School of Education and Human Development
News

USM partners with Portland schools to help increase diversity among teachers
A new USM course for people interested in teaching — especially people of color with an interest in Portland schools — was spotlighted by the Portland Press Herald.

Forecaster highlights USM-Portland partnership on diversity
A new USM-Portland partnership that aims to encourage people from diverse backgrounds to enter teaching was highlighted May 23rd in The Forecaster newspaper. The story by reporter Kate Irish Collins was titled "Portland schools launch initiative to increase staff diversity."

USM Education alumna awarded Fulbright to teach in Indonesia
After teaching immigrant children from Somalia, Djibouti, Angola, Congo and Kenya in Maine classrooms, USM Education alumna Amy Quirion wants to use her skills as an English teacher abroad. And she's doing it as a Fulbrighter.

Replay: 'The USM Update' 4/3/2017
Get an update on USM's sustainability efforts and learn how USM students are being prepared to tackle the environmental challenges facing the planet. Also, hear how USM is preparing its educators to adapt to the changing demographics in Maine's classrooms. Plus, a discussion on the findings of the first in-depth analysis of Maine's juvenile records system.

'Ellen' embraces USM student's inspiring story
When Ellen DeGeneres began a segment of her TV show by reading an audience member's letter -- describing her immigration from Sudan to Maine as a 12-year-old girl -- USM's Ekhlas Ahmed bent over and buried her face in her hands. "I was going to scream so loudly, but I couldn't," Ahmed said. Moments later, DeGeneres ushered her onto the stage, interviewed her and presented her with a check for $22,000, enough to erase her student loans.

SEHD Recognizes Two Distinguished Alumni
Two distinguished U.S.M. alumni were recognized for their achievements in their fields this past fall during the School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) annual recognition and awards ceremony.

Media highlights USM’s Laura Stevens, winner of the Presidential STEM award
USM alumna, Laura Stevens won The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She is one of two Mainers to be recognized with the prestigious award.

Dedication of the Robert S. Southworth Counseling Suite
On Saturday, July 9th at 2 PM the dedication ceremony of our Robert S. Southworth '49 Lab Suite was held in 301 Bailey Hall, Gorham.
ETEP Alumna Honored with Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching
Congratulations Laura Stevens! ETEP alumna returns from White House where she was honored with Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She is currently teaching EDU 643 Inquiry in Education this fall at USM.

2016 Gorham Reunion
On a brilliant summer day in Gorham nearly 80 graduates from USM's predecessor institutions, Gorham Normal School, Gorham State Teachers College and Gorham State College, gathered to reconnect and reminisce about their shared college experience and their lives since graduation. For some, it was a chance to see classmates for the first time in years and for others the annual opportunity to catch up with old friends.