Maine Teacher Certification
How to Become a Teacher in Maine
Individuals who want to become a teacher in Maine have several options available for earning a Maine teacher certification. All of these avenues require that prospective teachers have at least a bachelor’s degree, demonstrate their knowledge of teaching and learning, and show that they have the content expertise to be successful in the classroom.
- I want to be a teacher in Maine, but don’t have a degree: Earn an Education Degree
- I want to be a teacher and have a degree, but not in education: Learn about Maine’s Alternative Certification Process and Programs
- I have a teaching degree and am interested in more education: Learn about Master’s Degree Education Programs or Doctorate Education Programs and Information.
Spotlight School
Popular Programs:
- MS in Education (for Existing Teachers Grades K-12)
- MA in Teaching (for Aspiring Teachers Grades 5-12)
Maine Teacher Education Requirements
In order to acquire a Maine teaching license through the traditional route, candidates must provide proof that they have at least a bachelor’s degree and have completed a state-approved teacher preparation program. Those candidates seeking certification via alternative approaches must also complete a preparatory program to ensure that they have the skills and experience to be effective classroom teachers for the students in Maine public schools.
Profiles of Well Known Schools
University of Southern Maine: Located in Portland, ME, the University of Southern Maine offers students seven different degrees including over 30 program offerings in the fields of education and human development. Offerings are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The College of Education has a rich history dating back to 1878 when it was known as the Gorham Normal School. Today, the College strives to train up the most innovative and passionate educators that will be able to take on the task of educating tomorrow’s leaders. The School is organized in three academic departments—Teacher Education, Professional Education, and Human Resource Development. Programs meet the highest standards set by the State of Maine and professional accrediting bodies. Faculty and staff constantly check the pulse of the educational needs of the region through research and collaborative partnerships. The goal is to always be on the cutting edge of education while modeling life long learning to students.
In January 2012, the US Department of Labor Statistics reported Maine’s unemployment rate at 8.0%, slightly below the national average of 8.5%. The Occupational Supply and Demand System projects at least 858 annual job openings in Maine in education and library related fields through 2018. In fall 2008 and 2007, the National Center for Education Statistics reported 15,913 public school and 2,140 private school teachers employed in Maine. According to the National Education Association, the average starting teacher salary in Maine is $30,732 and the average overall classroom teacher salary is $47,182, the 36th highest state average and below the national average of $55,623. The NEA also reports a shortage in foreign language, math, science and special education teachers throughout the state. The relatively few projected annual openings in the state of Maine reflect the state’s small population and may increase as older teachers begin to retire and the public school systems supplements their positions with young, newly certified teachers. Specialization in math, science or foreign language subjects from grades 7-12 should greatly increase job prospects throughout the state and especially in more rural areas. Visit the Maine Education Association for more information regarding education policy, legislation and job opportunities or request information on certification from Maine education and teacher training schools.
Maine Teacher Testing Requirements
In the state of Maine, prospective teachers must demonstrate their abilities in the fundamentals of reading, writing, and mathematics by passing the Praxis Pre-Professional Skills Test, commonly referred to as the PPST or the Praxis I. Teachers must also demonstrate their knowledge of grade-level content in the subject they wish to teach by submitting a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II test. Higher levels of certification require that experienced teachers demonstrate their understanding of educational pedagogy by passing the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) assessment.
Maine Teacher Salary and Jobs
| Type | Number Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers | 1,380 | $31,120 |
| Kindergarten Teachers | 940 | $45,840 |
| Elementary School Teachers | 6,560 | $47,800 |
| Middle School Teachers | 3,040 | $48,180 |
| Secondary School Teachers | 5,560 | $48,380 |
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2011.
School Programs for Becoming a Teacher in Maine
Request free information from the following schools to learn more about your options for choosing a teacher degree program. We recommend you: Request information from one or more of these schools
Popular Programs:
- MA in Teaching: Advanced Studies in Secondary Education- National Board Preparation
- Early Childhood Education (Certification Only)
- Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
- Superintendent Letter of Eligibility (SLE)
- And more...
Popular Programs:
- B.S. in Education / Elementary Education
- A.A. in Elementary Education
- M.A. in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
- M.A. in Education/Secondary Teacher Education
- And more...
Popular Programs:
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Math
Popular Programs:
- Doctor of Management - Graduate Level Instructional Practices
- Doctor of Management - Private Sector Higher Education Leadership
Schools with Teaching Degree Programs in Maine
Central Maine Community College
1250 Turner Street
Auburn, ME 04210-6498
(207) 755-5100
www.cmcc.edu/admissions
Eastern Maine Community College
354 Hogan Rd
Bangor, ME 4401
(207) 974-4600
Husson University
One College Circle
Bangor, ME 04401-2999
(207) 941-7000
Kennebec Valley Community College
92 Western Ave
Fairfield, ME 04937-1367
(207) 453-5000
www.kvcc.me.edu/Website/Frames/WebSiteData/prospectivestudents/futurestudents.aspx
Maine College of Art
522 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101-3494
(207) 775-3052
www.meca.edu/academicprograms/Admissions.aspx
Thomas College
180 W River Rd
Waterville, ME 04901-5097
(207) 859-1111
www.thomas.edu/admiss/
University of Maine
Orono, ME 4469
(207) 581-1110
www.umaine.edu/about/admissions.htm
University of Maine at Farmington
224 Main St
Farmington, ME 04938-9978
(207) 778-7000
University of Maine at Presque Isle
181 Main St
Presque Isle, ME 04769-2888
(207) 768-9400
University of New England
11 Hills Beach Rd
Biddeford, ME 4005
(207) 283-0171
www.une.edu/admissions/default.asp
University of Southern Maine
96 Falmouth St
Portland, ME 4103
(207) 780-4141
www.usm.maine.edu/admissions/
Washington County Community College
One College Drive
Calais, ME 4619
(207) 454-1000
www.wccc.me.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=5&Itemid=42
Page edited by Charles Sipe.
