Certification
As in any state there are variations for different roles. This is a summary; more details can be found at https://www.maine.gov/doe/cert
Maine grants out-of-state reciprocity for shortage areas; more information can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/doe/cert/initial
In Maine, all school employees need to have completed a CHRC (Criminal History Record Check, which includes fingerprinting).
For some roles (e.g., custodian, secretary), the CHRC is the only state-level credential that needs to be satisfied before hire.
Authorization
Maine authorizes paraprofessionals as either Educational Technician I, II, or III.
Ed Tech I requires a high school diploma or GED
Ed Tech II requires 60 college credits of approved study in an educationally-related field
Ed Tech III requires 90 college credits of approved study in an educationally-related field
The Learning Facilitator Program is a "fast track" way to earn Ed Tech III authorization.
For Career and Technical Education, Ed Tech authorization may be provided with documentation of 2+ years of paid applied employment within the field of assignment.
Certification
Maine certifies teachers, specialists, and administrators. Once you've earned one certificate, you can expand into additional endorsements.
Teacher Requirements can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/doe/cert/teacherrequirements
Educational Specialists Requirements can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/doe/cert/edspecrequirements
Administrators Requirements can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/doe/cert/adminrequirements
Most Maine school districts provide tuition benefits for employees to continue their education. It can be very cost-effective to get your foot in the door with a district, and learn while you earn to achieve additional credentials and employment opportunities!
If you need coursework or programming to help you achieve your goals, our post-secondary partners are well-positioned to help:
Eastern Maine Community College: https://www.emcc.edu/academics/programs/programs-of-study/
Husson University: https://www.husson.edu/college-of-science-and-humanities/
University of Maine: https://umaine.edu/edhd/
University of Maine – Augusta: https://www.uma.edu/academics/programs/