The Elementary Education Major leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. Graduates of the program are eligible for teacher certification by the Maine Department of Education. This certification is recognized by other states and provinces with which Maine shares reciprocity. Elementary Education majors are also required to complete a subject area major in Art, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, or Special Education.

The Elementary Education program is based on national standards in each discipline, Maine's K-12 Learning Results, and Initial Teacher Standards required by the Maine State Board of Education. The Conceptual Framework of the program supports a well-planned sequence of courses and field experiences based on current best practice and educational research.

Graduates of the Elementary Education program have demonstrated competencies for meeting Maine's Initial Teacher Standards through academic study, field experiences, and reflective practice. Working with area schools and professional organizations and agencies, students are given progressive opportunities to put theory and pedagogy into practice.

Admission into a Teacher Education Program

After completion of 45-60 credit hours of study for four-year students or 15 hours for transfers, students may apply for admission into a teacher education program. In order to continue in a teaching major in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Physical Education or Art Education, students must present a professional portfolio to a panel of faculty. To be eligible for admission, a student must have:

• a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher
• successfully completed Edu 150, Edu 200, Psy 100, Eng 101, Eng 151, a Math course, and a Science lab course
• take the Praxis I Assessment of Academic Skills
• other requirements listed in the Portfolio Guide

All Education majors are expected to work closely with their faculty advisors to follow the prescribed sequence of courses for their particular major. Students with advisors who are outside of the School of Education should confer with a member of the Education faculty each semester to keep abreast of changing policies and requirements.

Eligibility for Student Teaching

Prior to student teaching, the student must:

1. Be admitted into an Education Program.
2. Complete a minimum of 90 credit hours of course work including the required professional education sequence (all methods courses must be completed before student teaching).
3. Formally apply to the Director of Field Experiences & Certification at least one semester prior to placement and be approved by departmental faculty. Note: Formal applications are available in the Office of Field Experiences & Certification.
4. Have a 2.50 GPA cumulative average (minimum); have a 2.50 GPA in the subject area major AND the professional sequence; have a 2.50 GPA the semester prior to student teaching.
5. Have satisfactory evaluations in all prior field experiences.
6. Successfully complete the test requirements established by the Maine Department of Education and the University of Maine at Presque Isle. That is, the student must have achieved a passing score on the Praxis I test and must have taken the Praxis II in his or her major.
7. Have a Professional Portfolio under construction. For more Praxis information, go to the UMPI Counseling Services site.
8. Possess and maintain good health.

All candidates for the bachelor's degree must complete the General Education Curriculum.

View Program Requirements (PDF)