By ALTHEA WALKER, Principal, and GEORGE VEILLEUX, Assistant Principal, McMahon Elementary School

Education is a never-ending process, as evidenced by the long list of professional development conferences and graduate level courses completed recently by McMahon staff members. As lifelong learners, they continue to grow professionally, acquiring knowledge about a wide range of topics. Educators pictured in the photo attended sessions on English language learning, personalized alternative assessment portfolios, Rebecca Sitton spelling, therapeutic crisis intervention, phonemic awareness, and math investigations.

During the summer of 2003, many McMahon staff members participated in a three-day math investigations seminar. Math Investigations allows students to see, touch, and manipulate the mathematical concepts they are learning. Another group of educators attended a workshop on phonics and phonemic awareness. Primary level teachers learned how they can best help students acquire reading skills. Both the math and phonics courses left teachers with a sense of excitement that can be sensed in their classrooms.

Ensuring that school teachers and paraprofessionals are highly qualified is one goal of the No Child Left Behind legislation. The staff at McMahon has always prided itself on a high standard of excellence and a quest for knowledge that remains current with scientific research, regardless of federal mandates. At this time, McMahon has 11 staff members who have completed an education related Master’s degree program. Eight more are presently enrolled in similar programs. Chris Savignano, recent graduate of the University of New England, states, “The coursework was immediately applicable to what I do in the classroom. As a result of new information and research-based studies, the needs of my students are better met. I am able to individualize curriculum and instruction based upon the learning styles of each child.”

With the Lewiston School Department now focused on the Maine Learning Results and local assessments, teachers are always seeking ways to improve their classroom instruction. At McMahon Elementary School, our staff members enjoy their roles as both teacher and student.