Alternative Teaching Certification in Maine
Maine offers several pathways to alternative teacher certification for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree outside of education. Options include the Master of Arts in Teaching program at the University of Maine, the ETEP program at the University of Southern Maine, and Conditional Certification. Most candidates must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam and a Praxis II subject exam.
Sponsored School(s)
The Maine Department of Education provides alternative pathways to certification for those who wish to teach but did not attend a teacher preparation program.
Interested in learning about the traditional approach? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Maine.
Alternative Certification Requirements
Education Requirements
You must have a bachelor’s degree in any area from an accredited college/university to qualify for all of these programs.
Program-specific educational requirements:
- Master of Arts in Teaching Degree– this program is only offered at the University of Maine and allows students to earn a master’s degree in as little as 15 months, including all courses and internships necessary for teacher certification in Maine
- ETEP Program- this program is only offered at the University of Southern Maine and is one year long. It allows students to study in a liberal arts concentration, including all courses and internships necessary for teacher certification in Maine, or to get a master’s degree and then become certified.
- Conditional Certification Program- This is issued when you have a bachelor’s degree and do not yet meet all educational requirements to become a teacher. The Conditional Certificate is valid for one year and may be renewed as you complete the requirements for Provisional Certification. The number and nature of the courses that must be completed during the period of conditional certification depend upon the grade level you teach and the number of relevant courses you have already taken in your bachelor’s degree program.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Certification
Maine also offers an alternative route for Career and Technical Education teachers in grades 9 through 12. Candidates must hold a professional license in their subject area when one exists and complete a Maine-approved CTE Orientation Program within their first year of teaching. The Maine Department of Education recognizes five combinations of education and work experience that satisfy this pathway, so requirements vary based on your background and the subject you plan to teach.
Examinations
Admission to most programs requires that you first pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam (formerly known as Praxis I). During your program, you will need to pass the Praxis II exam(s) pertaining to your certification area(s). Candidates who complete a Maine-approved educator preparation program may be exempt from the separate Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exam.
Experience
No experience is required to become enrolled in the ETEP or Conditional Certification Programs. Enrollment into the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree Program requires successful, documented prior experience working with children in a learning environment.
All of these programs will offer a classroom experience of some sort, whether through a student teaching internship or actual classroom teaching (as in the Conditional Certification Program).
Criminal History Background Check
As a part of the teacher certification process in Maine, you must submit to fingerprinting as part of a criminal history background check. Visit this site for information on having your fingerprints taken. You must pay the $55 fingerprinting fee. You will not receive a teaching certificate until the Maine Department of Education receives a cleared criminal history background check.
Contact Information
To obtain information on available teaching positions in Maine, check this listing for Maine school contact information.
For more information on alternative pathways to certification, contact the Maine Department of Education at 207-624-6603.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an alternative teaching certification in Maine?
Alternative teaching certification lets candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree outside of education become licensed teachers without completing a traditional teacher preparation program. Maine’s main alternative routes are the Master of Arts in Teaching program, the ETEP program, and Conditional Certification, plus a separate pathway for Career and Technical Education teachers.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree to qualify for alternative certification in Maine?
Yes. The Master of Arts in Teaching program, the ETEP program, and Conditional Certification all require a bachelor’s degree in any subject from an accredited college or university.
What does alternative certification cost in Maine?
Beyond program tuition, candidates pay a $100 fee with their initial certification application and a separate $55 fingerprinting fee as part of the required criminal history background check. You won’t receive a teaching certificate until the Maine Department of Education clears that background check.
Does Maine offer alternative certification for Career and Technical Education teachers?
Yes. Maine has a separate alternative route for CTE teachers in grades 9 through 12. Candidates need a professional license in their subject area when one exists and must complete a Maine-approved CTE Orientation Program during their first year in the classroom.
How long is a Conditional Certificate valid in Maine?
A Conditional Certificate is valid for one year and can be renewed while you complete the coursework required for Provisional Certification. How many courses you still need depends on your grade level and how much relevant coursework you have already completed in your degree program. Once you’ve moved beyond your initial certificate, Maine’s separate renewal process keeps your credential current every few years.
- Maine offers three main alternative routes — the Master of Arts in Teaching program, the ETEP program, and Conditional Certification, plus a separate CTE pathway for career and technical subjects.
- A bachelor’s degree is required — the Master of Arts in Teaching program, the ETEP program, and Conditional Certification all require a bachelor’s degree in any field.
- Praxis Core and Praxis II are both required for most pathways — Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (formerly Praxis I) for program admission, Praxis II for your certification area during the program.
- Application and background check fees apply — candidates pay a $100 initial application fee and a $55 fingerprinting fee, and won’t receive a certificate until the Maine Department of Education clears the background check.
- Conditional Certificates are renewable — valid for one year at a time while you finish the coursework needed for Provisional Certification.
Find accredited teacher preparation programs in Maine, including alternative certification pathways, application requirements, and licensing timelines for your certification path.
