New “Learning from Maine” documentary special spotlights innovation and achievement in Maine schools

FARMINGTON — An in-person screening of “Learning from Maine” is also scheduled for Thursday, October 30th at 5:30pm at The Forum at Mt. Blue Campus in Farmington.

Hosted by former Maine principal Derek Pierce, each 10-15 minute “Learning from Maine” story focuses on what’s happening and what’s possible in Maine schools. Each segment focuses on promising educational strategies, including an apprenticeship model at Farmington’s Foster Tech Center that is re-engaging many Maine youth and connecting them to meaningful careers. The hourlong “Learning from Maine” special will also feature stories from Bethel, Portland and Limestone.

While individual episodes of “Learning from Maine” have been released online since September, the first season will culminate on November 6th at 8 p.m., when a “Learning from Maine” video special will air on Maine Public Television. A rebroadcast will air November 7th at 2 p.m.

The project is produced by Maine Loves Public Schools (MLPS), a statewide campaign led by a coalition of educational organizations, with a goal of sharing stories of educational innovation and achievement from inside Maine classrooms with families and communities.

“It’s been a great honor and joy to see what our teachers and students are up to around the state, and I can’t wait to share these inspiring stories with all who care about Maine’s public schools,” said host Derek Pierce, who was also the founding principal of Portland’s Casco Bay High School.

“We hope that Learning from Maine will provide a deeper view into what our educators see every day: the transformational power of education to bring communities together and change the lives of our kids and families,” said Eileen King, the executive director of the Maine School Superintendents Association, one of the core organizations helping to lead the effort.

Maine Public has committed to co-producing eight more Learning from Maine stories, with more episodes planned for broadcast in 2026. A full list of screenings and more details can be found here.
About Maine Loves Public Schools (MLPS): The mission of Maine Loves Public Schools is to “document, curate and share stories from within our school communities.” The campaign is spearheaded by: Maine School Boards Association (MSBA); Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA); Maine Principals’ Association (MPA); Maine Curriculum Leaders’ Association (MCLA); Maine Association for Career and Technical Education (MACTE); and Maine Association of School Business Officials (MEASBO). For two years, MLPS has solicited and shared stories from hundreds of ambassadors – educators and community members who share stories from within their classrooms. “Learning from Maine” is the latest step to document and share these stories across Maine.