How to Become a Teacher in Maine – What Degree Do You Need to Be a Teacher for 2025

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Since 2022, there have been more than 15,000 individuals employed as teachers in Maine's PreK-12 system serving 173,215 students (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023; Learning Policy Institute, 2023). Despite the roughly 11:1 teacher-student ratio, the state is still plagued by a shortage of teachers (Maine Department of Education, 2023). So, if you are thinking about studying and working in Maine as an educator, then it looks like Maine has a place for you.

This article serves as a guide on how to become a teacher in Maine. We will go through the essential prerequisites and the general application process. Moreover, the Research.com expert review team has included a list of the best education programs available in the state. Programs are ranked based on important factors such as faculty expertise, student outcomes, and student services, among many others. We, however, did not include programs offering online teaching degrees, only traditional programs. Hopefully, you will find this helpful in exploring the best route to earn your Maine teacher certification. But before going into the details, here are relevant industry statistics that can assist you in gauging whether teaching in Maine is worth it.

How to Become a Teacher in Maine Table of Contents

Overview of the Education Industry in Maine
Educational Requirements for Teachers in Maine
Maine Licensure Application and Renewal Process for Teachers
List of Top Education Programs in Maine for 2025
What specific areas of teaching are in high demand in Maine, and how can I specialize in those areas?
What opportunities are there for teachers to advance their careers in Maine?
What are the types of teaching certificates available in Maine?
How can I obtain special education teacher certification in Maine?
How can I manage tuition costs and financial aid options for teacher education in Maine?
What are the benefits of teaching in Maine?
What are the best online colleges for teaching degrees in Maine?
How do I meet private school teacher requirements in Maine?
How can earning an advanced degree enhance my career opportunities in Maine?
How can I become an English teacher in Maine?
Can I become a substitute teacher in Maine?
What other educational career roles can I pursue in Maine?
What are the kindergarten teacher requirements in Maine?
Can I complete my teacher certification online in Maine?
How can I streamline my teacher certification process in Maine?

Overview of the Education Industry in Maine

Along with general education, there are eleven PreK-12 teacher shortage areas in Maine for SY 2023-2024 (Maine Department of Education, 2023). These include early childhood, middle school science, ESOL, and mathematics at the middle and secondary levels. But like other states, the Maine education system has been resilient. In fact, the Learning Policy Institute (2023) pegged Maine's teaching attractiveness rating at 3.3 on a scale of five, placing it in the fourth quintile of all states. This is among states like Illinois, Utah, South Carolina, and Connecticut. As such, it is a viable destination for those who want to serve as teachers.

Maine is especially great for early-career teachers, considering 89% of them get assigned mentors in their first year in the field (Learning Policy Institute, 2023). This is noticeably higher than the national average of only 81.4%. Moreover, Maine outdoes the national average in providing teachers release time from teaching to take opportunities for professional development. It has been reported that this happens for 72.7% of teachers. The national average is only 65%.

Job Outlook for Teachers in Maine

The average growth rate for PreK-12 teaching positions in Maine, from 2020 to 2023, is 3.7% (Projections Central, 2023). Among them, preschool teaching jobs are pegged to have the fastest growth rate at 5.5% in the same period. This is followed by high school teachers (3.6%), grade school teachers (2.9%), and middle school teachers (2.8%). For comparison, the national average is 2.8% from 2022 to 2032 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). This shows that there is steady growth of job opportunities. Moreover, test-related job security is only 4% (the national average is 7%). This metric is a measure of the share of teachers who worry about job security considering the performance of their schools on tests at the state and/or local levels. This shows that along with a healthy growth rate, teachers have high job security in Maine.

Salary Expectations

So, how much do teachers make in Maine? For starting salary, teachers in Maine receive around $40,320 per year on average (Learning Policy Institute, 2023). This is lower than the national average ($42,850). However, wage competitiveness is about the same as the national level, at 76%. This means that the average weekly earnings of public school teachers in Maine is just 76% of the estimated weekly earnings of other college-educated workers in every state. So, Maine teacher salary is pretty much not a strong pull to teach in the state. It is easily imaginable that given the salary rate, along with other reasons, around 9.3% of teachers plan to leave their occupations.

Preschool teachers ($39,110), special education preschool teachers ($44,320), and self-enrichment teachers ($44,320) are three of the five lowest-compensated teaching jobs in Maine (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). All of these are significantly lower than the annual average income in the state, which is $55,960. The highest-earning teaching occupations in the state are all at the postsecondary level. They include economics teachers ($114,660), political science teachers ($103,620), and physics teachers ($99,570). So, for those who want to earn significantly more as an educator, higher education is the way to go.

Educational Requirements for Teachers in Maine

So, how to become a teacher in Maine? Becoming a teacher in Maine involves a well-defined process, starting from getting your educational credentials to applying successfully for a Maine teaching certification. But, of course, the most important thing is your educational foundation. Below is a guide on the general steps that one should follow in fulfilling the educational prerequisites needed to earn your Maine Department of Education certification.

Educational Requirements: How to Become a Teacher in Maine

Choose Your Teaching Focus: The first step is to determine the age group or subject area you aspire to teach. Whether it's elementary, middle, or high school students, or if you have a passion for working with children with special needs, this choice sets your path.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education: This degree forms the foundational knowledge necessary to excel in the teaching profession. Make sure you align your bachelor's degree with your preferred teaching focus and an academic discipline that you are passionate about. If you have a passion for it, it would feel like you are taking one of the easiest college majors to study.
Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: It is best for aspiring teachers to successfully complete an accredited teacher education program after earning their baccalaureate degrees. These programs equip aspiring educators with the essential skills, knowledge, and classroom experience needed to excel in the teaching profession; these also prepare you to earn your license. You can easily check the DOE website for approved programs. If you have a bachelor's degree in something else and you wish to transition to teaching, you can do so by taking a teacher preparation program. The question of whether how young or how old do you have to be a teacher does not really matter.
Pass Required Exams: The common path to earning your Maine DOE certification as a teacher involves earning a bachelor's degree in education and passing the Praxis I and Praxis II exams. These exams assess your competency and readiness to teach effectively.

Pathways to Licensing: How to Become a Teacher in Maine

In Maine, there are three ways to be eligible for licensure. They are:

Pathway 1: Approved Teacher Prep Program. This is for candidates who have successfully completed a formal education program at a Maine higher education institution approved by the DOE. To obtain certification, they must provide an official transcript and an approved program verification form. This is the most common pathway to how to become a teacher in Maine.
Pathway 2: Transcript Analysis. Nongraduates of formal teacher prep programs can apply for a teacher's license provided they have met the academic, testing, and experiential requirements for a specific endorsement. To pursue certification, they are required to submit an official transcript demonstrating their bachelor's degree and all relevant coursework. Also, they need to submit their Praxis test scores for exams they have taken.
Pathway 3: Out-of-State Applicant: This pathway is open to candidates holding an equivalent certificate from another U.S. state, foreign country, or territory who seek to teach in Maine to address the state's staffing needs. Obtaining this certification entails submitting a criminal history background check, a valid teaching certificate, all academic transcripts, and any applicable test results.

Maine Licensure Application and Renewal Process for Teachers

Once you have all the documents to show that you have completed Maine teacher certification requirements, it is time to apply for your teacher's license.

Application Process: How to Become a Teacher in Maine

Create a MEIS Account: Your first step is to establish a Maine Educator Information System (MEIS) account.
Prepare for Application: Review your official transcript for any notations regarding the approved program you completed. If no such notation exists, be prepared to submit a verification of the approved program form.
Complete the Application: During the application, you can upload additional documentation, such as test scores and contact hours, in PDF format.
Fees: Note that much like other applications, such as the Maine TIPS certification for selling or serving alcoholic beverages, there are nonrefundable fees associated with the application. The initial application fee for teachers is $100.

Renewal Process: Maintaining Your Teacher's License

In Maine, professional teacher certificates are valid for five years and can be renewed by completing six (6) semester hours of study or 90 hours of in-service training focused on improving teaching performance. Verification from the school administrative unit (SAU) is required if employed by one, or documentation must be provided if not. These continuing education (CE) credits or training hours must not have been used for a prior renewal and should be earned within the preceding five years. This process ensures educators stay current and enhance their teaching skills throughout their careers.

List of the Top Education Programs in Maine for 2025

The initial step to how to become a teacher in Maine is to earn a bachelor's degree, preferably in education. This gives you specialized training in preparation for teaching at the PreK-12 schools. Moreover, the best education programs provide teacher's prep training as well. They get students ready to take licensure exams and help facilitate professional placements, thanks to excellent support services. In this section, we wish to help you find the top education programs in Maine. To do this, the expert team at Research.com carefully ranked a curated list of offerings according to key metrics such as student outcomes, networking opportunities, faculty expertise, and student services. They are:

1. University of Maine – BS in Secondary Education

The University of Maine offers a comprehensive program BS in Secondary Education tailored for aspiring educators. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as secondary school teachers. With a strong emphasis on pedagogical expertise and classroom experience, graduates from this program are well-prepared to make a positive impact on the next generation of students.

Program Length: 4 years
Required Credits to Graduate: 120
Concentrations: English, French, Spanish, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Social Studies
Tuition Cost: $9,240 (in-state); $30,030 (out-of-state)
Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

2. University of Maine at Farmington – BS in Early Childhood Education

The University of Maine at Farmington offers a BS in Early Childhood Education program. This program is designed for individuals passionate about teaching young children and places a strong focus on early childhood development, teaching methods, and hands-on experience in educational settings. Graduates are well-equipped to foster the growth and learning of young learners, making a significant impact in the field of early childhood education. The institution also offers the program off-campus over at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC). The program is also perfect for those who want a good degree of flexibility as it is a mix of face-to-face sessions and early childhood education online classes.

Program Length: 4 years
Required Credits to Graduate: 120
Tuition Cost: $9,216 (in-state); $20,640 (out-of-state)
Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

3. University of Southern Maine – BS in Elementary Education

The University of Southern Maine offers a BS in Elementary Education degree program focusing on preparing educators for the unique challenges and opportunities of teaching in elementary schools. The program emphasizes pedagogical expertise and practical experience to equip graduates with the skills needed to shape the future of young learners in the elementary education sector.

Program Length: 4 years
Required Credits to Graduate: 120
Concentrations: English, Geography-Anthropology, History, Liberal Studies Humanities, Mathematics, and Science
Tuition Cost: $8,071 (in-state); $23,070 (out-of-state)
Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

4. University of Maine at Augusta – BS in Elementary Education

The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) has a popular BS in Elementary Education degree offering. The program is designed to prepare educators for the distinct demands of teaching in elementary schools in Maine. It concentrates on building teaching skills in real classroom settings. Graduates are exceptionally prepared to make a profound impact on the education of young students within the dynamic world of elementary education in the state. The institution is known for its quality distance learning programs from the baccalaureate to the graduate levels. As such, educators-in-training are trained to be digitally literate. In fact, the university offers online certificate programs for teaching assistants. UMA and affiliated community colleges, however, do not have an associate degree in education online offering.

Program Length: 4 years
Required Credits to Graduate: 120
Concentrations: Early Childhood Teacher, Early Elementary, Elementary, and Special Education
Tuition Cost: $7,350 (in-state); $17,760 (out-of-state)
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

5. University of Maine at Fort Kent and University of Maine at Presque Isle – BS in Secondary Education

The University of Maine at Fort Kent and the University of Maine at Presque Isle jointly offer a BS in Secondary Education program. This collaborative endeavor focuses on equipping future educators with the comprehensive knowledge and practical experience necessary for success in the dynamic world of secondary education. Graduates of this program emerge well-prepared to engage, inspire, and guide students in secondary education, making a meaningful impact in the field of teaching.

Program Length: 4 years
Required Credits to Graduate: 120
Concentrations: Science, English, Mathematics, and Social Studies
Tuition Cost: $7,350 (in-state); $11,760 (out-of-state)
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

What specific areas of teaching are in high demand in Maine, and how can I specialize in those areas?

Maine has several areas with teacher shortages, including early childhood, middle school science, ESOL, and secondary level mathematics. To specialize in these areas, you can explore specific certification programs or courses that focus on these subjects. For example, if you're interested in how to become an elementary school teacher in Maine, you can look into programs that offer specialized training in elementary education. Additionally, you can consider pursuing endorsements or certifications in specific subjects, such as special education or English as a second language, to increase your marketability and job prospects in Maine's education system.

What opportunities are there for teachers to advance their careers in Maine?

Teaching in Maine offers multiple pathways for career advancement, allowing educators to expand their roles, increase earnings, and deepen their impact on students and the educational system. Here are several key avenues for career progression:

Pursue Advanced Degrees: Earning a master's or doctoral degree in education, administration, or a specialized field (such as curriculum design or special education) opens doors to roles in school leadership, administration, or curriculum development.
Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Maine faces shortages in areas like special education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and STEM subjects. Gaining credentials in these fields can lead to higher-paying roles and increased job security.
Transition to Administrative Roles: Teachers with leadership skills can consider roles such as assistant principal, principal, or district-level administrator. These positions offer the chance to shape educational policy and directly influence school improvement.
Obtain National Board Certification: Achieving National Board Certification enhances professional credentials and may come with higher salary prospects and increased recognition as a master teacher.
Engage in Professional Development: Regularly participating in workshops, conferences, and continuing education can improve classroom skills, contribute to professional growth, and foster networking with other educators.

These paths allow teachers in Maine to diversify their careers, influence the education system more broadly, and achieve personal and professional growth.

What are the types of teaching certificates available in Maine?

Maine offers several types of teaching certificates tailored to varying educational backgrounds and career stages, allowing individuals to pursue or advance their teaching careers based on specific qualifications and experience. These certifications are overseen by the Maine Department of Education and are designed to meet the state’s diverse educational needs, from PreK-12 to specialized endorsements.

Provisional Certificate: This is typically issued to new teachers who have met the foundational requirements for teaching, including graduating from an approved teacher preparation program and passing the necessary licensure exams. It is valid for two years and serves as an entry point for aspiring educators.
Professional Certificate: Educators with at least two years of teaching experience in Maine schools may apply for this certificate. Renewed every five years, it requires ongoing professional development, including the completion of six semester hours of study or 90 clock hours of approved in-service training.
Conditional Certificate: This certificate is designed for individuals who have not yet met all the requirements of a Provisional Certificate. Offered for one year, educators holding this certification must work toward completing the necessary qualifications during the term.
Targeted Need Certificates and Endorsements: To address teacher shortages, such as those in ESOL or special education, Maine offers specialized certificates. These endorsements can supplement an existing license, enabling teachers to expand their expertise and fill critical needs.

If you're exploring pathways to start or enhance your teaching journey in Maine, understanding the different types of teaching certificates in Maine is essential for aligning your career goals with state requirements. Gaining clarity on these certifications will help you navigate the process effectively while positioning yourself for a fulfilling career in education.

How can I obtain special education teacher certification in Maine?

For educators aiming to specialize in special education, obtaining the designated certification requires meeting distinct state criteria. Candidates must complete a bachelor’s degree program with a focus on special education and engage in targeted field experiences that address individualized learning and behavioral strategies. In addition, applicants need to demonstrate competency through specialized assessments that reflect their ability to adapt instructional techniques for diverse learners. Continuing professional development and mentorship from experienced practitioners further support educators in refining their skills. Detailed guidance is available on the process to ensure compliance with Maine’s specific requirements, which you can review via special education teacher certification in Maine.

How can I manage tuition costs and financial aid options for teacher education in Maine?

Evaluating the financial aspects of teacher education is key to a sustainable career path in Maine. Consider comparing tuition rates, fee structures, and available scholarship or grant programs offered by institutions in the state. Additionally, many educators explore flexible financing options, including employer reimbursement and federal aid specific to teacher preparation programs. For educators interested in integrating creative skills into their portfolio, exploring programs like the cheapest online creative writing degree may provide an affordable pathway to diversify teaching expertise without excessive financial burden.

What are the benefits of teaching in Maine?

Teaching in Maine comes with a variety of benefits, both professionally and personally. Some of the key advantages include:

Competitive Salary and Benefits: Teachers in Maine enjoy a competitive salary structure that increases with experience and additional qualifications. In addition to a steady salary, educators receive comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid sick leave.
Strong Support for Teachers: Maine strongly emphasizes supporting its educators. New teachers are often paired with mentors, and the state offers substantial professional development opportunities, including workshops and ongoing training.
Work-Life Balance: Maine strongly emphasizes maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Compared to more densely populated areas, Maine offers a more relaxed pace of life. This can particularly appeal to teachers looking to enjoy outdoor activities or spend time with family.
Rural Teaching Opportunities: Many teaching positions are available in rural areas, where teachers can significantly impact the local community. These areas may also offer smaller class sizes and a close-knit environment that fosters meaningful relationships between students and educators.
Educational Community: Maine’s education system is dedicated to continuous improvement, and teachers are encouraged to engage with a network of professionals across the state. This creates a collaborative environment for teachers, making sharing best practices and receiving support easier.
Teacher Shortage Incentives: Maine faces teacher shortages in specific subject areas, such as STEM, early childhood education, and special education. The state may offer financial incentives such as signing bonuses or loan forgiveness to attract teachers to these fields.

Teaching in Maine provides a rewarding experience with tangible and intangible benefits, making it an excellent option for educators seeking professional growth and personal satisfaction. For those interested in pursuing a teaching career with a flexible learning path, online accredited colleges offer a convenient way to earn the required credentials.

What are the best online colleges for teaching degrees in Maine?

For aspiring educators in Maine, pursuing an online teaching degree can offer flexibility while preparing for a rewarding career in education. There are several online programs from accredited colleges that provide high-quality education for future teachers. These programs often combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience through virtual classrooms and fieldwork. Some of the best online colleges for teaching degrees in Maine include institutions known for their robust curricula, student support, and strong networks in the education community.

One key advantage of choosing an online program is the ability to complete coursework on your own schedule, which can be particularly beneficial for those balancing work and other responsibilities. Additionally, many online programs offer various specializations, such as early childhood education, special education, and secondary education, so you can tailor your degree to your career interests.

If you're considering an online teaching degree, it's essential to research programs that are accredited and align with Maine's licensure requirements. Best online colleges for teaching degrees can provide valuable insights into reputable programs that fit your goals.

This section highlights the opportunities for online learning while providing actionable advice on finding a quality program for future educators in Maine.

How do I meet private school teacher requirements in Maine?

Private school educators often face a different set of criteria compared to those in public institutions. Many private schools in Maine expect candidates to hold at least a bachelor’s degree and, in some cases, value practical classroom experience and subject-specific expertise over state licensure. Institutions may also require supplemental assessments or portfolio reviews to verify teaching competency. For comprehensive guidance on navigating these standards and ensuring your credentials match institutional expectations, please review private school teacher requirements in Maine.

How can earning an advanced degree enhance my career opportunities in Maine?

Advanced degrees offer Maine educators a pathway to broaden their expertise and access leadership roles within the education sector. Postgraduate studies can deepen subject matter understanding and improve pedagogical skills without duplicating the foundational requirements already discussed. For educators aiming to move into curriculum development, administrative roles, or higher education instruction, pursuing graduate qualifications is a valuable option. Many institutions design their programs to integrate real-world teaching challenges with advanced theory, thereby preparing candidates for evolving job demands. Additionally, targeted programs such as online higher education master's programs provide a flexible and cost-effective way to enhance credentials, positioning educators for continued career growth and improved job security.

How can I become an English teacher in Maine?

For educators specializing in literature, composition, and language arts, this pathway offers a focused approach to building critical communication skills in students. In Maine, aspiring English teachers are required to complete a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on English education, complemented by specialized training in instructional strategies and classroom management. They must also meet state-specific certification requirements, including subject area proficiency and standardized assessments. For a detailed guide on program selection, certification procedures, and best practices for classroom success, please refer to how to become an english teacher in Maine. This resource provides a comprehensive roadmap tailored to the unique demands and opportunities of teaching English in Maine.

Can I become a substitute teacher in Maine?

Individuals interested in substitute teaching in Maine must meet defined educational and background requirements that differ from full-certification roles. Substitute teachers typically complete a streamlined application process, including verification of academic credentials, a recent background check, and participation in orientation sessions tailored to immediate classroom support. This alternative pathway provides a flexible opportunity for those seeking to gain classroom experience while exploring a long-term commitment to education. For additional state-specific criteria and the necessary steps involved in the application process, consult our guide covering the Maine substitute teacher requirements.

What other educational career roles can I pursue in Maine?

While classroom teaching is a vital and fulfilling career path, Maine’s education sector offers a range of alternative roles that can complement your expertise. Positions such as curriculum specialists, instructional coordinators, and education support professionals allow you to leverage your knowledge to impact educational strategies and policy development. In addition, exploring roles within school resource centers can provide new career avenues. For example, if you are interested in information management within schools, consider exploring how to be a school librarian in Maine to broaden your professional opportunities.

What are the kindergarten teacher requirements in Maine?

Kindergarten educators in Maine must complete a bachelor's degree in early childhood or childhood education that emphasizes developmental psychology, literacy, and age-appropriate classroom strategies. Prospective teachers are required to participate in a state-approved preparation program that includes dedicated student teaching experience in a kindergarten classroom. Assessment through performance-based evaluations and standardized examinations ensures that candidates meet Maine's rigorous instructional standards. For additional detailed guidance on the certification process, please review kindergarten teacher requirements in Maine.

Can I complete my teacher certification online in Maine?

For educators who prefer flexibility in balancing professional and personal commitments, online teacher preparation programs offer an alternative route to certification in Maine. These programs are designed to meet state certification standards while providing a digital classroom environment that accommodates working professionals and non-traditional students. To ensure that online studies translate effectively into classroom readiness, accredited programs feature rigorous coursework, interactive modules, and practical field experiences arranged through local partnerships. For detailed guidance on structuring your online studies and verification of program credibility, please review our guide on how to become a teacher online in Maine.

How can I streamline my teacher certification process in Maine?

To optimize your journey toward Maine teacher certification, begin by reviewing the comprehensive teacher certification requirements in Maine to verify that all documentation and exam prerequisites are in order. An organized approach—such as maintaining an updated checklist of transcripts, endorsements, and standardized test results—can minimize delays. Additionally, connecting with accredited teacher preparation programs and local educational networks provides insights into efficient study practices and timely updates on regulatory changes. Regularly consulting official Maine Department of Education communications further ensures that your certification path remains aligned with the evolving state standards.

Are you ready to become a teacher in Maine?

Now that you know how to become a teacher in Maine, do you think you are a good fit for it? This is a question that requires serious contemplation. Just like other states, teaching in Maine has its challenges. While it is in the fourth quintile when it comes to teaching attractiveness in the Learning Policy Institute ratings, Maine is still struggling with a teacher shortage. This means that teachers may take on more responsibilities to fill educational needs. Also, like other states, wage competitiveness for PreK-12 teaching jobs can be discouraging. As such, it is best to ask yourself whether you will be able to thrive and excel despite these issues. It takes dedication and a true passion for shaping young minds under not-so-ideal working conditions.

If you are well aware of these challenges are are still resolute on taking this path, then maybe a teaching career is well suited for you. Also, keep in mind that the number of states with better teacher attractiveness ratings than Maine is fewer than those that performed worse than Maine. So, for the most part, Maine is a great place to work as an educator. It provides new teachers a supportive environment and offers many opportunities to contribute.

Also, consider that teaching can also lead to other careers and specializations in education that may pay better. For instance, one can branch out to educational administration or even specialize as an educational psychologist. Maine is never short of opportunities to grow, especially in the field of education.

Key Insights

High Demand for Teachers: Despite having over 15,000 teachers, Maine faces a teacher shortage, with eleven specific areas of shortage in PreK-12 education for SY 2023-2024, including early childhood, middle school science, and secondary level mathematics.
Support for Early-Career Teachers: Maine assigns mentors to 89% of early-career teachers, significantly higher than the national average of 81.4%, and provides more release time for professional development compared to the national average.
Job Growth and Security: The growth rate for teaching positions in Maine is 3.7% from 2020 to 2023, higher than the national average of 2.8%. Job security in Maine is also higher, with only 4% of teachers worried about job security compared to the national average of 7%.
Starting Salaries and Wage Competitiveness: The starting salary for teachers in Maine averages $40,320, slightly lower than the national average. However, wage competitiveness in Maine is on par with the national level, at 76%.
Pathways to Licensure: There are three main pathways to becoming a licensed teacher in Maine: completing an approved teacher preparation program, transcript analysis for non-traditional applicants, and out-of-state applicant endorsement.
License Renewal Requirements: Maine requires teachers to renew their licenses every five years, completing six semester hours of study or 90 hours of in-service training focused on teaching performance.

FAQ

1. What are the educational requirements to become a teacher in Maine?

To become a teacher in Maine, you need to earn a bachelor's degree in education or a related field and complete an accredited teacher preparation program. You must also pass the Praxis I and Praxis II exams.

2. How do I apply for a teaching license in Maine?

To apply for a teaching license in Maine, create a Maine Educator Information System (MEIS) account, review and prepare your official transcript and program verification form, complete the application process online, and pay the $100 application fee.

3. What are the pathways to licensure in Maine?

There are three pathways to licensure in Maine: completing an approved teacher preparation program, transcript analysis for those who did not complete a formal program, and out-of-state applicant endorsement for those with an equivalent certificate from another state or country.

4. What is the average starting salary for teachers in Maine?

The average starting salary for teachers in Maine is $40,320 per year, which is slightly lower than the national average.

5. How often do I need to renew my teaching license in Maine?

You need to renew your teaching license in Maine every five years. Renewal requires completing six semester hours of study or 90 hours of in-service training focused on improving teaching performance.

6. What continuing education requirements must be met for license renewal?

To renew your teaching license in Maine, you must complete six semester hours of study or 90 hours of in-service training within the preceding five years, focusing on areas related to teaching performance.

7. Are there specific areas with teacher shortages in Maine?

Yes, Maine has identified eleven PreK-12 teacher shortage areas for SY 2023-2024, including early childhood, middle school science, ESOL, and secondary level mathematics.

8. What support does Maine provide for early-career teachers?

Maine provides significant support for early-career teachers, assigning mentors to 89% of new teachers and offering more release time for professional development than the national average.

9. What is the job growth rate for teaching positions in Maine?

The job growth rate for teaching positions in Maine is 3.7% from 2020 to 2023, which is higher than the national average growth rate of 2.8%.

10. What are the top education programs in Maine?

Top education programs in Maine include the University of Maine’s BS in Secondary Education, the University of Maine at Farmington’s BS in Early Childhood Education, and the University of Southern Maine’s BS in Elementary Education, among others. These programs are ranked based on student outcomes, faculty expertise, and support services.

References:

Learning Policy Institute. (2023). The state of the teacher workforce. Retrieved October 14, 2023, from LPI.
Maine Department of Education. (2023, August 2). Teacher shortage areas for 2023-2024 school year. Maine DOE Newsroom.
Projections Central. (2023). Long-term occupational projections (2022-2030). Retrieved October 14, 2023, from PMP.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Maine – May 2022 occupational employment and wage estimates. Retrieved October 14, 2023, from BLS.