Maine Bachelor’s in Education Programs
If you want to become a teacher in Maine, you’ve come to the right place. At EducationDegree.com, we make it simple for you to find, contact and compare Maine universities offering Bachelor’s in education programs – a logical first step for students interested in becoming teachers in the Pine Tree State. Read on to learn more about the typical Bachelor’s in education program, as well as information on how to become a teacher in Maine; or begin exploring the featured schools on this page and start your journey to becoming an educator.
Earning your Bachelor’s in Education in Maine
Many Maine universities offer Bachelor’s in education programs in various concentrations. As you consider each program and which one will best fit your educational needs, it is important to know what area of education you would like to study and eventually become certified in, as this will shape your studies. Common “majors” or degree concentrations offered in Maine programs include:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
- Secondary Education
Classes in a typical Bachelor’s in education program, sometimes referred to as a teacher preparation program, will begin with general education requirements in areas such as math, science, and the humanities. From there you will take courses specific to your concentration, focusing on developmental theory, best teaching practices, curriculum design and other professional topics. During your teacher preparation program, before you begin student teaching, you will be required to pass the required Praxis tests for Maine educators. This will allow you to get real experience in a classroom through student teaching or an internship.
After you’ve completed your undergraduate education and internship, you will need to get licensed by the State Board of Education in Maine. For licensure, the state of Maine requires a demonstration of competency in the desired subject area and basic skills. Aspiring teachers must pass the Praxis II Subject Test and the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST). Upon receiving licensure, a temporary two-year license is issued. After a review is done, a professional certificate is issued for another five years. Once the five-year period is up, the license must be renewed.
Career Outlook and Salaries for Teachers in Maine
Teachers in Maine have weathered the recent recession and are still in demand in elementary, middle school and high school levels. For the 2012-2013 and the 2013-2014 school years, the Maine Department of Education listed the following subject areas as K-12 teacher shortage areas in Maine:
- Special Education (birth to 5 years, speech/hearing clinicians)
- World Languages (French, German, Russian, Spanish, Latin, Chinese, Japanese)
- Science
- Mathematics
- English as a Second Language
- Technology Education/Industrial Arts
- Gifted/Talented
Maine offers teacher salaries competitive with surrounding states and comfortable for the Pine Tree State’s cost of living. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2012 the annual mean wage for several popular teaching positions in Maine included:
- $47,870 for elementary school teachers
- $48,530 for secondary school teachers
- $47,150 for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary
- $46,760 for special education teachers, middle school
If you’re thinking about becoming a teacher in Maine, take the first step today! Explore the featured schools offering Bachelor’s in education programs on this page, then reach out to several for more information. As a general rule, we recommend contacting several schools to gather more information on the benefits of each program, helping you to make a well-informed decision about the future of your education.
