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Teacher Education Programs

Preparing Maine’s Teachers

If you’re interested in teaching, inspiring, and making a real difference in the lives of children and adolescents, there is no better place to come than the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF). For over 160 years, UMF has been preparing some of the best and brightest educators.

You’ll learn from experienced faculty and step into real classrooms early and often. You’ll be ready to hit the ground running as a new teacher or take your current career to the next level.

If you are made to teach, this is where teachers are made.

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UMF professor helping three UMF students in class
UMF professor helping three UMF students in class

Our Education Programs

UMF offers a full range of teacher preparation pathways— 12 bachelor’s degrees, 7 master’s programs (including an accelerated bachelor’s + master’s option), and 12+ graduate certificates—all grounded in hands-on, real-world classroom experience.

From your first class throughout your career, UMF is here to support your growth as an educator.

 

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Why Become a Teacher with UMF

Classroom Experience and Network

Gain hands-on classroom experience early while building connections with mentors, peers, and local schools.
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Extensive Resources

Our on-campus state-of-the-art Sweatt-Winter Early Childhood Lab School, Curriculum Lab, Assistive Technology Center, Everyone’s Resource Depot & more.
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Tradition and Excellence

For over 160 years we’ve built a long-standing reputation for preparing exceptional, career-ready teachers.
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Quality and Affordability

Receive a high-quality education with strong support, practical experience, and a cost that keeps your future within reach.
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Becky Hallowell
Becky Hallowell

Oh, the Places You’ll Go

UMF graduates are known for being classroom-ready, with strong preparation that leads to high employment rates within months of graduating and long-term success in the field.

Our alumni have been recognized with honors including 25+ Maine Teachers of the Year (including Maine County Teachers of the Year), the Milken Educator Award, the U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, and awards from organizations such as the Gilder Lehrman Institute, the National Science Foundation, and the Google Teacher Academy.

UMF prepares you not just to enter the profession—but to grow, lead, and shape the future of education.

 

15 Weeks

That’s how much time you’ll spend teaching in a real classroom as part of your student teaching requirement.

85%

Percentage of students who are employed in teaching within 1 year of graduation.

CAEP Accredited

Our education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Programs (CAEP), the gold standard in teacher preparation.

Learn from Experienced Educators

At UMF, you’ll learn from faculty who’ve been there as experienced teachers, leaders, and specialists who know today’s classrooms.

They’ll support you every step of the way, sharing real-world insight and helping you build the skills and confidence to succeed.
Shannon Larsen
Shannon Larsen

Professor of Elementary Education

About Shannon
Patricia Williams
Patricia Williams

Professor of Early Childhood Education

About Patricia
Mellisa Clawson
Mellisa Clawson

Professor of Early Childhood Education

About Mellisa
Donna Karno
Donna Karno

Professor of Early Childhood Education

About Donna
Brianna Grumstrup
Brianna Grumstrup

Assistant Professor of Special Education

About Brianna
Daniel Jackson
Daniel Jackson

Associate Professor of Mathematics

About Daniel
Jessica Apgar
Jessica Apgar

Assistant Professor of Special Education

About Jessica
Kate Macleod
Kate Macleod

Associate Professor of Special Education

About Kate
Kathryn Will
Kathryn Will

Assistant Professor Literacy Education

About Kathryn
Leigh Ann Fish
Leigh Ann Fish

Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education

About Leigh
Meredith Swallow
Meredith Swallow

Associate Professor of Elementary Education

About Meredith
Briana Markoff
Briana Markoff

Associate Professor of Education

About Briana
Deborah Overstreet
Deborah Overstreet

Associate Professor of Education

About Deborah

Education News & Stories

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Great Grad Stories: UMF Student Alice Skiff “Creating Caring Classrooms”
May 08, 2026
Alice Skiff, from Newcastle, Maine, is graduating with a UMF Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, and she remembers the first time she heard about inclusion—the practice of educating all students together in general education classrooms, regardless of…
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Voices of UMF: Hannah Comfort
May 06, 2026
“My time at UMF has been a transformative journey that rooted my professional and personal practices in growth, presence, and possibility.” Hannah Comfort is a 2026 graduate of UMF’s Master’s in Educational Leadership program…
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Student shaking hand of UMF president holding degree on commencement stage smiling
Voices of UMF: Sarah Reynolds
April 11, 2026
“UMF is a place where you are never just a number; everyone from every department is genuinely rooting for you and wants to see you succeed.” Sarah Reynolds is a 2026 graduate of UMF’s…
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Voices of UMF: Ayla Bodach-Turner
April 10, 2026
“Between academic learning and outdoor sport adventures I felt at home.” Meet Ayla Bodach-Turner, a 2026 graduating senior from Montpelier, Vermont, earning a B.S. in Early Childhood Education (Dual Certification, birth–3rd grade) with a minor…
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Next Steps

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