Master’s in Education Degree in Maine
Maine has long been known for its broadminded approach to K-12 education, which is why a master’s in education on your resume here is sure to garner significant respect and recognition—and offer fantastic professional opportunities along the way.
In keeping with its progressive stance on education, you’ll find a wealth of interesting teaching opportunities in Maine. For example, according to the Maine Public Broadcasting Network, a new magnet school in Limestone has been designed to help students specifically in math and science studies. At Sherwood Heights Elementary School in Auburn, Voice of America reports that some kindergarten teachers are already offering instruction via iPads. To participate in these unique programs, teachers need continuing education and advanced skills, such as mastery of instructional technology. For educators with master’s in education degrees, these sort of opportunities fit perfectly within their wheelhouse.
Whether you’re interested in using a master’s in education to earn your initial Maine teaching certification; to add another endorsement to your existing certification; or broaden your professional prospects by studying areas like administration, instructional technology, or leadership, you’ll find plenty of exciting opportunities awaiting you in Maine.
Keep reading to learn more about the master’s in education programs here that will get your career in education on track.
Earning Your Master’s Degree in Maine – Why Earn a Master’s in Education?
You’ve got plenty of opportunities to earn your master’s in education, thanks to a growing number of colleges and universities offering programs designed to meet the needs of both current and aspiring educators.
Many educators pursue a master’s in education to earn a second endorsement or pursue careers in administration, public policy, research, and more, while aspiring educators choose a master’s in education as their initial pathway to certification in Maine. Plus, there are a growing number of master’s in education programs that are designed for career changers – those with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to become certified to teach in Maine.
A bachelor’s degree within an approved teacher certification program is the minimum educational requirement to earn a professional teacher certificate in Maine. To keep this teaching certificate current, you must complete at least six semester hours of approved college credits (or at least 90 hours of in-service training) every five years.
You won’t need a master’s degree to teach in Maine, but don’t discount the value of this graduate degree, either.
Completing a master’s in education in Maine not only satisfies this credit requirement for certification renewal, but it also positions you for better and more varied opportunities and a larger paycheck.
Online Master of Education (MEd) and MAT programs in Maine
Options for earning a master’s in education have exploded in recent years, with hybrid and online programs adding to the already-ample selection of traditional, campus-based programs. Whether geographical limitations or a busy schedule prevents you from earning your master’s degree through an on-campus program, a large number of hybrid and/or online master’s in education programs offer the convenience and flexibility you need to earn your graduate degree in education.
The following Maine colleges and universities offer hybrid and/or online master’s in education programs:
- University of Maine
- University of Southern Maine
- University of Maine at Farmington
- Thomas College
- University of New England
- Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Jobs and Salary Benefits with a Master’s Degree in Education in Maine
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Maine’s elementary school teachers earned a median salary of $52,000 and its secondary school teachers earned a median salary of $57,020, as of May 2020.
The BLS also provides insight into what teachers in Maine are earning at the top of the pay scale (75th – 90thpercentile): $59,310 – $65,440 for secondary teachers and $65,160 – $77,110 for elementary school teachers. Teachers at this level are likely those with extensive experience and/or advanced degrees like the master’s in education.
According to the Maine Department of Education’s salary schedule, master’s prepared educators in Maine earn more than their bachelor’s prepared counterparts at all levels. The minimum salary for the state’s teachers is $34,687, while the minimum salary for Maine teachers with a master’s in education is $40,237 – a difference of nearly $6,000.
May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth data for kindergarten and elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, and high school teachers. Figures represent national data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2021.
Masters in Education Programs in Nearby Sates
Connecticut / Massachusetts / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New York / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / Vermont
