New England

The University of Maine leads collaboration within our New England Hub.

University of Maine

The University of Maine is building a system of robust, rural-focused programs supporting small towns and rural schools across the state, and heads up the collaborative network of like-minded advocates and organizations throughout the larger New England region consisting of New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Catharine Biddle, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at UMaine, serves as the New England hub contact.


As Maine's flagship public university, The University of Maine (UMaine) has a statewide mission of teaching, research and economic development, and community service, and is the state's public research university. The New England Region has long been an exemplar of school-community engagement, excellent rural educators, and place-based education. UMaine recently received Catalyst Initiative Grant funding for a Rural Teacher Corp, which will continue to enrich their support of communities across one of America’s most rural states.

UMaine has diverse pathways for supporting rural schools and communities, including:

RSC’s New England Hub, which includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, offers an opportunity to deepen collaboration across the region and beyond. Biddle is working to form an advisory board with representatives from each state in order to guide the work of the Hub. To learn more about the exciting developments across New England, explore below.


Spotlight

Matthew Eastman and Lanie Christianson, University of Maine teacher candidates.

Lanie Christianson and Matthew Eastman - University of Maine

Finding a passion for teaching when Maine needs them most.

To support future rural teachers before they enter the classroom, the University of Maine recently hosted its inaugural Future Teacher Pinning Ceremony, recognizing students committed to the teaching profession. Among them are Lanie Christianson and Matthew Eastman, who both discovered their passion for education after starting college in different fields. Now teacher candidates, they are gaining hands-on experience in classrooms across Maine. With accredited programs and strong field placements, UMaine is preparing the next generation of educators to make a lasting impact in rural communities. Read more about their inspiring journeys!

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