Teacher Preparation Programs

Bachelor of Science degree students may major in Elementary Education (emphasis on grades K-8), or Secondary Education.  Students majoring in Biology; English, Creative Writing & Book Arts; Interdisciplinary Fine Arts (with Visual Arts concentration); Marine Biology or Psychology & Community Studies* may complete a Secondary Education minor that leads to certification in their fields, grades 7 through 12.

Students in our teacher preparation programs complete the University Core, liberal arts program, a sequence of professional courses and concentration requirements. Elementary Education majors select a concentration in either English & Language Arts, Environmental Literacy, Community-Engaged Learning, Marine Biology or Special Education.    Secondary Education majors choose from concentrations in Art, English, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social Studies and Special Education. Students seeking secondary certification may choose instead to major in their field and minor in Secondary Education.

*    Students completing this major with a Secondary Education minor would be certified to teach Secondary Social Studies.

Education Emphasis

We believe that knowledge and understandings are socially constructed and that knowledge is actively acquired. Teachers must first and always be learners. Neither knowledge nor quality of performance is static, and it is important that students not only acquire knowledge and skills, but that they also form “habits of mind” that ensure ongoing inquiry and reflection that can support a lifetime of artful teaching. Artful teachers understand that good practice is based on sound educational theory and that as professionals, they must engage in ongoing self-directed professional development. We want our students to be passionate about learning and curious about things around them, so that they can model that passion and curiosity for their students.

To this end, our constructivist, collaborative, learner-centered, and inquiry-based teaching approaches encourage our students to teach in ways that they have been taught. Our classes actively engage and focus students on learning styles, differentiated instruction of diverse populations, as well as state and national initiatives such as Response to Intervention, Common Core Standards, and 21st Century Technology Skills.

Our education programs include a variety of in-school, short and long-term experiences during the first and sophomore years, and students are required to complete two semester-length internships during junior year.  During their senior year, students develop a professional digital portfolio while completing a 15-week, full-time Student Teaching experience.

While local schools and teachers offer students rich opportunities, not only to practice specific teaching skills, but also to consider how particular philosophies and theories impact, and may be evidenced in, everyday practice, Education faculty often serve as a resource for regional organizations, schools and teachers. In addition, faculty in the various disciplines, draw on and contribute to the region’s unique human and natural resources, making it possible for students to synthesize experiences within and beyond university classrooms.

Pluralism

It is the philosophy of UMM’s education program that curricula and courses provide a balanced and thoughtful approach to gender, race, ethnicity, and cultural diversity. Class presentations, discussions, assignments, evaluations, and texts incorporate, when appropriate, diverse histories, traditions, values, and behaviors. These multicultural components reflect local, national, and global human experiences and convey a sense of affirmation and appreciation of similarities and differences among people.

Requirements to Apply for Student Teaching

In order to apply for student teaching, Elementary Education majors must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 for the following courses. No grade in these subjects can be lower than C-.

Minimum Cumulative GPA Requirements for Student Teaching:

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of Praxis I Core Academic Skills for Educators and Praxis II exams prior to application to student teach
• Criminal History Background Check

Opportunities for Field Experiences

Field experiences are a major emphasis in all teacher preparation programs. Students work with pupils in schools each year as part of their course work. Prior to student teaching, students have two semester-long internships which combine teaching methods courses, classroom and behavior management courses, and a 40-hour a semester field placement in a local school. They complete the equivalent of a full semester of student teaching in their senior year.

Instructional Technology

Education students have access to several networked computer labs and a mobile MAC lab where they gain experience using and evaluating a variety of the latest technologies including Smartboard.  Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of  instructional technologies which they will be able to incorporate into their future classrooms.

Praxis

Prospective teachers should note that Maine law requires all applicants for teacher certification to pass the Praxis I Core Academic Skills for Educators and Praxis II exams.  The Praxis I Core Academic Skills for Educators exams consist of three tests which must be passed with the following minimum scores:

Students must successfully pass the Praxis I Core Academic Skills for Educators and Praxis II exams in the appropriate content area and submit scores PRIOR to their application to student teach in October or March, preceding the student teaching semester. Receipt of scores takes approximately 3-4 weeks after testing. Students should consult their advisor for further details and any subsequent changes to Maine Teacher Certification requirements.

Certification Requirements

Education programs are reviewed by the State of Maine Department of Education. UMM’s education program was reviewed in December 2014 and received a full unconditional approval to recommend teacher certification. This allows graduates who have successfully completed our approved programs, and earned qualifying scores on the Praxis I Core Academic Skills for Educators and Praxis  II exams, to be granted certification by the State upon application for Maine’s Teacher Certification. When necessary, programs are adjusted to meet Maine certification requirements.

UMM’s Praxis pass rate for students who completed one of our approved programs in 2016-2017 was 100%.