Adult education programs offer opportunity, connection, and empowerment to students from all ages and backgrounds. Commissioner Makin recently met with students and instructors from Franklin County Adult Education. This month’s episode highlights a panel discussion with students from that visit, ranging from those looking to adult education for high school completion programs to those learning the skills they need to open businesses or switch careers. They share life-changing experiences and showcase the ways that adult education is another powerful example of how public education holds us together.

Please note that the audio is distorted in certain parts of the podcast due to the recording environment, but we wanted to bring you these stories directly from the adult education students.

Public education is the cornerstone of our society and truly does hold us together. This month, Commissioner Makin is joined by two champions of public education: Steve Bailey, Executive Director of the Maine School
Boards Association and Miranda Engstrom, 2023 Hancock County Teacher of the Year and literacy specialist at Lamoine Consolidated School. They talk about the importance of lifting up the voices of educators and sharing the amazing things happening in schools across Maine through their Maine Loves Public Schools and #LoveMaineSchools campaigns. Elevating educator and school voices is critical to strengthening support and knowledge of public education in Maine so please join these efforts!

Schools across Maine are using the BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) model to strengthen relationships, improve student and educator well-being, and help students thrive academically and in their lives. Commissioner Makin talks with Mary Anne Spearin, Superintendent for the Calais School Department, and Sue Carter, Principal at Calais Elementary School, about implementing BARR across their district and the intersection of data and relationship building to support student success.