The Southern Maine Partnership is a school-university collaboration that has linked schools and university since 1985. An original member of John Goodlad’s National Network for Education Renewal, the Partnership‘s major goal is to create and sustain a culture of educator development in the Southern Maine region..

With offices on the Gorham campus of the University of Southern Maine (USM), the Partnership has grown from a group of six school districts to a membership of 36 school districts and USM. Our membership represents over one-third of the public school students and teachers in the state and is the major site for teacher education and leadership development in the region.

Member districts pay minimal annual dues and participate in Partnership conversations, activities and projects, contribute to a developing knowledge base, share information and practices, and collaborate in ongoing educator development programs. The university contributes one half of a faculty load to Partnership work, provides office space and general support and assistance. The Partnership is an integral part of the College of Education and Human Development and the university at large. Its staff serves on the College’s Dean’s Advisory Council and its Professional Development Center’s Governing Board as well as on the University’s Teacher Education Council.

Partnership Activities include:

• Superintendent Meetings and Seminars
• Principal Meetings and Seminars
• The Curriculum Coordinator’s Think Tank
• Topical Symposia
• Dine and Discuss evenings
• OngoingGroups
• On SitePresentations and Consultations
• College Readiness research and practice
• Professional Learning Opportunities
• Cohort Based Masters and CAS Programs ( Professional Educator and Leadership for Tomorrow’s Schols)