University of New England

Outcome: Eligible for Teaching Certification by State of Maine

College: Arts and Sciences

Department: Education

Contact: Dr. Susan J. Hillman (Chair) shillman@une.edu

This program is for individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree and are interested in a career in teaching. Through course work designed to satisfy department and state requirements, certification in elementary (K-8), secondary education (7-12 in either life science, physical science, English, history, mathematics), or art education can be obtained.  After completion of this certification program a student is eligible to enroll in the Master’s in Education degree with a concentration in Teaching Methodology.  This master’s builds on the TCP program and with the addition of 5 core courses (15 credits), one also receives a master’s degree in education.

1. A completed application form;
2. Three letters of reference;
3. Personal essay;
4. Official passing scores on Praxis I;
5. Official transcripts from all institutions (including UNE) verifying successful completion of the bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and, if seeking secondary or art certification, a minimal grade point average of 3.0 in the subject field in which one wishes to teach;
6. Completed transcript analysis from the Maine Department of Education.

During the program all professional education courses must be passed with a C or better and an overall grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained.  Students receiving a grade below C in any education course must retake the course until at least a C is attained and cannot take additional courses until this requirement is met. 

As of the October 1, 2006 application deadline for internships beginning the spring of 2007, all students must show evidence of passing Praxis II before the internship application deadline.

Students may obtain Praxis II registration information from the Department of Education office or from the Educational Testing Service website.

In addition to these achievement requirements, students admitted to UNE's teacher education programs are assessed systematically for the purpose of determining their professionalism and suitability for teaching. Students complete self-assessment questionnaires in each professional education course and these are reviewed by faculty. If serious reservations arise in two or more of the assessments, a committee will convene to determine a student’s continuance in the program.  Finally, students must participate in the Professional Education Review Board (referenced later in this section of the catalog) in which competency in the ten Maine teaching standards must be shown.

Transfer Credit

Students are permitted to transfer a maximum of 9 credits into the TCP if the courses are determined to be equivalent to UNE requirements.  A transcript of the graduate work, course description and syllabus must be submitted to your education advisor to begin the process of review.   

Program Standards-Accreditation Importance Notice

The Education Certification Programs are approved by the Maine Department of Education and meet documented state standards.  Please note that state requirements can change over time, which can affect curriculum and test requirements for students. Please check with your education advisor to obtain any updates. 

Field Experience
The faculty in the Department of Education are committed to ongoing and frequent observation and involvement in schools. The teacher education programs at UNE have a specific competency-based focus to meet the ten Maine standards for teacher certification. All students engaged in teacher preparation will spend time in a field setting in each of the semesters for which they are registered for professional education courses. Involvement in the schools will be connected to specific, course-related tasks (e.g., observation, the teaching of lessons, conducting of experiments, administration of assessments, etc.) The actual number of hours spent in the school setting will depend upon the number and nature of the courses in which students are involved. Transportation to and from schools is the responsibility of the student.

Internship

Courses may not be taken during the internship semester, so all required coursework must be completed the semester prior to the internship.  Admission to the internship is not guaranteed (see section on “Admission requirements and successful progression in the program”).  In addition, the student should have:

1. Sufficient knowledge regarding the components of effective instruction.
2. Sufficient knowledge of appropriate grade-level content and teaching methods.
3. Sufficient knowledge of the developmental needs of students.
4. Sufficient knowledge of how to establish and maintain effective cooperative relationships with  school personnel, students, and parents.
5. Understanding of and empathy for working with students.

The selection of individual internship sites will be made by the Certification and Placement Officer. Geographical location relative to UNE is a consideration. UNE has a collaborative relationship with many districts and selects both schools and teachers based on their interest in and ability to assist interns in demonstrating mastery of the Initial Certification standards.  Placement in an internship is not guaranteed. The Department of Education, through its Certification and Placement Officer, will make a good faith effort to negotiate an appropriate placement. Schools have the right to refuse placement requests.  The University, at its discretion, will not place students in internship settings (1) where an intern's children or relatives are enrolled, or (2) where a spouse or relative of an intern is currently employed.

Professional Educator Review Board (PERB)

All students enrolled in the internship must demonstrate their teaching competence with respect to Maine's Ten Standards for Initial Certification before the Professional Educator Review Board (PERB). The Board is comprised of professional educators from area schools as well as UNE faculty.  Students are required to develop a portfolio reflecting their proficiency in meeting these state standards and present and defend the portfolio in front of the Board.  Passing the PERB is a requirement for completion of the certification program and subsequently being recommended to the Maine State Department of Education for teacher licensure.

Additional Academic Policies

Course Withdrawal Policy
In the fall, spring and summer semesters, a student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty with a grade of W at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester as specified in the current academic calendar. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average.

Incomplete Policy
An incomplete (I) grade may be given by the instructor to a student, who is doing passing work in a course, but who, for reasons beyond his/her control, is not able to complete the work on time. The I grade must be changed within the time limit determined by the instructor and may not extend beyond six weeks following the end of the semester or 30 days following the end of an eight-week session. Until changed, the I grade defers computation of credits and grade points for the course to which it is assigned. Failure to complete the work before the limitation date, or within the time imposed by the instructor, results in the assignment of an administrative *F grade for the course. Once an I grade is removed, academic standing will be updated according to dean's list, good standing or probationary standards.

Completion Requirements
All coursework including the internship should be completed within a five-year timeframe.  A delay beyond the five years might warrant the retaking of course work.  Furthermore, if state certification requirements change prior to your completion even within the five year timeframe, those changes must be incorporated into a revised plan program in order to meet state certification regulations. 

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid
Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call 207-602-2342, or visit the Financial Aid website.

See Education: Graduate Programs Information page.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2006-2007 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2006.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.