Maine Alternative Teacher Certification
Those who are interested in alternative teacher certification have a number of options, but all must have at least a bachelor's degree. Keep reading to find out about requirements, testing, and certification.
Information for Alternative Teacher Certification in Maine
All certifications available to Maine educators require: education, student teaching, exams, and a criminal record check. So for those who did not complete a traditional teacher program, there are several ways to meet these requirements and earn a teaching certificate. Options include additional education, a certification program, or a conditional certificate.
<table border="1"><tr><td>Education Required </td><td>Bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td>Exams Required </td><td>Praxis I, Praxis II, and/or PLT</td></tr>
<tr><td>License Validity Period </td><td>3 years (conditional); 5 years (professional)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Advancement Requirements </td><td>Master's degree <br/>Teaching experience <br/>Additional coursework</td></tr>
<tr><td>Average Salary (2018, Maine educators)* </td><td>$35,560 (preschool); $52,710 (kindergarten); $53,570 (elementary); $53,770 (middle school); $54,240 (high school); $55,120 (career/technical, secondary school)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Growth (2016-2016, nationwide)* </td><td>10.5% (preschool); 7.9% (kindergarten); 7.4% (elementary); 7.5% (middle and high school); 6.4% (career/technical, secondary school)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AlternativeRoutesToCertification">Alternative Routes to Certification</h3><p>There are a few options for obtaining teaching certification in Maine for those who have not completed a teacher education program within their bachelor's degree.
</p><ul><li>Return to school and complete a second degree in education
</li><li>Earn a master's degree in education
</li><li>Participate in a one-year teacher certification program
</li><li>Apply for a conditional certificate with the Maine DOE while completing courses required for a professional certificate
</li></ul><h3 id="section---RequiredEducationAndExperienceForAConditionalCertificate">Required Education and Experience for a Conditional Certificate</h3><p>Each certificate endorsement holds its own specific requirements. To qualify for a conditional certificate, an educator must meet the following requirements:
</p><ul><li>Completion of a bachelor's degree (except for career/technical: a high school diploma or GED may qualify with adequate work experience)
</li><li>Completion of around 24 semester hours of qualifying college coursework (or qualifying work experience)
</li><li>Completion of a background check
</li></ul><p>All courses taken must be at a 100 level or higher from an accredit four-year college. However, up to six semester hours can be waived with a score of 60 or higher on a CLEP subject exam. For example, a passing score could waive an Algebra or an English class requirement.
</p><h3 id="section---ApplyingForCertification">Applying for Certification</h3><p>Once the above requirements are met, applicants will need to submit their fingerprints for a criminal background check. They will also mail their certificate application, official transcripts, a $100 initial application fee, and other applicable documentation to the Maine Department of Education.
</p><h3 id="section---CertificateRenewalAndAdvancement">Certificate Renewal and Advancement</h3><p>Renewals are completed through the Maine Educator Information System website, or MEIS. The website takes applicants step-by-step through the process. The application should only take around 15 minutes, as the site will have the educator's current information on file. There is a $100 renewal fee that will be required before submission. Processing of the renewal can take around 5 weeks.
</p><p>Educators who obtained a conditional certificate can apply for the five-year professional certificate when they have met the additional requirements (such as student teaching and completion of required exams).</p>