Two student teachers in front of students in classroom pointing the board

Teacher Education Programs

Degree Completion Program

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.
Student Teaching

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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Affordable

Receive a high-quality education with strong support, practical experience, and a cost that keeps your future within reach.
Financial Aid & Costs

Tradition and Excellence

For over 160 years we’ve built a long-standing reputation for preparing exceptional, career-ready teachers.
UMF’s History
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
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

View all Education News
Bearded man in a navy shirt sits on a desk in a classroom, holding a large illustrated poster about teaching. A U.S. flag hangs by windows behind him.
Tyler Brown ’16: Bringing Curiosity Into the Classroom
September 21, 2026
“Bring your curiosity,” Tyler Brown ’16 tells his students at Mt. Blue High School. As a History teacher, he wants his students to do more than memorize dates and names. He puts them at the center of their own…
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Smiling woman seated at a desk in an classroom, with a large green map of Maine on the wall and schedules on a corkboard behind her.
Alicia Bridges ‘25: A Place to Learn, A Place to Belong
September 16, 2026
Alicia Bridges ‘25 always knew she wanted to be a teacher. After earning her degree at UMF, in secondary education, she is now in her second year of teaching at Mt. Blue Middle School.
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UMF in the News: 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year finalists includes UMF alumna Gina Welch ‘00
September 08, 2026
Four Maine educators have been announced as state finalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year by the Maine Dept. of Education including Gina Welch, a Pre-K Teacher at Crescent Park Elementary School and 2000 UMF graduate; Abby…
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Smiling girl in a classroom holding a back-to-school poster with her name on it (Ms. Smith).
Fallon Smith ’26: Ready for the Classroom
September 04, 2026
Fallon Smith ‘26 is ready to get to work. She started her first week of school as a Math and STEM teacher at T.W. Kelly Dirigo Middle School, where she is looking forward to putting her classroom experience and…
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Poster announcing Fall Literacy and Numeracy Playbook Launch by Maine Department of Education, with pencils and books on the left.
DOE Fall Literacy and Numeracy Playbook Launch Event
September 28, 2026 • 10:00 AM
Maine administrators, educators, coaches, and community partners are invited to celebrate a major milestone in advancing teaching and learning statewide at the Maine Department of Education (DOE) fall launch events for the Literacy and Numeracy Playbooks, an initiative focused on…
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