On Tuesday, October 9, over 600 Washington County educators gathered at the University of Maine at Machias for a full day of professional development featuring over twenty unique presentations.
The day, called Harvest of Ideas, has long been an annual tradition put on by Washington County Consortium, an organization dedicated to providing support and opportunities to Washington County educators. This year’s event was the largest by far, and featured expert presenters from up and down the east coast, from Maryland to Machias.
Sarah Woog, Executive Director of the Washington County Consortium reflected, “The energy of the day was inspiring. I am so happy to be in a position to help harness that energy and positively impact Washington County students, schools and communities.”
The Washington County Leadership Team (WCLT), a group of school leaders from all over the County, serves as an advisory board for the Washington County Consortium and Harvest of Ideas. For years the group has shared a common mission to work collaboratively and efficiently to increase opportunities for Washington County educators. The WCLT is proud to support the day and recognizes that Washington County is the only county in the state to dedicate a full day for educators to engage in a shared experience of learning and reflection. One teacher shared her favorite part of the day was “seeing all the caring, talented educators together in one place.”
The day also featured two keynote opening speakers, Dr. Andrew Egan, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Head of Campus at the University of Maine at Machias, and Ms. Susan Mingo, the President of the Washington County Community College. Both donated their time and efforts to welcome educators to the event and offer their institutions’ support of education in Washington County.
The Washington County Consortium and the Washington County Leadership Team are grateful to Dunkin Donuts of Machias and Calais, Machias Memorial High School, Machias Savings Bank, The First of Calais, the University of Maine at Machias, Walmart and Washington Academy, whose generous support made the day possible. The day was a wonderful example of how schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations may work together today and in the future to support education in Washington County.
(Pictured left, Washington County Consortium Executive Director Sarah Woog addressing over 600 Washington County Educators at Harvest of Ideas 2018)