How To Become a Teacher in Maine 2025

In Maine, students must meet several requirements to become a teacher before taking on roles in elementary, middle, and high schools. Earning a bachelor's degree, completing a teacher preparation program, and passing Praxis tests are a few steps to consider. If you're ready to start a education career in Maine, keep reading. Below, we'll discuss what it takes to become a teacher.

Steps To Become a Teacher in Maine

Students who want to teach in Maine must obtain a teacher certificate with an endorsement for their selected grade level. How do learners complete this step? A bachelor's degree (preferably in education) is required. Students should also complete a teacher preparation program (with student teaching experiences) and pass the right Praxis tests.

The state offers three pathways to secure a teaching license. Pathway 2 helps students who have not attended a formal teaching program get certified. Out-of-state teachers seeking a reciprocal certificate follow Pathway 3. Below, we'll explore the steps to become a teacher in Maine following Pathway 1, which helps graduates of state-approved teacher preparation programs become certified.

Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach

Before pursuing a teaching career, you'll want to choose the subject area and grade level you plan to teach. This helps you pick the right teaching certification program and Praxis tests. If you want a teaching position in an elementary school, middle school, or high school, read on to learn how to qualify.

Becoming an Elementary School Teacher

To teach in Maine elementary schools, students must earn a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited school of higher education. They should pick a state-approved elementary education teacher prep program that can provide a formal recommendation for an elementary teacher endorsement (grades K-6) in their preferred subject (e.g., English, math, or science). Before applying for a certificate, students must also confirm that they've taken an approved course for teaching students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom.

Becoming a Middle School Teacher

Middle school teacher educational requirements are similar to those for elementary teachers. Students must earn a bachelor's degree or higher; however, the state-approved teacher prep program they choose should provide a formal middle-level teacher endorsement for fifth through eighth grade in their preferred subject (e.g., social studies, math, or English). Completing an approved course for teaching students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom is also required.

Becoming a High School Teacher

Prospective teachers who want to work with grades six through 12 must attain a bachelor's or master's degree. Their teacher prep program should include a course for teaching students with exceptionalities in the regular classroom. Meeting these high school teacher educational requirements can qualify students for a formal recommendation for a secondary teacher endorsement in their chosen subject area (e.g., English, math, or social studies).

Step 2: Choose Your Major

Once you've selected the grade level and subject you plan to teach, choose the right major. Let's say you want to teach in a Maine elementary school. You'll pick an elementary education major that explores all subjects covered in K-6 settings. The program should provide student teaching options and prepare students for Praxis tests.

If you plan to teach in middle schools or high schools, you can pick a middle-level or secondary education major, respectively. In these programs, you'll focus on one subject area for endorsement. Student teaching is also required.

While many students focus on standard K-12 subjects (e.g., science, math, English, etc.), some prefer specialized fields. In Maine, you can find degree programs with majors in areas of study like special education and early childhood education.

Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree in education is the most common and often the quickest way to become a teacher. Students spend about four years in a teaching program and finish by taking the Praxis tests that match the subject matter and grade level they expect to teach.

Coursework in bachelor's programs explores how to plan lessons and manage classrooms. Enrollees also learn how to teach their students basic skills to excel at the next grade level and in life outside of school. To meet student teaching goals, bachelor's programs provide practicums or internships that offer real classroom experience.

Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree

Earning a teaching credential in Maine requires a bachelor's degree. However, aspiring teachers sometimes study a few more years to earn a master's degree. Education courses in these advanced degree programs often provide a deeper understanding of instructional design and curriculum development.

But those aren't the only perks of earning a master's degree. Many school districts pay new teachers with a master's degree higher salaries. Certified teachers who expect to pursue an advanced role (e.g., principalship) will already hold the degree they need to qualify.

Step 5: Pass Maine Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure

Students who want to become teachers in Maine must take and pass the right Praxis tests. Some teacher prep programs require learners to take Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) tests before entering. Upon completion, learners must take and pass Praxis Subject Assessments for each endorsement area.

If you want to teach in elementary schools, Praxis offers exams for endorsement in general elementary (K-8). Middle- and secondary-level Praxis tests prepare students for endorsement in English, mathematics, social studies, and beyond.

When you're ready to apply for a teacher certificate, you will submit your official transcripts, contact hours, test scores, and a fee. Students must also get fingerprinted at a Maine Department of Education site and obtain a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC).

Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs

After earning a teaching certificate, you're ready to research and apply for jobs in your area. Read the tips below:

• Ask your school for help: Your teaching program is a great resource for job search guidance. Schools help students find jobs in the area, write their resumes, and improve their interviewing skills.
• Use job sites: Apps and sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Monster are great for helping new teachers find reputable jobs in Maine.
• Network with teachers: Social media platforms like LinkedIn and online forums can help you connect with teachers who have great leads on current job openings.

How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program

When searching for teacher education programs, you should look for ones approved by the state to prepare students for an endorsement in their grade level and subject. Let's say you want to teach high school English. In this case, you would search for a bachelor's or master's degree in secondary education with a concentration in English.

Whether you want to become a kindergarten teacher or work with students in higher grades, schools are ready to help. Maine offers a list of teacher preparation programs to assist students with locating options in their area.

FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Maine

If you're ready to teach in a Maine K-12 school, keep reading. The FAQs below provide additional details about starting this career.

What Requirements Are Needed To Be a Teacher in Maine?

Students who plan to teach in Maine must obtain a teacher certificate with an endorsement at their chosen grade level. To secure this certificate, learners must hold a bachelor's degree, complete a teaching program, and pass the right Praxis tests. When ready to apply for certification, learners will submit their transcripts, contact hours, and test scores. Proof of a background check and fingerprinting is also required.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Teacher in Maine?

Completing a bachelor's degree in education with a teaching program is often the fastest way to start a teaching career in Maine. You'll need about four years to complete these programs. But what if you want to earn a master's degree and don't want to spend two more years in a teaching program? Accelerated degrees in Maine can help you earn two degrees and secure a teacher certificate in just five years.

How Do I Renew My Teacher Certification in Maine?

Teachers can renew their Maine credentials if their certificate has not been expired for more than six months. In most cases, a support chair in a Maine public school will recommend a teacher for renewal. Once recommended, teachers must complete six semester credits or 90 contact hours. They should also submit a renewal application and the correct fees.

Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?

Most schools (public and private) in the U.S. require teachers to hold a bachelor's degree. However, the same is not always the case for teacher certification. Many states let private schools choose their certification requirements. As a result, educators may not need credentials to teach in private school classrooms.

Pursue Your Teaching Certification

Get ready to begin an exciting teaching career by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to learn ways they can help you reach your career goals.