The state’s largest event focused on education and workforce development – Educate Maine’s annual Symposium – this year celebrates innovation and new approaches to teaching, learning and training the state’s future workers.
Symposium 2024 brings together hundreds of teachers, business leaders, policymakers and administrators in a daylong event in downtown Portland Dec. 13. This year boasts 82 speakers, 23 exhibitors and 450 registered attendees. More than 20 breakout sessions will offer deep dives into topics ranging from educational equity to skills training to Maine’s burgeoning “space sector” and other industries new to the state.
“Educate Maine’s year-round mission is to champion educators and learners while helping to build tomorrow’s workforce,” said Dr. Jason Judd, PhD, executive director of the business-led nonprofit. “Symposium crystallizes that mission and brings together the people we serve. There’s nothing else like it in Maine.”
Among the many sponsors of this signature annual event are FMI, a Spirit AeroSystems Company, and Unum. As Maine’s economy grows and its workforce needs develop, business leaders are working more closely with the education sector to ensure that their future workers have the right skills and background.
“Maine’s future economy will require workers who are technically adept and trained in our new and developing sectors, including aerosystems, adaptive manufacturing, life sciences, and aquaculture,” said Kate Howell, director of workforce partnerships for Educate Maine. “It’s a whole new ballgame requiring new skills and talents as well as upskilling.”
Among the Symposium highlights is the presentation of the annual Weston L. Bonney Award for Education Leadership. This year’s honoree is Laurie G. Lachance, the former president of Thomas College and a true Maine pathbreaker. Read more about the award here.
The event’s Leadership Luncheon will also recognize educators statewide who have been honored for their contributions. Launched in 1998 by the Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education, the tradition honors and recognizes exceptional teachers, administrators and individuals who work in support of our students and schools. Those being recognized at the Symposium have been celebrated individually by the awarding organizations.
Educate Maine believes strongly in elevating the voices of Maine educators and celebrating these awards to amplify the remarkable work being done in our state’s schools.
