Commissioner Bowen

“We've got to reach every single student we serve and ensure that every single one of them walks out of our schools as high school graduates who are ready for college, careers and civic life. Not some students, not even most students, but all students. Every single child.”

-- Commissioner Bowen, at the release of "Education Evolving: Maine's Plan for Putting Learners First," Jan. 17, 2012

Head shot of Commissioner BowenStephen Bowen was sworn in as Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education on March 4, 2011.

He immediately embarked on a statewide listening tour, meeting with teachers and principals, superintendents, parents, students and others to discuss the challenges they face, what they appreciate about Maine's education system, and what they think needs to change.

Commissioner Bowen and Department of Education staff used the feedback in developing a strategic plan for improving the education of Maine students. The result is "Education Evolving: Maine's Plan for Putting Learners First," which articulates a plan for designing an education system built around the needs of students, not existing administrative structures.

Commissioner Bowen grew up on the coast of Maine and taught social studies in middle and high schools for 10 years. After serving two terms in the Maine Legislature, he joined the Maine Heritage Policy Center, a Maine-based public policy think tank, as an education policy researcher and analyst. Bowen was appointed Gov. Paul LePage’s Commissioner of Education in March of 2011, and in advancing the governor’s vision of a student-centered educational system, he has focused his efforts on key policy areas such as educator effectiveness, state accountability, digital learning and proficiency-based instructional practices.

Contact

Stephen Bowen, Commissioner
Maine Department of Education
23 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
207-624-6620
commish.doe@maine.gov