Teacher Preparation Programs

Thinking about a career in teaching?  Whether you’re interested in early childhood, elementary, secondary or special education, UMA either offers courses directly or works with other campuses to help you achieve your goals.

Teacher Preparation Programs

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

 

The University of Maine at Augusta provides a pathway to an Elementary Teacher endorsement (K-8) in partnership with the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Students enroll in either a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies or in an Interdisciplinary degree at UMA. Those in a BALS program declare a self-designed minor for Elementary Education. Those in an Interdisciplinary degree program declare a "major" in Elementary Education with concentrations in two other areas of study. UMPI provides online education courses that fulfill the State of Maine's certification requirements as well as an internship in student teaching. Students take at least 15 credits of UMPI education coursework through UMA in order to quality for the 15 credit student teaching internship. UMA provides the rest of the course work for the chosen degree.


UMA/UMPI Pathway to Elementary Education Certification Advising Guide  (For Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies)  This is the 2012-13 version. There will be changes to the 2013-14 checksheet and will be available in late summer.)

Self-designed Minor for Elementary Education Form  (For Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies)

 
These check sheets indicate the course work one needs to complete in order to receive a degree in Liberal Studies and in order to be eligible for Maine teacher certification.

 

RECOMMENDED TIMELINE AND SEQUENCE FOR COMPLETING THIS PATHWAY 

  • Enroll in the degree program. (Bachelor of Art in Liberal Studies with a self-designed minor in Elementary Education or Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Elementary Education with two self-selected areas of concentration)
BEFORE ADVANCING TO UPPER LEVEL EDUCATION METHODS COURSES (METHODS OF TEACHING READING, MATHEMATICS, SOCIAL STUDIES, AND SCIENCE)

  • Complete PRAXIS I. Applicants for initial teacher certification must achieve a composite score of 526 in the three sections of the PPST/PRAXIS I with no single score being more than three points lower than the required scores. Required scores: Reading: 176; Writing: 175; Mathematics: 175 (Have scores sent to UMA and UMPI). PRAXIS I must be completed before advancing to upper level education courses.
        • NOTE: This test will change in fall of 2013 to Praxis™ Core Academic Skills for Educators. New cut scores will be posted as soon as they are available. PRAXIS I assessments taken prior to fall 2013 will be accepted through 2018
  • Complete six credit hours in each of the following: liberal arts English, liberal arts mathematics, liberal arts science, and liberal arts social studies (8 courses total). These liberal arts courses are required by the Maine Certification Rules for Elementary Teacher Endorsement.
  • Enroll in an introductory Education course  EDU 250 Foundations of Education or EDUP150 Exploring Education in Contemporary America
  • Begin portfolio.(Documents should be added as you progress through courses.)
  • Complete education courses
  • Apply for student teaching

 

UMPI Education Courses Offering Sequence
Use this guide to help you schedule these required courses. They fill up quickly. You will want to register for the courses you need as soon as registration becomes available. Some courses are also offered in summer sessions.
 
FALL
EDU 351 Teaching Elementary Reading
EDU 366 Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School
EDU 387 Teaching Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Classrooms
 
SPRING
EDU 357 Children's Literature
EDU 361 Teaching Science in the Elementary School
EDU 371 Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary School
 
NOTE: 
  • Courses in Children's Literature (EDU 366 offered summer and fall) and Teaching the Exceptional Child in the Regular Classroom (EDU 387 offered fall and spring) are now available online through UMA.
  • EDU 250 Foundations of Education or equivalent (online) is required before advancing to upper level methods courses.
  • EDU 401 Educational Psychology (online) is recommended as preparation for the PLT assessment.
  • EDU 380 Literacy and Technology Across the Curriculum  (online) is recommended to meet the state of Maine's emphasis on literacy and technology.

BEFORE ADVANCING TO EDU 495: STUDENT TEACHING  (required for certification)

  • Pass PRAXIS I.
  • Pass PRAXIS II. (Test code 5014. Minimum score 145) Have scores sent to UMA and UMPI
  • Have a beginning portfolio that demonstrates understanding of the Maine Teaching Standards (This does not get sent to Jack Stewart. You will take this with you to your student teaching position to share with your mentor teacher and University supervisor)
  • Complete all education courses.
  • Have a minimum 2.5 overall GPA. Required UMPI education courses count towards your overall GPA.)
  • Complete fingerprinting requirement and obtain certificate showing clearance to work in public schools
  • Apply to UMPI (jack.stewart@umpi.edu  207.768.9430 - the semester before you wish to student teach.)  
  • Application packet should include 
    • the application form
    • an autobiography that serves to introduce you to your cooperating teacher
    • signature of UMA advisor or Coordinator of Teacher Certification at UMA indicating your eligibility to student teach
    • copies of PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II passing scores.
    • evidence of MDOE fingerprinting and criminal check
    • DUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 30 (for spring), JANUARY 31 (for fall).

FINAL STEPS FOR CERTIFICATION
  • Complete baccalaureate degree completing UMA BALIB essential requirements.(see check sheet)
  • Receive a passing score on student teaching practicum.
  • An application for certification can be obtained at the MDOE Certification website. NOTE: You can begin a file with MDOE at any time during your pathway work but note that there may be a time limit for completing your licensure exams and degree program.