About the College

At the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development, we promote learning and wellness across the lifespan, shaping leaders who will go on to shape the world. No other institution in Maine offers the diversity and scope of expertise in education and human development, or the capacity to provide relevant research, evaluation and data to inform decisions made by schools, communities and policymakers.

A photo with a blue color overlay showing a flag on the University of Maine campus with the text "College of Our Hearts Always."

Our Mission

Drawing on a rich tradition of excellence, the College of Education and Human Development at Maine’s flagship university is committed to leading innovation in Maine’s PreK-12 schools, higher education institutions, and agencies that support academic, cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. We promote effective teaching and learning, identify critical issues, conduct research, and disseminate findings. Collaborating with external partners and experts across the University of Maine, we prepare our graduates to engage in ethical conduct, reflective practice, meaningful inquiry, and data-driven decision making in order to meet the increasingly diverse needs of our state and the world in which we live.

A photo of a teacher at Milbridge Elementary School.

Our Vision

The College of Education and Human Development will be a leader in developing knowledge and providing expertise on issues related to education and human development at a state, regional and national level.

Leading in Maine, the U.S., and beyond

Educating the Whole Person. Spanning a Lifetime.

Our students have opportunities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels to gain expertise and experience in teacher education, educational administration in PreK-20 settings, child development and family relations, literacy education, special education, STEM education, as well as athletic training, exercise science, and physical education.

UMaine’s educator preparation programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Information on our enrollment rates, degrees conferred and other important measures of our college’s success can be found by clicking on the button below.

A photo of a student at one of the University of Maine's commencement ceremonies.
Literacy coach Old Town Elementary School

Key Priorities

As the land grant College of Education and Human Development at Maine’s only research university, we are responsive to the needs of the state. In this setting, we focus on how to serve and provide evidence-based practices for the State’s largely rural schools in a shifting global landscape. Through our leadership, thousands of PreK-12 students in communities throughout Maine experience positive behavioral interventions at school and beyond, and our outreach programs in literacy and special education ensure the most vulnerable among them get the services and support they need.

Kelsey-Stoyanova-news-feature

2022 Maine Teacher of the Year Kelsey Stoyanova ’14, ’18G, ’23G

Alumni Success

As the largest, most comprehensive educator preparation and training program in Maine, we have graduates teaching in every district across the state. Many of our alumni have gone on to be recognized as Maine Teachers of the Year and Maine County Teachers of the Year. Others have received the prestigious Milken Educator Awards. We salute these outstanding educators and congratulate them on their achievement.

  • Kelsey Stoyanova, ’14, ’18G (2022)
  • Cindy Soule, ’95 (2021)
  • Kaitlin Young, ’10 (2018)
  • Tamara Ranger, ’07G (2017)
  • Shelly Moody, ’04G (2011)
  • Sherri Gould, ’11G (2005)
  • Elaine Hendrickson, ’73, ’91G (2001)
  • Argy Nestor, ’99G (1995)
  • Richard Kent, M.A. studies (1993)
  • Franklin McElwain, ’77, ’88G (1992)
  • Linda Voss, ’90G (1987)
  • Charles Seymour, ’97G (1986)
  • Lawrence Greenleaf, ’82G (1984)
  • Marlene Day, ’77 (1983)
  • Sarah Chipman, ’57, ’66G (1981)
  • Mildred Merrill, ’70 (1978)
  • Roberta Rogers, ’64 (1976)
  • Vivian Smith, ’56, ’65G (1974)
  • Ruth Nunan, ’41 (1970)
  • Emmett Stevens, ’51, ’55G (1969)
  • Elizabeth Brennan, ’59G (1968)
  • Donald Mailloux, ’61G (1967)
  • Madelyn Linscott, ’64 (1966)
  • Elizabeth Ray, ’47, ’55G (1954)
  • Sarah Collins, ’08, ’14G (2022)
  • Hillary Hoyt Bellefleur, ’13 (2021)
  • Adam Parvanta, ’03 (2019)
  • Vaughn A. Martin, ’80 (2002)
  • Bonnie Dill, ’85 (1999)
  • Trina Beaulier, ’69 (1998)
  • Katherine Bauer, ’92G (1996)
  • Earl Coombs, Jr., ’07G (1995)
  • Richard “Dick” Durost, ’85G (1995)
  • Roger Fuller, ’72 (1993)
  • S. Page Keeley, ’04G (1993)
  • Richard Kent, M.A. studies (1993)
  • Ann (Billings) Adjutant, ’62 (1992)
  • Franklin McElwain, ’77 (1992)
  • Janet Allen, ’83G (1991)
  • Jeannette Condon, ’73 (1990)
  • Joseph Mattos, ’82G, ’11G (1990)
  • Pamela Rolfe, ’67 (1990)

Giving to the college

The success and impact of the College of Education and Human Development’s students, alumni, academic programs, and research and outreach would not be possible without community support. Use the button below to learn more about how you can give to the college and boost our work.

Our History

  • 1906 — The first education courses are offered in the College of Arts and Sciences
  • 1908 — Dr. Charles Davidson first documented Professor of Education. Dr. Davidson taught courses in topics such as History of Education, School Hygiene, and Application of Educational Theory
  • 1930 — School of Education established
  • 1931 — The Human Development program is formed, and its home (Merrill Hall) is dedicated
  • 1958 — College status granted by the Board of Trustees to become the College of Education
  • 1961 — Shibles Hall dedicated after Dean Mark Shibles
  • 1967 — First doctoral comprehensive exams administered
  • 1968 — The School of Human Development is organized
  • 1980 — College reorganized to have 3 divisions with assistant deans overseeing each one
  • 1993 — The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is organized
  • 1997 — The Department of Human Development and Family Studies joins the College, renamed the College of Education and Human Development

An outdoor portrait of Elizabeth Allan on the University of Maine campus.

Faculty and Staff Awards

Every year, the College of Education and Human Development recognizes faculty and staff excellence through several awards. The honorees are nominated by members of the college community and selected by the college’s Awards Committee. Click the button below for past winners.

Learn more about us

Our Conceptual Framework

Reflective Practice is at the heart of our conceptual framework, which provides for coherence between the programs, curricula, instruction, scholarship, service, candidate performance, and assessment and evaluation in the college. Learn more.

Subscribe to our email newsletter

The College of Education and Human Development produces a quarterly email newsletter for students, alumni and other stakeholders. To receive these updates in your inbox click here.

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Questions?

Email coehd@maine.edu.