Teacher Candidacy

The University of Maine College of Education and Human Development, as a professional school with approved programs from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Maine State Department of Education (DOE), requires all students seeking teacher certification to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful beginning teachers. Upon completion of their program, our students will demonstrate a mastery of the 10 Maine Beginning Standards and the UMaine CAEP Proficiencies. Students will do this through the development of a portfolio that demonstrates, over the course of their professional studies, their dedication to teaching, their ability to be reflective practitioners, to collaborate and synthesize theory and practice and to establish teaching and learning environments; all core principles of the college.

It is recommended that all students apply for teacher candidacy in the second semester of their sophomore year or the first semester of their junior year. Transfer students will need to apply as soon as possible. Teacher candidacy status is required to enroll in all upper division education courses and student teaching.

To apply for teacher candidacy students must submit an electronic portfolio (eFolio). For spring semester admission, portfolio applications must be submitted by October 1. For fall semester admissions, portfolios must be submitted by Feb. 1.

Questions regarding portfolios need to be addressed to the advisors in the Advising Center. The Advising Center staff offers workshops related to the teacher candidacy eFolio process. Please contact the Advising Center for the most up-to-date workshop schedule.

Components of the eFolio:

  • Academic Transcript. Your cumulative GPA in general education courses must be 2.75. A grade of B or better is required in EHD 101, EHD 202, EHD 203, and a child or adolescent development course for early elementary, elementary and secondary education students, or KPE 262 for Teaching/Coaching candidates in Kinesiology and Physical Education. You can request a transcript through the Office of Student Records or print one off your MaineStreet account.
  • Field Experience Report. At the conclusion of spending 5 full days (approximately 30 hours) observing a K-12 classroom (grade level and subject matter must align with student’s program of study) students will write a formal field report around set observation criteria. Specific details regarding the observation can be obtained by attending a workshop or visiting the Advising Center.
  • Field Experience Mentor Teacher Evaluation.
  • Fingerprint/CHRC card.
  • Here is a video that walks you through the basic preparation for completion of Teacher Candidacy: https://video.maine.edu/media/All+Aboard+the+Teacher+Candidacy+Train%21/1_urq7p9lp

If you have any follow up questions, please reach out to advisingcenter@maine.edu.