Maine DOE Launches Multilingual Resource Kit to Grow Seal of Biliteracy Recognition Across Schools and Communities

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is proud to launch the Seal of Biliteracy Resource Kit,a comprehensive, multilingual outreach package designed to promote biliteracy, expand participation, and celebrate language diversity across Maine’s schools and communities. Let’s celebrate Maine’s multilingual future, one student, one language, and one Seal at a time!

The Maine Seal of Biliteracy honors graduating high school students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language, including American Sign Language, affirming that multilingualism is both a personal strength and a statewide asset for college, career, and civic readiness.

Why the Seal Matters

Fred Ravan, Spanish teacher and president of Educators for a Multilingual Maine, recognizes the value of this earned distinction and shared why it is so meaningful: “It is important to me because it enables my students to showcase their linguistic ability.”

Record Growth in 2024-2025

The previous academic year marked a milestone for the Seal of Biliteracy in Maine:

• 518 students earned the Seal (the highest number since the program’s launch in 2018).
• This represents a 32% increase over the previous year.
• 198 multilingual learners earned the Seal (33% of recipients).

The Maine Seal of Biliteracy Dashboard will be up to date soon, reflecting the 2024-2025 school year.

Success Story: From Student to Educator

Behind every number is a story. Erik Blacksmith, now the Multilingual Learner (ML) Coordinator of RSU 26, earned the Seal as a student: “The Seal of Biliteracy opened up doors for me so that I could pursue the language I wanted at a higher level in college, without having to start over.” Stories like Erik’s show the Seal’s life-changing potential.

A Compass for Implementation: Updated Seal Coordinator Guide

The updated Coordinator Guide provides step-by-step tools for districts to:

• Identify and support eligible students
• Administer approved language proficiency assessments
• Award and record the Seal
• Celebrate student achievements
• Submit data securely to the Maine DOE

Using the guide helps to ensure equitable access for all eligible students, no matter where or how they acquired their language proficiency.

Partnership in Action

To expand awareness and access, the Maine DOE has developed a Resource Kit available in 18 languages.

This kit was made possible through the work of Bowdoin Public Service Intern Bobin Park, whose efforts transformed local needs into statewide impact, demonstrating how service learning can advance both equity and engagement.

Wendy Van Damme, Bowdoin College Associate Director for Public Service, shared:

“The Bowdoin Public Service Initiative provides opportunities for students to participate in the work of government offices. Interns learn from their supervisors and their experiences at host offices, and they also make unique and creative contributions to the work, drawing on their specific life and academic perspectives.”

The ongoing partnership between the Bowdoin Public Service Initiative and the Maine DOE shows how thoughtfully matched internships can amplify both student growth and state priorities, especially in exciting areas like biliteracy.

Inside the Resource Kit: Multilingual Tools for Schools and Communities

What’s included:

• Testing and assessment considerations
• Multilingual flyers, brochures, and family-friendly overview materials
• Sample social media templates and promotion tips

This inclusive approach ensures that heritage speakers, multilingual learners, and students who speak less commonly taught languages are seen, valued, and encouraged to participate.

Maine Employers Endorse the Seal: From Classroom to Career

An increasing number of Maine employers now recognize the Seal as a meaningful credential, signaling graduates’ ability to communicate across cultures, which provides a competitive edge in today’s global workforce.

Employers value the Seal because it:

• Signals a diverse and globally ready workforce
• Strengthens community and customer connections
• Promotes equity and inclusion in hiring
• Validates adaptability, problem-solving, and cross-cultural skills

“We value candidates who demonstrate proficiency in multiple languages and view multilingualism as a powerful asset in today’s workforce,” Amelia Lyons Rukema, CEO of the Maine Mobile Health Program, said.

Sector Spotlights:

• Tourism and Hospitality: With more than 14 million visitors who came to Maine in 2024, multilingual staff enhance guest experiences and cultural connections.
• Education: With more than 8,000 multilingual learners in Maine schools, bilingual educators are essential.
• Skilled Trades: 4.6% of Maine’s workforce is immigrant-based. Language supports safety, retention, and productivity.
• Healthcare: Multilingual professionals improve communication and patient outcomes.

Join the Conversation: Seal of Biliteracy Virtual Office Hours

Whether you’re confirming eligibility, exploring assessment options, or planning a celebration, you’re not alone. The Maine DOE will host monthly virtual office hours for:

• School and school administrative unit (SAU) coordinators
• Educators and administrators
• Students and families
• Community and cultural liaisons

Details:

• Fourth Wednesday of each month from September 24, 2025-June 24, 2026
• Virtual format (all are welcome!)
• Registration required: Please register here.

For further information or with questions, please contact Melanie Junkins, Maine DOE Multilingual and Bilingual Education Specialist, at melanie.junkins@maine.gov.