Today marks 22 years since 9/11. I’m sure that many of you remember exactly where you were on September 11, 2001 when our country was attacked and many Americans lost their lives. There are many stories from that day but I am forever moved by the community of boat owners and captains who put others first and made a difference.
NEARLY 500,000 CIVILIANS WERE RESCUED BY BOAT IN LESS THAN 9 HOURS
The epic story of the 9/11 boatlift that evacuated half a million people from the piers and seawalls of Lower Manhattan. The American spirit and resilience is shown in “Boatlift”, narrated by Tom Hanks. I had no idea that the 9/11 boat evacuation was larger than the evacuation at Dunkirk during World War II and they completed it so fast. Everyone who participated in the search and rescue operation on 9/11 and the days after is a true hero. Never Forget the lives lost on this tragic day or the heroes that emerged from it.
As we know the summer is filled with opportunities around the arts. The Farnsworth Art Museum is no exception; they provide exhibits, classes, lectures and other learning situations. Here is some the latest information from the Farnsworth, even a job opportunity.
ARTS@THEINTERSECTION 2023
In its first year, Arts@theIntersection worked with schools in Knox, Lincoln, and Waldo counties, lifting up the voices of midcoast youth. Museum staff start by building trust with students in their own classrooms. They engage with teachers to understand the relationships at play in each class, then build programs and community connections to best meet both teacher and student goals.
“Arts@theIntersection gives students a voice in their education and a choice about how they can engage with it most effectively.” ~Alexis Saba, School Programs Manager at Farnsworth Art Museum.
The Farnsworth’s education staff are all part of the Learning & Engagement Department. They have a job opening for the Academic and Program coordinator.
The Farnsworth Art Museum seeks a creative and collaborative Academic Programs Coordinator to join the Learning & Engagement department. The core responsibilities of this role include supporting arts integration and K-12 programming at the museum, primarily the Farnsworth’s Arts@theIntersection year-long program. The Farnsworth Art Museum is located in Rockland, Maine and the Academic Programs Coordinator role is an on-site position with some travel required throughout the area.
Reporting to the Senior Manager of Academic Programs, the coordinator will provide support for the implementation of our Arts@theIntersection program, a year-long arts integration program working with midcoast Maine area middle and high school students. This position will also work closely with Learning and Engagement staff members to develop core components of K-12 online learning units to align with current education standards and collections-based learning in museum environments. This position supports department program implementation as needed.
The duties, qualifications and application are located at THIS LINK.
PICTURE BOOK: DANIEL MINTER’S BLUE
Join Coretta Scott King and Caldecott Honor winner Daniel Minter for a reading of Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond’s Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky, which he illustrated. The book addresses the question, ‘where did the color blue come from-and how did it evolve to be the color we know today?’
Tomorrow, Wednesday, August 23, 10:30-11:30, the Farnsworth Library. For more information CLICK HERE.
All teachers want to be prepared and to broaden their horizons so they can be better prepared personally and when interacting with their own students. Below is a list of books that were brought to my attention by the Maine County and State Teacher of the Year Association. These are Rainbow Reads 2023 booklist.
PICTURE BOOKS
Calvin, RJ and Vanessa Ford & Kayla Harren (illustrator). In this joyful and impactful picture book, a transgender boy prepares for the first day of school and introduces himself to his family and friends for the first time.
If You’re A Kid Like Gavin: A True Story of a Young Trans Activist, Gavin Grimm, Kyle Lukoff, & J Yang (illustrator) A celebratory and empowering story from young trans activist Gavin Grimm, two-time Stonewall Award-winning and Newbery Honor-winning author Kyle Lukoff, and illustrator J Yang follows the true story of how a young boy stood up for himself—and made history along the way. A Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Best Book of the Year!
Love, Violet, Charlotte Sullivan Wild & Charlene Chua (illustrator) Perfect for Valentine’s Day, a touching picture book about friendship and the courage it takes to shareyour feelings.
Mama, Mommy, and Me in the Middle, Nina LaCour & Kayla Juanita (illustrator) A little girl stays home with Mama when Mommy goes off on a work trip in this tender, inviting story that will resonate with every child who has missed a parent.
True You: A Gender Journey, Gwen Agna & Shelley Rotner (illustrator) There are different ways to show and be who you are in this affirming photographic picture book that offers a celebratory and informative look at kids and their wide-ranging gender identities.
MIDDLE GRADE
A High Five for Glenn Burke, Phil Bildner A heartfelt and relatable novel from Phil Bildner, weaving the real history of Los Angeles Dodger and Oakland Athletic Glenn Burke–the first professional baseball player to come out as gay–into the story of a middle-school kid learning to be himself.
Ana on the Edge, AJ Sass Perfect for fans of George and Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World: a heartfelt coming of age story about a nonbinary character navigating a binary world.
The Insiders, Mark Oshiro A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year An ALA Rainbow Book List Top 10 Title for Young Readers Three kids who don’t belong. A room that shouldn’t exist. A year that will change everything. Perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead and Meg Medina, this debut middle grade novel from award-winning author Mark Oshiro is a hopeful and heartfelt coming-of-age story for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in.
The Real Riley Mayes, Rachel Elliot A Stonewall Book Award Honor * A Sid Fleishman Humor Award HonorFunny and full of heart, this debut graphic novel is a story about friendship, identity, and embracing all the parts of yourself that make you special.
Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston, Esme Symes-Smith In a magical medieval world filled with dragons, shape-shifters, and witches, a twelve-year-old nonbinary hopeful knight battles for the heart of their kingdom. A thrilling middle-grade series opener that explores identity and gender amid sword fights and magic, and proves anyone can be a hero.
YOUNG ADULT
The Family Outing: A Memoir, Jessi Hempel A striking and remarkable literary memoir about one family’s transformation, with almost all of them embracing their queer identities.
The House in the Cerulean Sea, TJ Klune “The House in the Cerulean Sea is a heart-swelling wave of sweetness and hope. Mild-mannered government caseworker Linus Baker is sent on a secret assignment to an island orphanage he’s never even heard of. The astonishing inhabitants he gets to know there will change his life and make him reassess everything he thought he knew. This book will leave you believing in the good in everyone — even those society has given up on — and contemplating how huge changes have to start somewhere.” — Haley Stocking, Phinney Books, Seattle, WA
Imogen, Obviously, Becky Abertalli With humor and insight, #1 New York Times bestseller Becky Albertalli explores the nuances of sexuality, identity, and friendship in this timely new novel.
Loveless, Alice Oseman This is the funny, honest, messy, completely relatable story of Georgia, who doesn’t understand why she can’t crush and kiss and make out like her friends do. She’s surrounded by the narrative that dating + sex = love. It’s not until she gets to college that she discovers the A range of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum — coming to understand herself as asexual/aromantic. Disrupting the narrative that she’s been told since birth isn’t easy — there are many mistakes along the way to inviting people into a newly found articulation of an always-known part of your identity. But Georgia’s determined to get her life right, with the help of (and despite the major drama of) her friends.
The Magic Fish, Trung Le Nguyen In this gorgeous debut graphic novel, fairy tales are the only way one boy can communicate with his Vietnamese immigrant parents. But how will he find the words to tell them that he’s gay? A powerful read about family, identity and the enduring magic of stories.
I live in a community where some individuals have requested that the school board have certain books removed from our classrooms and library book shelves. The conversation went on for months with both sides taking time to express their opinions. Some advocacy is based on fact and research while others are based on personal beliefs/choices and emotions. These conversations are similar to others going on across our state and the country. We all have opinions and lately I’ve been wondering how individuals can express their options in a way that provides a ‘point of view’, not in a way that comes across as “I am right and if you don’t agree with me, you are wrong”. Most importantly, I wonder how opinions can be expressed without negatively impacting the education of young people? After all, we know they’re watching and listening.
Every year before the July 4th parade in Whitefield, a small town located not a 30 minute drive from Augusta, an artist gathers with other artists and friends to shed light on a ‘challenging topic’ to include in the parade. Artist Natasha Mayers has been doing this for years. Some of you are familiar with the marvelous film that was made to document Natasha’s life story called Natasha Mayers: An Unstill Life. The film chronicles her life as an artist and activist. You can access the trailer and rent the entire film at THIS LINK.
Some of the many participants presenting ‘banned books’ at the Whitefield parade
For this years parade the group focused on books that have been banned and created giant books that are included on a list. They passed out more than 100 children’s books wrapped in caution tape, with bookmarks listing banned books. I’m sure many of you are familiar with some or all of these books, I’ve listed them below.
Its one thing to be aware of banned books but it’s another to express your opinion or to take action. I’ve given some thought about my beliefs and I’m reading, listening and watching. One of my summer goals is to read more of the books on banned book lists. When I participate in a conversation it will be based on my reading and my understanding through my own lens. I attended my town’s candidates forum this spring where the candidates were asked their opinions on banning books from our schools, specifically the book Queer Gender by Maia Kobabe. The two individuals who strongly opposed hadn’t read the book, one had looked at the pictures. I’ve noticed that many people who are opposed to certain books also have strong feelings about the curriculum being taught in our schools. In addition, their rhetoric includes wanting the power to make curriculum decisions. As a teacher I am totally committed to working with parents to educate the child. But I am opposed to parents making decisions for other families. Should parents be making decisions for their own children or all children? Some advocates are attempting to undermine the wisdom of teachers and educational experts who are trained to make curriculum decisions and choices about teaching and learning. I realize that not all educators are ‘experts’ and I’m not suggesting that educators make all the decisions. Policy’s and procedures are in place with curriculum committees that include teachers, administrators, and school board members to guide and make decisions on curriculum.
Handing out books to children
I’m not offering answers, only questions. My baseline question that has always guided me: what is in the best interest of all students? Some folks are saying ‘best interest’ has become murky. Well, no one said that education wasn’t messy business. It feels like we’re at a critical moment so I ask you: will you be part of the problem or part of the solution? How can arts educators use artistry to help at this moment in the history of education?
Banned books for teens and adults
FICTION, FANTASY, ETC.
The Bluest Eyes, Tony Morrison
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie
The Call of the Wild, Jack London
The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas
The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Mark Haddon
The DaVinci Code, Dan Brown
Black Boy, Richard Wright
Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
Running with Scissors, Augusten Burroughs
Looking for Alaska, John Green
The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton
Mrs. Dalloway, Virginia Woolf
The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath
NONFICTION
A People’s History of the United States, Howard Zinn
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out, Susan Kuklin
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, Nikole Hannah-Jones
The Autobiography of Malcolm X & Alex Haley
Silent Spring, Rachel Carson
You Can’t Read This: Why Books Get Banned, Pamela Jain Dell
COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
Maus, Art Spiegelman
Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi
March (series), John Lewis & Andrew Aydin
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, Alison Bechdel
Queer: A Graphic History, Meg-John Barker
Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty, Gregory Neri & Randi DuBurke
Blankest, Craig Thompson
This One Summer, Mariko Tamaki
Banned booksfor children
PICTURE BOOKS
Donovan’s Big Day, Leslea Newman
It’s a Book, Lane Smith
The Day in June, Gayle Pitman & Kristyna Litten
The Snowy Day, Ezra Jack Keats
In Our Mother’s House, Patricia Polacco
Flabby Cat and Sleepy Dog, Jeanne Willis
Little Red Riding Hood, Trina Schart Hyman
Nappy Hair, Carolina Herron
Goodnight Moon, Margaret Wise Brown
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Bill Martin
Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story From Afghanistan, Jeanette Winter
The Paper Bag Princess, Robert Munsch
The Dumb Bunnies, Dav Pilkey
Strega Nona, Tomie DePaola
The Stupids (series), Harry Allard & James Marshall
CHAPTER BOOKS
The Watsons go to Birmingham, 1963, Christopher Paul Curtis
Julie of the Wolves, Jean Craighead Goerge
The Giver, Lois Lowry
Melissa, Alex Gino
A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L’Engle
Go Ask Alice, Anonymous
Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White
The View From Saturday, E.L. Konigsburg
An Indigenous People’s History of the United States, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
At the end of the 2022-23 school year MAEA president Cory Bucknam provided several book titles for independent reading during the summer. At the next LGBTQIA+ meeting on Monday, September 11th at 5:00 over Zoom the participants will discuss these two books.
Fiction:Small Joys, Elvin James Mensah
Non-fiction:Pageboy: A Memoir, Elliot Page
The MAEA LGBTQIA+ Interest Group was Inspired by the National Art Education Association’s (NAEA) LGBTQ+ Interest Group. A few passionate MAEA members wanted to create a version of that in Maine. Not all MAEA members are NAEA members, and the organization wanted to give teachers access to a group that supports those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and also help all teachers to support their LGBTQIA+ students and coworkers.
The LGBTQIA+ Interest Group will meet monthly, with virtual meetings to prevent excluding members because of geography, and possibly a few in-person meetings throughout the state for fostering connections and socializing. The LGBTQIA+ Interest Group has three main goals group:
Continue developing a vision and mission for the group
Learning for ourselves (example: the summer reading group)
Sharing learning with others (example: creating a resource page on the MAEA website)
Below, a list of books MAEA provided members.
Heart Stopper by Alice Oseman
Baby by Torrey Peters
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
Small Joys by Elvin James Mensah
All My Mothers Lovers by Ilana Masad
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
Grace Needs Space! by Benjamin Al Wilgus and Rii Abrego
The Lesbiana’s by Sonora Reyes
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
While we’re on the topic, the state professional organization representing music educators, Maine Music Educators Association (MMEA), created this Pride statement:
As Pride Month draws to a close, MMEA shines a light on LGBTQ+ artists and music educators and all their contributions within our classrooms. While Pride is the focus during the month of June, our LGBTQ+ colleagues, students, families, and community members value representation and affirmation within the education community all year long. Thank you for continuing to create an inclusive music classroom where all individuals feel welcome.
It seems to me like each issue of the Union of Maine Visual Arts (UMVA) journal is better than the one before. The summer issue, In Balance/Imbalance is no exception; filled with thoughtful and thought provoking articles.
This issue includes a piece written for the education column, Insight/Incite by Sharon Gallant, a veteran Gardiner High School Science teacher who has taken many workshops and classes on Bookmaking. Sharon is the 2023 Kennebec County Teacher of the Year and she is always seeking understanding in all facets of bookmaking. She is recognized for a teaching style that is participatory, interdisciplinary, and academically sound. She was selected for a 100 hour apprenticeship with Richard Reitz Smith to expand her bookmaking knowledge and to create a book which will be a reference tool for teachers wanting to use bookmaking in the classroom. I wrote a blog post about Sharon’s work in the classroom earlier this year at THIS LINK.
Véronique Plesch’s introduction says it best, for the summer issue of the UMVA journal:
Although each of our contributors conceives and experiences the dual notions of balance and its lack or loss in remarkably varied and personal ways, what emerges from this issue is that balance is fundamentally dynamic in nature. As a process, it is impermanent and fleeting. It is a negotiation, a dance with the entropic forces of chaos. It is a drive, a desire—perhaps even an unattainable goal. It is the pursuit of such goals, even of those that may never be fully reached, that effect profound change. Artists can contribute by spreading awareness of the imbalances that surround us. The concert of their voices motivates us and gives us the necessary strength to face the task at hand to rebalance our world.
If you’d like to learn more, become a member of UMVA, and support this fabulous organization you may do so at THIS LINK. If you’re interested in writing for the journal please contact me at meartsed@gmail.com or go to THIS LINK.
The 4th of July is meaningful for me for many reasons. This post is dedicated to the symbolism that many of us grew up with about today, and a bit of my family story that connects me to this day.
Some of you know my family story/history of my Mother and Father. Without going into a ton of details here are some of the highlights. My father came to America as George Panagiotopouls*, on a boat by himself at age 14 from his home country of Greece. My dad arrived at Ellis Island, met by his aunt and uncle and eventually was adopted by them. On his first day, he met my mother Sophie Prodromos, whose parents were born in Greece. My parents were friends through successful years in public school and through their involvement with the Greek Orthodox Church. The church supported and provided opportunities for the young people in the community. My parents married on July 4, 1942 without my grandfather’s* approval, and one week later my Dad left to fight in WWII for 3 years.
July 4, 1942, Dad and Mom on their wedding day
My parents were completely dedicated to the war effort. My Dad was part of the First Division, the Big Red One, and fought in Africa, Sicily, landing on the beach in Normandy, north through France, the Battle of the Bulge and into Germany where he was wounded. He was a Forward Observer. My Mother was a ‘Gray Lady’* during this time. My Father returned home, a hero of the Greek community, decorated with many medals. He was accepted by family and he and my mother went on to serve both the Greek and greater community in multiple ways. Throughout their lives they had an incredible work ethic, a zest and appreciation for life, and what I describe as ‘ideal citizens’. They were committed to the USA, proud and appreciative Greek Americans, part of the Greatest Generation.
Sophie in her Gray Lady uniform holding a photo of George and his Silver Star
My 3 siblings and I grew up in a loving environment encouraged to be our best selves. I am the youngest of four. My Mother wanted me to have my own special day and shared the story that she waited until five minutes after minute to give birth. I was born on July 5th. Every 4th of July we’d celebrate by having a big gathering in the backyard of an amazing home. The cake always read: “Happy Anniversary George and Sophie, Happy Birthday Argy”. I remember feeling very special to share the day, year after year, with my parents and all the friends and family who had gathered.
Nestor children, Peter, Niki, Bill, Argy in their Greek costumes getting ready to dance. Sophie taught three generations of children Greek dancing.
While I was in college musician Melissa Manchester came to my campus (Glassboro State College, now Rowan University) to perform. Over the next several years I fell in love with her music and went to several of her concerts. A few years back she performed at the Chocolate Church in Bath. I realized that her status and music had changed. It was very special to hear her again in concert. When I was considering what to include in today’s blog post I did a google search and what did I find, but a YouTube video that captures some of my thoughts. In the music video below Melissa Manchester sings an earlier hit “Just you and I” in a Labor Day tribute (2020) to the essential workers and first responders who helped us through the coronavirus. Accompanying her is singer/songwriter saxophonist Gerald Albright and singers from Citrus College. I especially love the images in the video and the involvement of the Citrus College singers. Beautiful!
I am reminded of where we were three years ago, how far we’ve come past the pandemic. I am saddened by the political turmoil in our country. My parents story reminds me of the importance of taking action and not sitting back and just talking about it. Wherever you are today, whatever your beliefs, I hope it is a day filled with love and hope for the future of our country and that you are taking positive action.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~Margaret Mead
Just You and I Melissa Manchester
*After my father was adopted by his aunt Mary and uncle Charles his name was changed to George Nestor. Charles had changed his years earlier. Nestor is a Greek first name (King of Pylos).
*So the story as I understand it… my mother’s father felt that since my father was an emigrant that he wasn’t good enough for my mother. So interesting since Prodromou Prodromos was an emigrant himself.
*For many years ‘Gray Ladies’ provided services of a non-medial nature to sick, injured and disabled patients.
“I teach because it is so much fun and extremely fulfilling. I absolutely love it. With constant encouragement, a lot of elbow grease on everybody’s part, and many pep talks, I witness, every year, young adults become excited and enthusiastic about their future, full of dreams and big ideas.” ~Maryam Emami, 2023 Franklin County Teacher of the Year
Maryam being recognized as Franklin County Teacher of the Year, Hall of Flags, State House, May 2023
Nothing compares to attending events where teachers are recognized for their contributions to outstanding teaching and learning. The light shines brightly for the individuals and also for the most important profession in the world, education. This spring I had the chance to connect with teachers I’ve known for years and met other teachers for the first time. In March I wrote a blog post on Sharon Gallant who not too long afterwards was named the 2023 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year. In May I met Maryam Emami for the first time, even though she has been following this blog for many years. Maryam was named the 2023 Franklin County Teachers of the Year. After an initial conversation I felt like I knew Maryam for many years. This is her story….
Maryam has been a high school Social Studies and Graphics teacher for 28 years at Rangeley Lakes Regional School, grades K through grade 12. The district, RSU 78, with just under 200 students is located in western Maine and includes the towns of Dallas Plantation, Magalloway Plantation, Rangeley, Rangeley Plantation and Sandy River Plantation. Maryam’s classes include Humanities I, II, U.S. History, AP European History, AP U.S. History, AP Seminar, and Graphics. She teaches 40-60 students each year. In addition to teaching her responsibilities include Student Council Advisor, Garden Club Advisor, Leadership Team member, and Class advisor.
Maryam’s colleague Timothy Straub, in his nomination for her as teacher of the year, captures the essence of Maryam:
“Maryam Emami is the whole package: Master teacher, advisor/mentor, Leadership Team, Quiz Bowl coach, and a sundry of other responsibilities and roles she assumes without expectation of recognition. She embodies the teacher’s mission of always keeping the best interests of the student first. Maryam lives the highest ideasl of what makes a historian a historian. Her mastery of content knowledge is unsurpassed. I have sat in her classroom, freshmen-senior, AP, honors, and Humanities, and witnessed an educator dedicated to the future of her students. Her primary aim is to instill a sense of connectedness and civic mindedness within her students. Semester after semester, year after year, for over 25 years, Maryam Emami’s dedication to the sanctity of providing an equitable education to all is the driving force behind her purpose.”
Tim and Maryam
What were your feelings after you learned that you were named Franklin County Teacher of the Year? What was the response from colleagues, learners, and community members?
There was great excitement among my students. When I returned from the announcement, which took place at the Hall of Flags in the State House in Augusta, they flooded my room with flowers, hugs, congratulatory messages, and cards, and many were disappointed that I had not informed them since they wanted to take a bus to the ceremony. They complained that I had told a former graduate who attended instead of them. Tim brought me flowers, another colleague gave me a Kata in a ceremonial act of blessing and gratitude, I received amazing cards and letters from colleagues, and I received so many wonderful comments on social media from colleagues, parents, and former superintendents (it was wonderful that multiple former superintendents I served under commented), and former graduates expressing how my teachings are still being utilized.
The following email was sent by a former student who is now the media manager at Hood College. “Sending a quick message to say congratulations on your recent honor! Even though it was only now recognized, the impact you have made and continue to make on your students cannot be understated. Personally, I’m still reminding myself of your advice to use the Zoom tool instead of pushing my nose up against the screen whilst designing. Maybe it’ll stick one day. Thank you for the wisdom you imbued on my young mind (I was listening, I swear). We, as students, never make it easy… but it means the world to us! Congrats!!” There was so much love. I am so blessed and thankful.
What have been the benefits of becoming involved in the CTOY (County Teacher of the Year) program?
I am receiving so much support from my CTOY family. There is a larger CTOY family as well as a homeroom family. Both have contributed so much to the conversation about their experiences and achievements. I am amazed by the exceptional talents and service of those in my CTOY community. It is reassuring to know that we all face similar challenges, and it brings me joy to celebrate each other’s accomplishments. Although I feel like I have not given back as much as I have received, I am determined to prove myself worthy of being part of this distinguished group. During our recent meeting with Sanjay, who represented Senator King, I was thrilled to learn that the Senator is committed to supporting education. I am eager to contribute to an effective strategy to further Senator King’s initiatives.
What do you like best about being a teacher?
Forming a trusting relationship with my students is a moment I cherish. Recently, a student who felt targeted came to me and expressed gratitude for seeing them for who they are and not judging them based on hearsay. They credited me for helping them through a tough time. The local newspaper, the Highlander, interviewed the class of 2023 and a student who had previously struggled in a traditional classroom named me as one of the people they are most grateful for. If I can help a student learn about and accept themselves, even in a small way, it can make a significant difference in their ability to be healthy, and happy, and make positive contributions to their communities.
Tell me what you think are the three keys to being a successful teacher?
To be an effective teacher, there are three important things to keep in mind: first, treat your students as equals and avoid creating a power dynamic. Second, don’t just tell them what to do – instead, coach them in your area of expertise and encourage them to become constructors of their own knowledge. Lastly, incorporate fun and reflection into your teaching to help students overcome challenges and develop thinking and design skills. Remember, it’s important to put your ego aside and not get in the way of student discovery.
What specific way(s) do your assessment practices tie into the success of your program?
To achieve success, assessment is crucial. However, I place more importance on students’ products than their scores. All of the tasks I assign are performance-based, requiring students to use the sources we have studied to make interpretations. These tasks include metacognitive exercises that ask them to reflect on their development as thinkers and designers, as well as more specific performance tasks, such as creating a graphic novel based on a myth or story from a belief system or utilizing their skills to tell stories about themselves and their communities.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Getting to know so many wonderful people and forming relationships with them. So many of my former graduates continue to share their stories with me. A former student who just got their master’s wrote after I received the CTOY honor “Thank you so much! Congratulations to you as well! No one deserves that award more than you. You have been an inspiration to me since the day I met you and will continue to be one for eternity. I love and miss you!! I hope to see you sometime soon. I will be back up for a couple of weeks at the end of July. Maybe we can finally get together then!”
What gets in the way of being a better teacher or doing a better job as a teacher?
At our small school, we are expected to take on multiple roles, which can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, I often find myself taking on too much and feeling stretched thin. This makes it difficult for me to do my best and be fully prepared for my responsibilities in serving the school and community.
What have you accomplished through hard work and determination that might otherwise appear at first glance to be due to “luck” or circumstances?
I have built all of my relationships through persistence, determination, and kindness, as well as a lot of hard work. Collaborating with my colleagues on various projects like the Humanities, interdisciplinary project, garden club, and curating the history of the Rangeley Region through multiple lenses has been incredible. These projects have allowed us to utilize our unique assets and context as a k-12 school in rural western Maine. Despite attempts to make us similar to larger schools, our teachers, staff, and administration have worked tirelessly to preserve our community and the school’s unique qualities. We take pride in our interdisciplinary work, such as the food project where the entire high school and specials teams worked with the 9-10th graders, or the ability to teach humanities with three discipline teachers; art, ELA, and history. We also created a video on the history of skiing in the Rangeley Region, which involved collaboration between the high school and elementary students. And of course, intersession which in the past has provided the opportunity for 3 days for k-12 to work on projects in mixed grade groups. Our accomplishments are the result of hard work and determination to preserve our special brand.
Look into your crystal ball: what advice would you give to teachers?
It’s important to be true to yourself and maintain strong connections with those around you. Your dedication to teaching is vital to children, so approach it with love and kindness. Be prepared to put in hard work, but it will be fulfilling in the end.
If you were given $500,000.00 to do with whatever you please, what would it be?
Let the world be our classroom and experience the joys of traveling. Explore the United States and the world together, to actually see and experience the culture and history that we are studying. Eat street food, join a tai chi group while they practice, pick up a calligraphy brush, and write Chinese characters on the pavements of Asia. See the works of Michaelangelo at the Vatican and so on. I still have a postcard a student sent me from the National Gallery in London, he wrote “ms. emami. I saw the painting! (he is referring to Holbien’s the Ambassadors) Thank you for – years ago – pointing me in its general direction.”
I’m looking forward to spending time with Maryam and Sonya in their classes during the next school and learn more about their collaborations. As Maryam’s teacher of the year journey continues I wish Maryam the other Maine county teachers of the year the best of luck.
While putting this blog post together I am reminded that the Maine Teacher of the Year program is not about finding the BEST teacher. All of the teachers nominated and those selected as county teachers of the year represent what is ‘right’ and ‘best’ for learners and our education system, PK-12.
Educate Maine manages and administers the Maine Teacher of the Year program as a collaboration between Educate Maine and the Maine Department of Education. To learn more about the Maine Teacher of the year program visit their teacher of the year webpage.
I’m happy to see that there are so many teaching resources available on Juneteenth. I realize that with many schools across the country that the most meaningful teaching on the important topic needs to take place during other times in the school year or perhaps in communities. Educators know that ‘teachable moments’ happen anytime and in many places.
Finally our country, in 2021, made June 19th a federal holiday known as Juneteenth, Juneteenth Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day or Freedom Day. It commemorates the day in 1865 when over 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas were informed that the Civil War was won months earlier and they were finally free.
Below are some of the plethora of teaching resources available. I took them from two resources, both have put them together from a variety of sources. Of course, I suggest that you take a close look at them to be sure they fit your needs as a teacher and the students you serve.
Juneteenth: How and Why It Should Be Taught in K-12 Schools Sonya Douglass, a professor of education leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University, spoke to Education Week on how and why educators teach about Juneteenth and the broader value for all students in expanding how Black history is taught.
Teaching Juneteenth (Learning for Justice) The history of Juneteenth acknowledges hard history while also empowering students to be advocates for change.
Juneteenth: Black History for White People Black History for White People’s podcast series dedicates an episode to the history of Juneteenth, sharing some stories from the past, and tying the throughline to why and how people celebrate Juneteenth.
Celebrating Juneteenth (for young students) National Geographic for Kids presents an overview of the history of Juneteenth
VIDEOS
Juneteenth BrainPOP presents a short video on the history of Juneteenth, along with classroom activities and discussion questions for elementary students.
Juneteenth Explained Video-creation software company Vyond created this short, animated video for younger audiences that concisely presents the history of Juneteeth.
Why Juneteenth is Important for America The Root released this video about the importance of Juneteenth in 2018. It includes information on the violent backlashBlack Americans faced from white Americans opposing their freedom.
Meet the Grandmother of Juneteenth Opal Lee fought for decades to have Juneteenth recognized as a national holiday. Watch her interview on Good Morning America in 2021, after attending the ceremony where President Biden made June 19 a federal holiday.
History of Juneteenth and Why it’s Now a National Holiday (grades 6-12) In this this lesson from PBS, students will explore and discuss the history and context around the Juneteenth holiday in the United States. Topics explored include the history of racial injustice in the U.S., the Civil War and the limitations of the Emancipation Proclamation. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore the modern significance of Juneteenth and its long-term impact.
Teaching Hard Hard History: American Slavery No discussion or lesson on Juneteenth is complete without an understanding of slavery in the United States. Learning for Justice offers a framework and the ability to build a learning plan around the history of slavery in the United States.
Celebrate Juneteenth! The National Council of Teachers of English’s Read, Write, Think website offers a classroom activity designed around having students compare Juneteenth and the 4th of July using Venn diagramming.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Books for Students About Juneteenth Honor the day that Black Americans gained their freedom with these Read Across America recommended titles to help students learn more about the history and traditions of Juneteenth.
The National Museum of African American History and CultureThe Historical Legacy of Juneteenthis an article with photographs from the Smithsonian that provides context for Juneteenth. It covers the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteenth Amendment and Reconstruction.
PBS Learning MediaJuneteenth: All About the Holidays is a short video that offers an introduction for younger students. ThisPDFoffers grades 3-5 vocabulary words and photographs.
Juneteenth.com ThisWorld Wide Celebration websiteoffers historical information and archives of Juneteenth celebrations in the news and connects those celebrating the holiday.
The Morningside Center “Juneteenth. Why is it Important to America?” is an article that includes a lesson plan with a short video and discussion questions about the holiday.
Read Write Think.This classroom activityasks students to make a Venn diagram comparing Juneteenth and July 4. Several resources are linked here, including theEmancipation Proclamation housed at the National Archives and Records Administration’s site.
The New York TimesSo You Want to Learn About Juneteenth?is an article that puts the celebration in the context of the 2020 protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police.
Learning for JusticeTeaching Juneteenth. This article from Learning for Justice, formerly Teaching Tolerance, uses the holiday to empower students to advocate for societal change.
The History ChannelWhat is Juneteenth? This overview of the holiday offers facts and a short video with links to many other related topics.
TED-Ed What is Juneteenth, and Why is it Important?Karlos K. Hill and Soraya Field Fiorio tells the story of a young slave in Texas who learns the slavery has ended and her enslaver is keeping it a secret.
Teach for AmericaCelebrate Juneteenth offers articles, lesson plans, and ideas for books and movies to celebrate Juneteenth.
I had the pleasure of attending the introduction supper and Hall of Flags ceremony announcing the 2023 Maine County Teachers of the Year. It was a chance for me to listen and learn and to congratulate many colleagues who were selected this year to representative teachers in their county. All of them are amazing and have so much to offer their communities. There are several this year who have minors in one of the arts or teach a creative class as part of their teaching assignments.
Edith Berger, Lincoln County and Donna Munro, Knox County at the introduction banquet
Matt Bernstein, Casco Bay High School, 2023 Maine Teacher of the Year, emcee at the Hall of Flags ceremony
Washington: Colleen Maker, Washington Academy, East Machias
York: Lisa Tripp, Bonny Eagle Middle Schoo, Buxton
Good luck to all of them as they are being considered to serve as the 2024 Maine Teacher of the Year.
Maryam Emami, Rangeley Lakes Regional School, Franklin County
Sharon Gallant, Gardiner Area High School, Kennebec County Teacher of the Year
The Maine Teacher of the Year program is managed and administered as a collaboration between Educate Maine and the Maine Department of Education. There are several organizations and businesses that offer financial support for the program. To learn more please CLICK HERE.
Argy Nestor
Arts Educator, Blogger, Artist, Connector meartsed@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/view/anestor/
Argy’s Blog
The purpose of this blog is to share stories about people and places; and to celebrate the amazing work (and play) that students, educators, and organizations are doing in and for arts education. In addition, the blog has a plethora of resources and innovative ideas. This forum gives blog readers the opportunity to learn from each other. It is essential that we listen, learn, and collaborate in order to build on teaching practices for the benefit of every learner in Maine and beyond.
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