Building a Collaborative Partnership to Support K-12 Educator Professional Development in Maine
Principal Investigator: Janet Fairman (Exercise Science, UMaine)
Partners: James Artesani (Education, UMaine); Catherine Fallona (Education, USM); Pat Red (Education, USM); Brian Cavanaugh (Education, UMF)
Abstract: This proposal seeks to develop a collaborative partnership to strengthen the state’s capacity to support K-12 educator professional development. More effective teaching will improve student learning outcomes, which will have long-term economic impacts for the state. Better prepared high school graduates will have stronger skills for work and improved readiness for post-secondary education and careers that pay good wages. Higher-performing schools can help make Maine even more attractive for in-migration and for investors seeking a skilled workforce for new business start-ups or expansions. Better employment opportunities can reduce “brain drain” and keep young workers in Maine.