooper, Portland Superintendent Ryan Scallion described her, “As a strong advocate for her families, and an educator who improves outcomes for all students.”

Cooper says being named Maine’s 2024 ESP of the Year came as a shock. “This really validated the work that we put in daily as educators. Sometimes you don’t hear that people are happy with the work that you are doing. It’s great to know that people see the work and appreciate it.”

MAINEEA.ORG

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notice board EDUCATOR APPRECIATION WEEK May 4-May 9

High School Quiz Show Maine

CONTESTS

MEA is proud to sponsor Season 8 of High School Quiz Show: Maine.

Episodes begin airing on Thursday, March 20th, at 8pm on Maine Public Television. New episodes air every Thursday at 8pm, with the State Championship on May 29th. Each episode is rebroadcast on Fridays at 2pm and Sundays at 5pm.

“My Hero Works at School” Essay MEA is pleased to join the Portland Sea Dogs for its annual “My Hero Works at School” essay contest. Students are encouraged to write a short essay, no more than 300 words, about their school hero.

Deadline: May 19, 2025 Learn More: maineea.org/award-grants

UPCOMING EVENTS

Maine Educator Magazine Cover: “What I Love About Maine” The Maine Educator will feature a cover designed by a Maine public school art student depicting the theme “What I Love About Maine.” Submissions can be any form of art and should be 8.5” by 11” or able to be photographed.

Deadline: May 19, 2025 Learn More: maineea.org/award-grants

Early Career Educator Virtual Conference April 26 97th MEA Representative Assembly May 17-May 18 MEA Summer Camp Conference July 28-July 29

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Maine Educator | Spring 2025

→Don’t Tolerate Bullying or Slurs: Show your students that they have allies and you will not tolerate bullying.

→Ask LGBTQ+ students and colleagues how you can support them:

Fostering Safe and Affirming Schools for All Students As anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric has skyrocketed across the state and county, so do mental health concerns among LGBTQ+ students and colleagues. You can help. Find out how you can foster safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments.

All students and educators deserve to feel safe and supported at school, where students spend most of their waking hours. Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ students face higher risks of violence and discrimination at school, home, and in their communities. According to a 2024 report from the United States CDC:

• • • •

One in three LGBTQ+ youth report being bullied on school property in the last year.

One in five LGBTQ+ youth skipped school last year due to safety concerns.

LGBTQ+ students are nearly three times more likely to have considered suicide in the past year.

Over 64% of LGBTQ+ students report feeling sad or hopeless for more than two weeks in the last year

The good news is that creating affirming school environments can significantly improve the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.

For instance, transgender and nonbinary students who have their pronouns respected attempt suicide at half the rate of those who do not. Additionally, LGBTQ+ students who feel supported and encouraged at school are less likely to report mental health challenges.

Below are a few ways that you can shift the narrative and create inclusive environments for the LGBTQ+ youth and staff at your schools.

How to Show That YOU Are a Safe Person:

As anti-LGBTQ+ legislation increases across the country, so do mental health concerns among the LGBTQ+ community. Community support is important; reach out to your students and colleagues and ask how you can support them.

Responding to the Needs of LGBTQ+ Youth: Out Maine: Out Maine works to build welcoming and affirming communities for Maine’s LGBTQ+ youth. Check out their resources for educators including support circles, programs, training, and more.

Find their resources and learn more at outmaine.org or scan the QR code.

GLSEN: Founded by a group of teachers, GLSEN has done extensive research to develop appropriate resources for school communities. Check out their resources at GLSEN.org. or scan the QR code.

→Make Your Support Visible:

NEA Toolkit: NEA has put together a comprehensive toolkit of ways to help educators support and protect their LGBTQ+ students. You can find the complete toolkit here: by scanning the QR code.

→Model Using Your Pronouns:

NEA’s Micro Credentials: Designed for all members, particularly those committed to addressing bias around sexual orientation and gender identity, this program teaches school personnel how to create a safe school climate for students and staff. Micro Credentials can be found here: by scanning the QR code.

If you are able, decorate your space with items that signify allyship, like a pronoun button or poster, a flag, or a poster of an LGBTQ+ artist.

Model understanding by using your pronouns when you introduce yourself.

Ask students what name and pronouns they would like to use and be sure to leave this information for substitute teachers or other educators that might work with the student.

→Use Inclusive Language:

→Scan QR Code for Resources

Instead of addressing your class as “boys and girls” or “ladies and gentlemen,” consider using words like “students” or “friends,” or content specific words like “scientists.”

MAINEEA.ORG

15

technical) staff across UMS, further illustrate these challenges.

Many ACSUM members report struggling due to low wages.

Over 45% of respondents use more than half their income to cover housing and utilities costs. Additionally, over 35% report working a second job, and many qualify for public assistance such as supplemental nutrition services, heating assistance, or MaineCare.

These financial struggles are one of the many consequences of inadequate state funding for the university system. Adjusting for inflation, the state appropriation to the UMS has fallen by 10% since 2008, and 2022 was the lowest amount ever appropriated to the system.

Higher Education Members Advocate for UMS Funding at the State House Members of all three bargaining units at the University of Maine System—the Associated Faculties of the Universities of Maine (AFUM), the Universities of Maine Professional Staff Association (UPMSA), and the Associated COLT Staff of the Universities of Maine (ACSUM)—have been pressing lawmakers for increased funding to the University of Maine System (UMS).

“While we praise the Governor’s budget proposal to increase UMS funding by 4%, it is not sufficient to make the necessary investments that provide Maine with the future workforce critical for economic growth,” said MEA President Jesse Hargrove. “Funding for UMS has been stagnant, and the current budget proposal will not address systemic issues in the University of Maine System, such as deferred maintenance, staffing shortages, and low employee pay.”

Last summer, staff from the three bargaining units at UMS launched the Fund Maine’s Future campaign to spotlight the system-wide impact of low wages and deteriorating facilities.

These issues, stemming from inadequate state appropriations, have significantly affected every department, with students and staff bearing the brunt of the consequences.

The decades of declining appropriations have led to structural gaps and significant budgetary issues—including an estimated $1.6 billion in deferred maintenance of university facilities. Many staff members report that facilities and buildings throughout the system have foregone maintenance and are deteriorating, which undoubtedly impacts not only staff, but students throughout the university system.

Associate Professor of Biochemistry at UMaine, Josh Kelly, has witnessed firsthand the effects of deferred maintenance.

Describing his experience, he said, “The HVAC system fails multiple times a year, leading to failed experiments and uninhabitable labs. Temperature swings and steam leaks have damaged microscopes worth upwards of a million dollars and destroyed ultracold freezers, leading to tens of thousands in equipment damage and incalculable research losses.”

These challenges underscore a broader issue of how underfunding higher education can hinder economic growth.

Michael Cauvel, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Southern Maine, highlighted this critical issue for lawmakers recently. According to Cauvel, only 36% of Mainers hold a bachelor’s degree, which places Maine behind all other New England states. “This puts us at a serious competitive disadvantage relative to our neighbors,” Cauvel noted. “It makes it difficult to attract and retain dynamic businesses that require a pool of educated workers.”

Since January, members have been meeting with legislators at the State House, engaging in webinars to share data and lobby

Survey results shared by Brian Berger, President of ACSUM, which represents hourly COLT (clerical, office, laboratory,

Michael Cauvel delivering testimony

16

Maine Educator | Spring 2025 INVEST IN MAINE’S PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

for an increase in the state’s appropriation to the University System. One of the lawmakers leading the charge is Senator Mike Tipping (D-Penobscot), the state senator for District 8, which includes the town of Orono.

“The fact that we are not investing in our future means that we are shortchanging our state and mortgaging the futures of our children,” says Senator Tipping.

This year, Maine has an opportunity to make a pivotal investment in higher education. This funding represents one

of the most significant engines of economic growth—our universities. By supporting funding for UMS, Maine can ensure a well-educated workforce that attracts dynamic businesses and fosters innovation. Such an investment could be transformative for the state, driving economic and social progress for years to come.

To learn more about Fund Maine’s Future or to ask your elected officials to support the initiative visit: maineea.org/actioncenter or scan the QR code below.

INVEST IN MAINE’S PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

Higher Education Funding Statistics →Investments in Higher Education Pay for Themselves

→Staff Pay the Price:

FALLING APPROPRIATIONS FOR DECADES HAVE CREATED STRUCTURAL GAPS

7% Pay Cut

10% 6% Pay Cut since 2020 for UMPSA

The Rate of Return on Government Spending for Public Universities

→Governments spend $85,000 less on lifetime services for those with a college degree

$500,000

Increased lifetime tax revenue of college degree holders.

→Students with a bachelor’s degree earn

84%

more than those without a degree

since 2016 for AFUM

4% Pay Cut since 2021 for ACSUM

2022 was the lowest real appropriation

Source: Maine Office of Fiscal and Program Review, converted to real numbers inflation with U.S. CPI and projected inflation for 2024-2025

LAGGING BEHIND PEER INSTITUTIONS 57%

$1.6 billion

51%

80%

77%

Many of UM’s peers are not R1

77%

in deferred maintenance across the University of Maine System E

LEARN MOR

Read the Full Report Scan the QR Code:

COLLEGE EDUCATION IN NEW ENGLAND

NOTE: 3 STATES HAVE FREE TUITION PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES (NY, NM, CO)

Maine lags behind its neighbors on educational attainment and consequently economic outcomes.

Maine has difficulty attracting and retaining dynamic businesses and bright young people.

MAINEEA.ORG

17

$50K Salary Photo credit: Adobe Stock

J

ust four short years ago, As a result, Wentworth has Zach Wentworth wrote his made the difficult decision college application essay to the to delay his teaching career, University of Maine about his choosing instead to attend passion for education and his graduate school and work dreams of returning to serve part-time. He says he hopes communities in rural Maine— that things will change over like Calais the next two where he grew years, but his up. Now, as he story is not approaches unlike many the other aspiring "With monthly rent completion of educators in for a one-bedroom his educator Maine. apartment over $1,200, preparation grocery prices increasing, Upon program student loan payments, graduation, and readies and other basic living himself to he says many expenses, it is difficult to of his peers begin his see how I could sustain career as an at University myself on that salary.” educator, the of Maine are harsh realities -ZACH WENTWORTH choosing of the current to forgo teaching profession in Maine teaching for careers that offer have set in. competitive professional salaries like technology, “Currently, teachers in my business, and law. With hometown of Calais earn fewer pre-service educators about $40,000 per year—the choosing to work in Maine’s state’s current minimum salary schools, declining enrollment for teachers,” Wentworth and completion numbers explains. “With monthly rent in education preparation for a one-bedroom apartment programs, and many educators over $1,200, grocery prices trending closer to retirement, increasing, student loan the educator shortage in payments, and other basic Maine is now at a crisis level. living expenses, it is difficult to see how I could sustain myself According to data from Maine on that salary.”

Public Employees Retirement

Raise the Wage

18

Maine Educator | Spring 2025

System (MainePERS), the state is losing upwards of 1,400 teachers each year. With less than 500 students completing teacher preparation programs annually, Maine is grappling with a convergence of challenges that exasperate the shortage.

Kendrah Fisher, 7th grade teacher at SoDoMoCha Middle School in Dover-Foxcroft, is in her second year of teaching.

"We do have amazing teachers in our schools, but also thousands of certified teachers who are choosing not to teach because they cannot afford to,” Fisher says.

“After taking only my net

Kendrah Fisher (SAD 68 EA)

income and subtracting the cost of necessary expenses, I would be left with -$21.19 each month,” Fisher said. “I have had colleagues share with me that when they began teaching, they relied on food stamps to support their family.

Others I know left teaching because the cost of childcare exceeded their pay.”

Losing educators comes at a significant cost. Dr. Erin Beal, an instructional coach at Lyman Moore Middle School in Portland, told members of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee during a hearing for LD 34: An Act to Increase the Minimum Salary for Teachers, teacher retention issues due to low starting salaries cost a school district, on average, $20,000 for each turnover.1 The educator shortage extends beyond financial costs, impacting student learning and overall education quality.

From pre-service educators to college faculty and staff, low pay and deteriorating working conditions lead to accelerated rates of burnout, sometimes causing educators to reluctantly leave for higher wages outside of public education.

“As an instructional coach, I know that teacher turnover events have even deeper

Johnson et al (2019): EducatorRecruitment-and-Retention_Editedf11dea93f2d2e1a3.pdf 1

ramifications for students,” Beal told the committee.

“It is no coincidence that as turnover events are increasing, student test scores are decreasing. If we want to increase student learning outcomes, we must increase teacher retention and pay."

The last change to the teacher

Dr. Erin Beal (Portland EA)

minimum wage law was in 2019, when Maine increased the minimum pay for teachers from $30,000 to $40,000—a change implemented incrementally over three years.

Despite this increase, Maine still ranks 37th in the nation for average starting salary based off 2023 data from the NEA—and still last in New England.

Making things worse, the average salary for classroom teachers has increased at a rate far slower than inflation.

According to the Maine Economic Policy Center, when adjusted for inflation, the $40,000 minimum teacher

salary in the 2022-2023 school year effectively represented a 7% reduction in real wages compared to when the bill passed in 2019.

This is a problem that Dr. Beal says impacts not only early career educators at the lower end of the salary scale but teachers at every level.

“Salary increases for the rest of our careers depend on those early years,” Dr. Beal explains. “Despite having my doctorate and over ten years of teaching in Maine, I still can't afford housing with a second bedroom. And in Maine, without a second bedroom, I cannot realize my deepest

dream of becoming a foster mom.”

If lawmakers are serious about the future of Maine's workforce and educating the next generation of Mainers, they must invest in its educators—Maine’s future depends on it.

“Under the current salary scale, I can help Maine children professionally, or I can help them personally,” Beal explained. “It is fiscally impossible, even with the highest level of education and experience, to do both. Please do not make me choose."

Inside Salary Data

$39,101

$44,139

$47,531

$42,283

2023 Maine Average Starting Pay

2024 Average Starting Salary Statewide

County with Highest Starting Salary:

County with Lowest Starting Salary: Franklin

York

53% Decline

815 Teachers Quit

in completion of teacher prep programs since 2010

or left the profession last year MAINEEA.ORG

19

MEA Salary Guide 2024-25 The MEA maintains a salary database to help members understand how educators are paid across Maine. MEA encourages you to use this information as you advocate for wages and benefits in your district. The following data is based off contracts submitted to the MEA for the 2024-2025 school year. Due to space limitations, the minimum salaries for Education Support Professionals will not appear in print, but you can find them online in the MEA salary guide. Scan the QR code or visit maineea.org/mea-salary-guide/ Contracts were pulled on February 18, 2025, *School year may not reflect the most up-to-date information if additional agreements are signed after contracts are submitted.

ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY BACHELOR’S MASTER’S Steps BA MAX MA Max Rank Rank School District MIN STEP 10 MAX MIN STEP 10 MAX (BA/MA) Auburn $43,864 $58,317 $67,312 $48,066 $63,964 $73,860 16 120/173 105/173 Lewiston $41,286 $54,703 $70,145 $43,567 $58,169 $74,590 20 98/173 97/173 Lisbon $42,025 $55,804 $75,920 $47,068 $62,500 $85,030 37 50/173 25/173 RSU 04, Sabattus $42,642 $48,982 $64,108 $48,042 $55,185 $72,226 22 145/173 118/173 RSU 16, Poland $44,266 $53,752 $72,272 $46,226 $55,710 $74,477 21 84/173 100/173 RSU 52, Turner $42,785 $54,866 $69,785 $45,120 $58,022 $73,800 18 100/173 106/173 RSU 73, Jay-Livermore $43,376 $54,470 $70,243 $45,978 $57,738 $74,457 19 97/173 101/173 ANDROSCOGGIN AVERAGE $42,892 $54,413 $69,969 $46,295 $58,755 $75,491 22 AROOSTOOK COUNTY BACHELOR’S MASTER’S BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out School District MIN STEP 10 MAX MIN STEP 10 MAX (BA/MA) OF 173) of 173) AOS 95 - SAD 27, Fort Kent Caswell Easton Limestone Madawaska RSU 29, Houlton RSU 32, Ashland RSU 33, St. Agatha RSU 39, Caribou RSU 42, Mars Hill RSU 45, Washburn RSU 50, Southern Aroostook RSU 70, Hodgdon RSU 79, Presque Isle RSU 86, Fort Fairfield RSU 88, Van Buren Southern Aroostook Region 2 Woodland AROOSTOOK AVERAGE CUMBERLAND COUNTY School District Brunswick Cape Elizabeth Falmouth Gorham Portland RSU 05, Freeport RSU 14, Windham RSU 15, Gray RSU 51, Cumberland RSU 61, Bridgton Scarborough Sebago South Portland Westbrook Yarmouth CUMBERLAND AVERAGE FRANKLIN COUNTY School District Flagstaff RSU, Eustis RSU 09, Farmington RSU 58, Phillips RSU 78, Rangeley 20

Maine Educator | Spring 2025

$44,000 $58,834 $77,332 $40,780 $52,410 $48,780 $41,200 $53,033 $70,431 $42,250 $53,050 $71,050 $42,500 $62,303 $71,184 $43,250 $55,650 $74,250 $40,800 $57,567 $70,464 $42,500 $54,000 $65,500 $43,750 $58,089 $74,737 $43,623 $59,116 $73,447 $42,000 $48,000 $68,000 $41,500 $56,919 $68,988 $42,000 $50,000 $67,000 $41,500 $54,597 $72,491 $42,500 $58,700 $71,300 $43,726 $47,452 $77,260 $43,800 $58,560 $58,560 $41,554 $48,172 $64,739 $42,402 $54,803 $69,195 BACHELOR’S MIN

STEP 10

MAX

$49,500 $65,016 $86,739 $50,492 $72,357 $88,111 $50,567 $73,323 $91,021 $44,972 $67,458 $82,568 $45,602 $62,891 $81,061 $47,486 $66,480 $80,251 $42,771 $61,862 $75,329 $47,025 $61,025 $77,225 $43,264 $60,570 $62,733 $48,146 $68,196 $84,599 $41,825 $58,554 $77,373 $46,161 $69,242 $80,783 $48,440 $60,440 $80,440 $51,175 $76,762 $91,603 $46,959 $66,013 $81,417 BACHELOR’S

$48,000 $42,780 $43,260 $44,750 $44,109 $45,250 $43,800 $46,500 $45,750 $46,721 $44,000 $44,500 $45,000 $43,500 $45,000 $45,927 $44,800 $43,154 $44,822

$62,834 $54,410 $55,685 $55,550 $66,344 $57,650 $61,809 $58,000 $60,745 $63,314 $50,000 $59,919 $53,000 $57,327 $61,200 $49,991 $59,560 $49,772 $57,617 MASTER’S

MIN

STEP 10

$52,377 $56,552 $55,624 $49,581 $49,965 $52,462 $45,576 $50,425 $47,590 $52,426 $44,882 $50,778 $52,800 $56,292 $51,238

$67,893 $78,416 $78,380 $72,067 $64,598 $73,495 $66,031 $65,375 $64,896 $72,982 $61,611 $73,858 $64,800 $81,880 $70,449 MASTER’S

MIN

STEP 10

MAX

MIN

STEP 10

$42,436 $41,616 $41,818 $43,260

$57,836 $54,300 $54,563 $54,026

$76,159 $68,785 $69,118 $69,158

$45,619 $44,217 $45,226 $47,045

$62,174 $57,693 $59,010 $58,754

$81,332 $50,780 $73,953 $73,550 $76,098 $76,250 $75,660 $69,500 $78,153 $78,663 $70,000 $71,988 $70,000 $76,116 $73,800 $82,503 $59,560 $66,339 $72,458

32 11 19 29 16 23 20 21 18 18 36 17 26 19 17 30 10 24 21

38/173 173/173 95/173 93/173 92/173 68/173 94/173 134/173 62/173 74/173 116/173 109/173 123/173 82/173 88/173 39/173 167/173 141/173

$81,871 $73,084 $74,753 $75,209

18 18 18 20

48/173 112/173 106/173 105/173

42/173 173/173 104/173 108/173 84/173 82/173 88/173 133/173 63/173 57/173 129/173 120/173 129/173 83/173 106/173 38/173 168/173 149/173

BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out MAX (BA/MA) OF 173) of 173) $89,616 25 7/173 15/173 $95,382 26 5/173 6/173 $98,606 26 3/173 2/173 $87,178 26 18/173 21/173 $82,678 31 24/173 35/173 $90,369 27 30/173 8/173 $79,177 31 54/173 52/173 $82,375 25 41/173 39/173 -/173 -/173 $77,875 19 148/173 67/173 $89,484 26 14/173 16/173 $80,430 19 37/173 48/173 $90,015 20 26/173 10/173 $84,800 41 29/173 27/173 $99,279 41 1/173 1/173 $87,662 27 BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out MAX (BA/MA) OF 173) of 173) 41/173 112/173 94/173 90/173

FRANKLIN AVERAGE HANCOCK COUNTY School District Blue Hill Brooklin Brooksville Castine Deer Isle-Stonington CSD Ellsworth George Stevens Academy Hancock Lamoine Mount Desert Island Otis Penobscot RSU 24, Sullivan RSU 25, Bucksport Sedgwick Surry HANCOCK AVERAGE KENNEBEC COUNTY School District Augusta Fayette RSU 02, Hallowell RSU 11, Gardiner RSU 12, Windsor RSU 18, Oakland RSU 38, Maranacook RSU 49, Fairfield Vassalboro Waterville Winslow Winthrop KENNEBEC AVERAGE KNOX COUNTY School District Appleton Five Town CSD Hope Knox Region 8 RSU 07, North Haven RSU 08, Vinalhaven RSU 13, Seacoast RSU 28, Camden St. George KNOX AVERAGE LINCOLN COUNTY School District AOS 93 - Bristol AOS 93 - Great Salt Bay CSD AOS 93 - Jefferson AOS 93 - Nobleboro AOS 93 - South Bristol AOS 98 - Boothbay AOS 98 - Edgecomb AOS 98 - Georgetown AOS 98 - Southport RSU 40, Waldoboro Wiscasset LINCOLN AVERAGE OXFORD COUNTY School District Fryeburg Academy Oxford Region 11 RSU 10, Rumford RSU 17, Paris

$42,283 $55,181 $70,805 BACHELOR’S MIN

STEP 10

MAX

$47,000 $54,200 $62,200 $42,500 $51,500 $61,500 $43,000 $52,000 $57,000 $43,697 $51,562 $55,932 $43,710 $55,216 $68,000 $43,264 $53,258 $64,212 $41,500 $56,500 $73,000 $43,878 $53,487 $65,200 $48,046 $55,101 $68,981 $47,396 $60,778 $81,199 $41,717 $53,652 $65,587 $43,600 $51,700 $51,700 $42,000 $49,778 $63,846 $43,000 $51,097 $67,059 $41,280 $49,020 $57,620 $43,550 $52,050 $60,550 $43,696 $53,181 $63,974 BACHELOR’S MIN

STEP 10

MAX

$46,150 $62,022 $78,568 $43,125 $52,015 $65,985 $42,597 $51,582 $68,069 $41,332 $50,833 $70,116 $41,861 $57,258 $74,143 $43,010 $50,170 $75,082 $43,842 $51,242 $72,842 $43,000 $50,500 $73,500 $42,039 $56,789 $73,752 $43,497 $56,749 $83,852 $42,467 $52,277 $79,219 $43,000 $51,145 $61,122 $42,993 $53,549 $73,021 BACHELOR’S MIN

STEP 10

MAX

$45,553 $64,257 $71,243 $49,661 $65,964 $85,622 $44,275 $57,175 $73,906 $46,187 $61,844 $78,284 $50,273 $64,548 $81,386 $45,845 $62,515 $80,120 $43,750 $57,950 $76,375 $49,661 $65,964 $85,622 $43,815 $58,884 $78,322 $46,558 $62,122 $78,987 BACHELOR’S MIN

STEP 10

MAX

$46,956 $59,684 $76,401 $43,000 $58,050 $73,100 $43,000 $58,050 $73,100 $42,512 $56,591 $69,563 $44,891 $58,573 $81,078 $54,251 $71,159 $81,496 $44,283 $61,976 $83,959 $46,054 $64,964 $85,545 $44,008 $54,954 $75,741 $42,500 $55,031 $80,086 $45,146 $59,903 $78,007 BACHELOR’S

$45,527

$59,408 $76,229 MASTER’S

MIN

STEP 10

$49,400 $43,500 $45,500 $46,818 $44,996 $46,014 $43,500 $47,414 $52,340 $51,396 $44,104 $45,400 $43,500 $45,459 $42,355 $45,550 $46,078

$56,600 $52,500 $54,500 $55,245 $56,840 $56,008 $58,500 $57,797 $59,393 $64,778 $56,039 $53,500 $51,514 $54,209 $50,095 $54,050 $55,723 MASTER’S

MIN

STEP 10

$49,374 $44,625 $47,749 $43,606 $45,053 $45,010 $46,842 $45,000 $44,039 $45,619 $44,591 $45,500 $45,584

$66,355 $53,515 $57,820 $53,630 $60,519 $52,170 $54,242 $52,500 $58,789 $59,517 $54,891 $54,118 $56,506 MASTER’S

MIN

STEP 10

$48,853 $54,028 $47,455 $48,687 $53,394 $47,345 $46,850 $54,028 $46,258 $49,655

$67,557 $70,330 $60,355 $64,344 $67,725 $64,560 $63,050 $70,330 $62,167 $65,602 MASTER’S

MIN

STEP 10

$48,956 $46,500 $45,000 $44,609 $46,858 $56,251 $46,618 $51,811 $46,689 $45,000 $47,829

$61,684 $61,550 $60,050 $60,228 $61,139 $73,782 $64,406 $73,084 $58,300 $57,531 $63,175 MASTER’S

MIN

STEP 10

MAX

MIN

STEP 10

$44,500 $45,070 $40,500 $44,998

$50,500 $53,070 $55,197 $54,444

$65,500 $68,070 $72,684 $69,614

$47,500 $47,294 $43,500 $47,500

$53,500 $55,294 $59,286 $56,946

19

BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out MAX (BA/MA) OF 173) of 173) $64,600 20 151/173 153/173 $62,500 20 153/173 160/173 $59,500 15 169/173 169/173 $59,927 15 170/173 167/173 $70,000 20 116/173 129/173 $66,962 20 143/173 146/173 $75,000 22 79/173 92/173 $70,454 21 139/173 123/173 $76,711 22 110/173 76/173 $85,199 26 22/173 24/173 $67,974 21 133/173 142/173 $58,000 15 172/173 171/173 $66,354 22 146/173 148/173 $71,143 23 121/173 122/173 $58,695 20 168/173 170/173 $62,550 21 162/173 159/173 $67,223 20 BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out MAX (BA/MA) OF 173) of 173) $84,056 $67,485 $76,301 $73,973 $77,404 $77,082 $75,842 $78,500 $75,752 $88,313 $83,180 $64,676 $76,880

19 22 23 23 22 29 26 30 26 34 31 20 25

34/173 130/173 115/173 99/173 69/173 57/173 80/173 72/173 71/173 17/173 33/173 157/173

$78,401 $76,600 $75,100 $74,035 $84,630 $84,501 $86,390 $96,238 $80,354 $82,586 $81,884

21 21 21 19 21 16 21 19 23 29 21

-/173 45/173 77/173 77/173 103/173 23/173 20/173 16/173 11/173 52/173 32/173

31/173 143/173 81/173 103/173 71/173 73/173 85/173 58/173 87/173 19/173 32/173 152/173

BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out MAX (BA/MA) OF 173) of 173) $74,543 14 89/173 99/173 $89,989 21 9/173 12/173 $77,086 21 70/173 72/173 $80,784 21 36/173 44/173 $84,651 22 21/173 28/173 $82,741 19 31/173 33/173 $79,775 20 46/173 51/173 $89,989 21 9/173 12/173 $82,689 20 35/173 34/173 $82,472 20 BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out MAX (BA/MA) OF 173) of 173) -/173 60/173 77/173 91/173 102/173 29/173 30/173 22/173 5/173 49/173 37/173

BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out MAX (BA/MA) OF 173) of 173) $68,500 25 134/173 137/173 $70,294 26 114/173 126/173 $78,068 18 81/173 64/173 $72,115 22 102/173 119/173 MAINEEA.ORG 21

RSU 44, Bethel RSU 56, Dixfield RSU 72, Fryeburg OXFORD AVERAGE PENOBSCOT COUNTY School District AOS 90 - SAD 30, Lee AOS 94 - SAD 46, Dexter Brewer RSU 64, Corinth East Millinocket Glenburn Greenbush Hermon Lee Academy Medway Milford Millinocket Orrington RSU 19, Newport RSU 22, Hampden RSU 26, Orono RSU 31, Howland RSU 34, Old Town RSU 63, Holden RSU 67, Lincoln RSU 87, Carmel RSU 89, Patten Southern Penobscot Region 4 Veazie PENOBSCOT AVERAGE PISCATAQUIS COUNTY School District Foxcroft Academy Greenville RSU 41, Milo RSU 68, Dover-Foxcroft RSU 80, Guilford PISCATAQUIS AVERAGE SAGADAHOC COUNTY School District RSU 01, Bath RSU 75, Topsham West Bath SAGADAHOC AVERAGE SOMERSET COUNTY School District Athens AOS 94 - Harmony RSU 53, Pittsfield RSU 54, Skowhegan RSU 59, Madison RSU 74, Anson RSU 82, Jackman RSU 83, Bingham SOMERSET AVERAGE WALDO COUNTY

$44,086 $53,045 $71,199 $40,000 $53,110 $68,331 $43,000 $54,509 $69,098 $43,165 $53,411 $69,214 BACHELOR’S MIN

STEP 10

MAX

$41,800 $49,000 $64,200 $40,832 $48,125 $72,477 $42,432 $59,223 $75,804 $44,764 $54,235 $71,936 $42,025 $43,937 $64,691 $45,000 $56,250 $65,250 $40,500 $48,825 $61,000 $43,050 $55,439 $73,427 $40,000 $46,600 $59,900 $42,500 $51,000 $58,650 $42,656 $50,158 $71,750 $44,100 $50,163 $67,803 $44,082 $53,046 $62,306 $42,765 $48,058 $74,437 $44,000 $56,261 $76,000 $44,000 $54,629 $74,811 $42,500 $59,950 $71,202 $44,027 $56,566 $76,535 $45,000 $55,000 $61,000 $41,000 $47,500 $67,000 $44,000 $55,000 $66,000 $42,840 $48,323 $68,842 $42,000 $53,250 $65,750 $44,000 $55,000 $76,875 $42,911 $52,314 $68,652 BACHELOR’S MIN

STEP 10

MAX

$43,302 $59,048 $74,794 $43,000 $51,108 $70,407 $42,500 $50,519 $69,641 $42,500 $57,116 $74,524 $42,825 $54,448 $72,341 BACHELOR’S MIN

STEP 10

MAX

$48,500 $61,197 $88,778 $47,233 $68,488 $85,491 $44,844 $61,749 $85,706 $46,859 $63,811 $86,658 BACHELOR’S MIN

STEP 10

MAX

$42,436 $50,075 $61,957 $43,100 $50,900 $65,100 $42,228 $51,011 $67,536 $42,436 $51,706 $74,881 $42,336 $54,336 $66,336 $43,494 $53,973 $60,670 $43,264 $57,108 $74,414 $41,838 $53,766 $69,298 $42,671 $53,257 $68,319 BACHELOR’S

$46,793 $43,000 $45,400 $45,855

$56,253 $57,093 $57,551 $56,560 MASTER’S

MIN

STEP 10

$43,800 $44,660 $43,378 $47,450 $44,025 $47,000 $41,800 $46,050 $42,000 $44,100 $44,256 $45,753 $48,745 $45,915 $46,600 $46,000 $44,500 $46,527 $47,000 $42,500 $46,000 $45,840 $42,500 $46,200 $45,108

$51,000 $51,953 $64,554 $56,921 $45,937 $58,250 $50,125 $58,439 $48,600 $52,600 $51,758 $51,266 $56,901 $51,208 $58,861 $56,629 $61,950 $59,066 $57,000 $49,000 $57,000 $51,323 $55,550 $57,200 $54,712 MASTER’S

MIN

STEP 10

$49,009 $45,000 $45,500 $44,500 $46,002

$64,755 $53,108 $54,085 $59,804 $57,938 MASTER’S

MIN

STEP 10

$53,350 $51,733 $49,125 $51,403

$66,047 $72,988 $66,030 $68,355 MASTER’S

MIN

STEP 10

$50,037 $43,800 $45,060 $45,732 $45,336 $45,968 $46,725 $46,071 $45,527

$58,524 $59,200 $55,537 $55,002 $57,336 $57,757 $60,570 $57,903 $57,615 MASTER’S

School District

MIN

STEP 10

MAX

MIN

STEP 10

Islesboro Lincolnville Northport RSU 03, Unity RSU 20, Searsport RSU 71, Belfast Waldo Region 7 WALDO AVERAGE

$46,863 $51,115 $44,415 $43,250 $41,718 $42,800 $44,921 $45,012

$59,113 $64,935 $62,291 $53,950 $51,887 $56,699 $55,499 $57,768

$71,363 $77,246 $74,737 $66,750 $65,706 $73,476 $61,376 $70,093

$50,765 $54,615 $47,415 $46,750 $43,804 $45,154 $47,284 $47,970

$63,015 $68,435 $65,291 $57,450 $54,233 $59,053 $57,860 $60,762

22

Maine Educator | Spring 2025

$74,952 $73,455 $72,955 $72,906

23 18 21 22

91/173 113/173 107/173

$80,501 $72,407 $74,557 $78,031 $76,374

21 36 27 20 26

-/173 60/173 96/173 101/173 65/173

$70,406 $78,500 $72,483 $78,177 $69,336 $72,895 $77,875 $74,693 $74,851

25 32 26 31 26 21 21 27 26

152/173 140/173 119/173 58/173 127/173 160/173 67/173 104/173

93/173 109/173 113/173

BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out (BA/MA) MAX OF 173) of 173) $66,200 30 144/173 150/173 $76,305 29 83/173 80/173 $82,627 17 51/173 36/173 $74,622 24 85/173 96/173 $66,691 27 142/173 147/173 $67,250 19 138/173 144/173 $62,300 21 158/173 162/173 $76,427 20 75/173 79/173 $61,900 30 165/173 164/173 $60,250 20 166/173 166/173 $73,350 23 86/173 110/173 $69,457 41 118/173 134/173 $66,990 21 149/173 145/173 $77,587 26 66/173 70/173 $80,525 24 49/173 46/173 $76,811 25 59/173 75/173 $73,202 16 90/173 111/173 $79,035 21 44/173 54/173 $63,000 17 158/173 157/173 $68,500 29 123/173 137/173 $68,000 21 129/173 141/173 $71,842 24 111/173 121/173 $70,050 20 131/173 128/173 $79,075 20 43/173 53/173 $71,333 24 BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out MAX (BA/MA) OF 173) of 173) -/173 47/173 117/173 98/173 65/173

BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out MAX (BA/MA) OF 173) of 173) $93,363 21 4/173 7/173 $89,991 19 12/173 11/173 $90,276 21 8/173 9/173 $91,210 20 BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out MAX (BA/MA) OF 173) of 173) 125/173 58/173 116/173 62/173 136/173 114/173 67/173 95/173

BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out MAX (BA/MA) OF 173) of 173) $75,265 21 87/173 89/173 $80,746 16 40/173 45/173 $77,737 16 61/173 69/173 $70,450 22 125/173 124/173 $68,052 17 132/173 140/173 $75,827 16 73/173 86/173 $63,760 16 154/173 155/173 $73,120 18

WASHINGTON COUNTY

BACHELOR’S

School District

MIN

AOS 77 - Alexander AOS 77 - Charlotte AOS 77 - Eastport AOS 77 - RSU 85, Lubec AOS 77 - Pembroke AOS 77 - Perry AOS 90 - Princeton AOS 90 - Baileyville AOS 96 - Cutler AOS 96 - Machias Calais Cherryfield East Range II (C.S.D. #12) AOS 96 - Machiasport Moosabec CSD RSU 37, Harrington RSU 84, Danforth Washington Academy WASHINGTON AVERAGE YORK COUNTY

STEP 10

MASTER’S MAX

$43,200 $56,462 $67,059 $43,200 $47,206 $65,344 $43,700 $49,900 $62,300 $41,050 $53,650 $60,650 $42,024 $46,437 $61,147 $43,200 $54,224 $75,232 $42,500 $48,500 $60,500 $41,750 $48,922 $66,259 $40,000 $48,000 $60,000 $42,500 $54,500 $65,450 $42,112 $51,334 $61,349 $42,600 $50,600 $63,400 $42,320 $50,811 $64,058 BACHELOR’S

School District

MIN

Acton Biddeford Dayton Kittery RSU 06, Buxton RSU 21, Kennebunk RSU 23, Old Orchard Beach RSU 35, Eliot RSU 57, Alfred RSU 60, Berwick Saco Sanford Thornton Academy Wells-Ogunquit CSD York YORK AVERAGE STATEWIDE AVERAGE

STEP 10

$45,297 $47,000 $43,700 $48,949 $45,695 $50,600 $40,550 $49,099 $45,725 $48,200 $44,175 $42,531 $57,499 $56,415 $47,531 $44,139

MIN

STEP 10

$46,200 $46,200 $45,700 $42,550 $44,966 $46,736 $44,500 $43,750 $41,100 $47,000 $43,612 $43,700 $44,668

$59,462 $50,206 $52,100 $55,150 $49,379 $57,760 $50,500 $51,266 $49,100 $59,000 $52,834 $50,900 $53,138 MASTER’S

MIN

STEP 10

MAX

BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out MAX (BA/MA) OF 173) of 173) $70,059 15 121/173 127/173 -/173 -/173 -/173 -/173 $68,344 41 137/173 139/173 $64,900 30 150/173 151/173 $62,150 15 161/173 163/173 $64,089 25 156/173 154/173 $78,768 27 55/173 56/173 -/173 -/173 $62,500 26 163/173 160/173 $69,433 31 128/173 135/173 $61,100 26 164/173 165/173 $69,950 26 136/173 132/173 -/173 -/173 $62,849 20 155/173 158/173 $63,700 27 147/173 156/173 -/173 -/173 -/173 -/173 $66,487 26 BA MAX MA Max Steps Rank(OUT Rank (Out MAX (BA/MA) OF 173) of 173)

$59,297 $73,297 $48,561 $62,561 $76,561 $61,245 $80,985 $50,850 $65,200 $85,030 $58,550 $74,550 $46,100 $60,950 $76,950 $63,867 $76,260 $51,930 $67,756 $80,904 $58,664 $77,000 $48,995 $61,964 $80,300 $64,172 $84,542 $52,330 $67,524 $89,820 $56,608 $69,097 $44,118 $60,176 $72,666 $60,382 $80,545 $54,009 $66,421 $88,600 $57,252 $75,525 $49,111 $60,911 $78,911 $60,200 $75,200 $51,200 $63,200 $78,200 $58,629 $74,689 $47,387 $61,841 $77,901 $61,670 $66,386 $46,359 $65,498 $81,901 $74,999 $91,499 $62,500 $79,999 $96,498 $71,226 $87,683 $62,056 $78,347 $96,449 $61,911 $77,661 $51,108 $65,882 $82,906 $56,681 $72,648 $47,167 $60,137 $76,843

21 32 20 16 26 31 17 18 24 20 20 29 24 20 23 22

76/173 25/173 64/173 47/173 42/173 15/173 108/173 27/173 53/173 56/173 63/173 -/173 126/173 2/173 6/173

78/173 25/173 74/173 43/173 50/173 14/173 115/173 17/173 55/173 61/173 66/173 -/173 40/173 3/173 4/173

The following are the maximums for the job classifications submitted by the local associations. To see the minimums, please visit maineea.org/mea-salary-guide # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 24 25 26

BUS DRIVER School District RSU 21, Kennebunk Saco Wiscasset AOS 98 - Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor CSD Scarborough RSU 59, Madison RSU 75, Topsham AOS 98 - Edgecomb RSU 06, Buxton Falmouth Gorham RSU 12, Windsor Sebago RSU 02, Hallowell RSU 74, Anson Surry RSU 14, Windham RSU 51, Cumberland Portland Westbrook Dayton Auburn RSU 05, Freeport Brunswick RSU 23, Old Orchard Beach AOS 90 - Baileyville

Maximum $30.59 $30.50 $30.31 $30.26 $29.28 $28.64 $28.53 $28.43 $28.22 $28.09 $27.88 $27.74 $27.46 $27.37 $27.32 $27.01 $27.00 $26.98 $26.94 $26.90 $26.75 $26.55 $26.55 $26.50 $26.25 $26.23

27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56

St. George South Portland RSU 28, Camden Blue Hill RSU 04, Sabattus AOS 93 - Great Salt Bay CSD RSU 15, Gray RSU 13, Seacoast RSU 20, Searsport Hermon RSU 40, Waldoboro AOS 91 - Bar Harbor AOS 93 - Jefferson RSU 09, Farmington Waterville Moosabec CSD RSU 78, Rangeley Lisbon RSU 17, Paris RSU 71, Belfast Athens RSU 50, Southern Aroostook RSU 61, Bridgton Fayette Richmond RSU 54, Skowhegan RSU 29, Houlton RSU 89, Patten RSU 80, Guilford RSU 18, Oakland

$26.18 $26.11 $26.10 $26.09 $25.92 $25.85 $25.84 $25.82 $25.75 $25.69 $25.48 $25.23 $25.09 $24.90 $24.76 $24.74 $24.59 $24.54 $24.52 $24.50 $24.23 $24.19 $24.17 $23.79 $23.62 $23.61 $23.52 $22.77 $22.75 $22.61

57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

AOS 77 - Pembroke RSU 10, Rumford RSU 03, Unity AOS 77 - RSU 85, Lubec RSU 67, Lincoln AOS 96 - Machias AOS 90 - SAD 30, Lee RSU 83, Bingham RSU 56, Dixfield RSU 31, Howland RSU 33, St. Agatha Madawaska AOS 95 - SAD 27, Fort Kent Caswell RSU 45, Washburn AOS 94 - Harmony Cooks School District York Acton Wells-Ogunquit CSD AOS 98 - Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor CSD RSU 14, Windham Athens Westbrook St. George Wiscasset

$22.60 $22.50 $22.45 $22.44 $21.57 $21.55 $21.40 $21.21 $21.18 $21.00 $20.95 $20.92 $20.85 $20.25 $19.27 $17.59 Maximum $26.20 $24.53 $24.44 $24.40 $23.71 $23.16 $22.94 $22.64 $22.61

MAINEEA.ORG

23

10 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 15 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

24

Five Town CSD RSU 28, Camden South Portland RSU 52, Turner RSU 22, Hampden Sebago RSU 50, Southern Aroostook AOS 93 - Jefferson AOS 93 - Great Salt Bay CSD AOS 94 - SAD 46, Dexter RSU 13, Seacoast RSU 40, Waldoboro AOS 96 - Machias Appleton Portland AOS 90 - Baileyville RSU 23, Old Orchard Beach AOS 77 - Pembroke Hermon AOS 77 - RSU 85, Lubec RSU 15, Gray RSU 16, Poland RSU 89, Patten RSU 02, Hallowell RSU 59, Madison RSU 26, Orono Lisbon Kittery RSU 05, Freeport RSU 04, Sabattus RSU 60, Berwick RSU 83, Bingham AOS 90 - SAD 30, Lee RSU 78, Rangeley RSU 54, Skowhegan Caswell Milford Winthrop Richmond Glenburn Veazie Custodian School District Brooklin York Acton Wells-Ogunquit CSD AOS 98 - Edgecomb RSU 75, Topsham Gorham Greenville RSU 05, Freeport Saco Falmouth Westbrook South Portland RSU 14, Windham AOS 91 - Bar Harbor Five Town CSD RSU 28, Camden Northport Wiscasset AOS 98 - Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor CSD AOS 93 - Great Salt Bay CSD Brunswick Deer Isle-Stonington CSD Waterville RSU 23, Old Orchard Beach RSU 22, Hampden RSU 06, Buxton AOS 93 - Jefferson Appleton RSU 15, Gray RSU 17, Paris Athens RSU 25, Bucksport RSU 09, Farmington RSU 20, Searsport RSU 53, Pittsfield RSU 40, Waldoboro

$22.23 $22.23 $22.13 $21.99 $21.86 $21.73 $21.57 $21.48 $21.40 $21.34 $21.25 $21.23 $21.00 $20.97 $20.94 $20.87 $20.82 $20.80 $20.76 $20.75 $20.68 $20.55 $20.41 $20.40 $20.38 $20.13 $20.06 $20.04 $19.95 $19.76 $19.74 $19.73 $19.56 $19.03 $18.95 $18.75 $18.69 $18.67 $18.39 $18.02 $17.95 Maximum $29.50 $27.50 $26.71 $26.68 $26.62 $26.50 $26.07 $25.85 $25.80 $25.50 $25.39 $25.35 $25.21 $25.13 $24.73 $24.73 $24.73 $24.61 $24.59 $24.40 $24.37 $24.34 $24.25 $24.16 $24.03 $23.83 $23.72 $23.66 $23.53 $23.38 $23.29 $23.20 $23.15 $23.06 $23.03 $23.00 $22.90

Maine Educator | Spring 2025

38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 53 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 69 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 78 80 81 82 83 83 85 86 87 # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 28 28 30

RSU 71, Belfast RSU 83, Bingham AOS 90 - Baileyville RSU 26, Orono St. George Millinocket RSU 13, Seacoast Augusta RSU 50, Southern Aroostook RSU 61, Bridgton RSU 34, Old Town RSU 38, Maranacook Portland RSU 19, Newport RSU 16, Poland Dayton RSU 02, Hallowell Winthrop Sebago RSU 04, Sabattus AOS 96 - Machias Blue Hill AOS 77 - Pembroke Sanford RSU 89, Patten Hermon RSU 74, Anson RSU 10, Rumford AOS 90 - SAD 30, Lee AOS 77 - RSU 85, Lubec Richmond RSU 54, Skowhegan Waldo Region 7 RSU 78, Rangeley RSU 59, Madison RSU 12, Windsor AOS 94 - Harmony RSU 03, Unity RSU 29, Houlton Surry RSU 31, Howland RSU 80, Guilford RSU 33, St. Agatha AOS 77 - Alexander Madawaska Moosabec CSD RSU 45, Washburn RSU 56, Dixfield Milford Glenburn Ed Tech I School District York RSU 01, Bath Yarmouth Brooklin RSU 72, Fryeburg AOS 98 - Edgecomb RSU 14, Windham Cape Elizabeth RSU 75, Topsham Acton Wells-Ogunquit CSD AOS 98 - Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor CSD RSU 05, Freeport Deer Isle-Stonington CSD St. George AOS 91 - Bar Harbor AOS 93 - Great Salt Bay CSD RSU 41, Milo Athens Westbrook RSU 60, Berwick RSU 71, Belfast RSU 57, Alfred RSU 13, Seacoast Waldo Region 7 RSU 15, Gray Vassalboro Lewiston Wiscasset RSU 22, Hampden

$22.88 $22.81 $22.80 $22.65 $22.64 $22.60 $22.58 $22.56 $22.54 $22.38 $22.26 $22.11 $22.09 $22.06 $22.03 $21.75 $21.75 $21.74 $21.73 $21.66 $21.55 $21.43 $21.30 $21.14 $21.06 $21.04 $21.03 $21.00 $20.77 $20.75 $20.58 $20.54 $20.54 $20.42 $20.38 $20.22 $20.11 $20.00 $19.95 $19.90 $19.75 $19.75 $19.57 $19.31 $19.29 $19.27 $19.27 $18.74 $18.69 $18.02 Maximum $26.95 $26.91 $26.70 $26.50 $26.28 $25.52 $25.13 $25.03 $24.62 $24.53 $24.44 $24.40 $24.27 $24.25 $23.77 $23.75 $23.45 $23.25 $23.16 $22.99 $22.98 $22.94 $22.76 $22.75 $22.45 $22.32 $22.32 $22.18 $22.18 $22.11

31 32 33 33 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 43 45 46 47 48 49 50 50 52 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 84 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95

RSU 16, Poland Madawaska RSU 11, Gardiner RSU 63, Holden Sedgwick RSU 17, Paris Kittery Surry RSU 40, Waldoboro RSU 68, Dover-Foxcroft RSU 23, Old Orchard Beach Lisbon Hancock Lamoine RSU 53, Pittsfield Winslow RSU 25, Bucksport Brewer AOS 77 - RSU 85, Lubec AOS 96 - Machias Dayton Appleton RSU 19, Newport Greenville AOS 90 - Baileyville RSU 49, Fairfield RSU 26, Orono RSU 35, Eliot RSU 24, Sullivan RSU 52, Turner Calais RSU 50, Southern Aroostook RSU 73, Jay-Livermore RSU 74, Anson RSU 03, Unity RSU 44, Bethel RSU 33, St. Agatha RSU 04, Sabattus RSU 83, Bingham RSU 59, Madison Blue Hill RSU 38, Maranacook AOS 90 - SAD 30, Lee AOS 77 - Alexander RSU 89, Patten RSU 78, Rangeley Fayette AOS 94 - Harmony AOS 94 - SAD 46, Dexter RSU 70, Hodgdon RSU 80, Guilford Milford Winthrop Moosabec CSD RSU 55, Porter RSU 58, Phillips RSU 09, Farmington RSU 31, Howland Medway RSU 12, Windsor Glenburn RSU 87, Carmel Veazie Lee Academy East Millinocket

Ed Tech II School District Yarmouth York RSU 01, Bath RSU 75, Topsham Acton RSU 49, Fairfield RSU 14, Windham Brooklin RSU 72, Fryeburg AOS 98 - Edgecomb Wells-Ogunquit CSD AOS 98 - Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor CSD 13 Waldo Region 7 14 RSU 71, Belfast 15 RSU 13, Seacoast # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

$22.09 $22.07 $21.90 $21.90 $21.81 $21.67 $21.66 $21.64 $21.56 $21.50 $21.43 $21.36 $21.30 $21.30 $21.29 $21.26 $21.25 $21.23 $21.01 $21.00 $21.00 $20.97 $20.97 $20.92 $20.89 $20.88 $20.80 $20.75 $20.50 $20.44 $20.36 $20.34 $20.06 $20.05 $20.00 $19.97 $19.84 $19.76 $19.73 $19.62 $19.61 $19.61 $19.56 $19.39 $19.31 $19.27 $19.22 $19.01 $18.83 $18.77 $18.75 $18.69 $18.65 $18.51 $18.51 $18.43 $18.29 $18.25 $18.18 $18.09 $18.02 $17.96 $17.95 $17.80 $15.83 Maximum $29.05 $28.30 $26.91 $26.78 $26.71 $26.59 $26.55 $26.50 $26.28 $26.27 $26.01 $25.18 $25.14 $24.91 $24.75

16 17 18 19 20 20 22 23 24 25 26 26 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 35 36 37 38 38 40 41 42 43 43 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 53 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 61 63 63 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 71 73 74 75 76 77 77 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 86 88 89 90 91 92 93 94

AOS 91 - Bar Harbor Westbrook RSU 15, Gray RSU 05, Freeport Deer Isle-Stonington CSD RSU 41, Milo Biddeford Wiscasset St. George RSU 22, Hampden RSU 50, Southern Aroostook RSU 73, Jay-Livermore Winslow Lewiston Madawaska RSU 57, Alfred RSU 26, Orono AOS 93 - Great Salt Bay CSD RSU 60, Berwick Vassalboro RSU 23, Old Orchard Beach RSU 40, Waldoboro Athens RSU 11, Gardiner Kittery Dayton Greenville RSU 53, Pittsfield RSU 68, Dover-Foxcroft RSU 52, Turner AOS 93 - Jefferson RSU 16, Poland Appleton Surry RSU 44, Bethel RSU 89, Patten Sedgwick Hancock Lamoine RSU 19, Newport RSU 63, Holden AOS 90 - Baileyville Brewer RSU 55, Porter RSU 38, Maranacook RSU 25, Bucksport RSU 35, Eliot AOS 90 - SAD 30, Lee Lisbon RSU 74, Anson AOS 96 - Machias RSU 12, Windsor AOS 77 - RSU 85, Lubec AOS 94 - Harmony RSU 83, Bingham RSU 03, Unity RSU 24, Sullivan RSU 78, Rangeley Winthrop RSU 04, Sabattus RSU 59, Madison Blue Hill RSU 33, St. Agatha AOS 77 - Alexander RSU 87, Carmel RSU 70, Hodgdon Glenburn RSU 80, Guilford Fayette Veazie Milford RSU 09, Farmington Moosabec CSD RSU 31, Howland RSU 58, Phillips Medway AOS 94 - SAD 46, Dexter Lee Academy East Millinocket

$24.73 $24.64 $24.38 $24.27 $24.25 $24.25 $24.16 $23.97 $23.95 $23.87 $23.83 $23.83 $23.81 $23.77 $23.75 $23.73 $23.65 $23.63 $23.63 $23.59 $23.53 $23.45 $23.36 $23.36 $23.29 $23.15 $23.01 $23.00 $23.00 $22.96 $22.94 $22.92 $22.85 $22.81 $22.76 $22.44 $22.42 $22.41 $22.41 $22.34 $22.30 $22.28 $22.23 $22.11 $22.09 $22.00 $22.00 $21.97 $21.97 $21.88 $21.77 $21.73 $21.66 $21.58 $21.32 $21.25 $21.25 $21.23 $21.17 $21.08 $20.97 $20.95 $20.95 $20.59 $20.54 $20.31 $20.27 $20.25 $20.22 $19.95 $19.79 $19.79 $19.73 $19.25 $19.17 $18.88 $18.83 $18.80 $16.77

# 1 2

Ed Tech III School District Wells-Ogunquit CSD RSU 01, Bath

Maximum $32.70 $31.94

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 49 51 52 53 54 54 54 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 64 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85

Acton Yarmouth York Brooklin Brewer Waldo Region 7 RSU 71, Belfast RSU 50, Southern Aroostook RSU 14, Windham Wiscasset RSU 75, Topsham Deer Isle-Stonington CSD AOS 98 - Edgecomb RSU 13, Seacoast Appleton RSU 72, Fryeburg RSU 41, Milo Westbrook RSU 44, Bethel RSU 05, Freeport RSU 15, Gray RSU 12, Windsor RSU 60, Berwick AOS 91 - Bar Harbor RSU 89, Patten RSU 73, Jay-Livermore Winslow RSU 22, Hampden RSU 40, Waldoboro AOS 98 - Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor CSD Dayton RSU 23, Old Orchard Beach RSU 57, Alfred RSU 26, Orono Lisbon AOS 90 - Baileyville RSU 74, Anson Kittery Greenville RSU 52, Turner Athens Madawaska RSU 09, Farmington RSU 11, Gardiner RSU 38, Maranacook Surry RSU 19, Newport Vassalboro Lewiston St. George RSU 49, Fairfield AOS 93 - Great Salt Bay CSD Hancock Lamoine RSU 63, Holden RSU 16, Poland RSU 53, Pittsfield AOS 93 - Jefferson RSU 35, Eliot RSU 78, Rangeley Winthrop RSU 03, Unity RSU 68, Dover-Foxcroft RSU 83, Bingham Fayette AOS 90 - SAD 30, Lee Sedgwick RSU 04, Sabattus Blue Hill RSU 25, Bucksport AOS 96 - Machias Glenburn AOS 94 - Harmony RSU 59, Madison AOS 77 - RSU 85, Lubec East Millinocket RSU 55, Porter RSU 33, St. Agatha RSU 87, Carmel RSU 24, Sullivan AOS 77 - Alexander Veazie RSU 80, Guilford

$31.06 $30.25 $29.79 $29.50 $29.09 $28.29 $27.86 $27.49 $27.46 $27.42 $27.29 $27.25 $26.78 $26.75 $26.57 $26.28 $26.25 $26.20 $26.10 $26.00 $25.89 $25.83 $25.80 $25.73 $25.72 $25.68 $25.65 $25.62 $25.61 $25.56 $25.50 $25.50 $25.38 $25.30 $25.26 $25.18 $25.17 $25.16 $25.10 $25.09 $24.99 $24.91 $24.90 $24.82 $24.57 $24.56 $24.53 $24.53 $24.50 $24.44 $24.40 $24.37 $24.37 $24.37 $24.36 $24.03 $23.91 $23.76 $23.75 $23.71 $23.56 $23.50 $23.50 $23.33 $23.20 $23.10 $22.96 $22.86 $22.82 $22.60 $22.55 $22.52 $22.51 $22.32 $22.31 $22.25 $22.24 $22.05 $22.03 $22.00 $21.99 $21.95 $21.75

86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 29 29 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 60 62 63 63 65 66 67 68 69 70 71

Calais $21.72 Moosabec CSD $21.43 Milford $21.37 Medway $21.24 RSU 70, Hodgdon $21.15 RSU 58, Phillips $20.62 RSU 31, Howland $20.25 AOS 94 - SAD 46, Dexter $20.09 Lee Academy $19.80 Secretary School District Maximum York $32.82 RSU 01, Bath $29.01 Saco $27.60 Wells-Ogunquit CSD $27.47 Appleton $27.00 Acton $26.71 RSU 51, Cumberland $26.58 RSU 14, Windham $26.55 Waldo Region 7 $26.18 Winslow $26.15 RSU 72, Fryeburg $26.05 RSU 60, Berwick $25.90 RSU 05, Freeport $25.83 Brunswick $25.60 RSU 38, Maranacook $25.38 Gorham $25.35 AOS 91 - Bar Harbor $25.23 AOS 98 - Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor $25.18 CSD Five Town CSD $25.08 RSU 28, Camden $25.08 Augusta $24.82 RSU 34, Old Town $24.36 Kittery $24.27 RSU 61, Bridgton $24.21 RSU 23, Old Orchard Beach $24.07 RSU 02, Hallowell $23.98 RSU 40, Waldoboro $23.87 RSU 15, Gray $23.85 Athens $23.67 RSU 06, Buxton $23.67 RSU 22, Hampden $23.67 Surry $23.40 Millinocket $23.15 Greenville $23.08 RSU 71, Belfast $22.94 RSU 17, Paris $22.59 RSU 09, Farmington $22.55 RSU 78, Rangeley $22.51 RSU 25, Bucksport $22.50 Wiscasset $22.30 RSU 18, Oakland $22.20 RSU 04, Sabattus $22.18 Calais $22.06 RSU 19, Newport $22.04 Lisbon $21.97 Auburn $21.96 RSU 29, Houlton $21.90 RSU 12, Windsor $21.83 RSU 83, Bingham $21.81 AOS 93 - Great Salt Bay CSD $21.77 RSU 54, Skowhegan $21.59 AOS 96 - Machias $21.55 AOS 95 - SAD 27, Fort Kent $21.52 RSU 10, Rumford $21.51 RSU 73, Jay-Livermore $21.43 AOS 77 - Pembroke $21.30 RSU 44, Bethel $21.01 RSU 31, Howland $21.00 Winthrop $20.96 Blue Hill $20.95 RSU 67, Lincoln $20.95 AOS 90 - SAD 30, Lee $20.77 AOS 77 - RSU 85, Lubec $20.75 RSU 03, Unity $20.75 AOS 94 - SAD 46, Dexter $20.28 Glenburn $20.27 RSU 16, Poland $20.07 RSU 80, Guilford $19.75 RSU 33, St. Agatha $19.57 AOS 77 - Alexander $19.31 AOS 94 - Harmony $19.01

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Get Involved: Legislative Call to Action Speak up for Students

OUR VOICE IS OUR POWER In recent years we have seen record investments in education in Maine. We have invested in free school lunches for ALL students, the state has invested in a free community college program for recent high school graduates, improvements have been made to our retirees' pensions, and we have seen the state.

Last year, we achieved a major victory by securing a raise in the minimum wage for all school support staff to 115% of the state minimum wage and 125% for education technicians. This will impact all non-salaried school employees like bus drivers, custodians, and education technicians.

For two decades, MEA members have been raising their voices in Washington D.C. about the harmful impacts of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Exemption Provision (WEP). These provisions, which unfairly penalized public employees and robbed them from their hard-earned Social Security benefits, were finally repealed in December 2024.

MEA is only as strong as its members’ voices. Whether at the bargaining table, the Maine State House, or Capitol Hill, when we raise our collective voice and band together to stand up for our students, our schools, and our profession—we win.

Are you ready to help us raise teacher pay, improve classroom conditions, secure funding for our public schools and universities, and advocate for great public schools for every Maine student? Here’s how you can get involved.

We Need YOU

→Join the Legislative Organizing Committee

Be part of this group of dedicated coalition of MEA members, ensuring the voices of educators are heard at the State House.

The Legislative Organizing Committee meets via Zoom biweekly on Mondays. Scan the QR code to join!

→Sign up for Under the Dome

Stay current with local and state elections and bills we support in Augusta. Sign up for our weekly Under the Dome newsletter from Government Relations Director Jan Kosinski! Scan the code to sign up!

→Action Center

Learn about the status of MEA’s Legislative Priorities and how you can lift up your voice in Augusta at the MEA Action Center. Scan the code to take action today!

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TAKE ACTION NOW

The MEA is only as strong as its members’ voices. Through the Association, you are able to have a voice in decisions made regarding your career, your students, and the profession as a whole.

Each year, the MEA holds its Representative Assembly (RA), the democratic body of the Union. At the 97th annual RA members will discuss the following proposals seen on the next several pages.

2025 PROPOSED NEW BUSINESS ITEMS 1. RESOLVED: This New Business Item proposes that the MEA fund sending two MEA members to participate in the 2025-26 Labor Summer Institute, where they can help us build solidarity with other Maine unions on commoncause issues and actions.

RATIONALE: In mid-August, the AFL-CIO in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Education holds an annual two-day Labor Summer Institute at the University of Maine for members of a diversity of unions across the state. With its long-standing tradition of bringing union members together, the Summer Institute brings union members to develop collaboratively ideas, strategies, and skills, focused on important issues common to us all, no matter what our field. Over the course of the Institute, participants take part in workshops, general discussions, and planning for the future work of unions in Maine.

Costs for the two-day meeting run $170 per participant. Housing costs at UMaine dormitories run additionally $56.00 per participant per night.

Building solidarity across diverse Maine unions will strengthen both the MEA and the labor movement in general.

MEA as an Organization Goal, Objective #3: #3. Increase MEA’s influence statewide.

Submitted by: Individual, Michael Grillo, AFUM Estimated budgetary impact: 456.00 (two participants at 170.00 each plus one night dormitory stay at $56.00) 2. RESOLVED: The MEA will advocate for waiving the requirement to be recertified after a professional educator reaches 20 years of teaching service.

RATIONALE: A person who has taught for 20 years has established their teaching expertise and their ability to adapt to changes in the profession and continue best practices in the classroom. We would like to reward these long-term educators by reducing the economic and logistic impact on them throughout the remainder of their career. We hope that by encouraging educators to reach this goal, we will retain more career educators and preserve institutional knowledge. This NBI would not preclude ongoing professional development.

MEA Quality of Learning Goal, Objective #2: #2. Ensure all schools have fully qualified educators committed to students and their learning.

Submitted by: MEA Committee,Statewide Bargaining, Pamela Kinsey Estimated budgetary impact: None

3. RESOLVED: The MEA will advocate for a change in Maine legislation that after completing the statutory probationary period, the professional educator becomes exempt from any other probationary status as an educator in Maine.

RATIONALE: This removes barriers to professional and personal autonomy while removing the additional stress of starting over as a "new" teacher.

This could encourage districts to retain valued employees by creating positive working conditions with competitive benefits.

We also see the potential to remove the practice of attrition to balance the district budgets.

MEA Quality of Learning Goal, Objective #2: #2. Ensure all schools have fully qualified educators committed to students and their learning.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Statewide Bargaining, Bill True Estimated budgetary impact: None 4. RESOLVED: The MEA will provide trainings for educators working with multilingual students including but not limited to refugees, asylum seekers, and Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE).

RATIONALE: All students deserve access to a quality education regardless of background.

MEA Quality of Learning Goal, Objective #6: #6. Ensure safe and supportive environments that are free from social and racial injustice.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Instruction and Professional Development, Erin Beal Estimated budgetary impact: None 5. RESOLVED: The MEA will offer Learning Hub courses to potential members for a fee.

RATIONALE: We are hopeful to increase revenue and membership by charging a fee for MEA Learning Hub courses to non-members. If the courses are found valuable, we anticipate this increasing membership.

MEA as an Organization Goal, Objective #1: #1. Strive for 100% membership by positioning the MEA the be indispensable to educational employees.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Instruction and Professional Development, Erin Beal Estimated budgetary impact: None, hopeful it would increase revenue 6. RESOLVED: The MEA will work with relevant parties to create a survey that explores the factors leading to individual educators leaving the profession.

RATIONALE: By recognizing barriers to retention and recruitment, we can create ways to keep educators in the profession.

MEA Government Relations and Funding Goal, Objective #5: #5. Expand and strengthen coalitions to achieve political and professional goals, including social and racial justice.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Statewide Bargaining, Ciara Hargrove Estimated budgetary impact: Unknown 7. RESOLVED: The MEA will increase efforts to collect and use personal emails for current and potential members.

RATIONALE: The use of non-school email for association business is vital and protects access to DEIJ/SEL professional development opportunities.

MEA as an Organization Goal, Objective #5: #5. Continue the process of planning strategically.

Submitted by: Individual, Erin Beal, Portland EA Estimated budgetary impact: None 8. RESOLVED: The MEA will allow committees to choose their own virtual meeting dates.

RATIONALE: Increase accessibility by removing barriers of transportation and childcare. It will help committees progress in their work when the timing is more aligned with their charges and goals for the year.

MEA Program Support Services Goal, Objective #5: #5. Ensure that the governance process fosters member participation and democratic decisionmaking.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Instruction and Professional Development, Erin Beal Estimated budgetary impact: None 9. RESOLVED: The MEA will work to pass legislation that requires the state to compensate student teachers and their mentor teachers.

RATIONALE: The critical workforce shortage in public education has been made worse by a mandatory unpaid 4-month internship required for aspiring educators seeking certification as teachers.

Student teachers often need to leave previous employment to accommodate the demanding time commitments of their internship, making it difficult to meet essential expenses. This forces potential new educators to choose between pursuing their dream vs. meeting tuition, rent, food, transportation, and medical costs.

MEA Quality of Learning Goal, Objective #2: #2. Ensure all schools have fully qualified educators committed to students and their learning.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Instruction and Professional Development, Erin Beal Estimated budgetary impact: None 10. RESOLVED: The MEA will work to pass legislation that requires the state to compensate any prospective educator completing required full day field experience.

RATIONALE: The critical workforce shortage in public education has been made worse by uncompensated mandatory, prolonged full day field experiences for aspiring educators.

MEA Quality of Learning Goal, Objective #2: #2. Ensure all schools have fully qualified educators committed to students and their learning.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Instruction and Professional Development, Erin Beal Estimated budgetary impact: None 11. RESOLVED: The MEA will commit to offering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) professional development opportunities.

RATIONALE: To ensure educators continue to have these necessary opportunities.

MEA as an Organization Goal, Objective #3: #3. Increase MEA’s influence statewide.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Instruction and Professional Development, Erin Beal Estimated budgetary impact: Unknown, but we hope to invest in keynote speakers and third-party organizations to expand our offerings 12. RESOLVED: The MEA will create opportunities for Instruction and Professional Development (IPD) and Government Relations (GR) to collaborate on professional development for improving members' advocacy skills.

RATIONALE: Increasing the advocacy skills of members will engage more members in the legislative process, helping us build and advocate for our legislative priorities, and recruiting member participation to accomplish those goals.

MEA as an Organization Goal, Objective #3: #3. Increase MEA’s influence statewide.

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Submitted by: MEA Committee, Instruction and Professional Development, Erin Beal Estimated budgetary impact: None 13.RESOLVED: The MEA will develop a resource accessible on the MEA Learning Hub that supports early career educators in the following areas: long-term financial planning, retirement planning, understanding contracts, navigating benefit enrollment, professional development, and more.

RATIONALE: Navigating a contract can be challenging. Long-term financial planning is often outside of the scope of an early career educator. We would like the MEA to help early career educators understand and access the benefits afforded to them by being an MEA member as well as those benefits in their contract.

MEA Professional Autonomy Goal, Objective #2: #2. Expand MEA’s capacity to be a resource for professional information and opportunities.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Statewide Bargaining, Howard Ellis Estimated budgetary impact: Unknown 14. RESOLVED: The MEA will conduct an orientation for committee members prior to the start of the first scheduled Committee Day, utilizing internal resources to enhance committee productivity.

RATIONALE: In addition to providing the MEA Handbook, this orientation would enhance committee members' understanding of the committee charges to ensure that the governance process fosters member participation and democratic decision making.

MEA Program Support Services Goal, Objective #5: #5. Ensure that the governance process fosters member participation and democratic decisionmaking.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Committee, Nesrene Griffin Estimated budgetary impact: None 15. RESOLVED: The MEA will provide committee chairs with a report on all business items they submitted from the previous RA. RATIONALE: This would streamline the process for committees to review and utilize the current charges to inform their work. This will also validate the time and effort committee members have invested.

MEA Program Support Services Goal, Objective #5: #5. Ensure that the governance process fosters member participation and democratic decisionmaking.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Committee, Nesrene Griffin Estimated budgetary impact: None

PROPOSED CHANGES TO BYLAWS ARTICLE II. REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY Section 2. Terms of Delegates and Alternates C. An alternate delegate who has been elected through the regular elections process may be designated to replace a delegate who is unable to attend the Representative Assembly and shall resume alternate delegate status immediately following the Representative Assembly. An alternate delegate may also be designated to serve the remaining term of a delegate who has resigned from the delegate position or who is no longer employed in the governance affiliate represented.

RATIONALE: This proposal is to strike the second sentence, because now that delegates' terms are 1 year (whereas they were previously 1, 2 or 3 years), we don't need the second sentence. A delegate's term does not extend beyond the one RA. This does not impact any delegates whose multi-year terms are grandfathered in, because it would take effect starting for next year's RA, and by then, any 3-year delegates will be in their last year.

SUBMITTED BY: M.White, on behalf of Structure & Bylaws Committee STRUCTURE & BYLAWS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS: Ought to Pass ARTICLE II. REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY Section 2. Terms of Delegates and Alternates D. In multi-delegate governance affiliates, the alternate delegate with the longest term, as determined by the local governance affiliate president, shall be designated the first alternate delegate. The alternate delegate with the next longest term shall be designated the second alternate delegate, and so forth, until all seats are filled.

RATIONALE: Delegates' terms are now one-year only, so this section is moot.

SUBMITTED BY: M.White, on behalf of Structure & Bylaws Committee STRUCTURE & BYLAWS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS: Ought to Pass ARTICLE II. REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY Section 3. Delegates/Alternates Who File Late A. Members who file notices of intent to become delegates/alternates after May 1 shall be considered late and shall meet with the Structure and Bylaws Committee prior to the first business session for an orientation session regarding seating procedures.

Members will be required to: 1. provide proof of membership, and 2. submit a Certificate of Election signed by the local president. Members are responsible for confirming that MEA has received all necessary documents.

B. A list of qualified delegates who filed late shall be presented by the Elections Committee to the Representative Assembly for seating. A majority vote of delegates present and voting shall be required to seat delegates/alternates who filed late.

C. Members who filed late and are seated by the Representative Assembly shall hold office only until the next ratification of MEA election results.

RATIONALE: To address legal and operational concerns. Subsequent sections will be renumbered accordingly.

SUBMITTED BY: Jesse Hargrove STRUCTURE & BYLAWS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS: Ought to Pass

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ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Section 6. Dual-Office Holding A. Board of Directors members may not concurrently hold an elected officer position in their local association for more than one year

without approval from a majority of the Board of Directors.

RATIONALE: The Board of Directors serves a crucial role in the organization as it is responsible for making sure that MEA is financially secure, growing, and operating in the best interests of all of its members across the state. The amount of time and energy that each Board Director can devote to association work is of course unique to each person.

However, it is in the best interests of all parties that Board Directors devote as much of their available association time and energy as possible exclusively to their role as Board Directors.

SUBMITTED BY: Tom Walsh STRUCTURE & BYLAWS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS: Ought Not to Pass ARTICLE VI. COMMITTEES Section 1. Representative Assembly Committees A. Representative Assembly Committees shall consist of (11) eleven members appointed for one-year terms. Members shall be appointed by the MEA President. When making appointments to the committees, the president shall strive to create committees with representation from as many MEA Board districts as possible and as many different membership categories as possible. The president may also consider other factors when making committee appointments if they believe doing so will best help the committee and the organization achieve its goals and vision.

A. B. Resolutions Committee A Resolutions Committee of eleven (11) members shall receive resolutions and new business items from members, groups of members, and committees, and, after editing and reviewing those resolutions and new business items, shall present them to the Representative Assembly. Committee members shall be appointed for three-year (3) terms.

B. C. Strategic Budget Committee A Strategic Budget Committee shall be chaired by the Treasurer. of ten (10) members shall be appointed to include the Treasurer who shall chair the committee, seven (7) members appointed from the general membership (with at least three (3) of the seven (7) who are Representative Assembly delegates), and two (2) to be appointed from the Board of Directors. The function shall be to prepare, with the assistance of the Executive Director and President, the annual budget for presentation to the Board of Directors for transmittal to the Representative Assembly. Committee members shall be appointed for three-year (3) terms and Board of Directors members shall be eligible to serve on the Strategic Budget Committee only during their terms of office.

C. D. Structure and Bylaws Committee A Structure and Bylaws Committee of eleven (11) members shall be appointed to shall study the Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules of the Association and shall annually make recommendations, which may be in the form of amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules in order to more effectively achieve the purposes of the Association. The committee shall also support local associations to make sure their Constitutions and Bylaws are in compliance with MEA requirements and help them best meet the needs for their members.

The committee shall be responsible for continuous maintenance of an efficient and workable election procedure and shall, through an Elections Committee of five (5), be responsible for planning and conducting elections. The committee shall be responsible for apportioning RA delegate credentials

among governance affiliates. Committee members shall be appointed for three-year (3) terms.

Section 2. Standing Committees A. Standing Committees shall consist of one member from each MEA Board seat appointed by the president. The president may also consider other factors when making committee appointments if they believe doing so will best help the committee and the organization achieve its goals and vision.

A. B. Government Relations Committee A Government Relations Committee shall develop and help support the association’s legislative goals and also review and recommend revisions to the screening and endorsement process.

Members shall also serve on the screening and endorsement committee. consist of members representing each of the UniServ Districts, one (1) education support professional member, one (1) Maine Education Association retired member, and one (1) student. Where representation from each UniServ District is not feasible, the President shall have the option of filling committee positions with at-large appointments for not more than one (1) year.

Committee members shall be appointed for threeyear (3) terms.

B. C. Human, Civil Rights, and Social Justice Committee A Human, Civil Rights, and Social Justice Committee shall advocate for educational and training programs designed to enhance human and civil rights and shall make recommendations on ways for the Maine Education Association to promote social justice. of eleven (11) members shall advocate for educational and training programs designed to enhance human and civil rights and shall make recommendations on ways for the Maine Education Association to promote social justice.

Committee members shall be appointed for threeyear (3) terms.

C. D. Instruction and Professional Development Committee An Instruction and Professional Development Committee shall develop and help support the association’s professional development goals. consist of one (1) member from each of the UniServ Districts, one (1) education support professional member, one (1) member of the Maine Education Association retired, and one (1) student. Where representation from each UniServ District is not feasible, the President shall have the option of filling committee positions with at-large appointments for not more than one (1) year. Committee members shall be appointed for three-year (3) terms.

D. E. Statewide Bargaining and Organizing Committee A Statewide Bargaining and Organizing Committee shall develop and help support the association’s collective bargaining goals. consist of one (1) member with bargaining expertise from each UniServ District, one (1) education support professional member selected from the state atlarge, one (1) Maine Education Association retired member, and one (1) student member. Where representation from each UniServ District is not feasible, the President shall have the option of filling committee positions with at-large appointments for not more than one (1) year. Committee members shall be appointed for three-year (3) terms.

E. Judicial Board The MEA Judicial Board shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the MEA President, with the consent of the MEA Board of Directors.

The members of the MEA Judicial Board shall be appointed for five (5) year staggered terms, beginning September 1. The MEA President shall designate one (1) member of the MEA Judicial Board to serve as its Chairperson. Members of

the MEA Judicial Board shall have been active, active education support, and/or retired members of MEA for at least five (5) consecutive years immediately prior to their appointment, and shall maintain active, active education support, or retired membership while serving on the MEA Judicial Board. A member of the MEA Judicial Board may be a delegate to the MEA and/or National Education Association Representative Assemblies, but shall hold no other elective or appointive position in MEA or any of its affiliates.

F. Education Support Professional (ESP) Committee An Education Support Professional Committee shall advocate for ESP involvement in the Association and educational and training programs designed to advance ESP-related issues. of eleven (11) members shall advocate for ESP involvement in the Association and educational and training programs designed to advance ESP related issues. Committee members shall be appointed for three-year (3) terms.

G. Black, Indigenous, People of Color Committee A Black, Indigenous, People of Color Committee shall advocate for minority involvement and pathways to leadership, support educators and students of color, promote and support anti-racist education, and identify policies and practices that further support the MEA becoming an inclusive, equitable, and diverse organization. of 11 (eleven) members shall advocate for minority involvement and pathways to leadership, support educators and students of color, promote and support Anti-Racist education, and identify policies and practices that further support the MEA becoming an inclusive, equitable, and diverse organization. Committee members shall be appointed for a three-year (3) term.

Section 3. Ad Hoc Committees Ad hoc committees may be established by the Representative Assembly, by the Board of Directors, or by the President for the purpose of accomplishing a specific task within a limited period of time.

Section 4. Judicial Board The MEA Judicial Board shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the MEA President, with the consent of the MEA Board of Directors.

The members of the MEA Judicial Board shall be appointed for five (5) year staggered terms, beginning September 1. The MEA President shall designate one (1) member of the MEA Judicial Board to serve as its Chairperson.

Members of the MEA Judicial Board shall have been active, active education support, and/ or retired members of MEA for at least five (5) consecutive years immediately prior to their appointment, and shall maintain active, active education support, or retired membership while serving on the MEA Judicial Board. A member of the MEA Judicial Board may be a delegate to the MEA and/or National Education Association Representative Assemblies, but shall hold no other elective or appointive position in MEA or any of its affiliates.

RATIONALE: These proposed revisions have three main purposes: 1) align Article VI language with current MEA goals, 2) align language with current practices and 3) clarify and simplify the article’s language and structure. To better align with current organizational goals, this new language uses MEA Board districts as the tool for achieving geographic diversity on committees rather than UniServ Districts. Since committees operate on the governance side of MEA it makes more sense to use a governance-centered tool for achieving geographic diversity (Board districts) rather than a staff-centered one (UniServ Districts). To reflect current practices, new language is being proposed

for GR, IPD, Statewide Bargaining, and Structure and Bylaws that captures some of the key responsibilities these committees currently have. Also to reflect current practices, terms have been changed from 3-year to 1-year appointments. To simplify and clarify the article’s organization, language about the appointment process and committee composition has been consolidated into one location in Section I and one location in Section II. A new Section 4 is being proposed for the Judicial Board because it is neither a Representative Assembly Committee nor a Standing Committee.

SUBMITTED BY: Tom Walsh STRUCTURE & BYLAWS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS: Ought to Pass

2025 MEA Election Results UNCONTESTED ELECTIONS Board of Directors Alexandra Loukas District D Stephanie Michaud District H Suzanne Nelson District J William "Bill" True District M NEA RA District Delegates Stephanie Wigginton District 21 Tamber Craig District 29 NEA RA At-Large Delegates Cedena McAvoy Tammy Allard Jill Plourd Joseph Kennedy Lori Littlefield Ina Demers MEA-Retired Alternates to NEA RA Ben Paradis Alternate MEA RA Cluster District Delegates Kathleen Peabody Cluster 6 Jason Bricker Cluster 14 CONTESTED ELECTIONS MEA-Retired Delegates to MEA RA Grace Leavitt

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PROPOSED CHANGES TO STANDING RULES RULE 2. ELECTIONS PROCEDURES Section 4. Election of NEA Representative Assembly Delegates/Alternates 3.

NEA Representative Assembly at-large delegates/alternates are elected by active and active education support professional members in oddnumbered years for two-year (2) terms. The number of at-large seats shall not exceed the number of district seats. An election for any unfilled seat(s) will be held in the off year.

RATIONALE: To align with current practice.

SUBMITTED BY: Jesse Hargrove STRUCTURE & BYLAWS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS: Ought to Pass RULE 2. ELECTIONS PROCEDURES Section 4. Election of NEA Representative Assembly Delegates/Alternates 4.

NEA Representative Assembly district delegates/alternates are elected by active and active education support professional members in each NEA election district as designated by the Structure and Bylaws Committee in even-numbered years for two-year (2) terms. An election for any unfilled seat(s) will be held in the off year.

RATIONALE: To align with current practice.

SUBMITTED BY: Jesse Hargrove STRUCTURE & BYLAWS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS: Ought to Pass RULE 2. ELECTIONS PROCEDURES Section 5. Campaigning C. Maine Education Association Resources Available to Candidates: 3.

Candidate Flyer: The Maine Education Association will include a single sheet flyer 8 ½" x 11" - of any candidate for office to be elected at the Representative Assembly in the advance mailing to delegates. The flyer and all copies must be prepared by the candidate at the candidate’s expense.

RATIONALE: To clarify what is required.

SUBMITTED BY: Jesse Hargrove STRUCTURE & BYLAWS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS: Ought to Pass RULE 2. ELECTIONS PROCEDURES Section 5. Campaigning C. Maine Education Association Resources Available to Candidates: 4.

Campaign Statement: Candidates who have filed a Notice of Intent Form for an election held prior to the MEA Representative Assembly may submit a brief campaign statement (thirty (30) one hundred (100) words or fewer) to be included in an official MEA publication or platform. with a ballot. This applies to all contested elections where ballots are distributed to local associations or individual members.

RATIONALE: To allow for greater flexibility in how the campaign statement is distributed to members.

SUBMITTED BY: Jesse Hargrove STRUCTURE & BYLAWS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS: Ought to Pass RULE 2. ELECTIONS PROCEDURES Section 6. Balloting/Voting A. The following requirements shall be observed in the preparation of paper ballots: 1. the Elections Committee or designee shall prepare ballots containing the names of all certified candidates; 2. the ballot shall not identify the source of any nominators, indicate endorsing parties, or contain any information that might be construed as

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prejudicial, such as a candidate's capabilities, prior service, or present or previous office(s) held; 3. the order of names on the ballot shall be determined in alphabetical order for two (2) consecutive years and in reverse alphabetical order for two (2) consecutive years; 4. members shall be elected by secret ballot for each individual office; 5. balloting procedures should be so devised that the person expressing a choice cannot be identified with the choice expressed; 6. the intent of the voter shall be the governing factor in determining how the vote shall be counted; and 7. if a paper ballot is used, the voter will be instructed to place the marked ballot in a sealed envelope which is then to be signed. Before tabulation, the ballot will be separated from the envelope identifying the sender. The outside envelope shall clearly indicate that a paper ballot is enclosed. Paper ballots may be returned in a batch as long as each ballot is in a separate envelope.

B. In elections conducted by MEA prior to the Representative Assembly, ballots shall be distributed to active, active education support, student, and retired members as of January 15th of the current year. Ballots shall be distributed on or prior to a date selected by the Elections Committee at least forty-five (45) days prior to the first day of the Representative Assembly and shall be returned no later than the date established by the Elections Committee.

C. Contested candidates shall be notified no fewer than two (2) days prior to the distribution of ballots.

D. If the number of candidates equals the number of vacancies for the same office, the candidates are to be declared elected.

E. Runoff elections shall be held as necessary until there is an election for each position by a majority vote of those voting. The ballot shall list the candidates in descending order who received the highest number of votes on the previous ballot, listing one (1) more candidate than the number of positions to be filled.

F. A ballot recount request for elections conducted by MEA must be received by the MEA Elections Committee at an MEA office as stated in the MEA Elections Timeline. The Elections Committee will recount the ballots. The recount will take place on the date stated in the MEA Elections Timeline. All candidates involved will be notified of the date of the ballot recount, will be invited to observe the ballot recount, and will be informed of the results of the ballot recount.

G. F. When voting at the MEA Representative Assembly, the delegate shall present appropriate identification to the poll clerk by wearing the badge provided at registration for the MEA Representative Assembly and shall register at the poll site. Materials promoting any candidate must be removed prior to entering the poll site.

RATIONALE: To address legal and operational concerns.

SUBMITTED BY: Jesse Hargrove STRUCTURE & BYLAWS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS: Ought to Pass RULE 2. ELECTIONS PROCEDURES Section 6. Balloting/Voting G. All ballot and/or election procedures shall be in compliance with the LaborManagement Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) or any other relevant law or regulation.

RATIONALE: To address legal and operational concerns.

SUBMITTED BY: Jesse Hargrove

STRUCTURE & BYLAWS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS: Ought to Pass RULE 3. MEA REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY STANDING RULES Section 6. Distribution of Materials There shall be no printed material distributed among the delegates on the floor of the MEA Representative Assembly, except with the permission of the presiding officer or as prescribed in Standing Rule 2, Election Procedures.

RATIONALE: To ensure flow of RA Business without interruption. Subsequent sections will be renumbered accordingly.

SUBMITTED BY: Jesse Hargrove STRUCTURE & BYLAWS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS: Ought to Pass

2025 PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS 1-Delete A7 RESOLVED: That the MEA opposes any attempt to amend or replace the current school funding formula in order to base state subsidies to local school systems solely on a per pupil basis. (Adopted 1992; Amended 2005) Rationale: This wording is to better reflect what is needed.

Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired 2 - Amendment to A14 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes that educational opportunities for all persons, which enable them to develop to the full extent of their capabilities and assume the roles of responsible citizenship, must be supported by: • full funding of legislatively mandated programs • the recognition that education should be a process which meaningfully involves professional and support educators, retirees, parents/guardians and students; these stakeholders should have direct involvement from the earliest planning stages to the final implementation of federal, state and local educational programs • community awareness programs that communicate local educational accomplishments and concerns to the public • the election of candidates for public office at local, county, state and federal levels, who are committed to the educational goals of the Association • the appointment of nominees to educational boards and task forces, including but not limited to the State Board of Education and the University of Maine Board of Trustees, who are committed to and supportive of public education, educators, and students • graduation requirements that reflect the equal implementation of all eight content areas of the Maine Learning Results (MLR) (Adopted 2004; Amended 2009; Amended 2011) Rationale: The second-to-last item is added to include both pre-K-12 and higher ed.

Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired 3 – Amendment to A20 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes that there should be dedicated funding for early childhood education and that all children should have access to: public Pre-K and K programs that are developmentally appropriate, whether in person or remote: • mandatory, full-day, free, publicly funded,

developmentally appropriate, quality kindergarten programs in all school districts; • optional, full-day, free, publicly funded, developmentally appropriate, quality universal pre-kindergarten programs for all three- and four-year old children whose parents/guardians choose to enroll them; • dedicated funding for early childhood education; • •ncreased publicly funded support services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, et al, for children, birth through age 5, in disadvantaged families; • increased access to Early Head Start programs.

(Adopted 2019; Amended 2021) Rationale: To update and clarify the language and also to remove 'disadvantaged families' as this should be for all.

Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired 4 – New A RESOLVED: That MEA supports an equitable school funding formula that ensures all Maine students have the programs and resources needed for a quality, well-rounded pre-K-12 public education that enables them to be successful. (Adopted 1992; Amended 2005) Rationale: This wording is to better reflect what is needed.

Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired 5- New A RESOLVED: That the MEA believes the state and federal governments should provide sufficient funding for needed renovations to school facilities and/or new construction to ensure all Maine students have safe, up-to-date learning environments.

Rationale: To address the need for increased funding for the many outdated school facilities in our state.

Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired 6 – New A RESOLVED: That the MEA supports district policies that restrict or prohibit the student use of cell phones and similar devices during the school day in order to promote the well-being of students, maintain the focus on learning, and support a positive, safe learning environment for all.

Rationale: The use of cell phones et al. have negatively impacted our students and their learning.

Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired 7 – Delete B3 RESOLVED: That the MEA supports the development and implementation of sitebased decision-making and restructuring processes that involve the local governance affiliates, including Education Support Professionals, as full partners from the outset, which arebased on contractual agreements between districts and governance affiliates.

(Adopted 1992; Amended 2000; Amended 2014) Rationale: To update the position and support shared decision-making.

Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired

8– Amendment to B5 RESOLVED: That the MEA supports adequate training, salary and working conditions for members all involved in pre-service teacher education, through its higher ed and preK12 affiliates including both mentors and student teachers/interns. (Adopted 1986; Amended 1996; Amended 1997; Amended 2002; Amended 2014) Rationale: To show we support that student teachers be paid.

Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired 9 – Amendment to B6 RESOLVED: That the MEA supports mainstreaming and inclusion strategies that incorporate require reduced class size, provide appropriate support staff and materials, and include input from the educators involved who work with the student. (Adopted 1990; Amended 1997; Amended 2007) Rationale: To clarify language.

Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired 10 – Amendment to B7 RESOLVED: That the MEA supports professional development opportunities for all Education Support Professionals and that ESP should be paid for their time when participating in professional development. (Adopted 1990; Amended 1992; Amended 1996; Amended 2002) Rationale: ESP should not have to volunteer their time in order to receive PD. Submitted by: MEA Committee Resolutions Committee, Jill Plourd 11 – Amendment to B9 RESOLVED: That the MEA supports the use of technology within the educational process when delivered by a properly trained educator, that includes the educator in the selection of technology, and that includes technical support. (Adopted 1993; Amended 2009; Amended 2013; Amended 2021) Rationale: To include educators in the selection of technology and to provide ongoing support.

Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired 12 – Delete B10 RESOLVED: That the MEA supports restructuring and site-based decision making only if the site provides training, time and funds. (Adopted 1993; Amended 2002) Rationale: To update the position and support shared decision-making Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired 13 – Amendment to B15 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes that continuous professional development, with time and resources provided, is necessary for its members to implement school reform initiatives and to keep current with best practices. Furthermore, Education professionals must be involved in the identification of their learning needs. The association MEA recognizes the need for published guidelines, and time and funding for attendance at conferences, and workshops to assist members educators in this process.

(Adopted 2001; Amended 2006; Amended 2012) Rationale: To update and clarify the position.

Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired

14 – Amendment to B16 RESOLVED: That the MEA supports the effort to reach out to new educators during their first five years in the profession of teaching in order to encourage support professional development needs and promote membership in their professional aAssociation. (Adopted 2002; Amended 2014; Amended 2020) Rationale: To update and clarify the position.

Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired 15 – Amendment to B17 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes that members educators need to be professional proactive advocates for children and public education. To accomplish that objective, the MEA also believes that: • members educators can be more effective at Individual Education Plan meetings if they are knowledgeable about special education laws and regulations, transition regulations, and 504 regulations.

• local associations should have a resource person knowledgeable in special education/inclusion/504.

• local associations should negotiate additional resources and improved working conditions in special education.

• state and local organizations involved in special education need to coordinate their services.

• members educators need to be knowledgeable of legal protections against harassment, student violence, and other unsafe working conditions for educators or students.

• members educators need to gain knowledge about issues that face our increasingly diverse students and staff, including the District’s Lau Plan, a document which describes how school administrative units (SAU) meet the needs of its English learners and fulfills its civil rights obligations to them.

• members educators need training on the social and emotional needs of students.

• members educators need current training on bullying prevention.

• members educators need training on implicit bias.

• members educators can be more effective at language assessment committee meetings for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL students) if they are knowledgeable about the student’s Individual Language Assessment Plan (ILAP).

• members educators need support in all of the above issues through local professional development.

• educators need training on suicide prevention; • educators need training on Adverse Childhood Experiences and the effects of trauma; • educators need training on the effects of poverty on our students and their learning; • educators need training on the impact that housing insecurity and homelessness have on student learning (Adopted 2003; Amended 2012; Amended 2015; Amended 2019; Amended 2021; Amended 2022) Rationale: All educators need information and training on these additional areas in order to best support our students.

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Submitted by: MEA Committee Resolutions Committee, Jill Plourd 16 – Amendment to B18 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes that professional excellence among educators is fostered by pre-service and in-service staff development. Such staff development should be guaranteed by: • the establishment of a professional standards board having a majority of public school classroom teachers, and carrying legal responsibility for teacher education programs, as well as for the development of policies and procedures governing certification, recertification, and the revocation of certificates • the appropriate certification and preparation for educators at all grade levels and in all academic areas • the encouragement and support of governance affiliates in their efforts to meet and consult with school boards on policy decisions affecting staff development and recertification; further, professional teachers and support educators should be in the majority on any school board appointed committees pertaining to staff development and recertification • the provision of teacher centers • the continued development of objective and effective forms of evaluation of the performance of all educational staff, including those providing special services (Adopted 2004) Rationale: This is no longer relevant.

Submitted by: MEA Committee Resolutions Committee, Jill Plourd 17 – Amendment to B19 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes educators must be involved in developing district acceptable use policies for Internet access. The Association also believes required student and parent/guardian signatures must be on file in respective schools as a condition of use prior to Internet use. (Adopted 2004) Rationale: To clarify the purpose of the signatures.

Submitted by: MEA Committee Resolutions Committee, Jill Plourd 18 – Amendment to B25 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes that peer-to-peer observations of educators should be the major component of formative professional development and growth and that funded release time should be provided for educators to be able to participate in these observations. (Adopted 2016) Rationale: To clarify that paid time should be provided in order for this to be accomplished.

Submitted by: MEA Committee Resolutions Committee, Jill Plourd 19 – Delete B26 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes that funding release time should be provided for teachers to participate in peer-to-peer observations for formative professional growth. (Adopted 2016) Rationale: To clarify that paid time should be provided in order for this to be accomplished.

Submitted by: MEA Committee Resolutions Committee, Jill Plourd 20 – Amendment to B31 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes that students deserve well-designed assessment 32

Maine Educator | Spring 2025

tools that test the information being taught.

These tools include: • adequate time for learning between test administrations • results that are used to inform instruction • authentic assessments which evaluate an individual student’s growth in multiple ways • monitoring of state-wide assessment administration and training • annual review of the success and failure of test administration with a full range of stakeholders • ensure equity for multilingual learners (Adopted 2019; Amended 2020) Rationale: To ensure equity for MLL. Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Resolutions Committee, Jill Plourd

21 – New B RESOLVED: That the MEA supports authentic labor/management collaboration and shared decisionmaking that involve the local governance affiliates, including Education Support Professionals, as full partners with administration, and which are supported by training, time, and funding.

Rationale: To update the position and support shared decision-making Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired

26 – Amendment to E7 RESOLVED: That the MEA supports educational employees who are at risk of being fired, non-renewed, suspended with or without pay, transferred, or subjected to any other adverse employment action (including harassment) due to sexual orientation or gender identity, and/or gender expression.

This includes employees who protect, support, advocate, and have association with individuals within this class. (Adopted 1993; Amended 2011; Amended 2020) Rationale: We believe gender expression should be included.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown

22 – New B RESOLVED: that the MEA believes that students and educators must remain at the center of education; therefore, any use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) technology must be: • evidence-based, • carefully and ethically vetted prior to use, • carefully evaluated by educators, • used only to enhance the educational experience, • aligned with high-quality teaching and learning standards and practices.

Additionally, any use of GAI technology must not displace nor impair the essential connection between students and educators, and must: • include strong data protection practices, • ensure equitable access to and use of GAI tools, • include ongoing education with and about GAI for both educators and students, and • include regular reassessment of GAI tools.

Rationale: We need a position on Artificial Intelligence.

Submitted by: Individual, Grace Leavitt, MEARetired 23 – Delete C22 RESOLVED: That the MEA supports efforts to repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO)/ Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) federal provisions in the Social Security Act. (Adopted 2012) Rationale: GPO/WEP have been repealed!

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Resolutions Committee, Jill Plourd 24 - Amendment to C25 RESOLVED: That the MEA supports all members including those who do not have Maine State Retirement, by supporting improvements to Social Security benefits.

(Adopted 2015) Rationale: MEA supports lifting the 'cap', and other improvements to Social Security that would benefit educators.

25 – New C RESOLVED: That the MEA opposes any workplace policies or practices that encourage, normalize, or require the use of personal electronic devices for completing work tasks.

Rationale: Duties associated with performing one's job should not have to be done on a personal device. The encroachment of personal devices in the workplace blurs the line between work life and personal life and makes members more vulnerable to having their personal devices subjected to malicious Maine Freedom of Access Act requests.

Submitted by: Individual, Tom Walsh, Falmouth EA

27 – Amendment to E21 • RESOLVED: That the MEA believes in the equality of all individuals, and that human dignity is of supreme importance in the educational process and is enhanced by: • programs which reinforce the individual member's contractual, statutory, and constitutional rights • elimination of discriminatory practices in employment, promotion, and compensation • elimination of assumptions and prejudices in curricular materials and teaching practices, including but not limited to racismt, xenophobia, sexismt, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, and religious discrimination which might limit the opportunities and growth of members of the educational community and xenophobic stereotyping in curriculum materials and teaching practices • inclusion of affirming curriculum that allows students, staff, and communities to see themselves and their peers as positive members of society • encourage all members of the educational community to examine assumptions and prejudices, including, but not limited to racism, xenophobia, sexism, transphobia and , homophobia, ableism, and religious discrimination which might limit the opportunities and growth of members of the educational community in curriculum materials and practices that might limit the opportunities and growth of students and educational employees • inclusion of affirming curriculum that allows students, staff, and communities to see themselves and their peers as positive members of society • recognition of and respect for the richness of the multicultural heritage of the students and educational employees

of the State of Maine that works to eliminate xenophobia in our schools and communities • promotion of a safe and inclusive environment for all (Adopted 2004; Amended 2015; Amended 2017, Amended 2023) Rationale: We believe this clarifies the language in the pre-existing resolution.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown 28 – Amendment to E22 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes that public schools should have the necessary resources and properly trained staff in order to ensure all students receive culturally sustaining competent and trauma-informed services.

(Adopted 2010, Amended 2023, Amended 2024) Rationale: Changing "competent" to "sustaining" is more aligned with research and current most effective practice.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown 29 – Amendment to E23 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes, regardless of citizenship, documentation, and/or that inclusive of immigration status of students or their parents/guardians, every student has the right to a free public education in an environment free from harassment. The MEA Association also believes that neither educational systems nor their employees are responsible for the determination and/or enforcement of immigration status. (Adopted 2017) Rationale: We believe that this clarifies and updates the language of the existing resolution.

Expanding "immigration status" to "citizenship, documentation, and/or immigration status" also works to broaden the situations that fall under this resolution.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown 30 – Amendment to E24 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes that all students, staff, and community members should be able to use the bathroom or locker room of the gender with which they identify, including non-binary, transgender, and gender expansive individuals students.

The MEA supports the goal of creating gender neutral public restrooms in all Maine educational institutions. (Adopted 2018; Amended 2021, Amended 2023) Rationale: This broadens the existing resolution to be more inclusive and reflects the language of the Maine Human Rights Act. Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown 31 – Amendment to E26 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes in the importance of human and civil rights, and sSocial and rRacial jJustice for all people and:.

Opposes: • supports the opposition of hate-based bias, racial profiling, religious intolerance, socio-economic stereotyping, and bullying; • supports the opposition of systems that reinforce settler colonialism and white supremacy culture; • supports the condemnation of a culture that disrupts the mental, emotional, and cognitive needs of our students and

educators by means of oppression; supports the eradication of institutional racism and the school-to-prison pipeline; • systems that reinforce ableist culture; Supports • supports restorative practices; • supports the formation and facilitation of affinity groups.

• amplifies voices of historically marginalized people within schools and communities; Advocates for: • advocates for respect, fairness and dignity in our society; • advocates for a culture free from hate and racism; • a culture free from ableism; • promotes awareness of and appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity.

(Adopted 2019, Amended 2023) Rationale: This formatting change makes the resolution easier to read. The content includes language around ableism and is generally more inclusive.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown •

32 – Amendment to E27 RESOLVED: That the MEA supports increases in funding from the State of Maine for the following support services for Maine seniors: independent living, aging in place, assisted living, in-home care, and long-term care.

(Adopted 2020) Rationale: "Aging in place" has a scientific basis that shows it is beneficial to the individual and has economic benefits to a community and the individual.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown 33 – Amendment to E30 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes and advocates that all students should be able to play and participate in school sports teams, clubs, and activities that best match their gender identity best, including non-binary, transgender, and gender expansive students. (Adopted 2021, Amended 2023) Rationale: This updates the language to be more inclusive. This also reflects the Maine Human Rights Act. Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown 34 – New E RESOLVED: That the MEA believes, regardless of citizenship, documentation, and/or immigration status, every employee has the right to a safe work environment free from harassment and/ or discrimination. The MEA also believes that neither educational systems nor their employees are responsible for the determination and/or enforcement of immigration status.

Rationale: We believe this language upholds the 14th amendment. Additionally, this establishes a staff version of the existing E23 resolution.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown 35 – New E RESOLVED: That the MEA believes that no human is illegal.

Rationale: We believe that this is essential language currently missing from our resolutions document. While a person can be in a country illegally or may engage in illegal

activities, no person is inherently illegal.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown 36 – New E RESOLVED: That the MEA supports providing programs and resources to address the needs of unhoused students and staff.

Rationale: This parallels the NEA resolution C35, which states "The Association believes that society has the responsibility to lessen and eliminate the effects of housing instability and homelessness...". Currently the MEA has no resolutions on this topic.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown 37 – New E RESOLVED: That the MEA believes that students' right to privacy should be protected and kept separate from social and political issues. Protection includes, but is not limited to, their academic opportunities and their physical, socialemotional, and mental health.

The MEA opposes doxing, outing, or using inflammatory language to draw attention to and/or use students as scapegoats.

Rationale: There are students who have stood up at school board meetings across the state who are now receiving death threats or have been accosted in parking lots for standing up for what they believe in. This is an issue of harassment. This has a chilling effect on civic engagement and is dangerous to our democracy. When protections exist, students will not be targeted, damaged, harmed, or made vulnerable to further or meet the political agendas of others.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown 38 – New E RESOLVED: That the MEA believes public funds should not be leveraged or withheld from public education, nor should they be weaponized or used as a bargaining chip to undermine legal, democratic processes for the appropriation of public funds.

Rationale: In response to current federal funds being threatened to be withheld from public education without due process.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown 39 – New E RESOLVED: That the MEA believes gun owners should participate in educational programs that stress responsible ownership, including safe use and storage of guns.

Rationale: MEA Legislative Platform currently states: "Common-sense gun safety measures such as banning assault weapons, limiting the capacity of ammunition magazines, universal background checks, waiting periods for all gun purchases, red flag law, safe storage of firearms." However there is no mention of safe storage within our resolutions document.

NEA I33 currently states: "gun owners should participate in educational programs that stress responsible ownership, including safe use and storage of guns. " School boards across Maine are promoting safe MAINEEA.ORG

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gun storage platforms such as the Be SMART framework; we should have a resolution on this topic.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown 36 – Amendment to F8 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes that every student deserves a nutritional breakfast and lunch free of charge during a health crisis.

(Adopted 2021) Rationale: We believe that this should always be available to students, regardless of health crisis.

Submitted by: MEA Committee, Human Civil Rights & Social Justice Committee, Olivia Brown

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Maine Educator | Spring 2025

Editor's Note | Spring 2025 S am anth a B urdi ck

Expect the Unexpected Little did I know as a teenager that the Survivor tag line “expect the unexpected,” would become my mantra for 2025.

The first part of this year has been filled with many unexpected challenges—the least of which was the flat tire I encountered on my way home after a long flight from Denver in February. After attending a two-day training with my communications colleagues from other state affiliates, I arrived in Portland very late on a Wednesday night. Just when I thought the day couldn't get any longer, one of those famous Maine potholes jumped out of nowhere, and I blew my front tire—causing an unexpected delay.

The thing about unexpected challenges—whether it's a flat tire or something more significant—is that they often come with a great deal of anxiety.

→Flat tire on the way home...

Perhaps you can relate.

Since the new administration took office in Washington, many challenges have arisen, bringing with them a lot of uncertainties—and many questions. Will the Department of Education remain intact? Will Maine continue to receive the federal funding that our rural school districts rely on? How will we protect our most vulnerable students?

These questions weigh heavily on our minds.

I don’t have the answers for all these questions, but what I do know is that the opposite of divided is united. When we come together united with a unified voice, our voice is amplified and impossible to ignore.

Just as my flat tire at 1 AM created an opportunity to address some overdue vehicle maintenance, the unexpected challenges we might see unfold in the coming months or years are perfect opportunities to find common ground among ourselves as educators, union members, and a community. These challenges offer us a unique chance to unify, raise our collective voices, tell our stories, and show the world why public education is fundamentally valuable.

→Since the new administration took office in Washington, many challenges have arisen.

It might feel like your tank is empty, or you have “crashed out,” as the kids say. But when we come together as one voice, we have power. Find a way to get involved in your local association, encourage an educator who isn’t a union member to join, visit MEA’s Advocacy Center webpage to learn how to raise your voice at the State House, or explore NEA’s Protect Public Schools page to find ways to take action and protect our public schools.

We might not always be able to anticipate the unexpected, but through our collective action, we have the power to amplify our voices and stand up for our students, schools, and communities. It's in these moments that we must rely on our resilience and the support of those around us—your colleagues, your community, and your union.

Samantha Burdick Director of Communications & Editor editor@maineea.org MAINEEA.ORG

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