Teacher Education

classroom teacher

Download the learning outcomes PDF for our Teacher Education program here >>

Teacher education has a proud tradition in Downeast Maine, beginning in 1909 as the Washington State Normal School. UMM graduates become highly qualified teachers, drawing on a strong educational foundation in content and an in-depth knowledge base of how students learn. Below is information on our programs in:

Careers in Education

With a degree in Education, you can choose to pursue a career in a number of education-related fields, or you can return to school and pursue an advanced certification or masters degree in education. Here are some positions where an Education degree is valuable:

  • Athletic coach
  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Classroom Teacher
  • Day Care Administrator
  • Librarian
  • Literacy Specialist
  • School Administrator
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Title I Teacher

Student Education Association of Maine (SEAM)

UMM has an active chapter of the Student Edcuation Association of Maine which is NEA's student program.  Membership is for students who are enrolled in a postsecondary teacher education program which would lead to employment in the field of education making them eligible for membership in the National Education Association.

The student organization provides materials, support, and opportunities to enhance your experience of UMM's education program. They sponsor trips to professional conferences and workshops as well as local teacher panels. They also participate in a variety of activities such as: the Haunted Forest, the Special Olympics, the Literacy Carnival, a Book Club for a local high school, etc. There is also a SEAM library on campus that offers many books, maps, math, manipulatives, and craft materials for you to use in your educational experience. The SEAM library is located in room 17 in Kimball Hall. Please feel free to stop by anytime and visit.

For more information contact Dr. Daniel Qualls (the faculty advisor) or Jamie Daggon (State Student Organizor for MEA).

To enroll in SEAM online, click here.

Elementary Education

classroom teacher

 Download the Program of Study PDF for Elementary Education >>

Why study Education at UMM? Our Education program prepares you for a career in the classroom through a rich variety of hands-on practical experiences, including extensive classroom opportunities. You will work with, and learn from, faculty with many years of classroom experience.

Unlike larger universities UMM offers individualized learning opportunities while developing close relationships with fellow students and faculty as you enjoy the pristine natural resources of the environment.

You will be able to apply what you learn through classroom experiences beginning your freshman year. During your final year at UMM, you will complete fifteen weeks of full-time student teaching under the mentorship of a cooperating teacher who demonstrates the ability to positively impact student learning. The cooperating teacher, along with a university supervisor, will observe your teaching and provide valuable feedback, while you work collaboratively with other teachers and engage in professional development.

This program leads to K-8 certification in the state of Maine allowing reciprocity with 40 other states. Its interdisciplinary focus will prepare you to become an elementary school teacher while you work with kindergarten through grade eight students.

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education offers concentrated study in the following areas:

  • Coaching
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Humanities
  • Outdoor / Environmental Education
  • Science / Mathematics
  • Social Sciences / History
  • Special Education

Secondary Education

Download the Program of Study PDF for Secondary Education >>

Teacher education has a proud tradition in Downeast Maine. UMM graduates become enlightened teachers, drawing on a strong educational foundation in content and a knowledge of students and how they learn. Professors here model hands-on learning, and pass on an enthusiasm for knowledge that makes learning and teaching fun.

This program will prepare you to become a secondary school teacher (grades 7 through 12) with one or more concentrations in:

  •  Art
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Life Sciences
  • Physical Science
  • Social Studies

Post-Baccalaureate Certification Programs

If you already hold a baccalaureate degree, UMM provides a certification-only program to prepare you for a teaching career at either the elementary or secondary levels.

Our individualized advising will assist you in determining which courses will best prepare you to meet the State of Maine certification requirements, as well as give you an excellent start in classroom teaching.

Please view our detailed Teacher Certification information.

Elementary Education Teacher Certification

classroom teacher

Successful completion of this program can be accomplished within 3 semesters.

Applicants for the endorsement will be required to complete the following:

  • Complete a minimum of 24 credit hours in liberal arts (6 credits each in English, math, science, & social studies).
  • Pass Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) in reading, writing and mathematics (Praxis I - code number 710, 720, & 730). You can find the schedule of when the Praxis paper-based test will be on campus HERE. 
  • Pass elementary education content area, pedagogical knowledge and skills assessment (Praxis II - code number 0014).
  • Complete 31 credits in education related coursework.
  • Complete 15 weeks of student teaching in the endorsement area.
  • Applicants for certification must also be fingerprinted.

Secondary Education Teacher Certification

Successful completion of this program can be accomplished within 3 semesters.

Applicants for the endorsement will be required to complete the following:

  • Complete a minimum of 24 credit hours in the field in which you choose to teach (art, English, math, life science, physical science, or social studies)
  • Pass Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) in reading, writing and mathematics (Praxis I - code number 710, 720, & 730)
  • Pass content knowledge test in your field, pedagogical knowledge and skills assessment (Praxis II - K-12 content knowledge test in your field of study)
  • Complete 34 credits in education related coursework
  • Complete 15 weeks of student teaching in the endorsement area.
  • Applicants for certification must also be fingerprinted.

 

Special Education Teacher Certification

Courses leading to the Teacher of Children with Disabilities (282) endorsement are offered by the University of Maine at Machias throughout the State of Maine and beyond via online courses delivery.

Special education coursework may be of interest to:

  • Current teachers in need of recertification credits
  • Pre-service education majors who wish to add a minor or concentration in special education to their degree
  • Educational technicians interested in earning teacher certification
  • Student completing a degree or program in special education
  • Caregivers such as family members or service providers in related fields

 Gael Romei and Heather Ball

Programs

Bachelor of College Studies - Individuals pursuing a bachelor's degree may be interested in UMM's Bachelor of College Studies (BCS) Degree.  With the advice and guidance of the BCS committee, the student crafts an individual interdisciplinary set of courses that fits his or her background and educational goals.  By design, this degree meets the unique needs of traditional, non-traditional, and returning students who are not otherwise served by existing programs. If Special Education Certification and a bachelor's degree is your aim, you can earn a Bachelor of College Studies with a Concentration in Special Education.  

Teacher Certification - For those individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in any content area from an accredited institution of higher learning, UMM offers the postbaccalaureate Teacher Certification in Special Education program.  This program is approved by the Maine Department of Education and entails 27 credits of professional special education coursework plus 15 credits of student teaching.

Student Teaching - Student teaching in special education is available to qualified UMM students, as well as qualified students enrolled in the University of Maine at Augusta's (UMA) Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in special education.  Interested students should consult with their advisors for more information about the process for applying to student teach.  Students must apply to student teach one semester before they plan to teach; deadlines for application are announced each semester.

The application to student teach includes, but is not limited to: application form, transcripts, resume, essays, and letters of recommendation.  Applications to student teach must demonstrate:

  • Successful completion of 27 credits in special education coursework with a GPA of 2.5 or better (at least nine credits must be UMM coursework)
  • Successful completion of Praxis I (reading, writing, and mathematics) and Praxis II Education of Exceptional Students: Core Content Knowledge (#0354) and Principles of Learning and Teaching tests (Principles of Teaching and Learning test does not apply to individuals enrolled in Teacher Certification in Special Education program).

classroom teacher

Faculty

Share |