Great Public Schools for Maine is led by the Maine Education Association, which believes every child has the right to receive an excellent education at a great public school here in Maine. Great Public Schools share six common principles, which ensure each student receives the highest possible level of education and opportunity. It's our goal to make sure every Maine student has the same opportunity to attend a Great Public School.

Parent and community involvement and support
A Great Public School is one where parents are involved as stakeholders in making decisions that affect student learning. They collaborate with teachers and support professionals to provide access to high quality educational experiences for all students.

In addition to this, public support is demonstrated in the passage of budgets providing adequate funding for student learning, teacher and staff resources, professional development and preparation time, and professional salaries.

Fully qualified teachers and educational support professionals committed to students and their learning
Great Public Schools employ fully certified teachers who have strong backgrounds in best practices and current research in their content area(s). Ownership for professional development is cultivated and informed by student, teacher and other educational staff needs. Mentoring and collegial support, as well as adequate funding, are in place to assure effective and meaningful work.

Adequate funding and resources
Great Public Schools require adequate and stable funding sources equitably provided by state and local governments. Preparing Maine's students for the 21st Century should be the primary responsibility of public schools and that mission requires a meaningful commitment to "adequate and responsible funding" in real dollars for programs from pre-kindergarten through graduate school.

Highly skilled and collaborative professional leadership
Respectful collaboration creates conditions of support among all stakeholders. Teachers and support professionals should be respected equally for their expertise and contributions to the success of all students. Respect for individual differences, along with honest and clear communication characterizes an expert school leader who earns the confidence of teachers, support staff, parents, and students.

Challenging curriculum that is flexible, innovative, and complete
Great Public Schools ensure a well-rounded, sequential curriculum from pre-kindergarten through higher education with sensible, meaningful standards and assessments based on growth models of individual success that serve to hold parents, educators, and the community accountable for the success of all students.

Safe and supportive environments
Great Public Schools provide a safe environment for all members of the school community. They inspire a culture where trust, diverse opinions, concerns and needs are heard and protected. Meals, school materials, physical safety, trust and caring adult intervention are examples of the hierarchy of needs that must be met to provide an environment that is safe and respectful. In addition, a safe environment also includes small classes with adequate staff and resources to meet the needs of individual learners.