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.
Special Education
The University of Maine at Augusta in partnership with the University of Maine at Machias provides a pathway to a Special Education Teacher endorsement. Students enroll in a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a self-designed minor in Special Education. UMM provides the necessary special education coursework and student teaching internship; UMA provides the rest of the course work for the degree.
BEFORE ADVANCING TO SED 490: STUDENT TEACHING in SPECIAL EDUCATION
FINAL STEPS FOR CERTIFICATION
The UMM contact for Special Education is Dr. Heather Ball.
UMA Pathway to Special Education Certification Advising Guide
UMA Pathway to Special Education Certification Advising Guide
Completed Self-Designed Minor form for Special Education
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 Special Education.
- NOTE: It is strongly recommended that students complete at least 30 credits of general coursework before proceeding to upper level (300-400) education courses. While it is not required, it is also recommended that students enroll in EDU 250 Foundations of Education or another introductory course to gain an appreciation for and understanding of the landscape of the teaching profession.
BEFORE ADVANCING TO SED 490: STUDENT TEACHING in SPECIAL EDUCATION
- Complete PRAXIS I. Applicants for initial teacher certification must achieve a composite score of 526 on the three sections of the PPST/PRAXIS I with no single score being more than three points lower than the required minimum scores. Minimum scores - Reading: 176; Writing: 175; Mathematics: 175.
- Complete PRAXIS II Content. Fulfill MDOE qualifying scores: K-8 or 7-12- Test code:0354 or 5354 MInimum score: 151.
- Complete 27 credits of specified SED courses from UMM or their equivalent, nine of which must be UMM courses.
- Have a 2.5 GPA in SED courses
- Complete fingerprinting requirement
- Apply to UMM for student teaching placement the semester before you wish to student teach.
FINAL STEPS FOR CERTIFICATION
- Complete baccalaureate degree satisfying UMA's BALIB Essential Requirements. (see check sheet).
- Receive a passing score on student teaching experience.
- Complete Principles of Learning and Teaching assessment. K-8 Test Code 5622. Minimum score: 160. 7-12 Test Code: 5624. Minimum score: 157.
- 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 experience but note that there may be a time limit for completing your licensure exams and degree program.
