{"id":46345,"date":"2024-06-12T15:11:55","date_gmt":"2024-06-12T20:11:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=46345"},"modified":"2024-11-28T02:29:51","modified_gmt":"2024-11-28T08:29:51","slug":"how-to-become-a-teacher-in-maine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-teacher-in-maine\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Teacher in Maine – What to Know in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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 <\/span>#TeachMaine<\/span><\/a> to recruit and retain educators. They are committed to diversifying the educator workforce, supporting educator development, and elevating the profession.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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 <\/span>alternative options<\/span><\/a>. We’ll also highlight useful information to help you land your first teaching position in a Maine school.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Salaries and packages vary between school districts and US states. For instance, the average annual salary in <\/span>Maine is $59,260, whereas in South Carolina, it is $55,680.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Requirements for teaching vary across the nation. The Maine DOE has three main pathways:<\/span><\/p>\n The most common pathway to teaching in Maine is the traditional route, where candidates begin college or university intending to become teachers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Examples of bachelor’s degrees available to Maine teacher candidates include:<\/span><\/p>\n Bachelor’s degrees in education help prepare teaching candidates for the classroom. Skills and knowledge acquired include:<\/span><\/p>\n 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 5<\/span>th<\/span> year of study and award a master’s degree upon completion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Maine DOE requires candidates to pass the relevant <\/span>Praxis exams<\/span><\/a>. All licensure areas require a passing mark in the following:<\/span><\/p>\n 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 <\/span>Praxis webpage for Maine<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To be fingerprinted, applicants must:<\/span><\/p>\n Teaching candidates must create an MEIS account to apply for an initial teaching license. <\/span>Instructions on creating an account are here<\/span><\/a>. It is the same system used to register fingerprints.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When applying, applicants must:<\/span><\/p>\n Step-by-step instructions for submitting an Initial Application through the <\/span>MEIS account can be found here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some Maine universities offer a master’s degree as a 5<\/span>th<\/span> 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 <\/span>professional development<\/span><\/a> after they begin their educational career.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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 <\/span>Maine’s Teacher Shortage Areas<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Out-of-state applicants must submit:<\/span><\/p>\n 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:<\/span><\/p>\n All routes will require passing scores on Praxis exams and a background check.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Invest time and attention in the following steps to gain employment in a Maine school.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>Tips for polishing your CV template:<\/span><\/p>\n Educators are dedicated to lifelong learning.\u00a0 Certified teachers expand their skills and knowledge through <\/span>professional development courses<\/span><\/a>. 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Activities that can contribute to learning skills that will be valuable in a classroom include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIs Teaching the Right Career for You?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
State Requirements for Teaching in Maine<\/span><\/h2>\n
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1. Bachelor’s Degree<\/span><\/h3>\n
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2. Complete an Accredited Teacher Preparation Program<\/span><\/h3>\n
3. Gain Student Teaching Experience<\/span><\/h3>\n
4. Pass Praxis Exams<\/span><\/h3>\n
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5. Get Fingerprinted & Background Check<\/span><\/h3>\n
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6. Get Certified<\/span><\/h3>\n
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7. Consider Getting a Master’s Degree<\/span><\/h3>\n
Transcript Analysis<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Out of State Applicants<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Alternative Pathways to Teaching\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Getting Hired as a Teacher<\/span><\/h2>\n
Polish Your CV<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Upgrade Your Skill Set<\/span><\/h3>\n
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