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The Program
The Teacher Certification 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 majors in
- English
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
- Art (K - 12)
- Health Education (K - 12)
- Physical Education (K - 12)
Program Advantages
· Personalized admission decisions.
· UMPI Canadian tuition rates considerably lower
than most US colleges.
· Graduates who become certified in Maine receive a letter of standing for their provinces.
· Program leads to a second degree (Bachelor of
Liberal Studies or Bachelor of Science in Education).
· Student-teaching placement in Canada
at University-approved locations.
UMPI Advantages
· Small classes allow and encourage
abundant student / faculty interaction
· Student:computer ratio of 13:1.
· 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.
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Sample Schedule
The table below demonstrates a sample schedule which would achieve eligibility for teacher certification in Maine. Approved educational courses are guaranteed to be offered for the 45-hour and the 60-hour extended education program. Extra content courses needed for certification in specific endorsement areas in Maine are not included. A transcript analysis for each individual student is required 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 achieving a passing score on the Praxis I, and fingerprinting in Maine.

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Fingerprinting
You are required to have your fingerprints taken prior to being issued any type of Maine certification. You MUST have your fingerprints taken through a process approved by the Maine Department of Education. Information regarding fingerprinting sites in Maine is availble at: http://informe.org/cgi-bin/doe/fingerprint.pl or by calling the Certification Office at 207.624.6603. Fingerprint packages (for out-of-state residents only) may be ordered by filling out the application request form or by calling the Certification Office directly.
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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, UMPI class of 2002.
"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 class of 2000
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"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, UMPI class of 2000
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"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, UMPI class of 2000
"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, UMPI class of 2000
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