Photo / Courtesy Educate Maine
Jodi Mezzanotte
3 hours ago
Educate Maine names new director of educator engagement
Photo / Courtesy of Educate Maine
Dolly Sullivan has retired from Educate Maine to focus on her next chapter.
Educate Maine has hired Jodi Mezzanotte, a Gorham elementary school principal, as its new director of education engagement.
Mezzanotte will succeed Dolly Sullivan, who retired after several years with the organization. Sullivan says she plans to focus on her "next chapter."
Mezzanotte has two decades of experience working in Maine schools as a K-8 teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent. She has worked in Gorham, South Portland and Westbrook schools.
“Jodi is a vocal advocate for teachers and will be a great addition to our team,” said Jason Judd, executive director of Educate Maine. “Her years of experience in the field have given her broad understanding of the challenges — and opportunities — for Maine educators.”
She is professionally certified in Maine as a K-8 teacher and superintendent. Mezzanotte received her bachelor's and master's degrees in educational leadership from the University of Southern Maine.
Mezzanotte serves on the boards of several organizations, including Junior Achievement of Maine, the Gorham Business Roundtable and the USM Educational Leadership Advisory Board.
Dolly Sullivan's legacy
Sullivan served as director of Maine Teacher of the Year program for 27 years and led the incorporation of the state's County Teachers of the Year into the statewide program.
"The effect Dolly Sullivan had on the teaching profession is one thing, but we can't ignore the thousands of Maine students her work touched and the ways she increased their educational opportunities," said Judd. "Her influence has been tremendous."
The Orono resident has elevated the recognition program and transformed it into a year of professional development, networking and learning for the state's top educators.
Sullivan led the Education Leaders Experience program developed by Unum and, most recently, launched the brand-new Teach Maine Center.
She was also a longtime supporter of increased educational wages to improve teacher retention and recruitment in Maine. Sullivan advocated for the Social Security Act, which restored federal benefits to teachers.
"Dolly's greatest strength has been supporting teachers in the field to develop their own leadership and advocacy skills," said Judd.
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