How to Become a Teacher in Maine

Aspiring or established educators asking themselves "How do I become a teacher in Maine?" will find the State readily welcomes those dedicated to providing quality education. Maine offers relatively easy transference of out-of-State credentials for teachers with previous experience and certification in another State. Additionally, qualified candidates have the unique option of transcript analysis to put them on a fast track to certification, even without prior teaching experience.

How to become a teacher in Maine - traditional route for residents

Residents can learn how to become a teacher in Maine online, where they can also submit the applications necessary to earn a teacher certificate in Maine. Candidates who are interested in teaching in Maine must submit transcripts to prove they have earned a bachelor's degree, an endorsement, and have passed the necessary exams. Along with their application, they must submit an application fee.

How to become a teacher in ME - alternative route for residents

While researching how to become a teacher in ME, students may come across transcript analysis, an alternative route the state offers to residents so they may begin teaching in Maine more quickly. Applicants may be awarded a conditional certificate if they submit their undergraduate and graduate level transcripts and the state determines that they are eligible. If candidates pass the transcript evaluation and the PPST exam, they may be allowed to begin teaching right away, bypassing the other requirements.

How to become a teacher in ME - for out-of-state teacher applicants

Those who teach in another state who are seeking information about how to become a teacher in Maine will find that there are relatively few new requirements for them to fulfill. So long as they are licensed, they need only submit proof of licensure and proof that they have passed sufficient testing. They will, however, likely be asked to undergo a background check to earn teacher certification in Maine.

How do I become a teacher in Maine - necessary exams for residents

Studying how to become in a teacher in ME will involve taking the PPST, or the Pre-Professional Skills Test, which must be passed in order to earn a teacher certificate in Maine. Students must also achieve satisfactory scores on the Praxis exam. Both of these testing requirements must be satisfied before a teacher certification application will be considered by the state department.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in Maine?

For those pursuing the transcript analysis option, a certain number of credits in a teacher's area of interest are necessary to pass the examination. If not, holding an undergraduate degree in the subject area one wants to teach in is typically the only requirement.

What are the teacher preparation programs in Maine?

Maine universities and community colleges offer teacher preparation programs that combine coursework in education, which may help interested applicants pass the necessary examinations, as well as internships or student-teaching placement in Maine public schools.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Maine?

In order to renew a teaching certificate in Maine, the teacher in question must prove that he or she completed 3 continuing education credits between the time the certificate was validated and the time of renewal, either by providing transcripts or receiving written testimony that the coursework was completed.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in ME?

• Maine Department of Education

  Those wondering "how do I become a teacher in Maine?" should first consult the Department of Education's website for the most authoritative information on teacher certification in Maine. They may also submit their applications and find testing information there.

• University of Maine - Teacher Certification

  Explore the University of Maine's Master of Science in Teaching program.