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Lauren Remington is from Calais and is an early childhood education instructor at St. Croix Regional Technical Center. She serves on the Maine Education Association board, the Maine Association for Education of Young Children, Maine Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education Grant Team, is a Maine Roads to Quality member, and is a recipient of the 2026 Travelers Award for Teaching Excellence through the NEA Foundation.
The foundation of every public school in Maine is not just the curriculum, it’s the people. As we head into this season of thankfulness, I want to encourage us to pause and recognize that this work doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because thousands of dedicated educators and school employees across Maine choose, day after day, to support our students.
As a public school educator in Washington County, I see their commitment in the patience, the problem-solving, the compassion, and the steady belief in the potential of every child.
No student succeeds because of a single influence. Their growth is the result of many people working together. Teachers design thoughtful lessons for learners of all abilities. Ed techs provide steady, individualized support. Counselors guide students through both academic and personal hurdles. Secretaries keep the school day moving smoothly. Coaches help young people build confidence and character. Nurses offer comfort and care when students need it most. Every individual plays a vital part in creating schools that are safe, supportive, and ready for learning.
Among the many pieces that make up Maine’s public education system is career and technical education (CTE), which is not separate, but an integrated part of the team that supports students’ futures. CTE is one of the places where learning becomes hands-on and meaningful. It’s where students discover their abilities in practical, skill-based ways.
A student who once hesitated to speak up may find confidence in presenting a design they created. Another might discover they excel working with tools, technology, or teamwork. Others realize they are at their best when solving real problems, whether building, analyzing, creating, caring for others, or designing something new. These experiences don’t elevate one pathway over another; they simply show that students thrive when they are offered multiple ways to learn, explore, and grow.
CTE programs prepare students to step into the workforce or higher education with skills, credentials, and real-world experience not someday, but right now. But CTE, like every part of our system, only works because the whole team works. Guidance counselors reshape schedules so students can access opportunities. Bus drivers make transportation possible between buildings. Classroom teachers encourage students to apply their new skills. Administrators champion multiple pathways that meet the needs of diverse learners. CTE succeeds because public education succeeds together.
At the same time, we must recognize the challenges our schools face. Staffing shortages are real and growing. Educators and support professionals are doing more with fewer resources, yet they continue to show up with heart, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Maine’s children benefit every day from their commitment.
And as we honor the efforts of our educators, we must also acknowledge the growing needs of the families they serve. Recent disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have placed additional strain on many households, and educators are seeing the effects firsthand. When children come to school hungry, their ability to focus, engage, and learn is compromised. Hunger isn’t just a hardship at home; it becomes a barrier in the classroom.
So, if you’re looking for a way to support public education beyond saying “thank you,” consider lending a hand to your local or school food pantry as demand increases. Ask your district if there are weekend backpack programs or student-support initiatives you can contribute to. Volunteer your time, donate if you’re able, or reach out to local leaders to advocate for strong nutritional support for families.
Getting involved doesn’t require a big gesture. Sometimes it’s as simple as showing up, listening, and supporting the systems that help students meet their most basic needs. When communities rally around schools, especially in moments like this, we help ensure that every child enters the classroom ready to learn.
Because when we support our educators and our families, we support our students. And when we invest in Maine’s public education system in every classroom, every program, and every child, we invest in the future of our state and our future workforce.