UMaine Machias’ post-baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program is a non-degree pathway to becoming a certified teacher in Maine. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in any field may apply for admission to this program. The program offers three routes to certification: Teacher Certification in Elementary Education; Teacher Certification in Secondary Education; and Teacher Certification in Special Education.
Teacher Certification in Elementary Education (Kindergarten–Grade 8)
This program prepares students to teach kindergarten through eighth grade. Students enrolled in this program must complete 35 credit hours of professional education coursework, plus 12 credit hours of student teaching, as well as successfully complete Praxis Core Academic Skills Assessments and Praxis General Elementary Content Assessment.
Students may need to complete additional liberal arts coursework in order to ensure 24 credit hours in liberal art are complete: six in English, six in mathematics, six in science, and six in social studies. Completion of the Teacher Certification in Elementary Education program is a Maine Department of Education approved program for teaching endorsement #020 General Elementary Teacher.
Teacher Certification in Secondary Education (Grades 7–12)
This program prepares students to teach in grades seven through 12. Students enrolled in this program must complete 26 credit hours of professional education coursework, plus 12 credit hours of student teaching, as well as successfully complete Praxis Core Academic Skills Assessments and relevant Praxis Content Assessment. Students may need to complete additional liberal arts coursework in order to ensure 24 credit hours in the area of specialization. Completion of the Teacher Certification in Secondary Education Program is an approved program for the following Maine Department of Education teaching endorsements: Art, English, Life Science, Physical Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics.
Teacher Certification in Special Education (K–7 or 7 –12)
This program leads to teacher preparation for working with students with mild to moderate disabilities. Students in this program must choose to focus upon teaching students in kindergarten through grade 8, or grade 7 through grade 12. Students in this concentration complete nine professional courses, an internship in a special education (K-12) setting, and 12 weeks of full time student teaching. Praxis Core Academic Skills Assessments and Praxis Content Area Assessment are also required.