Elementary Education students works with group of children at desk.

Elementary Education

B.S. Degree with a major in Elementary Education

Teach, Inspire, and Make a Difference

The Elementary Education program at UMF prepares you to become a confident, caring, and highly effective teacher for grades K–8. Through a strong foundation in child development, instructional methods, and inclusive practices, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience needed to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners and make a lasting impact in the classroom.

The Learning Experience

Your learning experience blends coursework with hands-on classroom practice from the start. You’ll work closely with experienced faculty and mentor teachers, gaining real-world experience through field placements, student teaching, and practicums in local schools. This supportive, immersive approach helps you build practical skills, develop your teaching style, and graduate ready to lead your own classroom with confidence.

You’ll have also have access to a wide range of minors and certifications to expand your expertise, both within and outside of education like Special Education, English Language Learning, coaching, and psychology.

 

What Makes UMF’s Education Program Different

Student smiling sitting at table presentation on nature education

Quality and Affordability

Receive a high-quality education with strong support, practical experience, and a cost that keeps your future within reach.
Person pinning special education ceremony on a graduate

Experience and Network

Gain hands-on classroom experience early while building connections with mentors, peers, and local schools.
Black and white image from 1940 of a teacher reaching in front of children

Tradition and Excellence

For over 160 years we’ve built a long-standing reputation for preparing exceptional, career-ready teachers.
Front doors of the Spenciner center in the Education center

Extensive Resources

Early Childhood Learning School, Curriculum Lab, Assistive Technology Center, Everyone’s Resource Depot & more.
UMF employee working with two younger students out in the field.
UMF employee working with two younger students out in the field.

What Can I Do With A Degree in Elementary Education?

  • Classroom Teacher (Grades K–6)

  • Reading or Literacy Specialist

  • Curriculum Developer

  • School Administrator or Coordinator

  • After-School or Community Program Educator

  • Education Consultant

UMF graduates are in classrooms and leadership positions across Maine and beyond. Many secure teaching jobs even before graduation, and our alumni regularly earn recognition as award-winning educators.

83%

Of respondents indicated being employed in the field of education

85%

Have been hired within a year of graduation

94.3%

Of students indicated they were Very Satisfied or Satisfied with their teacher education preparation at UMF.

Education News & Stories

Smiling woman standing in front of UMF Education Center
UMF announces retirement of Katherine Yardley, longtime dedicated faculty member, dean and co-provost of the UMF College of Education, Health and Rehabilitation
September 02, 2026
FARMINGTON, ME  (September 2, 2026)—The University of Maine at Farmington has announced that Katherine Yardley, a longtime UMF College of Education, Health and Rehabilitation faculty member, dean and co-provost who has helped lead Farmington’s academic excellence in its teacher preparation…
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UMF in the News: Two UMF alumnae named as Maine County Teachers of the Year announced as semifinalists for 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year by Maine DOE
July 27, 2026
The Maine Dept. of Education has just announced that eight of the 16 Maine County Teachers of the Year have been named as semifinalists for the 2027 Maine Teacher of the Year. Two of those semifinalists are UMF…
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Rachel Norgang implements a place-based education approach as she shows students how to use a macroinvertebrate identification key during a ponding unit earlier this spring.
UMF alumnae honored as 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year
June 04, 2026
Maine teachers have a deep community connection and that goes especially for the recently named 2026 Maine County Teachers of the Year. This year’s recipients, one from every Maine county, include two outstanding University of Maine at Farmington alumnae—Rachel…
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Voices of UMF: Erika Bickford
June 01, 2026
“The University of Maine at Farmington has empowered me to deepen my knowledge, strengthen my leadership skills, and further my commitment to ensuring all students feel a sense of belonging and access to meaningful educational opportunities.” Erika Bickford, a…
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Experienced Educators

At UMF, you’ll learn from experienced faculty who have worked as teachers, leaders, and education specialists and understand what today’s classrooms demand. They support you throughout your journey, offering real-world insight, hands-on guidance, and encouragement as you build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in elementary education.

Contact Us to Get Started!

Office of Admissions
246 Main Street
Farmington, Maine USA 04938-1994
umfadmit@maine.edu
207.778.7050