Maine public school teachers in their first three years in the classroom are invited to the Rural Thrive Foundations Fall 2025 retreat at the University of Maine at Presque Isle on Friday, Nov. 7.
The University of Maine College of Education and Human Development launched Rural Thrive: The Rural Educator Resilience Project last school year with a goal of facilitating effective mentorship and support at three key moments in an educator’s career: Early-career —years one to three — mid-career teacher-leaders and those in building or district leadership. In addition to UMaine, the project includes educator preparation programs at other public universities across the state, as well Thomas College and Colby College.
The fall retreat is an opportunity for early-career teachers to gather in-person for targeted learning and reflection. The day will also include classroom visits to observe experienced teachers in action.
“The first three years of a teacher’s career are critical as they build their professional network, continue to learn and refine classroom management skills and figure out where to go when they run into challenges,” said Laura Bean, Rural Thrive mentor-teacher in residence. “The goal of Rural Thrive Foundations is to make that process easier so they can focus on what matters most, which is educating students and being the best teachers they can be.”
The retreat is free and open to any public school teacher in Maine with three years of teaching experience or less, even if they don’t teach at a rural school. The Rural Thrive project will cover travel costs and lunch, and provide attendees with contact hours toward teacher recertification. UMaine’s College of Education and Human Development can also help find substitute teachers to cover the classrooms of teachers who attend.
More information and a link to register by Oct. 31 for the retreat is online. For questions, contact Laura Bean at [email protected].
