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:
Cultivating educational partnerships and practices that sustain healthy and equitable developmental ecologies for rural youth
An initiative to train early childhood special educators and other professionals in Maine to serve pre-school aged children with intensive communication needs
A Rural Leadership Program in partnership with the University of Maine at Presque Isle
A growing program in Outdoor Leadership
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

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!
Read MoreMore news and stories from our New England Regional Hub:

Incubating Aspirations Across Maine
The Rural Youth Institute is supporting students throughout rural Maine by supporting youth-serving organizations.

2024-25 Grants in Place Updates from the Field
Celebrating Innovation, Community, and Hands-On Learning: How Rural Educators Are Transforming Classrooms Across the Country Through Place-Based Education

One-Year Update on 2023-24 Catalyst Initiative Grant
One year since receiving their planning grants, what have RSC’s partners done to create and enhance efforts to prepare rural teachers?

UMaine Receives NSF Award
The award helps rural schools recruit, educate and train STEM teachers.