The Program
The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Program is intended for the person who has earned a three- or four- year baccalaureate degree in a certifiable field but who has little or no coursework in professional education. A plan is designed for each student utilizing the courses taken in the previous degree. The graduate is eligible for certification through the Maine Department of Education. The University of Maine at Presque Isle offers education programs in the following areas:
- Elementary Education (K – 8)
- Secondary Education (7 – 12) with concentrations in
- English
- Social Studies
- Mathematics
- Life Science
- Physical Science
- Physical Education (K – 12)
Program Advantages
- Personalized admission decisions
- Program is a balance of theory and practice, and the faculty have experience in higher ed and the K-12
- UMPI Canadian tuition rates are considerably lower than most US colleges
- Graduates who become certified in Maine receive a letter of professional standing for their provinces
- Program leads to an education degree
- Student-teaching placement in Canada at University-approved locations.
- Standard program can be completed in 18-24 months
UMPI Advantages
- Small classes allow and encourage abundant student / faculty interaction
- Safe campus and community environment
- Swimming, skiing, camping, snow shoeing and other recreational opportunities
- Support as students work with U.S. Immigration
- Short drive to New Brunswick
Program Schedule
The table below demonstrates how a post-baccalaureate student may achieve eligibility for teacher certification in Maine by studying at UMPI. Approved educational courses are guaranteed to be offered for the 45-hour and the 60-hour extended credit program. Extra content courses needed for certification in specific endorsement areas in Maine are not included. A transcript analysis for each individual student is done by program staff to determine content courses needed. Content courses may be taken at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, if available. Eligibility for teacher certification also requires fingerprinting and criminal background check in Maine.
| Sequence of courses | 45 credit hour program | 60 credit hour program |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | 15-18 credits | 18 credits |
| Second Semester | 15-18 credits | 18 credits |
| May-June Semester (Taken at completion or in midst of coursework) | Take up to 12 credits | |
| Final SemesterMay be done in the student’s home province at approved sitesSupervised by UMPI professional education staffIncludes pre-student teaching seminars and materials | 12 credits | 12 credits |
What Canadian students say about their UMPI experience
“The small school atmosphere here is wonderful and creates some real opportunities for close interaction with professors. I’ve been really impressed with the education faculty. They keep up-to-date with the latest trends in education and believe strongly in the constructivist theory, which focuses on the active role of the learner and encourages hands-on, minds-on learning. I’ve also been impressed with the number of activities on campus. Coming from a major city, I was unclear what kind of social life might be available. But the campus has a very active Student Activities Board that brings a lot of bands, movies, and other entertainment to campus on a regular basis. The campus also has some very active clubs and organizations, and the Outdoor Adventure Program really spices up the winter! Attending UMPI was a major decision. I believe that I am receiving a quality education with a personal touch.”
–Lea Lamoureux from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
“Almost 20 years after earning my B.A., my desire to become a teacher led me to the University of Maine. At UMPI I found the support I needed to succeed, not only as a mature student, but also as a Canadian attending an American university. Emphasis is given to making the transition as smooth as possible, and your experience a positive one.”
–Kelly McFadden from Russell, Ontario
“UMPI has provided me with the necessary skills and knowledge that are needed to become successful in today’s teaching environment. The small campus and small classes made getting to know your professors and peers much easier and more relaxed. The entire Education Department at the University honestly cares about your success in the program, and they all do whatever they can to help you along the way.”
–Robert Baldwin from Sydney, Nova Scotia
“Thanks to the University of Maine at Presque Isle, I was able to obtain the education I needed to achieve my career goal of becoming an elementary teacher. In addition, UMPI provided me with a small classroom setting in which learning was optimized, and professors and faculty members were approachable and helpful. I am currently teaching in the Northwest Territories, where I am putting to use the skills and knowledge I gained during my education at UMPI.”
–Kelly Andrews from Lakefield, Ontario
“My experience of the Education Program at the University of Maine at Presque Isle was very rewarding and enabled me to obtain a job at the completion of the program. The small campus atmosphere created a productive learning community that encourages teamwork and higher learning. UMPI has instilled in me the confidence and skills necessary to be successful in the world today.”
–Melissa Fouger from Victoria Mines, Nova Scotia
Requirements
The University has a rolling admissions policy, which means students can apply at anytime. This policy doesn’t work well for the post baccalaureate teacher certification program. First, for students coming from Canada, there is paperwork for a visa that takes time–you need to fill out an affidavit of support form that asks for financial information. Second, the University has limited slots. Sometimes the seats fill up early, sometimes late. So we suggest that students apply no later than mid-July. Sooner is better. For students applying after July, please call first.
We accept students with an overall GPA of 3.0.
A student that begins our program with the intention of completing 45 EDU credit hours will complete it in 3 semesters carrying 5 half year courses for two semesters (30 credit hours) on the campus and a third semester in their home area for the student teaching practicum(15 credit hours).
Students who want the 60 hour program will carry 6 half year courses for two semesters (36 credit hours)on campus, a compact summer session of 3 courses (9 credit hours) and a third semester of a student teaching practicum (15 credit hours).
If a student comes to us with courses in education from their first degree they will count toward the total hours required by their province.
We require two letters of recommendation, preferably from academics and official transcripts from all universities you have attended. We also need verification that you have worked with children/youth for a minimum of 50 hours. If you have not done this you will be expected to complete 50 hours while you are in the program. The Maine Department of Education requires that applicants for teacher certification must achieve the established qualifying scores on the Praxis I, the Praxis II and in some cases the PLT exams before initial certification is granted. Post baccalaureate students are not required to take these tests before being admitted to the program.
Maine State Law requires that all students who are enrolled full-time or part-time in a degree program show proof of immunity to the following infectious diseases: measles (rubeola), rubella (German measles), mumps (2 MMR, both after your 1st birthday) if born after December 31, 1956, and tetanus/diphtheria (TD) all students regardless of age. Students will not be able to register for classes without proof of immunization.
You are required to have your fingerprints taken prior to field experience in area schools and before being issued any type of Maine Department of Education certification. You must have your fingerprints taken through a process approved by the Maine Department of Education. This process can be completed once you arrive on campus. Information regarding fingerprinting in Maine is available on the Maine Department of Education website.
