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 Ann
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
Four women posing together indoors against a yellow wall, smiling at the camera. Left to right: woman in an orange cardigan and patterned dress, woman in a white top, woman in a denim jacket with a name badge, and woman in a purple shirt with a black blazer and badge.
UMF and Maine DOE bring Maine educators together to support the learning of every student with Inclusive Education Initiative
November 05, 2026
FARMINGTON, ME  (November 5, 2026)—The Maine Dept. of Education (DOE) Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education and the University of Maine at Farmington recently hosted more than 150 dedicated school leaders and educators, from Millinocket to Sanford, at their…
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UMF in the News: Mt. Blue Middle School partnering with UMF on literacy
October 30, 2026
According to a recent Franklin Journal article, Mt. Blue Middle School is expanding academic and behavioral support for students, including a new partnership with the University of Maine at Farmington that provides targeted literacy…
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Maroon University of Maine Farmington banner on a lamppost with orange autumn leaves in the background.
UMF in the News: Farmington-area school district technology specialist, and UMF alumna, earns state award
October 17, 2026
According to a recent article in the Franklin Journal Nicole Lesperance, technology integration specialist and training coordinator for Regional School Unit 9, has received the 2026 ACHIEVE Award from the Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine, recognizing…
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Brunette woman with long bob standing behind table with purple table cloth and Family Violence Project table display
Rooted in Compassion: How UMF Shaped Tabitha Ryan’s Work as an Educator and Advocate
October 13, 2026
Tabitha Ryan (2005) majored in Early Childhood Education and Psychology at the University of Maine at Farmington following her passion for helping children and their families. During her studies, Tabitha gravitated towards Melissa Clawson’s philosophy of education…
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