09/08/2026
We’re getting closer to the 2026 MAMLE Best Practices Conference, and while we’re not quite ready to release the full conference schedule, I wanted to give you a sneak peek at some of the breakout sessions and conversations we’re planning!This year’s conference is shaping up to offer something for just about everyone working with young adolescents. Sessions will include topics such as:
Restorative Justice Practices with Heather Batchelor
Better Together: Co-Teaching in Rural Schools with Jenn LaPlante
Leading Through Change Without Losing Your People with Christina Boursaw
Everything They Don’t Teach You About Being a New Administrator with Christina Boursaw
Sensemaking Strategies to Elevate Middle School Science with Shelby Dillman and Maranda Chung
Growing Leaders, Strengthening Culture: Student Leadership at Recess with Dawn Lavallee and Melinda Luders
Middle School Career & Technical Education in Maine with Nic LaBreck and Dwight Littlefield
Grading and Assessment to Support and Communicate Learning with Gert Nesin
Are You a Middle School or a Junior High? and
First Steps to Move from a Junior High Model to a Middle School Model with Gert Nesin and Mike Muir
This Isn’t Just a Project. It’s Their Community with Rene Neuner and Emma Alley
Courageous Conversations with Bobbi Fairbrother
Engagement Techniques with Allison Poulin
A roundtable on What I Wish I Had Known in My First Three Years
A conversation on Developing Strong Relationships between Staff and Administration
Sessions on advisory, student engagement, collaborative creativity, humane education, screentime and adolescent well-being, and more.
And that’s only part of what we have planned. One of the things I love about the MAMLE conference is that this isn’t a conference built around abstract ideas—it’s a chance to hear from Maine educators, school leaders, organizations, and partners who are doing this work right now, and to leave with ideas you can actually bring back to your school.If you’ve been on the fence about attending, we hope this gives you a reason to join us. We’d love to have you there! Click below to register:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maine-association-for-middle-level-education-annual-conference-tickets-1986555422746
See you at the conference Oct 23rd at Thomas College!
Join MAMLE 2026 at Thomas College for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and practical strategies for middle level educators.
