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 be a daunting task, but we have compiled relevant information such as a list of accredited teacher preparation programs and student reviews to help with the process. Anyone wanting to obtain a teaching degree in Maine should be able to use this guide to find a qualified program that fits their individual career goals as an educator.

School Facts:

• There are 22 colleges and universities with teacher degree programs in Maine.¹
• 9 colleges and universities offer a master’s or advanced degree in education.¹
• Highest graduation rate*: Bowdoin College, 95%.¹
• Highest transfer-out rate*: University of Southern Maine, 38%.¹
• Highest net price per year*: University of New England, $$29,899.¹
• Lowest net price per year*: University of Maine at Augusta, $$7,832.¹
• Annual undergraduate tuition range for teaching degree programs in Maine*: $14,540-$31,870.²
• Two schools ranked in US News Regional Universities (North) in 2013 (top 100): St Joseph’s College (82), University of New England (94).
• Three schools ranked in Forbes Top Colleges List (top 100): Bowdoin College (14), Colby College (25), Bates College (76).
• Three teacher programs are accredited by the NCATE, TEAC, or CAEP (see below).*

*For 4-year colleges and universities with teacher degree programs.

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 into 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.

Top-Rated Teacher Preparation Programs

The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) assesed over 1,000 college programs within the US that prepare teachers for a professional career in the education sector (Teacher Prep Review 2013 Report). According to the organization’s evaluation standards, no programs in Maine made the “honor roll” of 3 stars or higher. For more information, read more about the NCTQ Teacher Prep Review 2013 Report.

The following teacher preparation programs in Maine received the highest ratings by the National Council on Teacher Quality:

University of Southern Maine (Undergraduate Secondary)

The following reviewed schools were cited as problematic (no stars):

University of Maine – Graduate Secondary
University of Maine at Farmington (Undergraduate Elementary)
University of Maine at Farmington (Undergraduate Secondary)
University of Maine at Fort Kent (Undergraduate Elementary)
University of Maine at Machias (Undergraduate Elementary)
University of Maine at Machias (Undergraduate Secondary)
University of Maine at Presque Isle (Undergraduate Elementary)
University of Southern Maine (Undergraduate Elementary)

Teacher Preparation Programs Accredited by the NCATE, TEAC, or CAEP

• University of Maine
• University of Maine At Farmington
• University of Southern Maine

Read more about the CAEP, NCATE, and TEAC accrediting bodies.

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

Schools with Teaching Degree Programs in Maine

Central Maine Community College
1250 Turner Street
Auburn, ME 04210-6498
(207) 755-5100
www.cmcc.edu

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

Maine College of Art
522 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101-3494
(207) 775-3052
www.meca.edu

Thomas College
180 W River Rd
Waterville, ME 04901-5097
(207) 859-1111
www.thomas.edu

University of Maine
Orono, ME 4469
(207) 581-1110
www.umaine.edu

University of Maine at Farmington
224 Main St
Farmington, ME 04938-9978
(207) 778-7000

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 has 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 at 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 University of Maine at Farmington

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

University of Southern Maine
96 Falmouth St
Portland, ME 4103
(207) 780-4141
www.usm.maine.edu

Washington County Community College
One College Drive
Calais, ME 4619
(207) 454-1000
www.wccc.me.edu

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Niche College Search: https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-education/