Portland Press Herald Highlights MMSA’s Early Numeracy Leadership
Posted on
“Education in Maine – Time to Switch Things Up,”(opens in a new tab) an opinion piece by MMSA’s Executive Director Dr. Ruth Kermish and STEM Specialist Cheryl Tobey, was featured in the Portland Press Herald on January 5, 2026. The piece calls for meaningful, large-scale investment in math education and outlines how Maine can improve numeracy outcomes through focused, research-based support.
One way MMSA is putting this vision into action is by supporting the state’s renewed emphasis on numeracy and the Maine Department of Education (DOE)’s Maine State Numeracy Action Plan.
As part of this effort, MMSA has launched Building Strong Foundations, an Early Numeracy Initiative funded by the DOE. The initiative supports PK–2 educators in using guided play, visual models, and real-world learning to build confident, capable math learners from the start. MMSA is currently looking for educators to participate in this free initiative. Applications close January 16, 2026. Learn more and apply.