Into The Local Schools

Starting during your first semester in one of our teacher preparation programs, you work with children in school settings and observe experienced teachers practicing the skills and techniques you’re studying. You visit these field settings in the local community during every semester in which you are taking courses in one of the programs. The visits allow you to carry out specific course-related tasks such as conducting observations, teaching lessons, conducting experiments, and administering assessments.

Student Teaching Internship

Toward the end of your program, you complete a 15-week student teaching internship at a school that is in close proximity to one of UNE's campuses and has a preexisting relationship with UNE. Because our education programs have cultivated collaborative relationships with these schools through the years, we have come to know their cultures and faculty members well. We rely on them and they rely on us to place student teachers in classrooms where they will gain meaningful learning experiences and where the local students will benefit too.  

UNE Student Teaching Day in the Life

Professional Education Review Board

All undergraduate students enrolled in the internship and students completing the post-baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program (TCP) must demonstrate their competence and understanding of the InTASC standards before the Professional Education Review Board (PERB). The board is comprised of professional educators from area schools, as well as UNE faculty.

A student teaching two children in a classroom

Outreach

UNE's education is committed to connecting with and supporting educators in Cumberland and York counties and throughout Maine and New England. Our faculty participate with teachers and school administrators in expanding the quality and improvement of instruction.

Additionally, school personnel host our aspiring teachers by inviting them into their schools and classrooms, serving as mentor teachers, and participating as members of UNE's Professional Education Review Board.

Learn more about the Future Teachers of Maine Summer Institute

Mentor Future Teachers of Maine

Global Opportunities

As an Education student, you enjoy opportunities to participate in a variety of different global learning experiences through UNE's Global Education Program. These experiences are designed to enhance your worldview and introduce you to diverse populations. Tangier, Morocco and Seville, Spain are semester-long study abroad experiences that offer humanities courses that can fulfill your College of Arts and Sciences core requirements.

Along with the semester programs, you will find a travel course — a Spring semester course that visits Ireland — led by Dr. Lane Clarke. To enroll in this course, you must submit an application to the Global Education Program. Other faculty-led short-term immersion experiences are also available to you, including trips that allow you to complete your Citizenship credit in education settings in countries such as Brazil or the Dominican Republic. You are encouraged to apply for a Global Education scholarship when applying to these courses.

Ireland

EDU 242 Comparative Education in a Global Context

Dr. Lane Clarke

This course investigates comparative education theories and philosophy to examine education in different contexts and includes spending eight days in Ireland in mid-May following final exams. You extend your knowledge of society and how this is enacted through the institution of its schools. In Ireland, you visit schools and learn about Irish culture and history by touring castles, the famous Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands. Other highlights may include exploring the Ring of Kerry and spending time in Galway, Cork, Kinsale, and Killarney.

Intramurals

The mission of the Intramural Sports program is to provide fun and safe activities for the UNE community for the purpose of promoting growth and development, positive interpersonal relationships, and healthy lifestyles. The UNE Intramural Sports program offers all undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, faculty, and professional staff 22+ opportunities to engage in a wide variety of recreational activities. These activities are open to men and women and include both team and individual sport activities.