Talk of the Towns: New Ideas for Rural Education

Start: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 6:30PM
End: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 8:30PM

The worlds of work and career, including fishing and our civic life and institutions such as health care, volunteer fire departments and ambulance services, continue to quickly change as digital technologies, communications, and required skills are transformed by shifting demographics and more.

Are our students and adults getting all we need to retain and strengthen themselves and our resilient communities?

Special invited guests from throughout Maine will talk about the ways new ideas for sustainability, models for hands-on learning and leadership development, innovative use of digital tools and a focus on workforce pathways and skills development can transform student experience and success -- and with them our communities.

Are our schools providing the education, tools, and skills needed for those who want to continue to live, work, and play here – and/or go elsewhere in pursuit of their dreams?

Are we developing leadership for a sustainable future?

Do we need and/or are we ready for new ways to think about rural education? How are we caring for and educating our future generations?

Come learn about some of the most innovative educational programs on the coast of Maine. Featuring Mike Felton, Superintendent, St. George Schools; Rebecca Gratz, Principal, Deer Isle-Stonington High School; Kim Hutchinson, Project Launch; Yvonne Thomas, Rural Aspirations Program; Zoe Weil, Institute for Humane Education; and Morgan Witham, Deer Isle Adult and Community Education. Co-hosted by Christa Thorpe, the Island Institute, and Linda Nelson, Town of Stonington.

This month's social gathering at 6:30 pm preceding the 7 pm talk will raise funds for the Nelson Monteith Theater scholarship program of the Reach Performing Arts Center for graduating seniors.

URLs:
Instagram: https://go.evvnt.com/3057561-3?pid=3698

Artists / Speakers: Mike Felton, Kim Hutchinson, Yvonne Thomas, Zoe Weil, Morgan Witham, Rebecca Gratz