Leader Connect with Kim Marshall
2023-04-12 08:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | ME
Join fellow administrators from around central Aroostook County on April 12, 8:30am-9:30am for this year’s final session of Kim Marshall’s Leader Connect. Participate in a wide range of discussion, including supporting classroom management, school culture, and leadership philosophies. A meeting link will be sent with your registration. Hope to see you there!

Mindbridge Community Conversation
2023-05-18 18:00 - 20:00 | UMPI Campus Center, 181 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, United States
Join the University of Maine at Presque Isle on May 18 from 6pm-8pm for an important community conversation!
UMPI Community Conversation Description
We often think of our society as a place where everyone has the same (or close to the same) opportunity to succeed and thrive. However, historical patterns of sorting/ranking each other (by race, religion, gender, language, and orientation) still have powerful effects on how we relate to one another today. Forms of bias and structural inequity negatively impact the health and well-being of marginalized populations and stall our collective ability to thrive. This community conversation will provide an initial introduction to implicit bias and how increasing our awareness and understanding of bias directly relates to advancing greater equity of opportunity, experience, and outcomes in our local institutions and communities. Here we invite community members to join Mindbridge Executive Director Laura Ligouri, in exploring our experience with bias and opportunities to collectively advance opportunities within our communities.
About Mindbridge
Mindbridge is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the impact of local, national and international human rights work by integrating psychological and neurobiological applied science. Mindbridge uses neuroscience and psychology to assess the values, beliefs, motivations, and drivers of violence in order to develop more effective interventions and propel change. We partner with government and community-based organizations to co-develop a holistic approach to societal transformation. It is ultimately through our understanding of how the brain gives rise to the mind that we no longer work to simply combat human rights abuses in an endless cycle of violence, but guide the psyche towards the strengthening of society built upon the tenets of human rights itself. Here neurobiological and psychological sciences propel data-driven intervention and program design, giving human rights defenders access to the hearts and minds they need to connect to most. For more information visit: www.mindbridgecenter.org
About Laura Ligouri
Laura Ligouri is the Executive Director and Founder of Mindbridge. Her interest in the intersection of neuroscience and human rights emerged while at the Saxelab Social Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at MIT, where neurobiological research often sought to understand the biological underpinnings of implicit bias, inter-ethnic social conflict, violence and conversely collective empowerment and change. Laura’s interests lie at the intersection of how neurobiological processes, culture and societal influences converge to give rise to and perpetuate bias, discrimination and violence within and among groups. Laura teaches the Neuropsychology of Social Justice at the University of Southern Maine and is currently spearheading efforts to develop a national guideline for psychologists’ involvement with domestic counterterrorism efforts. Laura will present with the American Psychological Association on public psychology and its role in countering hate at the 2022 Science, Technology and Human Rights Conference hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Laura is currently completing her PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in neuropsychological research.
Register Here!

CACE Day 2023, with special guest Brandon Fleming
2023-09-15 08:00 - 14:30 | Presque Isle High School, 16 Griffin Street, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, United States
Join us at Presque Isle High School on September 15 for CACE Day 2023-“Elevating our Students, Elevating our Classrooms, Elevating our Schools”!
Keynote Speaker: Brandon Fleming
Brandon P. Fleming is a renowned speaker, nationally acclaimed educator, and author of MISEDUCATED: A Memoir. His triumphant story of struggle, success, and service has captured the heart of national media and inspired millions of people around the world. An at-risk youth and college dropout turned award-winning educator, Fleming is a former debate coach at Harvard University and Founder & CEO of the Veritas School of Social Sciences in Atlanta, GA.

In 2017, Fleming was recruited to become Harvard University’s assistant debate coach at the age of 26. Fleming soon made history at Harvard as the founder of the first Black pipeline program called the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project, which was designed to increase Black enrollment at Harvard’s residential debate program where hundreds of gifted young scholars from over 25 different countries study and compete in an international academic debate competition.
Over six years, Fleming has raised millions of dollars to enroll more than 200 students of color into Harvard’s summer debate residency on full scholarship. But there was one challenge that Fleming faced: How would he take Black youth from mostly under-resourced schools in Atlanta, who had never been exposed to the rigors of academic debate, and prepare them in just one year to compete against some of the most elite debaters from across the globe? Fleming created a transformative curriculum that is designed to build intellectual capacity, accelerate learning, and ultimately level the playing field for Black students. And it did. For six consecutive years, since the program’s inception in 2017, every cohort trained by Fleming has won the international competition as six-time consecutive champions. News of the achievement has gone viral and broke national headlines, being featured on CNN, Good Morning America, the Steve Harvey Show and many more. The organization has gained the financial backing of Fortune 100 companies such as The Coca-Cola Company, UPS, Chick-fil-A, and many more.

Fleming’s story represents the transformative power of equity. The equity model Fleming has built to close performance gaps is one that academic and corporate institutions have highly sought to replicate. As a renowned speaker, Fleming has keynoted for international governmental organizations such as the United Nations. Fleming has spoken at the nation’s most prestigious colleges, universities, and K-12 conferences. Fleming has also keynoted conventions for corporate executives at the nation’s largest brands such as Walmart, Bank of America, FedEx, the Federal Reserve Bank, and many more. At the age of 29, Forbes Magazine named Fleming to the Forbes 30 under 30 list. In 2020, The Root Magazine named Fleming one of the top 100 most influential African Americans in the United States. And in May 2021, North Carolina Wesleyan College bestowed upon Fleming the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree.

Breakout Sessions
Classroom Management Panel: Join Teresa Merritt, RSU 39 Special Education Teacher, Brittany Morrison-SAD 1 Grade 4 Teacher and PBIS Coach, Emily Rosser-RUS 39 Grade 1 Teacher, and Elizabeth Bouchard-SAD 45 Grades 7-8 Mathematics Teacher for a discussion and Q/A on creative, tried and tested classroom management tactics.
Administration Panel: Join Dr. Jennifer Bourassa-SAD 1 Curriculum Director, Joel Hall-SAD 32 Principal/Superintendent, Dr. Kay York-Principal of Central Aroostook High School, Benjamin Sirois-Superintendent, SAD 27, SAD 33, and Madawaska School Department, and Megan Stanley-SAD 1 Special Education Director for a discussion and Q/A on what makes successful schools and cutting edge programming tick.
Teacher Panel: Join Nicholas Blais, RSU 39 Mathematics Teacher, Darren West-Easton School Department Social Studies Teacher, Susan Beaulier-SAD 32 Art Teacher, and Samantha Swallow-Easton School Department Science Teacher for a discussion and Q/A on what attracted them to the field of education and what keeps them coming back to the classroom every day.
The Three Rs of Classroom Behavioral Management: Principled Behavior Consultants: Join us for the “Three Rs of Classroom Behavior Management” workshop, facilitated by experienced Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and tailored exclusively for educators in public schools. This session will delve into the crucial aspects of the Three Rs within the area of effective classroom behavior management. The workshop will explore topics like: identifying behavior functions, implementing proactive strategies, skillfully addressing disruptions, and integrating reward systems as a means to encourage active participation. The goal is to equip participants with pragmatic skills and materials to use the recommended strategies. It is suitable for educators of all levels of experience as participants will have opportunities to immediately practice what they are learning. This session is a valuable opportunity for those aiming to enhance their classroom management skills.
Dr. Zachary Bird is the Founding Consultant of Principled Behavior Consultants. He’s a Doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) licensed in Virginia. He has more than 15 years of experience working with a variety of populations including individuals with developmental disabilities and conduct disorders. His expertise is in the assessment and treatment of severe disruptive behavior across a variety of settings. Additionally, he provides consultation with schools on classroom management and systematic instruction. He earned his PhD in Behavior Analysis at Simmons College and his master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western New England University. His peer-reviewed research was published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Angie Bird is a Senior Behavior Consultant at Principled Behavior Consultants. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in Virginia who earned her master’s degree at Western New England University. She is licensed as a behavior analyst in Virginia and has over 15 years of experience working with clients with special needs. She is primarily interested in teaching social skills and training parents but has a wide range of experience working with public and private schools, in-home ABA services, and center-based ABA services. She finds joy in teaching others about ABA and helping to make a difference in the lives of clients and their families.
Amanda K. Cash is a Behavior Consultant at Principled Behavior Consultants. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in Virginia, and a doctoral student. She earned her master’s degree from Providence College and then completed additional coursework in Special Education Leadership through Drexel University and in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through Florida Institute of Technology. Prior to joining PBC, she worked in public and private schools as a special educator, behavior analyst, and educational consultant. She is passionate about effective instructional practices and helping clients become as independent as possible.
Liz Brown is a Behavior Consultant at Principled Behavior Consultants. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in Virginia, Liz has been privileged to work with diverse student populations across various public schools since 2016. Her professional journey has taken her through a range of community, clinic, and in-home settings in both Virginia and North Carolina. While earning her Master’s Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis at UNC Wilmington, she engaged in clinical research treating pediatric feeding disorders in children.

Multiple Pathways to an Education Degree at the University of Maine at Presque Isle: Wendi Malenfant-Education Program Director UMPI and Alana Margeson-Dean of Academic Affairs UMPI: Gain a better understanding of the many opportunities UMPI provides to help pre-service teachers earn their education degree. Wendi and Alana will also discuss opportunities available for Ed. Techs as well as teacher on emergency certifications to receive their teaching certification in a timely manner.
Positive Behavior Interventions and Support Part 1: Brittany Morrison, SAD 1 Grade 4 Teacher and PBIS Coach: PBIS is an evidence-based framework for promoting a positive school climate and supporting student’s social, emotional and behavioral learning. Part 1 will provide an overview of the basics of PBIS.
Positive Behavior Interventions and Support Part 1: Brittany Morrison, SAD 1 Grade 4 Teacher and PBIS Coach: PBIS is an evidence-based framework for promoting a positive school climate and supporting student’s social, emotional and behavioral learning. Part 2 will help you in where to begin with your school’s readiness.

Differentiated Instruction: Nancy Truman, SAD 32 Special Education Director and Jessica Haley, SAD 20 Special Education Director: Learn the latest instructional techniques that allows us to differentiate our instruction and meet the needs of all of our students.

Self Compassion and Mindfulness for Educators: Sharmon Clark, SAD 1 Grade 2 Teacher and Certified Mindfulness Instructor: As an educator, it is as important to take care of yourself as it is your students. In this session, Sharmon Clark will show you some ways on how to do just that!
Incorporating Mindfulness in the Classroom: Sharmon Clark, SAD 1 Grade 2 Teacher and Certified Mindfulness Instructor: Use these mindfulness techniques to help your students excel in the classroom.

Native Studies Video Series: Christa Galipeau, SAD 1 Adult Education Academic Coordinator: The Aroostook Band of Mi’kmaqs has created a 23 part video series to provide an educational resource to all Maine schools with the goal of introducing students to the rich history, culture and heritage of the Mi’kmaq Nation in Maine. Christa Galipeau has created a curriculum guide to accompany the series and align it to the Maine Learning Results and she will introduce these video and the guide in this session. These videos cover a diverse range of topics that can be included in all content areas. Come learn more about this wonderful resource, receive a free curriculum guide. learn about future workshops, and see how this can enhance student understanding of Native Culture and aid you in creating a more inclusive classroom.

Detecting Misuse of Chat GPT/AI in Your Classrooms, Kelly White-Professor of Computer Science, UMFK and Ben Nason-SAD 1 IT Technician: Artificial Intelligence is now a common tool in our classrooms, for good and bad. Learn how to detect the inappropriate use of AI in your students’ work.

Recruitment and Retention Tactics: Benjamin Sirois, Superintendent of Schools SAD 27, SAD 33, Madawaska School Department: An in-depth analysis of the creative ways in which School Administrative Units in Northern Maine are recruiting and retaining high quality educators in their schools.

Topics and Tactics in Social Emotional Learning: Candace Fuller, Easton School Department SEL Coordinator: This is a great opportunity for Counselors, Teachers and Administrators alike to have a conversation about SEL tactics and how to implement them in our classrooms and schools.

Approaching Controversial Topics in the Classroom: Zachary Powers, SAD 1 Social Studies Teacher: While polarization of the American political climate has always had a sense of ebb and flow, one cannot help but get the sense that our current situation is one of particularly heightened tension. Spurred by social media keyboard warriors from all ends of the political spectrum, it seems as though political discourse has lost all sense of what it means to pursue “common ground.” This breakout session will focus on how to create a classroom atmosphere that encourages students to step away from a dialogue where they try to prove each other wrong and focus more on understanding opposing viewpoints and understanding why it is often so hard to define talking points in modern debate. We will focus on day to day strategy as well as tackling issues such as Confederate imagery and the Lost Cause of the Civil War.

Literacy in the Elementary School Classroom: Lori McQuade, Easton School Department Grades 4-6 Teacher and Tammey White, Easton School Department: Learn tried and true instructional tactics and tools for teaching reading in our elementary classrooms.

Instructional Techniques and Tactics in Music: Jenn Holmes, Union 122 Music Teacher: This session gives music teachers an opportunity to create new lesson ideas for students grades K-12 with a student-centered approach.

Using Chat GPT/AI in Instruction: Dr. Jennifer Bourassa, SAD 1 Curriculum Director: In this session, Dr. Bourassa will present brand new instructional techniques making use of this new technology to help your students excel in your classroom.

Yearbooks and Publications: Marcie Young, SAD 1 ELA Teacher, Yearbook Advisor and PIHS Anchor Advisor: Take a deep dive into what makes SAD 1’s award winning yearbooks and publications tick, and apply those ideas to your school’s own publications!

NAMI-Maine: Libby Write, Associate Director of Youth Education: Libby will present suicide awareness and gatekeeper training available to schools by National Alliance of Mental Illness-Maine.

Outdoor Learning: Hogan Marquis, Easton School Department MS Science Teacher-Learn the many benefits of outdoor learning provides for your students, school and community from one of the founding members of Limestone Community School’s outdoor education program!

All breakout sessions are first come, first serve via online registration, so don’t wait!
@cace.maine
CACE

Roadmap For Supporting All Students With PBIS in the Classroom
2024-02-09 12:30 - 15:00 | UMPI Campus Center, 181 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, United States
Join the Central Aroostook Council on Education and Brittany Morrison on February 9 in learning more about ways to implement PBIS in your classroom. We will discuss the basics of PBIS as well as how to create a positive classroom environment and supporting and responding to students SEB (Social, Emotional and Behavioral) needs. We will discuss OTRs (opportunities to respond), 5:1 ratio feedback, classroom management strategies, and correction based behavior.
This training will help enlighten and motivate teachers in their day to day classroom development and planning. It will help connect educators of all levels. There will also be a Q&A as well as planning time available.
Brittany Morrison is a PBIS and RTI Coach, as well as an experienced Special Education and Elementary Education Teacher and Developmental Therapist. She has trained teachers and schools across Aroostook County on supporting PBIS in our school administrative units.
We hope to see you all from 12:30-3:00 on February 9 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Multipurpose room for a great afternoon!

An Afternoon with the O3S
2024-03-22 12:30 - 15:00 | UMPI Campus Center, 181 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, United States
The Central Aroostook Council on Education is proud to present the Maine Department of Education’s Office of School and Student Support on March 22, 12:30-3:00 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Multipurpose Room!
Within the Maine Department of Education, the role of the Office of School and Student Supports (O3S) is to ensure that Maine schools are inclusive, healthy, safe, and supportive communities where every student thrives. O3S endeavors to coordinate resources and programs that promote equitable, psycho-socially, physically, and environmentally healthy school communities for all.​ The Climate, Culture and Resilience team provides resources, guidance, and technical support to SAUs through a trauma-informed approach. As an action-oriented team supporting educators, CCR provides expertise in Social Emotional Learning and Intelligence, Family Engagement, Cultural Responsiveness, and Mental Health, as well as Migrant and McKinney Vento-identified student support.
School Climate refers to the many aspects of students’ educational experience that influence their social, emotional, and academic development. The climate of a school can impact student engagement in school activities; relationships with other students, staff, family, and community; and academic performance. A positive social and emotional school climate is conducive to effective teaching and learning. Such climates promote health, growth, and development by providing a safe and supportive learning environment.The collective responsibility in the school building is a big lift. We often present these topics to educators, administrators, and support staff. We see an impact when everyone knows about these programs and or resources.
Join Melanie Junkins, Amelia Rukema and Kellie Bailey as they present an in-depth review of the important services their office can provide our schools in Central Aroostook County.

Maine AHPERD PE/HE Teacher Workshop-CANCELLED
2024-05-17 08:30 - 14:00 | ME
Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled.

SEL In The Classroom-Cancelled
2024-05-24 12:30 - 15:00 | UMPI Campus Center, 181 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, United States
Join the Central Aroostook Council on Education and Candace Fuller for SEL In The Classroom on Friday, May 24 at 12:30!
What is SEL:
Social and Emotional Learning is a way of incorporating social emotional and behavioral skills into the classroom. This process helps students (and educators) develop communication skills, practice empathy for others, set boundaries while achieving goals and develop / understand friendships.
Benefits of SEL:
Well-implemented SEL programs can positively affect a students’ success in school. Studies show that SEL skills such as problem solving, self-regulation, impulse control, and empathy can be beneficial in the classroom setting and used to help improve academic studies as well as reducing negative social behaviors.
Incorporating SEL into the classroom in easy ways:
In this training, educators will be given an opportunity to look at the foundations of SEL. We will discuss how to incorporate SEL in the daily classroom setting using simple, easy steps without needing to carve time out or their daily academic schedules. Classroom ideas from worksheets, games, class meetings, writing prompts, team building and goal setting will be introduced.
This workshop will help bridge the gap between children’s social, emotional, behavioral AND academic needs.

CACE Day 2024-Nurturing Growth, Inspiring Excellence-featuring Andrew Dolloff
2024-09-20 08:00 - 11:30 | ME
Central Aroostook Council on Education is proud to present CACE Day 2024-Nurturing Growth, Inspiring Excellence. This year’s event showcases 5 different schools around Central Aroostook County, all providing unique professional development opportunities for our incredible educators.
Please take some time to review this year’s offerings and select the venue that best suits you when registering!
We sincerely hope that you enjoy this year’s edition of CACE Day, and that you are able to take the guidance provided by these Maine Educators back to your schools and classrooms.
Be sure to register soon! Registration closes at noon on September 16!
Keynote: “Trust Filled Schools”
Dr. Andrew Dolloff, Superintendent of Schools, Yarmouth School Department.
Dr. Andrew Dolloff is a 37-year veteran of public schools, having begun his career as a high school chemistry teacher and serving in a range of leadership positions from faculty chairperson and Athletic Director, to High School Principal and, for the past 15 years, as Superintendent of Schools. Andrew has led three National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence and at various points in his career has been recognized as Maine Principal of the Year, Maine Superintendent of the Year, and in 2020 received the Outstanding Superintendent award from the New England League of Middle Schools.
Andrew has served on the International Advisory Board for the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Principals’ Center, and as the Board Chair for the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) and the University of Southern Maine’s Educational Leadership Advisory Board, where he is an associate professor. Andrew’s book, The Trust Imperative, was released in 2022 and is being used in leadership preparatory programs and professional development settings as a resource for aspiring and veteran school leaders.
Andrew lives in Gorham, Maine with his wife, Brenda, who is also an educator of more than 35 years. They have four grown children, each of whom was educated in Maine’s public schools before completing successful undergraduate and graduate programs throughout New England; you’ll hear more about their entertaining experiences throughout Andrew’s presentation.
Site 1-Paraprofessionals and Support Staff
Presque Isle Middle School
Julie Sotomayor
Occupational Therapist
“Supporting Students”
What are some best practices for supporting both teachers and students in the classroom? Julie Sotomayor will bring us up to speed!
Dr. Paul Johnson
Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Maine at Presque Isle
“Behavior Management/Self Care and Wellness”
Dr. Johnson will provide participants with current behavioral management techniques for Ed Techs to utilize in their classroom. In his second session, Dr. Johnson will review the importance of self care in an extremely selfless profession!

Site 2-Pre Kindergarten-Grade 5 Teachers
Caribou High School
Brittany Morrison
Elementary Teacher/PBIS Coach, SAD #1
“Classroom Management-The How-Tos of the Classroom”
Tips and tricks to help you have a successful year managing the behaviors in your classroom.
Andrea Logan
MTSS Specialist, Maine Department of Education
“Multi-Tiered Systems of Support”
In Maine, MTSS is defined as a comprehensive framework designed to address the academic, behavioral, and social–emotional needs of each student in the most inclusive and equitable learning environment. More than RTI, MTSS is a whole-school framework that organizes the people, programs and policies into an integrated support system that begins in tier 1.

Candace Fuller
Social Emotional Learning Coordinator, Easton School Department
“SEL in the Elementary Classroom”
Day to day tactics and tips teachers and staff can use to incorporate SEL into daily classroom activities and classroom level interventions

Site 3-Grade 6-Grade 12 Teachers
Presque Isle High School
Dr. Andrew Dolloff
Superintendent of Schools, Yarmouth School Department
“Continuing the Conversation on Trust”
Following up on the keynote address, participants will engage in dialogue and activities aimed at fostering trust in their classrooms and schools.
Dr. Jennifer Bourassa
Curriculum Director, MSAD #1
“AI in Instruction”
This breakout session will provide updated uses for Artificial Intelligence in our 6-12 classrooms.
Dr. Beverly Wagner
BSW Program Director, Assistant Professor of Social Work, University of Maine at Presque Isle
“Self Care: A Practice We Cannot Ignore”
This is an interactive presentation in which participants are challenged to identify, plan, and implement their self care strategies. Roadblocks to self care, and burnout are discussed as well as tuning and creating self care plans.

Site 4-Preservice and New Teachers
(Years 1-3)
University of Maine at Presque Isle
Kim Barnes/Heather Anderson
Aroostook County Teachers of the Year, RSU #39
“From Surviving to Thriving: The Journey of a New Teacher”
Get some great tips and tricks from a couple of the best teachers in the region on how to grow and thrive in the profession.
Dr. Wendi Malenfant
Director of Education, University of Maine at Presque Isle
“Peer Support”
The early years in the classroom can be treacherous! You have a support group of fellow educators to lean on right here in Central Aroostook County!
Chris Hallett
Principal, Zippel Hoyt Elementary School, MSAD #1
Heidi Garrison
Principal/Superintendent of Schools, Central Aroostook High School, MSAD #42
Dr. Leland Caron
Principal, Caribou Community School, RSU #39
Dan Duprey
Principal, Mapleton Elementary School, MSAD #1
Administration Panel
This will be an informal Q+A between administrators and pre-service/new teachers to discuss the relationship between teachers and administrators and what expectations they have in order to make your early years a success!

Site 5-Art, Music, Health, Physical Education Teachers
Ashland District School
Susan Beaulier
Art Teacher, Aroostook County Teacher of the Year, MSAD #32
“Artificial Intelligence in the Art Classroom”
Michelangelo said, “A man paints with his brains, not his hands.” AI is to the 21st century what linear perspective was to the 15th century. This workshop will offer some readily available ways to encourage readily available ways to encourage responsible student and teacher use of AI in the Art Classroom.
Ellyn Smith
Art Teacher, Presque Isle High School, MSAD #1
“One Art Teacher’s Toolbox for Teaching Useful Stuff”
Join Ellyn Smith as she shares some of her favorite ways to get kids to care about creating meaningful personal artwork in the classroom. And because we are smarter together, there will be time to share your strategies too!
Jenn Holmes/Jon Simonoff
Music Teachers, MSAD #45/MSAD #32
“Jammin’ in the Classroom”
Get ready to rock! We have tailored lessons and ideas to unleash your students’ musical talents for PreK to 12th graders. Don’t forget to bring your instrument to join in on the fun! We will have guitars, keyboards, ukeleles, and a drum set to round out the gear!
Kelly Morin
Health Education Teacher, Fort Fairfield Middle/High School, MSAD #20, 2024 Aroostook County Teacher of the Year
“Assess Without the Stress”
No need to reinvent the wheel! This session will include tips, tools, techniques, and resources that aid in assessing your students knowledge and skills.
Carolyn Gross
Physical Education and Health Education Specialist, Maine Department of Education
“Using MIYHS Data to Positively Impact Health Education Classes”
How do you help students be advocates for health education class? The MIYHS data released in December 2023, indicates positive and concerning trends for Maine’s youth. Incorporating
Lori Kruczek
Special Education, Winslow Elementary School
“The IEP: Implications, Expectations, and Procedures for Teachers”
This session will touch on key aspects of the IEP process and how PE/Health teachers can support students with accommodations.

New Teacher Cohort-Session 1
2025-01-16 15:30 - 18:00 | UMPI Campus Center, 181 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, United States
Calling all new teachers!
The early years of teaching is always a challenge, let’s work together to make it phenomenal!
CACE is proud to present the New Teacher Cohort, an opportunity to collaborate with other new teachers, experienced teachers and administrators, review successful trends in education, and discuss tips and tricks of the trade to make your early years a success and set you up for an incredible career in education!

Join Teachers of the Year Heather Anderson and Kim Barnes from Caribou Community School, as well as special guest teachers and administrators for an evening of great professional development followed by dinner! Session 1 will focus on a variety of topics with opportunities for discussion and collaboration to make sure your first years are great. There will also be an opportunity to provide input for important topics for the next session!
See you on January 16 at 3:30 in the Alumni Room in the Campus Center at the University of Presque Isle!

Practical SEL
2025-02-07 12:30 - 15:00 | UMPI Campus Center, 181 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, United States
The Central Aroostook Council on Education is pleased to present Candace Fuller and “Practical SEL”!
This class will go further in-depth on how to incorporate SEL into your daily classroom time. We will cover simple effective SEL tactics that can help you connect with your classes, impart easy behavioral tools and cover basic classroom coping mechanisms for when your students are feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. We will also go over different classroom conversation prompts to further growth and SEL interactions in the classroom.
Candace Fuller is a Social Emotional Learning Interventionist at Easton School Department with a Masters Degree in Psychology, and a wealth of experience and knowledge to provide educators in the region.
Join us on the afternoon of February 7 in the multi-purpose room in the Campus Center Alumni Room at the University of Presque Isle for an event you won’t want to miss! Registration is limited to 20, so don’t wait!

Aroostook County Regional Workshop: Health and Physical Education Teachers
2025-03-21 08:00 - 15:00 | Presque Isle High School, 16 Griffin Street, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, United States
The Maine Department of Education, in partnership with Maine AHPERD and CACE, are offering a Regional Workshop Day for all Aroostook County health education and physical education Teachers!
Physical Education Teachers: A full day, Active OPEN-PE workshop introducing OPEN PE’s free standards-based curriculum resources.
Health Education Teachers:
Highlighting Maine DOE’s Health Education Standards and Website Resources-Susan Berry, Health Education and Health Promotion Specialist
Using the MIYHS Data for Health Education-Dr. Carolyn Gross, Physical Education and Health Education Specialist
Hands on CPR and Naloxone Education Resources-Lizz Theriault, PE and HE Teacher, Ashland District School and 2024 Maine AHPERD High School Health Education Teacher of the Year, and Justin Martin, OPTIONS Liaison at ACMH
Health Education Lesson Sharing-Lizz Theriault, PE and HE Teacher, Ashland District School and 2024 Maine AHPERD High School Health Education Teacher of the Year
Quaver ED K-5 Health Education Resources Review-Quaver Ed Staff
Join us at Presque Isle High School on March 21 from 8:00-3:00!

Maine DOE Mentor Teacher Training
2025-03-21 08:30 - 15:00 | UMPI Campus Center, 181 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, United States
Maine’s mentor training has been recently updated to include current research and best practices, building upon prior collaborative work with teacher leaders, administrators, and higher education partners. The training will consist of an initial one day in-person session, followed by two virtual two-hour sessions later in the year. This scaffolded approach is in response to valuable educator feedback and allows greater accessibility to the training. Contact hours will be awarded for training. Mentors will also be offered access to a Mentor Community of Practice to network and share resources.
Training will take place at University of Maine Presque Isle’s Campus Center from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21. There will be a 45-minute break for lunch on your own (lunch not provided).
Please complete a brief registration form: March 21 Mentor Training Registration. Training will be limited to 50 participants. Anyone over this limit will be placed on a waiting list.
An agenda, some pre-work and more specifics on parking and location will be sent within two weeks of the training session. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions to Christina O’Neal, PhD, Educator Excellence Coordinator, christina.l.oneal@maine.gov, 207-441-8461.

Communication, Collaboration, and Consistency in the Classroom
2025-04-11 12:30 - 15:00 | UMPI Campus Center, 181 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, United States
The Central Aroostook Council on Education is proud to present Mrs. Brittany Morrison and “Communication, Collaboration, and Consistency in the Classroom”. Brittany Morrison is an elementary teacher at Zippel Elementary School, as well as a certified Positive Behavior Interventions and Support coach.
Participants will engage in hands-on activities to incorporate in their classroom to help reinforce collaboration. They’ll discuss ways of communication with parents and staff as well as how to stay consistent with routines, expectations and responsibilities in the classroom.
Join us on Friday, April 11 at 12:30 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle Multipurpose Room for a look at using the techniques found in PBIS to improve our classrooms.

New Teacher Cohort-Session 2
2025-04-17 15:30 - 18:00 | UMPI Campus Center, 181 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, United States
Calling all new teachers…we’re back!
Let’s continue to work together to make your early years in the classroom a success!
The Central Aroostook Council on Education is proud to continue the New Teacher Cohort series with Session 2, featuring some of the region’s top educators and administrators providing guidance and knowledge to a new and exciting generation of young teachers.
We at CACE are excited to announce that Emily Rosser, RSU 39 Student Success Coordinator and the 2024 Aroostook County Teacher of the Year, and April Belyea, Elementary School Teacher at Caribou Community School, will focus on self care and classroom management in what will be an engaging discussion. Following the presentation, there will be an informal question and answer session with a panel of experienced administrators and teachers. This session’s panel will include Erin Ireland, Principal of Easton Elementary School, Amy Sweetser, Easton Elementary School Teacher, and Valerie Black, Washburn Elementary School Principal.
Dinner, courtesy of CACE, and continued conversation to conclude the session!
Check out WAGM’s coverage of Session 1 here!

CACE Day 25
2025-09-19 08:00 - 15:00 | Presque Isle High School, 16 Griffin Street, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, United States
The Central Aroostook Council on Education is proud to present CACE Day 25!
With special guests:
Maureen Healy
Maureen Healy is an award-winning author, international speaker and consultant to schools, as well as families. His Holiness the Dalai Lama stated, “I hope Maureen Healy’s book, The Emotionally Healthy Child, contributes to a more wholesome education for future generations.” Her other books include: The Happiness Workbook for Kids, and Growing Happy Kids, which was praised by Ed Hallowell, MD. Maureen’s Psychology Today blog has also been read by millions worldwide.
Over the last 15+ years, Maureen has guided thousands of people including parents and children, school systems, and child-centered professionals throughout North America, Europe and Asia. She also has appeared across all media outlets including ABC’s “Midday Live” in San Francisco, The New York Times, PBS’s “This Emotional Life” series, and podcasts such as Sunshine Parenting and Calm & Connected, as examples.
Complementing her experience, Maureen holds a BA in Psychology and MBA from Clark University in Worcester, MA and A PhD program in Child Development from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA. Additionally, Maureen has studied with happiness teachers globally, which has bolstered her joy immensely. She says, “I love to learn”, especially as she continues to grow from every experience she has and person she meets.
Purchase her books here: http://growinghappykids.com
Keynote: Strengthening Student Resilience
Resilience is a skill that students can learn to develop regardless of their circumstances. Being able to understand the science of childhood resilience, as well as the ideas and skills that help students get unstuck from problems, as well as form a resilient mindset can be game changing for the home or classroom.
Breakout: Emotional Health-What Really Helps Kids Become Emotionally Healthy Today
Understanding children’s emotional health and how to help children build emotional regulation, and intelligence is the focus of this program. Participants gain a completely fresh perspective, and tools to nurture emotional health in themselves, as well as their students and families.
Kim Strobel

Kim Strobel is an internationally-known motivational speaker for educators, school leaders, and organizations and travels the globe sharing the impact of happiness and well-being and student achievement.
She is the author of Teach Happy: Small Steps to Big Joy, which provides a clear path to reclaiming joy and happiness within and outside the teaching profession.
As a former teacher and curriculum director, her goal is to inspire you by providing thought-provoking research, heartwarming stories, and simple action steps that get you life-changing results.
Because of her own challenges and adversities, Kim teaches others how to overcome their fears, discover their joy, activate their potential, and boldly pursue a life that feels good to them from the inside-out.
Purchase her book and online courses here: www.strobeleducation.com
Keynote: The Science of Happiness
In this thought-provoking and compelling keynote, Kim shares how we can reprogram our brains to become more positive and step into our power. When our happiness and well-being are at the forefront, employees are ten times more engaged, 31% more productive, and three times more creative.
Breakout: Reimagining Education
We have an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine education in a BIG way. one that supports our students’ abilities, yet pushes them to accept new challenges. One that recognizes the sacrifices teachers make, yet encourages them to embrace new perspectives, professional development, and techniques. One that understands administrative limits, yet pushes for the reform and resources our schools need and deserve.
Eric Herlan
For more than 30 years, Eric Herlan has been representing public school districts on a wide variety of legal issues, focusing on both special education and general school law questions.
Eric gives his clients practical guidance on how to resolve problems consistent with the law, often coming up with creative solutions to help them achieve their goals, even with the most complicated legal issues. He has represented Maine and New Hampshire school districts in more than 100 special education due process hearings, in addition to state complaint investigations, human rights proceedings, and the Federal Office for Civil Rights investigations. Eric has also practiced in both federal and state courts, including many cases before the First Circuit Court of Appeals as well as the US District Court, and he has also appeared before the Maine Supreme Court.
In addition to his legal practice, Eric regularly lectures on school law topics in Maine, New Hampshire, and across the country to a wide variety of audiences. His presentations are energetic and entertaining, whether in front of school staff in a local school district or in front of attorneys at a national conference.
Eric publishes frequently on special education and other school law topics. He has written and published Maine Special Education Law, the premier book on special education in Maine. He co-authored New Hampshire Special Education Law, and is a contributing author to Maine School Law. He has been a regular contributor to the School Law Advisory and served as its editor for many years. He has written for the Maine Law Review and was its editor in chief while in law school. Eric has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America, a guide to leading lawyers in the country, and in New England Super Lawyers in the category of Education Law every year since 2010.
Breakout 1: Regular Education Supporting Special Education Requirements
This presentation explores how regular education teachers in Maine can effectively support students with special education needs in compliance with state and federal requirements. It will outline strategies for collaboration between general and special educators, highlight instructional practices that promote inclusion, and review legal obligations under Maine’s special education regulations. Participants will gain practical tools for adapting curriculum, fostering a supportive learning environment, and ensuring all students have equitable access to education.
Breakout 2: Restraint, Seclusion, and Dangerous Student Behavior
This presentation provides an overview of Maine’s laws and best practices regarding the use of restraint and seclusion with students who present dangerous behaviors. It will address legal definitions, reporting requirements, and the circumstances under which these interventions may be used. Attendees will learn strategies for preventing crises, de-escalating unsafe situations, and ensuring the safety and dignity of all students and staff.
Emily Daniels
Emily Read Daniels is the creator and author of The Regulated Classroom-an evidence-based framework that enables educators to cultivate conditions for felt safety in the classroom.
She developed this framework after spending years as a school counselor working with dysregulated students and staff, knowing that teachers needed tools and practical strategies for coping with and recovering from trauma.
Emily has a BA in Sociology and Women’s Studies and a Master’s of Education in School Counseling from the University of Delaware. She also holds an MBA in Organizational and Environmental Sustainability from Antioch University of New England.
She is a Nationally Certified Counselor through the National Board of Certified Counselors and continually refines her understanding of the applied science of trauma.
She has completed more than 120 hours of training in Somatic Experiencing. She has trained in SMART (Sensory-Motor Arousal Therapy) as well as trauma-informed sensory modulation with Dr. Tina Champagne. She’s participated in small group consultation with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and completed an introductory class in Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics.
Emily is also a Reiki practitioner and completed a certificate in the Penn Program for Mindfulness. She relishes opportunities for nerding out-refining her skills, broadening her knowledge, and improving her effectiveness as a trainer, consultant, facilitator, and leader.
See her work here: www.regulatedclassroom.com
Breakout 1: Understanding the Essential Priority in Addressing Student Behavior Post-COVID
Post COVID, educator burnout and disruptive student behavior has soared to record highs. It has left fragile educational systems stretched to the max. In this session, audience members will gain a new lens, the Polyvagal Theory, through which to interpret the current state of education. Not only will participants be able to view the current criss differently, they will begin to understand what needs to be done differently to effectively address the current moment.
REGISTRATIONS FULL
Breakout 2: Sustaining in Education with More Energy, Fun, and Hope in the Classroom
In this highly interactive session, participants will experience the 4 core practices of The Regulated Classroom. Participants will have the chance to experience their nervous system states and notice how the regulations/dysregulation continuum feels on the inside of their body. Moreover, they may notice how their state shifts with context and experience, practical tools and simple practices.
REGISTRATIONS FULL
Join us on September 19, 2025 at 8:00am at Presque Isle High School!
@cace.maine
CACE

Starting, Building and Sustaining School-Wide PBIS
2026-03-20 08:30 - 14:30 | UMPI Campus Center, 181 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME, 04769, United States
Central Aroostook Council on Education are pleased to present Aroostook County Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support Coaches Brittany Morrison and Iris Gagne in “Starting, Building, and Sustaining School-Wide PBIS (and How Maine PBIS Can Help)”.
Participants will be introduced to School Wide PBIS and take a deeper dive into the core components of PBIS that lead to success for all students. They will have time to engage in hands-on activities incorporating Tier 1 PBIS strategies into the classroom as well as time to work with their school teams on data-based decision making. There will be time for independent work, group discussions and break out sessions for participants to learn from the following content strands: Classroom Strategies, The Regulated Classroom, SW-PBIS and functions of behavior.
Join Brittany and Iris at the University of Maine at Presque Isle MMG Center for an exceptional day of professional development!
Click here for a draft agenda.
