The NNECN Center is a national outreach and professional development organization that focuses on supporting new and novice teachers of science and mathematics through networking, mentoring, coaching, professional development tools and strategies, innovative content resources, and conferences and institutes designed specially for a new teacher audience.

The NNECN Center also supports the renewal and leadership development of veteran teachers by preparing them for leadership roles in mentoring, coaching, creating learning communities, and facilitating professional development. Our work with teacher leaders includes preparing them to lead efforts to improve science and mathematics while helping them recognize and address the unique learning needs of new and novice teachers in their schools and other settings.

The NNECN Center offers programs for individual and school-based professional development in science and mathematics, including differentiated professional development for teachers at various stages of the professional continuum from novice to experienced to veteran to teacher leader. We also offer consultation services for projects, and induction systems that are seeking ways to support the unique needs of their science and mathematics teachers, both new and experienced.

The NNECN Center is an outgrowth of a four year National Science Foundation Project called the Northern New England Co-Mentoring Network that built leadership through mentoring among 89 Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont science and mathematics mentor teachers and their mentees. Today the NNECN Center is physically located at the central office of the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance www.mmsa.org and serves Maine, New England, and national constituents.

The New England maple tree stands as the symbol of The NNECN Center, sharing many attributes with the novice and veteran teachers we work with, the students they impact, and the unique school contexts and conditions in which teachers work. The metaphor of the maple tree serves to remind us of the transformation all teachers go through when careful attention is paid to their professional growth and development as they transition through the life cycle stages of a professional teacher's career. From helicopter seed to seedling to hardy tree, the maple tree experiences many changes throughout its life time. With the right combination of care, cultivation, and environment, the maple tree withstands the challenges imposed each year to emerge as a splendid tree revered by all.