MSEd in Teaching and Learning (MTL)

See individual pathways for particular program requirements.

Students in all teacher education pathways must meet USM's 10 Teaching Standards to be recommended for certification:

• Diversity of child / adolescent development, learner needs, and equitable and culturally responsive practices. The teacher demonstrates knowledge of the diverse ways in which students develop and learn by providing learning opportunities that support students' intellectual, physical, emotional and social development.
• Knowledge of subject matter and inquiry. The teacher understands the framework and standards of the subject matter she/he teaches. She/he uses the discipline's tools of inquiry, central concepts, and internal structure, and makes interdisciplinary connections to promote learners' inquiry.
• Beliefs about teaching and learning. The teacher clearly communicates beliefs about teaching, learning, and the role of education in ensuring access and equity for all students.
• Technology. The teacher understands the social, ethical and legal issues associated with the use of technology and tools of the discipline and uses technology and tools to support teaching practice and student learning.
• Professionalism and collaboration. The teacher demonstrates professional ethical and legal behavior within school and community and works collaboratively with colleagues, parents, and community members to improve conditions of learning for all students and adults.
• Positive classroom environment. The teacher creates a democratic learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, student responsibility, and self-motivation.
• Instructional planning and implementation. The teacher constantly plans and evaluates instruction based on knowledge of the learner, subject matter, community, intended student standards and curriculum.
• Instructional strategies. The teacher understands and uses a variety of appropriate instructional strategies and tools to promote learning and inquiry based on knowledge of the learner, subject matter, community, intended student standards and curriculum.
• Assessment. The teacher understands and uses a variety of informal and formal assessment strategies to evaluate and support the development of the learner.
• Professional development. The teacher is above all a learner who reflects on and evaluates choices and actions, and continually strives to improve practice.

ETEP Admission Requirements

For more detailed application information, please refer to the ETEP Application Guide:

http://usm.maine.edu/teacher-education

Minimum Requirements: Academic Preparation

An earned bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in a baccalaureate degree program. Applicants who do not have a 2.5 overall GPA must enclose a letter asking for special consideration, in which they provide evidence of an ability to complete graduate studies successfully. Without such a letter, applicants who fail to meet eligibility requirements may be automatically denied.

Applicants must show completion of required academic content for the intended certification area (can be in progress at the time of application)

Praxis I scores that meet the state of Maine's certification requirements (see detail in Testing Requirements)

Relevant Experience and Professional Potential:

• prior experiences working with school-aged children in instructional or leadership situations
• a learner-centered educational philosophy
• self-knowledge, maturity, and sensitivity toward others
• ability to adapt to, and learn from, new and challenging situations
• excellent written and oral communication skills

Application Deadlines

January 9: First Round

March 8: Second Round

• Candidates should submit all application materials to the USM Office of Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300 by the application deadline.

Application must include

• A submitted online graduate admission application.
• The application fee of $65.00.
• Two sets of official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, including USM.
• Praxis I Test report.
• Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's potential for pursuing graduate level academic work, experience working with child and youth, and dispositions for being a professional teacher. Recommendations must be received either directly from the recommender or forwarded by the applicant in sealed envelopes with the recommender's signature over the seal. The recommendations should be from persons able to comment from direct knowledge of the applicant's potential for success as a teacher and graduate student.
• Resume showing history of employment, education, and community service.
• Essay (see below).
• ETEP Program Selection Sheet.
• Catalog of Experiences (see below).
• Certification of finances (international students only).
• Submission of official TOEFL or IELTS scores (if English is not first language).

Special Essay Question

The essay applicants submit is a replacement to Question 17 in the Graduate School Application. It is a thoughtful response to the following prompt:

The Equity Framework explained on pages 4-5 of this ETEP Application Guide describes the Teacher Education Department's commitment to equity in the education of the students we serve. How do you see yourself providing equitable opportunities to learn for your students? Illustrate your thinking by using specific examples.

Catalog of Experiences

Provide an annotated list of experiences particularly significant in your development as a learner and prospective teacher. The catalog should describe experiences working with children and any events that have led to a deeper understanding of the intended content area(s). It should also include the insights gained from these experiences.

Testing Requirements

All individuals seeking Maine teacher certification must achieve minimum scores on a basic skills assessment in reading, writing, and math. Praxis I is therefore a requirement for admission into the MTL. To pass Praxis I applicants must have a composite score of 526 (or higher), including all scores within three points of passing. Passing scores: Reading: 176, Writing: 175. Mathematics: 175

For information about the application process and special admission requirements of the Extended Teacher Education Program, contact the USM Office of Graduate Admissions, 39 Exeter Street, Portland, ME 04104-9300, (207) 780-5306, and ask for a copy of the ETEP Application Guide; or find it on the Web at http://usm.maine.edu/teacher-education

Applicants whose native language in not English must have earned a score of at least 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 79 or higher on the Internet-based test, or 213 on the computer-based test, or an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher.

Undergraduate Pathway Admission Requirements

Two undergraduate teacher certification programs also lead to the master's in Teaching and Learning:

• Teachers for Elementary and Middle Schools
• Secondary Mathematics Education Program: http://usm.maine.edu/math/msed-secondary-mathematics-education

Please see listed Web sites or the undergraduate catalog for more information.

Upon completion of their baccalaureate degree and the teacher education candidacy process, students may apply for admission to the MTL.

TEAMS Application Requirements

Minimum Requirements: Applicant must have a bachelor's degree and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) in a baccalaureate degree program;
Applicant must show completion of required academic content for the intended certification area (can be in progress at the time of application)

Application Deadlines

Rolling admission with priority deadlines of:

• March 15 for fall matriculation
• November 1 for spring matriculation

Admission to the MTL for TEAMS Students:

• Application must include:
• A submitted online graduate admission application;
• The application fee of $65.00;
• Two sets of official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, including USM;
• Praxis I Test Scores;
• One letter of recommendation from a USM teacher education faculty member attesting to the applicant's successful completion of undergraduate teacher education requirements;
• Resume showing history of employment, education, and community service; and
• Essay (Teaching Philosophy).

Teacher Education Program Policy

The faculty of the School of Education and Human Development reserve the right to accept and retain only those students who, in the judgment of the faculty, satisfy the requirements of scholarship, maturity, and personal suitability for teaching. The program maintains the ability to change admission and/or Program Requirements as needed to meet changes in state certification standards.

Professional Licensure and Certification Notice

Students who are pursuing degrees leading to application for professional licensure or certification, and/or who will be participating in clinical placements, internships, or practica through their USM program should be aware that their host facility may require a criminal background check, finger printing, or drug screening. In such situations, each student is responsible for obtaining and paying for the background check or other screening process and for delivering required documentation to the facility. Although the University will make reasonable efforts to place admitted students in field experiences and internships, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility. Students should further be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the state certification body. Students may consult the certification body corresponding to their intended occupation for more details. Successful completion of a program of study at USM does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.