Editor’s Note – Fall 2025
Is there anything better than fall in Maine? Maybe summer—but I digress. As a classroom teacher, I always loved the fall: reconnecting with colleagues, back-to-school pep rallies, fall sports, and a (mostly) clean and organized classroom. As a student, I loved the...
Building Power Together: UNION SOLIDARITY Across the University of Maine System
Pictured from left to right: Jesse Hargrove, Neil Greenberg, Michael Grillo, Lisa K. Neuman, Pankaj Agrrawal and Rose Abramoff Faculty and staff across the University of Maine System unite to win funding, build power, and increase membership. For more than a decade,...
Stronger Together: Three Ways Locals are Building Belonging This Fall
New Hire Events! New educators never forget the friendly face on orientation day who made them feel welcomed. Walking onto a new campus—or into a new profession—is an exciting and overwhelming time. Personal connections matter. This fall MEA locals around the state...
It’s All About That BASE
Pictured from left to right: BASE Board of Directors: Bill Lamb (Vice President), Greg Bussiere, Lea Crane (Treasurer), Steve Thomes, Ellen Lachapelle (President), Lori Beatham Lea Crane and a group of Education Support Professionals in Portland are stepping up to...
How Count ME In! is Tackling Chronic Absenteeism Across Maine
Chronic absenteeism—defined as missing more than 10% of the school year—continues to impact one in four students in Maine. That’s over 18 days annually, or roughly two days each month, that nearly a quarter of Maine students are missing from classroom instruction....
MEA’s Learning Hub is ONE!
Thanks to all of our members who have shown just how necessary job-embedded, online learning opportunities are for educators. As of today, we have 1,000 users. We are proud to share that 39% of our users are in their first 10 years, and 21% are Education Support...
Executive Director’s Letter – Fall 2025
Fall Colors and the Changing Times I am one of those folks who hates the end of summer and the cooler temperatures. While I love the beautiful treescapes and the colors that nature gifts us this time of year, I am always a little melancholy for the warmth of the sun...
President’s Message – Fall 2025
A Year of Connection, Advocacy, and Growth “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it,” is the iconic quote from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The last 15 months as MEA President raced by in the blink of an eye. I’ve...
Episode 25: The Hargrove Herald
Happy November!As we approach the end of the year, I’m filled with deep gratitude for each of you. Whether you’ve stepped up to run for a local office, had heartfelt conversations with neighbors about protecting voting rights, or organized food drives to support...
