Maine Teacher Colleges and Degrees Online Guide

This guide to teacher preparation programs in Maine is designed to assist anyone interested in becoming a teacher in the state. There are many teaching schools in Maine that prepare aspiring teachers to work in a classroom. Choosing between the many options may seem like a daunting task, but we have compiled relevant information such as a table of accredited, state-approved teacher preparation programs, a list of top-rated teaching programs, and student reviews to help with the process. Anyone wishing to obtain a teaching degree in Maine should use this guide to find an approved program that fits their individual career goals as an educator.

Table of Contents

• Teacher Preparation Program Comparison
• Top-Ranked Schools with Education Programs
• Select Schools with Teacher Preparation Degrees
• Schools with Associate Degrees in Education
• Student Reviews

Quick Facts

• There are 20 colleges and universities with teacher degree programs in Maine.¹
• 7 schools offer an associate’s degree in education.¹
• 12 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in education.¹
• 8 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in education.¹
• 1 school ranked in Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Education Majors 2022.²
• 1 school ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Education Programs 2023.³
• 3 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs 2022.⁴
• 3 educator preparation providers (EPPs) are accredited by the NCATE, TEAC, or CAEP.⁵

For not-for-profit schools with teacher degree programs.

Comparison of Maine Schools with Teacher Preparation Programs

We have designed the following table to help you compare teacher preparation programs in Maine according to various factors. All of the schools included are not-for-profit institutions approved by the Maine Department of Education (DOE) for the preparation of teachers. Completing a state-approved teacher preparation program is an important step towards earning licensure.

While accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is not a requirement for licensure, it is included in the following table as CAEP provides a highly-regarded accreditation that is accepted in many states.

You will also find data on teacher preparation program enrollment, completion, and licensing exam pass rates by institution, for both traditional and alternative programs, for the 2018-2019 academic year in this table. These data points are collected from annual US Department of Education reports under Title II (Teacher Quality) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which holds institutions and state departments of education accountable for increasing academic achievement through improvements in teacher quality. Traditional teacher preparation programs are usually completed as part of a bachelor’s degree program. Alternative certification programs are typically designed for career changers looking to enter the field and lead to a postgraduate certificate or a master’s degree. Many schools in our table offer both traditional and alternative programs. Take a look at our Maine traditional and alternative certification guides for more information.

Finally, we have provided the net price per year for undergraduate tuition, based on the cost of attendance (tuition, books, room and board, and related expenses) for students who qualify for in-state tuition and fees, less the average financial aid award (including grants and scholarships).

• — indicates none or not applicable.
• N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.

Top-Ranked Schools with Education Programs in Maine

Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Education Majors 2022

• University of Maine

US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Education Programs 2023

• University of Maine (#131 tie)

US News & World Report’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs 2022

• University of New England (#60 tie)
• University of Maine (#147 tie)
• University of Southern Maine (#242-321)

Select Maine Schools with Teacher Preparation Programs

University of Maine

Education degree programs at the University of Maine (UM) are housed at the UM College of Education and Human Development. Students can choose from a variety of degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including teacher certification programs and degrees in education-related fields. A Bachelor of Science (BS) is available in either Elementary Education or Secondary Education, and students in these degree programs may choose to complete an optional specialization to further develop their knowledge in a specific subject area. Graduate certificates and degrees are also offered. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degrees offer an alternative pathway to teacher licensure for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree. Additional graduate programs are designed for experienced professionals and may have online learning options, such as the Master of Education (MEd) in Instructional Technology.

University of New England

The University of New England (UNE) College of Arts and Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate programs designed to help students work in various roles within education. At the undergraduate level, Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees are offered in Elementary/Middle Education, Secondary Education, Educational Studies, and Special Education as well as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art Education. Each program meets the educational requirements to become a teacher in Maine with the exception of the Educational Studies degree, which focuses on education theory rather than classroom instruction. UNE graduate degrees and certificates in education are offered online and are designed for individuals who are already certified to teach or who are working in educational theory fields. Certified teachers can earn additional endorsement areas, such as Teacher of Students with Disabilities or Literacy Coach, by completing a graduate study program.

University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine (USM) offers education degrees through its School of Education and Human Development, including many programs with online or hybrid study offerings. Students can choose to learn about the teaching and learning needs of many age groups, from early childhood through to adult education. Four undergraduate areas of focus are available that meet the educational requirements to become a certified teacher in Maine, including a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education (K-8), a BS or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Secondary Teacher Education (7-12), a BA in Foreign Language Teacher Education (K-12), and a Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) in Art with a concentration in Art Education. At the graduate level, students can study subjects such as educational leadership, educational policy, and educational psychology, or complete an initial or advanced certification program to meet the educational requirements for additional teaching endorsements.

Schools with Associate Degrees in Education

While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational level required to qualify for state certification, an associate’s degree can be the first step towards a career in education. It can qualify graduates for careers in non-licensed roles in early childhood education, after-school care, and related areas. The credits earned from an accredited associate degree program can also typically be transferred towards a bachelor’s degree. The following Maine schools offer associate’s degrees in education.¹ Schools with an asterisk (*) also offer four-year teaching programs and/or alternative route to certification programs.

Central Maine Community College
1250 Turner St
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 755-5100
www.cmcc.edu

Eastern Maine Community College
354 Hogan Rd
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 974-4600
www.emcc.edu

Kennebec Valley Community College
92 Western Ave
Fairfield, ME 04937
(207) 453-5000
www.kvcc.me.edu

Northern Maine Community College
33 Edgemont Dr
Presque Isle, ME 04769
(207) 768-2700
www.nmcc.edu

Southern Maine Community College
2 Fort Rd
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 741-5500
www.smccme.edu

Washington County Community College
1 College Dr
Calais, ME 04619
(207) 454-1000
www.wccc.me.edu

York County Community College
112 College Dr
Wells, ME 04090
(207) 646-9282
www.yccc.edu

Student Reviews

University of Maine at Farmington
224 Main St
Farmington, ME 04938
(207) 778-7000
www.umf.maine.edu

Student Review: “The University of Maine Farmington has provided me with critical knowledge that I feel is vital to my students in my future classroom. The small class sizes and genuine care and concern shown by every professor have made the experience feel personal and supported. From the technology in the classroom course to the individual methods courses, the degree program prepares students for all aspects of teaching. Unlike other programs, UMF offers students multiple opportunities to observe and participate in a classroom setting. Second-year students complete a practicum experience in an elementary school before the student teaching experience in the final year. The amount of preparation, support, and insight provided by the University of Maine in Farmington makes the degree I will earn priceless. As a state Liberal Arts College, the tuition is affordable, the area is beautiful, and I couldn’t be happier.” -Sarah M., student at The University of Maine Farmington

Student Review: “The University of Maine at Farmington is a wonderful school to attend if one is serious about being a teacher. The faculty there are all friendly and knowledgeable and a great percentage of them hold doctorate degrees. The classes are small so one really gets to focus on the material without a lot of distraction. As far as I know, UMF is the only school to throw their education students into schools so early. My first semester, I was mentoring at the local middle school, which I greatly enjoyed. UMF is definitely the school for me.” -Nicholas L., student at University of Maine at Farmington

Student Review: “I thought that Farmington had a really great education program. I went there originally for the small class size, which really freed the professors up for more one-on-one time with the students. There were things that I did not like, such as the way the PRAXIS tests and schedules are set up, as well as some of the stupid things they make you learn that no one will ever use (similar to high school). I also did not like the computer system they utilized; it always seemed to be crashing. Other than a few little things, I overall enjoyed my experience at UMF and would advise anyone who wants a relaxed learning environment, friendly staff, constant exciting events, and great food (with no Greek system) to give University of Maine Farmington a try!” -Student at the University of Maine at Farmington

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. The Princeton Review. The Best 385 Colleges, 2022 Edition. The Princeton Review, 2021.
3. US News & World Report Best Graduate Education Schools 2023: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/edu-rankings
4. US News & World Report Best Online Graduate Education Schools 2022: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/education/rankings
5. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): http://caepnet.org/provider-search
6. US Department of Education 2020 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx