Explore with us how MeANS uses student-centered, hands-on experiences and a relational approach to connect students to their learning interests. Our campus program uses project-based learning to combine academic courses with our greenhouses, gardens, beehives, maple sugar shack, and Maker Space barn; our home-based Threshold program re-connects students with their education through one-to-one teacher-student teaching and learning.
Presenter Bios
EVAN COLEMAN: Over the past ten years, Evan has worked as a humanities & writing teacher, a soccer coach, a guide, and an instructional leader in Maine, Massachusetts, and California. In his free time, Evan can be found slappin’ the stand-up bass, hiking with his partner, Anya, and their doodle, Moony, or writing short stories and recording podcasts. After serving as a teacher and instructional coach at High Tech High Media Arts in San Diego, California, Evan has been incredibly excited to return to Maine to infuse creativity and outdoor exploration into the project-based learning that takes place at the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences every day.
BECKY DENNISON: As a native of Maine, Becky’s first formal educational experience was attending an Alternative Free School that her parents co-founded in the Western Mountains of Maine. Becky’s childhood was surrounded by the teachings of Paulo Freire, Paul Goodman, and John Holt. Now as Dean of the Threshold program at Maine Academy of Natural Science, she feels that she has come full circle. Becky is passionate about student-centered, project-based, and relevant education for learners of all ages. Working with disenfranchised youth and adults who are preparing for post-secondary training, education, and experience has been a focus for many years. Becky holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maine at Farmington, and a graduate degree in Social Work from the University of New England.
MATT NEWBERG: Matt began his Outdoor Education career teaching at the Otter Lake Conservation School in 1990. He has remained in education ever since, working in public and private schools. He most recently spent the past 14 years in both classroom teaching and administration at Hyde School. MeANS has provided the perfect opportunity for Matt to support teaching and learning that is connected to our environment. He hopes to inspire students to engage with their education, prepare for the future, and take care of the planet in the process. He lives in Harpswell in a multi-generational home with his wife Brooke, son Vale, mother Peg, and dog Beziko, while his daughter Dylan attends Savannah College of Art and Design.
EMANUEL PARISIER: Starting his first school at 21, Emanuel has been a Maine educator since 1973. Following his work at the Community School, now Wayfinder School, he got his PhD in education and psychology at the University of Maine. In 2011, he was part of the team that designed and started MeANS. He also designed and continues to advise the Threshold program at MeANS.