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What is the difference between ETEP Unified K-8 and the regular ETEP K-8?
ETEP Unified K-8 is a 2-year option (including both summers) that combines either a general K-8 certification with K-8 Special Education certification or a general K-8 certification with a K-8 ELL certification. By the end of the program, a Unified student has completed all that is necessary for a certification in K-8 General Education, a certification in either K-8 Special Education or K-8 ELL, and a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning. Nearly all course work is done online, so it is possible to be in diverse locations in Maine and complete the program. This program is especially suitable for those who are serving as educational technicians in public schools. As such, a student can keep his or her job as an Ed. Tech. while doing the necessary coursework.
The regular ETEP K-8 is a full-time, 9-month option. All course work is done in a face-to-face classroom. This program is for those who want to complete teacher certification in K-8 General Education only. The option begins in mid-August and ends in early May. It is not possible to work while doing this intensive program. By the end of the program, a student has 33 credits towards a Master of Science in Education.
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What is the difference between ETEP Unified 7-12 and the regular ETEP 7-12?
ETEP Unified 7-12 is a 2-year option (including both summers) that combines general 7-12 certification with 7-12 Special Education certification. By the end of the option, a Unified student has completed all that is necessary for a certification in 7-12 General Education, a certification in 7-12 Special Education and is nearly done with a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning (3 rd year completes the master’s). Coursework is done in a face-to-face classroom setting. This option is especially suitable for those who are serving as educational technicians in public schools. As such, a student can keep his or her job as an Ed. Tech. while doing the necessary coursework.
The regular ETEP 7-12 is a full-time, 9-month option. All course work is done in a face-to-face classroom. This option is for those who want to complete teacher certification in 7-12 content-based area. The option begins in mid-August and ends in early May. It is not possible to work while doing this intensive program. By the end of the program, a student has 33 credits towards a Master of Science in Education.
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In what geographic areas are placements made?
There are five cohorts in the ETEP option - Portland, Gorham, Secondary, Sanford-Wells-York-Kittery (SWYK) and the ETEP Unified K-8. Many area district schools are involved in each of these cohorts. The Unified K-8 cohort is more widespread due to the fact that it is primarily an online program and many students are employed by school districts as ed. techs.
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What Makes a Strong Candidate for ETEP?
We seek candidates who demonstrate the characteristics of self-knowledge, maturity, sensitivity to others and the ability to adapt to, and learn from, new and challenging situations. Strong candidates to ETEP are also academically strong students. They demonstrate this strength through their performance during the completion of an undergraduate degree in an appropriate academic discipline, by successfully passing Praxis I, and by demonstrating strong written and oral communication skills in the application process. Lastly, strong ETEP candidates have prior experiences working with children in instructional situations where they have developed a learning-centered educational philosophy.
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Can I get certified without going through a university teacher education program like ETEP?
Yes, the state of Maine offers alternative certification pathway which does not require completing a state approved program such as ETEP. However, such a route does not provide the high level of professional preparation that ETEP offers, nor an equal level of competitiveness for obtaining a teaching position. If you are not able to join ETEP and would like to be advised about the alternative pathway, please contact the Maine Department of Education (207-624-6603).
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Are there any courses that are prerequisites for admission to ETEP?
Yes, there are. ETEP is a teacher certification program that provides the professional course work needed to be well prepared for the first year of teaching. ETEP does not include content courses in the liberal arts that are required for teacher certification. Those courses are prerequisites to the program.
The best way to find out where you stand in terms of the coursework that is a prerequisite to ETEP and required for teacher certification is to have a transcript analysis done at USM.This analysis, while not official, is as close as you can get without going to the State of Maine Department of Education to have an analysis. Ultimately, however, it is the responsibility of the student to ascertain whether former coursework will count towards certification. There are many subtleties to doing an analysis, so, while you can do one yourself using the analysis forms online, it is best to have your transcripts checked by the teacher certification advisor at USM. Please contact Patricia Mew, ( pmew@usm.maine.edu or 207-780-5413), for further information.
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What Praxis test do I take?
The Praxis I is also called the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST). It is required as part of the admission application to ETEP. An applicant can take the paper-based or the computer-based version (recommended). The paper-based version is only offered 4 times a year at various locations throughout the U.S. and Maine. USM is one of the testing sites. You can register for the paper-based version online by going to www.ets.org/praxis /register The dates that the test is offered should also be posted on the website.
The computer-based version (recommended) is offered at many Prometrics Centers (a.k.a.Sylvan Learning Center) throughout the U.S. Locally, South Portland has a site. There is a toll-free number to call to register for the computer-based version. That is 1-800-853-6773. The advantage of the computer-based version is that a student receives math and reading scores immediately after completing the test (The writing score takes several weeks.). In addition, it is offered much more frequently than the paper-based version.
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How difficult is the Praxis I?
The Praxis I test - also called the PPST - includes three timed subtests: reading comprehension, writing and math. The writing component includes multiple choice grammar questions as well as a written essay. The math section includes basic numeracy, fractions, decimals, percents, word problems, basic geometry and algebra. Higher level math is not included. The test is similar to SAT tests taken for college admissions or GRE tests taken for graduate school. It is a basic skills test developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
The USM Professional Development Center offers online test preparation for the Praxis I for a monthly fee. For more information visit: http://usm.maine.edu/pdc/praxis.htm
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How much does ETEP cost?
Depending on what ETEP option you are in, you could take anywhere from 24 - 33 credits per year. The ETEP Unified options are typically 24-27 credits per year and the 9-month option is 33 credits per year. The in-state tuition rate for 2008-09 is $327 per credit. There are also fees for such items as parking, health services, courses, and enrollment. These can add up to $300 per semester. So, while ETEP costs a little over $11,800 per year for the one year option, you need to add on transportation, daycare, and book costs. Visit the USM Student Billing webpage to see the most up-to-date costs for tuition and fees. http://www.usm.maine.edu/buso/tuition.htm
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Is financial aid available?
Yes! At the graduate level, part-time (at least six credits per semester) to full-time students are eligible for loans and scholarships. There are many scholarships available both within the University and within the State of Maine for those who pursue teaching. And, some loans may be forgivable for those who teach in a shortage subject area or a low income school. Once a year USM hosts a financial aid night for ETEP applicants in early December that can help you plan your academic finances for the year. For more information on scholarships visit http://www.usm.maine.edu/cehd/prospective-students/scholarships.htm
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Can I have a graduate assistantship while I'm in ETEP?
For those students in the ETEP Unified options, it may be possible to work as a graduate assistant. A typical graduate assistant position is ten hours per week. You receive a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver of 12 credits for the academic year. For more information on graduate assistantships within the College visit: http://www.usm.maine.edu/cehd/prospective-students/scholarships.htm#4
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Can I work while I'm in ETEP?
The only programs in which a job is encouraged are the ETEP Unified K-8 or ETEP Unified 7-12 option (Ed. Tech. positions or graduate assistantships work the best.). The 9-month option is an intensive, full-time one, and there is literally no time for outside work.
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How do I register for classes?
The administrative associate in the teacher education department, Catherine Madore, handles class registration for incoming ETEP students. Students will often try to register for the classes themselves, but this does not work since most ETEP classes are non-print and do not show up on the course schedule. Newly admitted students should communicate with Catherine at 780-5302.
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Can I take classes for ETEP ahead of time?
Generally, this is discouraged. All options in ETEP are self-contained and mandate a certain number of credits. Moreover, coursework is closely connected to the internship and seminar and is taken with a specific cohort. If a student has a recent course that is equivalent of SED 540 (Exceptionality) - which is the only course that could be transferred in to USM, the student needs to choose another course in its place, in consultation with a faculty advisor. Therefore, it is not in your best interest to take any courses ahead of time.
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Will USM help me get a job?
USM does not do job placement, but we have a great Career Services Center in Gorham that works extensively with ETEP interns. Throughout your ETEP year you will have many opportunities to meet with Career Services. And each spring ETEP holds an information session on applying for a teaching position in the K-12 schools. We invite local superintendents and principals to come to talk with you about what they are looking for in a teacher candidate. For more detailed information visit http://www.usm.maine.edu/careers/STUDENTS/Educators/education.htm
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What is the job market like for certified teachers?
The job opportunities depend on individual districts, disciplines, time of year, and certification area. In general if an individual is a "certified" "highly qualified teacher," he or she is in a stronger position than all others. Non-certified, non-highly qualified teachers have a difficult time being considered in most disciplines. Individual profiles can be found on the Maine Department of Labor: http://www.maine.gov/labor/lmis/
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What is the starting salary for teachers in Maine?
The starting salary for all beginning teachers is $30,000. All districts must start at that level but then they have individual negotiation abilities after that. All districts and school's salary steps are public information. Most, if not all districts, have them on their individual web sites.
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