Online Education Degrees: Maine

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is the state agency that oversees K-12 public education and ensures all students receive quality education. The state’s public education system consists of 192 school districts, with 569 schools enrolling more than 176,400 K-12 students (2022). With more than 14,450 teachers, the roughly 1:12 teacher-to-student ratio is lower than the 1:16 national average.

Beyond these facts, Maine has its fair share of challenges in its K-12 public school system in the 21st century. This is in stark contrast to Maine’s status as a national leader in education in the 1990s.

Today, the Pine Tree State faces several challenges, including a severe teacher shortage, a decline in math and reading scores, and an increase in mental and behavioral health issues among students. State education leaders also face significant challenges in rural education and equitable access to education.

In the 1990s, for example, Maine ranked first or second in the NAEP, a measure of math and reading achievements among K-12 students. By 2022, the state is ranked #36, on average, nationwide.

Maine, however, is rising to the challenge with several reform initiatives. The Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI), which provides laptops for students and teachers in middle schools and high schools, has been praised for its significant impact on student learning outcomes. The Early Childhood Education Expansion and Mental Health and Social-Emotional Learning have also provided positive results.

Teacher recruitment and retention is also a top priority. The Teach Maine Plan is considered among the most comprehensive plans of its kind in the state. The Plan aims to “develop, support and sustain a robust educator workforce.”

Indeed, becoming a teacher in Maine has its challenges. But if you want to become part of the change, then you should consider pursuing a teaching career in Maine. Here’s what you need to know about it.

Related:

Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Maine

The Maine Department of Education is also in charge of the teacher and administrator certification/licensure process. Aspiring and current teachers can apply for either of these two main teacher licenses:

The Provisional License is an entry-level teacher license with a two-year validity. Holders can request for a one-year extension. You should work toward complying with the Professional License requirements while holding said entry-level license.
The Professional License requires the completion of at least two years of successful teaching experience, among others. This is only valid for five years, but it can be renewed as many times as necessary.

Maine offers three pathways to teacher certification.

Pathway 1 – Approved Teacher Prep Program

This is the traditional – and most popular – route for aspiring teachers because of its straightforward nature. You must complete a state-approved educator preparation program and comply with other licensure requirements for a Provisional License.

Pathway 2 – Transcript Analysis

Aspiring teachers without a bachelor’s degree in education or who haven’t attended a state-approved educator preparation program take Pathway 2. Applicants must submit official transcripts from their bachelor’s degrees and submit passing Praxis test scores. Most of these applicants have completed a master’s in education degree program.

Pathway 3 – Out-of-State Applicant

This route is suitable for out-of-state applicants with a valid teacher certification/license from another state, the District of Columbia, or a US territory, even from a foreign country. Applicants are usually requested to fill identified teacher staffing shortages in specific areas.

For Pathway 1, here are the basic requirements and process for earning a Provisional License.

Meet educational requirements.

You must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and complete a state-approved educator preparation program. Bachelor’s degree programs in education usually include educator preparation-related requirements.

Undergraduate education degree programs also require students to choose an endorsement or their desired grade level and academic discipline. Note that each endorsement has specific prerequisites and requirements. For a general elementary endorsement, for example, students must earn six credits each for math, English, science, and social studies specialization.

Gain successful student teaching experience.

State-approved educator preparation programs require students to complete a supervised student teaching experience. This is usually completed toward the end of a bachelor’s degree program when most didactic courses have been completed. The number of hours for student teaching varies among programs, but it can be at least 30 hours or one 15-week semester.

Licensed teachers supervise student teachers in classroom settings and provide feedback on their performance. Student teachers support students, implement lesson plans, and manage classrooms.

Pass the Maine certification exams.

Aspiring teachers who want to earn a Provisional License must achieve passing scores on three types of Praxis tests.

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test: this is a test for reading, writing, and mathematics skills that every aspiring educator must achieve passing scores. However, applicants with qualifying GRE, SAT, or ACT scores can request an exemption.
Praxis Subject Assessments: aspiring teachers must also achieve passing scores on their preferred content areas. Current choices are in:
- English Language Arts
- Social Studies
- Mathematics
- Science
- Technology Education
- Health Education
- Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)
PLT test: this determines your ability to teach at a specific grade level. Candidates choose from these options:
- Early Childhood
- Elementary Education
- Middle School Education
- Secondary Education
- All Grades
- World Languages
- Special Education
- Career and Technical Education
- Educational Specialist

These are a challenging series of exams that candidates must prepare for well in advance.

Pass a background check.

Candidates must pass criminal history background checks, including fingerprinting. You must choose from a state-approved vendor.

Apply for a Provisional License.

Candidates must create an account and register on the Maine Educator Information System (MEIS). You will submit the required licensure documents through your online account, including:

Official transcripts
Endorsements
Contact hours verification
Passing Praxis test scores
Background check results and fingerprints
Initial application cost and fees for every additional endorsement

You can check your application status online, too.

In general, licensed teachers must renew their certification within six months of its expiration date. Depending on the certification, it can be renewed for one, three, or five years. Contact hours, teaching experience, or college credit are required for renewal. Teachers whose licenses have expired or lapsed are considered new applicants.

Online Education Program Admission Requirements

The admission requirements of state-approved bachelor’s degree in education programs with teacher preparation components include:

High school diploma/GED equivalent or associate degree in education for degree completion programs
Official transcripts
Completed online application form and application fee payment

Graduate degree programs in education have these typical admission requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree
Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate coursework, usually with a minimum cumulative GPA requirement
Standardized test scores, if required
Praxis scores, if required
Curriculum vitae or professional resume
Letters of reference or recommendation
Statement of purpose or personal essays

Both master’s and doctoral degree programs usually require relevant work experience and a valid teaching certificate. Note, however, that master’s degree programs for Pathway 2 candidates typically don’t require them.

Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Maine

Elementary School Teachers $63,528
Middle School Teachers $64,290
High School Teachers $64,300
Special Education Teachers $61,355
Superintendents $173,959
School Administrators $116,532
Principals $115,455
Assistant Principals $94,794
Curriculum Developers $109,899
Instructional Coordinators $73,610

Scholarships for Future Educators in Maine

The Educators for Maine Program offers up to $4,000 in grants for Maine students in education programs. This is a selective and merit-based program.
The NEA-Retired Jack Kinnaman Scholarship Fund awards up to $3,500 each for five students. An application form and letters of recommendation are required for consideration.
The Growing Future STEM Teachers in Maine Noyce Scholarship program offers a full tuition scholarship for incoming juniors and seniors pursuing education degrees with a STEM focus.

The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Maine

We chose these five Maine universities based on the following criteria:

Have regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
With an established record for excellent academic programs in education
Offer exceptional quality of instruction, online student support services, and financial aid options

University of Maine

UMaine, a public land-, sea- and space-grant research university, offers several online education programs characterized by their affordability, convenience, and flexibility. On-campus professors teach online courses and, thus, ensure academic rigor and quality of instruction.

MEd in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction

The 33-credit program allows students to choose from several certifications as specializations or design their own specialization.

Classroom Technology Integrationist
Early Childhood Teacher
High Leverage Practices to Promote Inclusion
Instructional Design
Positive Behavior Intervention and Support: RTI for Behavior
Teacher Leadership

MEd in Special Education

Candidates must be interested in teaching children with special needs. Concentrations are available in the following areas:

Early Intervention – Early Childhood Concentration
Low Incidence Disabilities Concentration
High Incidence Disabilities Concentration
Dual Concentration in High and Low Incidence Disabilities

4 + 1 MEd in Special Education

This is an accelerated program where students earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in special education. Students earn an MEd in Special Education: High Incidence Disabilities Concentration after program completion.

MA in Teaching – Secondary Education

The teacher licensure program offers concentrations in:

English
Life sciences
Social studies
Math
World languages
Physical science

The CAEP-accredited, low-residency program consists of online classes and on-campus visits. Students complete student-teaching practicums and in-school placements in Orono and Portland, as well as surrounding areas.

EdS in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction

This is a 30-credit program with an emphasis on research skills and field experiences. Students learn the best practices in the development of equitable and socially just curriculum and instruction. Applicants must have PreK-12 teaching experience and state certification.

EdS in Educational Leadership

Students complete 33 credits of coursework, simulation, and other learning experiences. Graduates possess the advanced competencies to become leaders in educational settings. The curriculum complies with the DOE’s competency areas for leadership certification standards.

EdS in Special Education

Students explore the possibilities in the field of special education in the 30-credit program. Candidates must hold a current Maine teaching license and work with school-age students with special needs and disabilities.

Other online degree programs are:

MEd in Instructional Technology
MEd in Educational Leadership
EdD in Educational Leadership
EdS in Instructional Technology

In-state Tuition: $12,606
Online Education Degrees: 11
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University of Southern Maine

USM, a component university of the public University of Maine System, has a long history of teacher education. The multi-campus university started as two separate public universities, one of which was the Gorham Normal School. Today, the Gorham campus houses the School of Education and Human Development, which offers several online programs.

BS in Special Education

Students start working with school-aged K-12 students with special needs and disabilities as early as their first year. A year-long internship is the culminating requirement.

MS in Adult and Higher Education

The 36-credit program offers specializations in:

Higher Education: Student Affairs
Higher Education: Teaching and Learning
Adult Education and Adult Education Director Certification
Nonprofit Community Education Leadership, Staff Development or Corporate Training

Students tackle didactic courses as well as electives, skills-based courses, and internships.

MS in Education – Literacy Education

The 36-credit program prepares students for successful careers as literacy specialists, interventionists, and coaches, as well as Title I Directors. Students choose between a part-time, four-year time-to-degree or a full-time, two-year time-to-degree.

MS in Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

This is a program with a 100% pass rate on the Praxis ESOL Exam. Students choose between the thesis or non-thesis (i.e., hands-on practicum) option.

Check out these online degree programs, too:

MEd in Instructional Technology
MS in Education – Educational Leadership
MS in Special Education – Data-Directed Student Progress
MS in Education in Teacher Leadership – Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Concentration

In-state Tuition: $10,810
Online Education Degrees: 8
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Thomas College

Thomas College, a private college, offers online education degree programs through its Lunder School Of Education. Small class sizes mean online students learn well from their peers and professors.

MS in Education

The 30-credit program features a career-focused curriculum and emphasizes leadership skills. Students are certified teachers with career advancement ambitions.

MS in Educational Leadership

Candidates must be certified teachers with relevant teaching experiences in public or private pre-K-12 settings. Students attend both synchronous and asynchronous classes designed to enhance their research and leadership skills. Graduates qualify for either the Principal/Superintendent or Assistant Principal credential, depending on their chosen track.

MS in Educational Policy and Reform

Students tackle a rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on advocacy, reform, and policy for educational leaders. You can complete the program in 1-2 years, depending on your preference. The coursework complements the project-based practicum.

In-state Tuition: $30,896
Online Education Degrees: 3
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University of New England

UNE, the state’s largest private university, offers online education programs through UNE Online, a division of the College of Professional Studies. Online students praise the rigorous academic standards and excellent student support services that contribute to their academic success. Such is its success that 95% of UNE graduates report being employed or pursuing advanced studies one year after graduation.

MS in Education

Students can earn the MS in Education in two years of full-time studies. GRE scores aren’t required for admission, and applicants can choose from multiple start dates. Graduates are eligible for teaching certifications in Maine.

The didactic coursework has real-world applications. Students complete an action research project and a digital portfolio. The program offers concentrations in:

Educational Leadership (Building Administrator endorsement)
Reading Specialist ( Literacy Specialist Certification)
Special Education (Teacher of Students with Disabilities 282 Endorsement)

Candidates in all concentrations must be currently employed in an educational setting or with access to a classroom environment.

Doctor of Education

This 51-credit program is for candidates on the career advancement path. The 100% online program prepares students for leadership roles in a wide range of industries, including K-12 and higher education.

In-state Tuition: $42,550
Online Education Degrees: 2
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Saint Joseph’s College

Online education programs are offered through Saint Joseph’s College Online.

MS in Education

The online program is based on faith and academic excellence. Students can earn the master’s degree in less than two years or three years, depending on their chosen track, namely:

School Educator, a 33-credit specialization that meets the alternative certification route.
Catholic School Leadership, a 36-credit concentration, prepares students for leadership positions in K-12 Catholic schools (e.g., headmistress, dean, or principal).
School Leadership, 36-credit specialization for aspiring teacher-leaders, headmasters, or principals
Healthcare Educator, a 33-credit concentration that combines education and healthcare

In-state Tuition: $41,586
Online Education Degrees: 1
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Directory of Online Education Degree Providers in Maine

University of Maine at Farmington

Location: Farmington, ME
Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
Accreditation: NECHE
Average Tuition and Fees: $10,989

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BS in Special Education

University of Maine at Machias

Location: Machias, ME
Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
Accreditation: NECHE
Average Tuition and Fees: 12,606