Clare Stansberry of Bowdoinham, Maine is the 2026 Outstanding Graduate Student in Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction in the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development. Stansberry is teacher at the Maine Coast Waldorf School, where she has taught since 2021. Prior to that she taught at a Waldorf school in Idaho. A self-described teaching nerd, who loves learning about how people make sense of the world, outside of the classroom Stansberry enjoys hiking, running and playing all sorts of games. She is earning her Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in CAI with a concentration in High Leverage Practices to Support Inclusion.

Why did you choose 91爆料 for graduate school?

I chose 91爆料 because I knew other educators who had done 91爆料 programs and had positive experiences. I also wanted to do my graduate programs in the state where I live.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91爆料 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91爆料?

I have had only positive experiences in my classes. As a full-time remote student, I’m impressed at how the teachers build communities of learners when we can’t be in person!

What advice do you have for incoming graduate students to help them get off to the best start academically?

Graduate school is really about digging into something you are interested in more deeply. I’ve become a better teacher by engaging in deeper learning and thinking about teaching as a practice.

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?听

I’m still teaching! This is my 10th year in education and I’m lucky to get to keep doing the work that I love. I’m teaching 7th grade for the first time next year, so I’m curious about what that will bring.

Sylvia Valentin of St. Paul, Minnesota is the 2026 recipient of the Dean鈥檚 Award from the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development. This award recognizes a student who has overcome significant challenges along the path to graduation, who is dedicated to their field and shows perseverance and commitment to their program. The road to success is often not clear, or easy, but students who are recognized with the Dean鈥檚 Award find a way to do what is needed and rise to the challenge. Valentin is graduating with a degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in Child Development. She started working as an educational technician at Asa Adams Elementary School in Orono while completing her student teaching, and recently accepted a position as a kindergarten teacher at Vine Street School in Bangor.

Why did you choose to come to 91爆料?

I chose to come to 91爆料 because it reminded me of home state, Minnesota, and I was seeking a grounded environment. After looking into the education program at 91爆料, I was impressed by the resources available to students, such as ample field experience opportunities. It was very important to me to receive an education that I was confident would set me up for success in my career. I decided to reach out to the Advising Center in the College of Education and Human Development and had such a positive experience meeting who would be my future advisors over Zoom.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor, or role model who made your time at 91爆料 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91爆料?

My most impactful mentor would have to be Faith Erhardt, who is the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Student Success. She has provided me with meaningful guidance and support that helped me navigate my academic and life journey as a young adult. The College of Education and Human Development is really lucky to have someone who is truly invested in the success and well-being of students. Faith was the person I went to when I needed help picking up pieces and making a plan. I strive to spread the same kindness and humanity she showed me as I enter the field as a professional. Erin Straine, Executive Director of Educator Preparation, also had a significant impact on my journey. She paved the way for me to simultaneously work as an Ed Tech 3 in special education at a local elementary school and fulfill my student teaching requirements. I am grateful that Erin was committed to making this huge opportunity accessible to me, as it supported several areas of my life. 

What has coming to 91爆料 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

I didn鈥檛 realize it until I got closer to graduating, but 91爆料 provided me with so many connections and roots that have led to my decision to reside here. My first field placement was through the Town of Orono鈥檚 after-school program and summer camp called RAD. From starting as an observer/volunteer to working as a lead counselor, over the past 4 years, I have become familiar with town members and have been active within the community. It is such a gift to find belonging and proudly be a part of something bigger than myself. 91爆料 provided me with a community beyond the campus.

Favorite 91爆料 memory:

My favorite memories at 91爆料 include quiet floor library sessions with Kahlysta, looking for turtles in the campus garden, and walks/catching frogs at night with Hadley. I also had a blast with my roommates when 91爆料 brought Trippie Redd for a homecoming concert.

What’s on the horizon? What are your plans after you graduate?

I am so thrilled to share that after graduation, I will be working as a kindergarten teacher in the Bangor School Department. Julie Ireland, Field Experience Coordinator and my student teaching seminar instructor, was very helpful in guiding me through the application and interview process this past March. Being able to secure a job before graduation would not have been as attainable without the support and experiences I had access to throughout my learning.
 
After the school year ends, I will be moving the rest of my belongings from Minnesota to Maine and prepping for my first year of teaching! My best friend Justine, who is a third-year teacher, will also be moving with me, and I am excited to have her support during my first year. I can鈥檛 wait to apply what I鈥檝e learned to create a safe and positive learning environment for my future kindergarteners. I feel so fortunate to look forward to a job where I get to help other humans and make learning accessible to all.

Special thank you message:

I鈥檇 like to give a sentimental thank you to my Asa Adams School community. I can鈥檛 imagine myself going into teaching without all of the invaluable skills, knowledge, and experiences you taught and shared with me. Thank you for seeing my potential, challenging me, being patient with me, and making me feel seen. Not to be dramatic, but you’ve impacted my life greatly.
 
Additional shoutouts to Bettina Burgess, Cassandra Henri (mentor), Kathy Blais, John Curry, Kim Oldenburgh, Maggie Auxier, Karen Grindle, Kelley Dill, Suzanne Neville, Annie Boitz, Sofia Rivera, Emily Ernst, Angie McLaughlin, Jodi Puleo, Victoria Howe, Kahlysta Morris, and Justine Cobbett. I value and admire each of you dearly.

Carly Philbrook of Winterport, Maine is the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award from the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development. A Secondary Education major with an area of specialization in Mathematics, Philbrook received a summer fellowship from 91爆料鈥檚 Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR) for her project, 鈥淐omparison of High School Mathematics Textbooks Analyzing Higher Order Thinking Skills in New England,鈥� advised by Assistant Professor of Education and Applied Quantitative Methods Kamal Chawla. The study was presented at the Society for Research in Educational Effectiveness annual meeting in Chicago in October 2025. Philbrook was also an Honors College student. Her Honors Thesis was 鈥淎 Novel Approach to Reducing Mathematics Anxiety in Middle School Students.鈥� She also graduates with minors in both Spanish and Mathematics.

Parent(s):

Nicolle and Alden Philbrook.

Why did you choose to come to 91爆料?

I chose 91爆料 because听I wanted to stay close to home and I wanted an affordable college experience. I definitely don’t regret my choice because 91爆料 offered me a wide variety of experiences from classroom placements to a Spanish minor to studying abroad in Newfoundland, Canada.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91爆料 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91爆料?

One of the people who made my time on campus extra special was Karel DePaola. She made working at the听bookstore a great experience and she always听brought a smile to my face.

What has coming to 91爆料 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

Beyond just studying education, attending 91爆料 allowed me to pursue my interest in Spanish. I have completed a minor in Spanish that greatly improved my spoken abilities and it has given me the opportunity to volunteer as an English tutor for a Spanish-speaking family.

Favorite 91爆料 Memory:

My favorite 91爆料 memory was being published in the Modern Languages and Classics Department’s听magazine for articles I wrote in Spanish.

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?

I plan to become a math teacher in Maine, though I also hope to听teach abroad for a few years.

Special thank you message:

I want to thank my parents and sisters for always supporting me. I would also like to thank Franziska Peterson, Justin Dimmel, and Heather Falconer for being a very supportive Honors Thesis Committee.

Laura Hatfield of Montville, Maine is the 2026 Outstanding Graduate Student in Special Education in the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development. Originally from New Hampshire, Hatfield moved to Montville in 1995 where she and her husband raised two daughters. In 2023, Regional School Unit (RSU) 3 鈥� the rural school district that includes Montville 鈥� was unable to fill a special education teacher position that required work in multiple schools. Hatfield had worked in one of the schools for 15 years as an educational technician and decided to take the leap. She enrolled in 91爆料鈥檚 Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in special education (high-incidence disabilities concentration) and as a result of the coursework she has completed will be eligible for special educator teacher certification when she graduates this year.

Why did you choose 91爆料 for graduate school?

I chose 91爆料 for graduate school because of the warm and encouraging responses I received from the special education faculty, and because I could complete my coursework online. This made it feel doable as someone who lives in a rural area and who teaches full time.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91爆料 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91爆料?

I have had the opportunity to learn from many excellent professors during my time in graduate school. Specifically, I want to thank Dr. Joo Young Lee for the noticeable care she weaves into her teaching and detailed feedback, and for encouraging me to continue my educational journey. Thanks to Dr. Melissa Cuba and Dr. Debrajean Scheibel who greatly expanded my knowledge in critical issues pertaining to special education. Finally, Dr. Sara Flanagan鈥檚 positivity and extensive knowledge have inspired me to be the best educator (and graduate student) that I can be! I鈥檓 truly grateful for the ability to help my students make meaningful progress and gain confidence.

What advice do you have for incoming graduate students to help them get off to the best start academically?

Although it can be scary to take on school while you are working, it鈥檚 important to remember that your professors truly want you to succeed. Reaching out if you have questions or need help is encouraged.听A strategy that helped me stay organized was to keep sticky-note checklists on my laptop to see upcoming assignments and due dates at a glance.

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?

I plan to continue teaching in the schools where I currently teach. I am so often inspired by the resilience and growth of the students I work with. Their hard work and determination motivates me to be the best educator that I can be. I am also fortunate to have many role models whom I have the pleasure of working with in our district. My sincere thanks to Lisa Roux, Brett Leavitt, Jodie Dupuy, and Cindy Fonger for believing in me.

Special thank you message:

A special thank you goes to my husband, Ben, for his unwavering encouragement, and for being willing to take care of whatever he could so I could give my best effort to my studies. I鈥檓 also so grateful for our daughters who lead by example and who aren鈥檛 afraid to get out of their comfort zone to grow and learn.

Abdur Rehman (Amman) Tariq of Sargodha, Pakistan is the 2026 Outstanding Graduate Student in Literacy, Language and Culture in the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development. Tariq is graduating with a Ph.D. in Education (Literacy Education concentration). His dissertation is titled “Developing a TESOL Teacher Training Program for the Outer and External Circles: A Curriculum Design and Development Project.” Tariq has also authored or co-authored multiple journal articles and other scholarly publications during his time at 91爆料.

Why did you choose 91爆料 for graduate school?

I served as a Fulbright Foreign Language Instructor in the Department of Modern Languages and Classics during the 2019鈥�2020 academic year. During that time, I also took several courses as a non-degree student in the College of Education and Human Development. It was a deeply enriching experience, both in and outside the classroom, as I had the opportunity to teach, learn and engage meaningfully with students and colleagues at 91爆料. That period played an important role in shaping my academic and professional journey and inspired me to pursue my Ph.D. at this beautiful university.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91爆料 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91爆料?

During my time at 91爆料 as a graduate student, many faculty members helped me develop both academically and professionally. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. William Dee Nichols, Dr. Susan Bennett-Armstead and my advisor Dr. Timothy Reagan for their continuous support and guidance throughout my time at 91爆料.

What has 91爆料 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

I was given the opportunity to teach and get involved in different research projects to prepare myself professionally. As an educator and researcher, I appreciate the opportunity to work with Dr. Catharine Biddle, who introduced me to rural education in Maine. I also got to meet many people, including school administrators, principals and teachers across Maine.

What advice do you have for incoming graduate students to help them get off to the best start academically?

Set small goals, be consistent with them and keep recalibrating. Trust the process and you will love the outcome.

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?听

I plan to stay in Maine. I will begin working for the 91爆料 at Augusta in fall 2026 as a postdoc scholar.

Special thank you message:

My heartfelt thanks to my parents, my wife and children for their unconditional love, patience, and for believing in me even when things felt overwhelming.

Sean McGibbon of Millinocket, Maine is the 2026 Outstanding Student in Secondary Education in the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development. McGibbon is in the English area of specialization in the Secondary Education major. After graduation, he plans to teach in the Katahdin area near where he grew up.

Parent(s):

Nadine and Rick McGibbon.

Why did you choose to come to 91爆料?

91爆料 was always at the top of my list; it was my dream college. I was drawn to the opportunities the university offers, especially within the College of Education and Human Development, and knew it would be a place where I could grow both academically and personally.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91爆料 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91爆料?

I have been fortunate to work with several mentors during my time at 91爆料. I especially want to recognize my advisors, Faith Erhardt and Dominick Varney 鈥� without their guidance, I don鈥檛 think I would be where I am today. Dr. Tammy Mills has also been an incredible mentor over the past two years, offering thoughtful advice on educational practice and helping me grow into the educator I aspire to be.

What has coming to 91爆料 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

Coming to 91爆料 has pushed me to grow in ways that go beyond academics. Being on my own has helped me become more independent and intentional with how I manage my time and responsibilities.听All of my experiences have helped me build confidence and better understand what I value, both personally and professionally.

Favorite 91爆料 memory:

The time I鈥檝e spent in Shibles Hall 鈥� those moments stand out as some of the most meaningful parts of my experience at 91爆料. Also, I will never forget all of the hours I spent commuting from Millinocket to Orono over three and a half years.

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?听

After graduation, I plan to teach close to home in the Katahdin region. I鈥檝e always felt a strong connection to that area and hope to give back to the community that shaped me. In the coming years, I also plan to pursue a Master鈥檚 degree in education to continue growing in my profession. Furthering my knowledge as a classically trained organist and pianist will also be included in my future endeavors.

Special thank you message:

Thank you to Dominick Varney, Faith Erhardt, Dr. Tammy Mills, and the entire College of Education and Human Development faculty for their support and guidance throughout my journey. I鈥檓 grateful for the role each of you has played as I prepare to enter a field I care deeply about: education.

Hunter Towne of Freeport, Maine is the 2026 Outstanding Student in Elementary Education in the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development. Towne is in the Child Development concentration in the Elementary Education major. She is also in the Honors College, and completed her Honors Thesis, 鈥淪upporting ELL Students and Families in Public Libraries as Observed in Cumberland County, Maine.鈥� As an undergraduate, Towne worked as a peer success coach. She plans to continue her education at 91爆料 in the fall, starting a master鈥檚 program in Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction with a concentration in Library and Media Studies.

Parent(s):

Derek and Sheila Towne.

Why did you choose to come to 91爆料?

In all honesty, 91爆料 was my very last choice of schools. As an in-state student, I was desperate to escape after high school. My parents convinced me to apply and tour, and I fell in love. I met Faith Erhardt and Dominick Varney from the College of Education and Human Development Advising Center on Accepted Students Day, and felt such a connection and unwavering support in that moment that I knew I had to stay. It was easily the best choice I鈥檝e ever made. I鈥檝e grown through my time at 91爆料 more than I ever thought possible.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91爆料 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91爆料?

I鈥檝e been lucky enough to have more incredible mentors and professors than I can count. Dr. Julie DellaMattera taught my first Honors course, and I eventually took education coursework with her and she became my Honors Thesis advisor. I鈥檝e appreciated her advice and guidance so, so much, especially as someone who has known me since my very first day on campus. Faith and Dominick have been so incredibly supportive, both as academic advisors and otherwise. Julie Ireland has genuinely gotten me through the past year, and I鈥檝e learned so much taking part in her student teaching seminar. Finally, I have had the opportunity to be mentored by Erin Adams, a third grade teacher at George B. Weatherbee School in Hampden, Maine, during the course of both my 100-hour field placement and my student teaching semester. It is with her knowledge and support that I have been able explore what it means to be an educator on a deeper level, and build skills that will assist me both in the classroom and beyond.

What has coming to 91爆料 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

Beyond academics, 91爆料 has allowed me to expand my interests and grow as a leader. My experience in the Honors College allowed me to conduct research and analyze information in new ways, while my employment as a peer success coach in the Office of Student Academic Success over several years truly transformed my mindset of how students are supported in higher education. Having the opportunity to work side by side with my incredibly knowledgeable employers 鈥� Mary Beth Willitt, Karen Koneff and Stefan McLure 鈥� and mentor first-year students one-on-one has taught me so much about how students learn. On the social side, I have met the most amazing people over the past four years. People who have loved me, supported me, and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I鈥檓 so grateful every day that 91爆料 brought us together.

Favorite 91爆料 memory:

Late night library dates, laying out on the mall when the sun finally comes out, and 2 a.m. OHOP pizza runs with my friends!

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?听

Next year, I will be beginning my master鈥檚 degree here at the 91爆料 in the Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction program with a concentration in Library and Media Studies. I will also be working as a graduate assistant in the College of Education and Human Development鈥檚 Advising Center. I鈥檓 looking forward to remaining a Black Bear for at least two more years!

Special thank you message:

To Mom and Dad, thank you for answering the phone every time I call (even if it鈥檚 five times a day). Your unwavering love and support pushes me to be the best person I can be. To Porter, thank you for being the best little brother, and always making things seem less scary than they are. To my student teaching kiddos, you are the reason I do what I do. Thank you for teaching me more about what it means to be a good teacher than classes or research ever could.

Nearly 320 students in the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development earned Dean鈥檚 List honors in the fall 2025 semester, 91爆料 News announced. The students from the college who made the Dean鈥檚 List come from every corner of Maine, as well as 18 other states and three countries outside the U.S.

To be eligible for the full-time Dean鈥檚 List, a student must have completed 12 or more calculable credits in the semester and have earned a 3.50 or higher semester GPA. Students who have part-time status during both the fall and spring semesters of a given academic year are eligible for the part-time Dean鈥檚 List in the spring. They must have completed 12 or more calculable credits over both terms and earned a combined GPA of 3.50 or higher.

View the names of Dean鈥檚 List students below.

Please note that some students have requested their information not be released; therefore, their names are not included.

Nearly 70 students from the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development who achieved teacher candidacy in the past year were celebrated at the college鈥檚 third annual Pinning and Recognition Ceremony on Friday.

鈥淲e started this tradition with a simple goal in mind: To recognize our students who have reached a key milestone in their professional development,鈥� said Justin Dimmel, associate dean for academics and student engagement. 鈥淭eachers transform the lives of their students, and have a positive impact on their schools, organizations and communities every single day. As the largest educator preparation and training program in the state, the College of Education and Human Development is the standard bearer for producing high-caliber teachers, ready to step into classrooms as soon as they graduate.鈥�

To become teacher candidates, 91爆料 education students complete a series of five foundational courses that explore teaching as a profession and provide training in several core skills needed to become highly-effective educators. They also take part in field placements in schools and other educational settings, including five full days (about 30 hours) of classroom observation, and produce a portfolio that includes reflections on those experiences. 

The classroom observation is one of several opportunities the university鈥檚 education majors have to work directly with PreK-12 teachers and students during their program of study. After achieving teacher candidacy, these students continue to take academically-demanding coursework while engaging in field experiences 鈥� all of which helps prepare them for student teaching, and ultimately, to become fully-certified teachers.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Joan Ferrini-Mundy, president of the 91爆料 and its regional campus the 91爆料 at Machias, as well as vice chancellor for research and innovation for the 91爆料 System, and Mike Muir, principal of Maranacook Community Middle School in Readfield, Maine.

Muir, who accepted the college鈥檚 Robert A. Cobb Award for Extraordinary Service at the ceremony, earned his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from 91爆料. He spoke of his experiences over four decades working in schools, and encouraged the teacher candidates to embrace the journey to come.

鈥淵our degree is going to unlock doors, unlock opportunities, just as my 91爆料 degree opened doors and opportunities for me,鈥� said Muir. 鈥淲hether your journey is bold or subtle, you will have the potential to make an enormous impact on the lives of your students. No matter which path you choose, think about what kind of adventure you want to have and where you want to leave your mark.鈥�

This year鈥檚 ceremony included a new tradition, as four current student teachers spoke to the teacher candidates. The student teachers 鈥� Kinesiology and Physical Education (Health and Physical Education) majors Jillian Cote and Samantha Ciardiello, Secondary Education (English) major Sean McGibbon, and Elementary Education (Honors College) major Hunter Towne 鈥� congratulated their fellow students on the achievement and offered them words of encouragement and advice as they embark on the next steps in their professional development.

You can read about two of the teacher candidates recognized at the ceremony online.

Contact: Casey Kelly, casey.kelly@maine.edu

The past year has been a busy one for the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development, with numerous stories of innovation, research, service and outreach by our students, faculty and staff.
 
As we look forward to 2026 and another year of accomplishments from our college community, we wanted to highlight stories featured on our website this year that you may have missed.
 
Here are a dozen stories from 2025 鈥� one for each month 鈥� that demonstrate the college鈥檚 impact in Maine and beyond.

January: 91爆料 pays homage to future teachers at second annual Pinning and Recognition Ceremony

More than 80 future educators were honored at the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development鈥檚 second annual Pinning and Recognition Ceremony.
听
To become teacher candidates, 91爆料 education students complete five foundational courses that explore teaching as a profession and provide training in several core skills needed to become highly-effective educators. They also take part in field experiences in schools and other educational settings, including five full days (about 30 hours) of classroom observation, and produce a portfolio that includes reflections on those experiences. It鈥檚 one of several opportunities the university鈥檚 education majors have to work directly with PreK-12 teachers and students during their program of study.

February: 91爆料 professor examines athletic trainers’ role in treating and preventing concussions in women’s rugby

As a full-contact sport played with little or no protective equipment, rugby has a reputation for high injury rates, including concussions. When a player gets hurt playing any sport, athletic trainers are often the first medical professionals to respond.
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鈥淚t鈥檚 important to understand when concussions and other injuries are happening and who they are happening to, otherwise we鈥檙e putting athletes at risk,鈥� said Shannon Wright, an assistant professor of athletic training at the 91爆料.
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In an article published in , Wright explored how athletic trainers can help treat and prevent concussions in women鈥檚 rugby players based on some of the latest data available.听

March: Seeking to improve services for students with autism, 91爆料 Counseling Center taps special education professor’s expertise

Approximately in the United States are on the autism spectrum, and increasing numbers of students with an autism diagnosis are . In 2019, Associate Professor of Special Education Sarah Howorth worked with 91爆料鈥檚 Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies and the Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to launch a pilot program called Step Up to College, aimed at providing effective supports for students with autism as they transition from high school to college. People on the spectrum often have challenges related to communication and forming relationships, so the Step Up program incorporated elements of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills, or PEERS, a social skills curriculum for children and young adults with autism developed by the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.听
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With the counseling center seeing an increase in neurodivergent clients in recent years, its staff invited Howorth to share her expertise in two half-day training sessions.

April: Zachary Wentworth, College of Education and Human Development Outstanding Graduating Student

Zachary Wentworth of Calais, Maine, is the 2025 Outstanding Graduating Student in the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD). He graduates with a degree in secondary education (social studies concentration) and a minor in history. A Maine Top Scholar, a Maine Seacoast Mission scholar and a Galen Cole Family Foundation scholar, Wentworth served as president of the 91爆料 chapter of the Student Maine Education Association for the past two years. He was also an undergraduate resident assistant with Residence Life, working with the communities in Hart Hall in the 2023-24 academic year and in Hancock Hall this year. Wentworth completed his student teaching placement at Orono High School with mentor teacher Shana Goodall, a two-time alumna of COEHD and the 2019 Maine History Teacher of the Year. After graduating, Wentworth plans to pursue a master鈥檚 in student development in higher education at 91爆料, while working as a graduate assistant in COEHD鈥檚 Advising Center.

May: 91爆料 helps state’s rural educators thrive by supporting them at key points in their careers

In Maine, where more than two-thirds of the population is rural, a new program led by the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development seeks innovative solutions to these rural education workforce challenges by directly engaging teachers and school leaders, as well as the communities that they serve.听
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Rural Thrive: The Rural Educator Resilience Project launched this school year with a $3.3 million Congressionally Directed Spending award secured in Fiscal Year 2024 by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Sen. Angus King. In addition to 91爆料鈥檚 College of Education and Human Development, the project includes educator preparation programs at other public universities across the state, as well Thomas College and Colby College.

June: Database detailing 187 years of hazing deaths now available

At least 333 young people have lost their lives to hazing in the United States since 1838, with 122 recorded just since 2000, according to data in a new database co-developed by the 91爆料, , the University of Washington and an award-winning journalist.听
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For the first time, hazing deaths data from the past 187 years is available through an that honors the memories of those killed and calls new attention to the consequences of hazing.
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鈥淭he hazing deaths database is invaluable as it illuminates the horrendous consequences of hazing for so many individuals, families, and communities,鈥� said 91爆料 professor Elizabeth Allan, who leads the Hazing Prevention Research Lab in the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development and is the founder of the research organization .

July: 91爆料 researchers examine issues around AI in family therapy

The use of artificial intelligence in therapy is still in its infancy but has potential to provide families and couples with personalized support to strengthen bonds and overcome relationship problems, according to Daniel Puhlman, assistant professor of family studies in the 91爆料 College of Education and Human Development and lead author of the research article.
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鈥淐ouples going through a separation, for example, where you have high emotions and high conflict, just being in the same space can be difficult, if not dangerous,鈥� Puhlman said. 鈥淚n a situation like that, AI鈥檚 ability to be interpretive and suggest therapeutic interventions or treatment measures could be a very powerful tool.鈥�
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鈥淐hallenges and opportunities in using interpretable AI to develop relationship interventions鈥� was published in , the academic research journal of the National Council on Family Relations, as part of a special issue on AI in family life.

August: Database from HazingInfo, 91爆料 makes hazing data available from colleges and universities nationwide

Hazing data from nearly 1,500 college campuses across the United States is now available at .
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This marks the first time that information about college hazing incidents in all 50 states is available in one place for students, families and others to learn about hazing on their campuses. The announcement also marks a major expansion for , the nation鈥檚 first free, comprehensive database of college hazing incidents. The database previously featured data from nine states.
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鈥淟aunching the database with all 50 states is an incredible milestone in the effort to promote transparency and accountability for hazing,鈥� said Elizabeth Allan, professor of higher education at 91爆料.

September: 91爆料 helps local teachers create outdoor learning opportunities

It was a sun-soaked, blue-sky day in late summer, and a group of eight 91爆料 students were paddling on western Maine鈥檚 Bryant Pond in green Old Town canoes.
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They were practicing a classic T-rescue, a maneuver that offers a quick way to get a capsized paddler back into a boat. Working in teams, the students from one canoe dunked themselves into the pond. The students from another canoe then grabbed the overturned boat by the bow and lifted it across their vessel to drain before sliding it back into the water upright and helping their classmates clamber back inside.
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This exercise was part of 鈥淏ringing the Classroom Outdoors,鈥� a summer course offered as part of a 91爆料 Outdoor Leadership and Education Graduate Certificate. Launched in 2023, the certificate equips students with knowledge and skills to lead trips and outdoor education activities for participants of all ages. Most of the students who took the class this year were practicing teachers in Maine seeking to incorporate more outdoor learning experiences into their schools.

October: 91爆料 alumni receive top K-12 administrator awards

Two 91爆料 alumni, Gorham School District superintendent Heather Perry (鈥�04G) and Regional School Unit 34 (Alton, Bradley and Old Town) assistant superintendent Jon Doty (鈥�00, 鈥�04G, 鈥�06G, 鈥�18G), were honored by the Maine School Superintendent Association (MSSA) as the state鈥檚 top K-12 administrators for 2026.
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Perry, who has been Gorham School District鈥檚 superintendent for the past 10 years, was named . Doty was named . He has worked in RSU 34 for more than 25 years, serving as curriculum coordinator and coordinator of gifted and talented services before spending the past four years as assistant superintendent.

November: Study describes how K-12 teachers used 91爆料-developed virtual environment to explore mathematical concepts

TriO allows multiple users to naturally explore directional and spatial reasoning in virtual, three dimensional space, without feeling like they鈥檙e doing traditional math.听
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TriO was designed by a team at 91爆料鈥檚 Immersive Mathematics in Rendered Environments (IMRE) Lab with the goal of offering K-12 teachers and students new ways to delve into familiar mathematical concepts. A new study, published in , describes what happened when six high school teachers used the environment to explore geometry and coordinate systems. These ideas are traditionally taught using analog tools 鈥� think paper and pencil or white board and marker 鈥� in two dimensions. TriO allows users to learn and explore them in three dimensions.听

December: 91爆料 awarded $5M NSF grant to lead statewide STEM Teacher Corps initiative

A new National Science Foundation (NSF) grant is powering a statewide effort led by the 91爆料 to address one of the state鈥檚 most persistent challenges: the shortage of highly qualified K-12 teachers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).听
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With the NSF鈥檚 support through its , 91爆料 is now recruiting exemplary educators whose expertise will help transform teacher retention and student achievement across the state.
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The NSF award totals $5 million over four years, enabling 91爆料 researchers to recruit 10 of the state鈥檚 most accomplished high school STEM teachers and equip them to coach and support their peers. The initiative is designed to strengthen instruction for at least 200 teachers and thousands of Maine students, with a special emphasis on rural districts where educators often work in isolation.