Teachers are one of the few professions left that involve engaging conversations on a daily basis, full of unexpected and remarkable insights. Yes, educators shape students’ futures, but in return, the youth keep teachers’ minds sharp and give their lives meaning. So, if you want a job with fewer meetings and more purpose, consider becoming a teacher in Maine. 

Maine is seeking motivated individuals to enter the dynamic profession of teaching. In response to the nation’s teaching shortage, Maine’s Department of Education (Maine DOE) has launched #TeachMaine to recruit and retain educators. They are committed to diversifying the educator workforce, supporting educator development, and elevating the profession. 

The process of being a teacher varies across the country. In our guide, we’ll go over Maine DOE’s three main pathways to becoming a certified teacher and outline the alternative options. We’ll also highlight useful information to help you land your first teaching position in a Maine school.  

Female school teacher standing in a classroom gesturing to schoolchildren

Is Teaching the Right Career for You? 

Those who thrive in the educational environment are passionate about spreading knowledge and expanding minds, including their own. They welcome diverse opinions and look at situations from different angles. Successful teachers enjoy having a career that has a purpose and makes a real difference in people’s lives. 

Teaching is not your typical office job and does not fit into the typical 9-5 framework. Most of the profession focuses on communication and working with the youth and their families, which can require being available in the early mornings, evenings, or weekends. In addition, there are still spreadsheets, paperwork, and meetings that require attention.   

Committed educators are rewarded by witnessing their students succeed. Instead of lucrative bonuses and VIP lounges, teachers are given notes of appreciation and handmade gifts. However, the career does come with some tangible perks. Public school teachers have access to pension plans and health insurance. There are also lengthy vacation time and family-friendly hours. 

Salaries and packages vary between school districts and US states. For instance, the average annual salary in Maine is $59,260, whereas in South Carolina, it is $55,680. 

State Requirements for Teaching in Maine

Requirements for teaching vary across the nation. The Maine DOE has three main pathways:

  • Approved Teacher Prep Program
  • Transcript Analysis
  • Out-of-State Applicant

The most common pathway to teaching in Maine is the traditional route, where candidates begin college or university intending to become teachers.  

1. Bachelor’s Degree

Maine, like all US states, requires teachers to have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Those intending to teach are advised to choose a degree that provides skills and knowledge for the grade level and subject areas they wish to teach. 

Examples of bachelor’s degrees available to Maine teacher candidates include:

  • Early Childhood, Pre-K-Grade 3.
  • Early Childhood Special Education, B-5.
  • Elementary Education, K-8.
  • Secondary education with area specialization, such as English, Mathematics, or Life Science

Bachelor’s degrees in education help prepare teaching candidates for the classroom. Skills and knowledge acquired include:

  • Knowledge in their subject area. 
  • How to utilize technology to enhance learning.
  • Youth development. 
  • Adolescent psychology.
  • Adapted instruction for students with disabilities.
  • Best practices in education. 

2. Complete an Accredited Teacher Preparation Program

Aspiring teachers in Maine on the traditional pathway must attend an accredited teacher preparation program. Most candidates complete this requirement at the same institution they attended for their bachelor’s degree. Some schools also offer the teacher preparation program as a 5th year of study and award a master’s degree upon completion. 

3. Gain Student Teaching Experience

Fieldwork and teaching experience is a part of attending an accredited teacher preparation program. Teaching candidates spend between 15-16 weeks as student teachers. However, the exact length of the placement depends on the program. They are typically matched with a mentor who teaches in the grade and subject area where the candidate seeks certification.  

4. Pass Praxis Exams

Maine DOE requires candidates to pass the relevant Praxis exams. All licensure areas require a passing mark in the following:

  • Core Academic Skills for Educators
  • Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)

Educators must also take the Praxis exams that apply to their subject area or specialty. Candidates can look up which exams are required for their licensure area by visiting the Praxis webpage for Maine. 

5. Get Fingerprinted & Background Check

Maine DOE requires anyone over 18 years old working in a school to be fingerprinted and have a background check. Fingerprints must done every five years and be submitted every time there is a certification application or renewal. The purpose of background checks is to ensure the safety of students and staff. 

To be fingerprinted, applicants must:

  1. Create a Maine Educator Information System (MEIS) account. 
  2. Follow the online instructions. 
  3. Schedule an appointment for fingerprinting. 

6. Get Certified

Teaching candidates must create an MEIS account to apply for an initial teaching license. Instructions on creating an account are here. It is the same system used to register fingerprints. 

When applying, applicants must:

  • Have official transcripts from where they obtained their degrees and completed their teacher preparation program. 
  • Praxis exam scores. 
  • If applying for endorsements, know their codes and requirements.
  • Pay the relevant fees. As of 2024, a teacher’s initial application is $100, and it is $35 for each additional endorsement. 

Step-by-step instructions for submitting an Initial Application through the MEIS account can be found here. 

7. Consider Getting a Master’s Degree

Maine DOE does not require a master’s degree to teach. However, a master’s degree can be advantageous for many reasons, including securing a desirable teacher’s position, receiving better pay, and opening doors to career-enhancing opportunities, such as working in administration.    

Some Maine universities offer a master’s degree as a 5th year of study when obtaining an initial bachelor’s degree and teacher preparation training. Teachers can also get a master’s as part of their professional development after they begin their educational career. 

Transcript Analysis

Maine allows aspiring teachers with a bachelor’s degree or higher to be certified without going through a formal teaching preparation program. Candidates have two years to make up all course and exam requirements if approved. 

  1. Send all transcripts to a NACES evaluator. You can locate one through the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). 
  2. Submit the NACES report through MEIS. Candidates apply for a provisional certification through the same process as Initial Certification.
  3.  Get fingerprinted. Candidates must have a background check, following the same MEIS procedure. 
  4. Complete missing requirements. Candidates have two years to complete all outstanding courses and exams. Proof of each completed step must be documented and entered through the MEIS account. 
  5. Apply for certification. The application will be done through the MEIS account. 

Out of State Applicants

Maine DOE will issue a reciprocal professional certificate for some out-of-state applicants without requiring them to take new exams or extra courses. These are typically given to applicants who are qualified to teach in one of Maine’s Teacher Shortage Areas. 

Out-of-state applicants must submit:

  1. Any valid teacher certificates. 
  2. Transcripts. 
  3. Scores of any teaching exams taken. 
  4. Fingerprinting and background checks are done according to the MEIS account protocol.  

Alternative Pathways to Teaching 

Maine DOE does not currently have many alternative pathways to teaching. Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher hoping to switch careers have the following options:

  1. Use the transcript analysis pathway. 
  2. Get a master’s in education. 
  3. Try to get accepted to a traditional teacher preparation program. 
  4. Get a second bachelor’s degree. 
  5. Apply for Special Education Alternate Route to Certification (SPARC). 

All routes will require passing scores on Praxis exams and a background check. 

Getting Hired as a Teacher

Getting hired as a teacher in Maine involves completing the required education, training, and certification requirements. The teaching shortage has made finding an available teaching post easier. However, positions at the best-paying school districts remain competitive. Thus, to land a job at your most desired school, you must be prepared to show your best self. 

Invest time and attention in the following steps to gain employment in a Maine school.  

Polish Your CV

A CV or resume is often your first introduction to a school. You want it to look its absolute best. It must also be tailored to each job opening to highlight the specific skills, experience, and education mentioned in the position’s description. 

Thus, invest time and attention into crafting the perfect CV template. The document should be formatted for easy editing so you can smoothly reorder and rewrite sections so they speak to each job advert. 

 Tips for polishing your CV template:

  • Research modern CV formats being used by teachers working at your grade level and subject area. Use an eye-catching and clean design, making it easy to skim and spot your strengths.  
  • Obtain feedback from industry professionals such as mentors, coaches, or instructors. Anyone with a background in HR or hiring is also a valuable set of eyes.  
  • Proofread your CV template. Use grammar software to help catch errors. In addition, read it out loud. 
  • Read it before sending it. No matter how many times you’ve edited your CV, give it one final peek before hitting “submit.” 

Upgrade Your Skill Set

Educators are dedicated to lifelong learning.  Certified teachers expand their skills and knowledge through professional development courses. However, first-time teachers can upgrade their skill set, too, outside of fieldwork and student teaching through volunteer work and other employment opportunities. These help your CV stand out and will raise your confidence. 

Activities that can contribute to learning skills that will be valuable in a classroom include: 

  • Youth club leader. 
  • Working with young people at church or Sunday school. 
  • Volunteer at a local animal shelter. 
  • Camp counselor. 
  • Work or volunteer as a coach. 
  • Instructor for sailing, horse riding, painting, or musical instruments. 
  • Youth mentor. 

Teaching skills that school districts seek in educators include:

  • Empathy: The best teachers seek to understand their students’ viewpoints, motivations, and lives. By gaining insight into their students’ perspectives, teachers can create stronger connections and tailor lessons to meet their students’ diverse needs. 
  • Critical thinking: Contrary to popular belief, students don’t want to be spoon-fed answers or told how to think. They probe the status quo and raise challenging questions. Successful educators can help students navigate a world full of misinformation and guide media literacy by drawing on critical thinking skills. These skills also help teachers deal with parents, colleagues, and community members. 
  • Creativity: Teachers must be imaginative and inventive to produce engaging lessons that meet curriculum demands. In addition, unconventional solutions can bring new life to stale projects and revitalize fundraisers and other events. 
  • Time management: Educators must be organized and on task to meet their long list of demands and ensure all individuals feel valued, including students, parents, and fellow staff members.  Successful teachers expect the unexpected and know how to adapt schedules to ensure all goals are met. 
  • Collaboration: Meeting the needs of students and a school is a team effort. Teachers work with students, staff, parents, and valued members of the community for various endeavors, including fundraising, field trips, concerts, sporting events, theater productions, award ceremonies, and running clubs. 

Begin Your Job Search

Maine teacher candidates should begin their job search by checking out the Live + Work in Main Online Board.  The organization partnered with Maine DOE to help educators easily find public school vacancies across the state.  

Teaching candidates can also find teaching jobs through online recruitment boards. Popular examples include. 

Join a Professional Organization and Network

Professional organizations for teachers are an excellent way for educators to network, discover career-enhancing opportunities, and keep up with changes in the educational landscape. Maine teachers will also find support and advocacy through professional organizations. 

Maine educational professional organizations to consider include:

Ace Your Job Interview

Teaching candidates must complete a job interview to successfully secure employment. Make the experience a good one by using our tips. 

  1. Learn about the school. Research the school district, student body, and job opening. Each school has its unique culture, education philosophy, strengths, and weaknesses. Insights can be gleaned from school newsletters, calendars, codes of conduct, and board policies. Find out if there are any issues in the local news or significant accomplishments. 
  2. Dress with care and attention. Interviews require a higher level of dressing than everyday teaching. Suits and blazers are typically winners. Avoid loud colors, novelty ties, and flashy accessories. Also, look at the school’s dress code for staff and students. For example, if the school forbids colored nail polish, keep your fingernails neat and clean and stick to clear or neutral polish. 
  3.  Display passion and enthusiasm. When answering teacher interview questions, ensure you convey your love of learning and how much you enjoy working with youth. Answers should be framed as “we” instead of “I” and should center on the students, not yourself. You, of course, are important. However, what is essential is your motivation to help a school and its students reach their goals. 
  4. Provide real-life examples. Your answers should include as many real-life examples as possible. Broad answers and theoretical scenarios should be used sparingly. If you don’t have a direct classroom example to draw from, consider if there are appropriate stories to share from other experiences, such as volunteer work. 
  5. Bring up your extracurricular activities. Schools need versatile teachers. Your hobbies or other qualifications could be the deciding factor between yourself and another candidate. So, if you are a certified EMT or worked in IT, let them know. Drop it into the conversation if you’ve run marathons, are licensed to teach scuba diving, or have a history of coaching basketball. 

Career Outlook & Salary in Maine

Maine needs teachers. In addition to the shortage, the state’s projected job growth for educators is 3% for elementary and 4% for secondary teachers.

Maine is working hard to make teaching more attractive. Since the launch of #TeachMain in 2019, they have committed to raising the minimum pay for educators. Further legislation is in the works to continue increasing the minimum pay through 2027. 

Those considering becoming a teacher may be eligible for educational funding, such as through the Educators for Maine Program, a merit-based, forgivable loan. 

According to Maine’s DOE, their most significant teacher shortage areas for 2024-2025 are the following: 

  • General Elementary.
  • Computer Technology.
  • Early Childhood.
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages.
  • English (Middle and Secondary).
  • Gifted/Talented.
  • Health and Physical Education.
  • Mathematics (Middle and Secondary). 
  • Music.
  • Physical Science (Secondary).
  • Life Science (Secondary).
  • Science (Middle).
  • Social Studies (Middle and Secondary).
  • World Languages.
  • Visual Arts.
  • Deaf-Hearing Impaired. 
  • Teacher of Students with Disabilities. 

Become a Teacher in Maine

Maine offers its residents a safe, high quality of life. It has the lowest level of violent crime in the country. The cost of living is also low relative to that of its neighboring states, and the state’s average teacher salary is nearly 10% higher than that of the average Maine resident. 

Maine has nature in abundance, with 90% of the state forested. It has gorgeous parks, plenty of mountain views, and pleasant beaches. Residents and tourists enjoy exploring the rugged landscape, hiking, kayaking, biking, and skiing.

Communities in Maine value their teachers and appreciate their dedication to the youth. The vocation changes lives and makes a real difference.  What are you waiting for? Contact Teachers of Tomorrow and find out how you can begin the journey towards a career with purpose.