Initial Certification

The Master of Science in Teaching (MST) program may be used as a means for students to progress toward qualifying for secondary mathematics, life science and physical science teacher certifications in Maine. Students taking MST core courses, and carefully selecting electives, will meet many of the Professional Education Requirements.

The RiSE Center adheres to CAEP Accreditation Standards.  The MST  program is designed to progress our graduate students through two years of course work, research, and practical in-classroom experience.  Students are assessed using the Council of Chief State School Officers InTASC and International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards throughout their academic progression. 

Student Teaching

Student teaching is a great way to gain classroom teaching experience with the support and guidance of an experienced classroom teacher!

All students seeking teacher certification will need to complete a semester of student teaching (15 weeks). Students usually complete their student teaching assignment during their second spring semester of the program. During this program MSTs are partnered with a mentor teacher who teaches the grade level and subject area for which the MST is interested in attaining certification. Usually students begin this program by observing the class and learning from the mentor teacher. Over time the student teacher’s role will become more active as they eventually take the lead in instructing the majority, if not all, of the mentor teacher’s classes.

While student teaching, MSTs also take a seminar course that is paired with the student teaching experience (SMT 591). During this class student teachers will reflect on their teaching experiences and develop a teaching portfolio. This class meets in the evenings, approximately six times throughout the course of the spring semester.

Prior to student teaching all MSTs must:

• Be fingerprinted and registered with ME DOE and submit evidence to the MST graduate coordinator (application form for fingerprinting)
• Pass the PRAXIS I and II exams
• Take SED 500: Adapting Instruction for Students with Disabilities with a B+ or higher
• Take one course on diversity-centered content
• Successfully taken the content course(s) associated with the classroom in which the internship will be held (B+ or higher)
• Apply to student teach in the fall prior to student teaching

Applying for Certification

It is the responsibility of MST students desiring certification to work directly with the State of Maine Certification Office to determine all that must be done to qualify. To that end, all MST students desiring certification are encouraged to have the State Certification Office conduct an analysis of their transcripts early in their MST program of study. This process provides each student with documentation of exactly what certification requirements they have met, and which ones they must still meet.

The MST faculty and staff will work closely with students to help them proceed toward meeting the certification requirements. 

Certification Requirements from Maine DOE website:

To complete the ME DOE credentialing application you will need (from DOE website on 1/17/19):

1. Complete and sign application (.doc, 51KB)
2. Enclose all official transcripts
3. Include additional documentation, if necessary
4. Enclose appropriate non-refundable fees ($100)
5. Enclose explanation of application questions to which you answered “yes”
6. Include examination scores (a copy is accepted)
7. Submit application:
   Send all of your application materials together in one package. Incomplete applications will cause delays.

   Mail to:
   Department of Education
   Certification Office
   23 State House Station
   Augusta, ME 04333-0023