Secondary Education

The mission of the Department of Education is to develop reflective teachers who are competent and caring lifelong learners. Our faculty members are dedicated to our students, university, and community through our research, service, and innovative teaching. In addition to the mission statement, the Department of Education has four guiding principles that are used in development and delivery of all courses and programs. These principles are:

• Rigorous mind
• Compassionate heart
• Competent demonstration
• Reflective stance

These guiding principles are integrated into all of our programs and align with our mission statement to define our commitment to our students. The programs in the Department of Education are aligned with state teacher certification standards, and only individuals who demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills, professional attitude, and commitment to future students will be recommended by the institution for certification.

Students complete a four-year curriculum leading to a Bachelor’s Degree of Science. Maine State requirements mandate 24 credits in a discipline area.  Students can either choose to double major in Secondary Education along with a major in an academic discipline that leads to certification or major in Secondary Education with an academic area concentration. Academic disciplines at UNE that lead to secondary certification are: Biology (and associated life science majors), Chemistry, English, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, History, Marine Biology, Mathematics and Political Science. The Education Department provides the professional teacher preparation courses culminating in a semester of student teaching.  

There are two paths that students can take as a Secondary Education Major. 

1.     Double Major: Students can major in Secondary Education along with a major in an academic discipline that leads to certification. Areas of secondary certification are: English, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, and Social Studies.

2.     Secondary Major with Academic Concentration: Students can major in Secondary Education with an academic area concentration. Concentrations are available in: Mathematics, Biology, Environmental Science, Physical Science (Chemistry and Physics), History, English, and Marine Science.

FIELD EXPERIENCE

The faculty in the Department of Education are committed to ongoing and frequent observation and involvement in schools. The teacher education programs at UNE have a specific competency-based focus to meet the Maine standards for teacher certification. All students engaged in teacher preparation will spend time in a field setting in each of the semesters for which they are registered for professional education courses. Involvement in the schools will be connected to specific, course-related tasks (e.g., observation, the teaching of lessons, conducting of experiments, administration of assessments, etc.).  Transportation to and from schools is the responsibility of the student. 

INTERNSHIP

Without specific permission from the Education Department Chair, courses may not be taken during the internship semester, so all required coursework must be completed the semester prior to the internship. Admission to the internship is not guaranteed (see section on “Admission requirements and successful progression in the program”). In addition, the student should have:

1. Sufficient knowledge regarding the components of effective instruction.
2. Sufficient knowledge of appropriate grade-level content and teaching methods.
3. Sufficient knowledge of the developmental needs of students.
4. Sufficient knowledge of how to establish and maintain effective cooperative relationships with school personnel, students, and parents.
5. Understanding of and empathy for working with students.
6. No serious reservations identified on the Student Assessment of Professional Attributes (SAPA) instrument that is conducted in every course.

The selection of individual internship sites will be made by the Certification and Placement Officer. Geographical location relative to UNE is a consideration. UNE has a collaborative relationship with many districts and selects both schools and teachers based on their interest in and ability to assist interns in demonstrating mastery of the InTASC standards. Placement in an internship is not guaranteed. The Department of Education, through its Certification and Placement Officer, will make a good faith effort to negotiate an appropriate placement. Schools have the right to refuse placement requests.

The 15 week student teaching experience must be done in a local Maine Public School that is in an established internship protocol with the University of New England. Only in documented cases of hardship of a non-financial nature will courtesy internships and/or internships with a non-partnered school be considered. Documentation of the hardship must be presented at the time of the internship application. Decisions to grant are made on a case by case basis. The Department of Education reserves the right to deny requests for courtesy internship placement for reasons it deems appropriate or necessary.

The University, at its discretion, will not place students in internship settings (1) where an intern's children or relatives are enrolled, or (2) where a spouse or relative of an intern is currently employed.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR REVIEW BOARD (PERB)

All students enrolled in the internship must demonstrate their teaching competence with respect to InTASC Standards before the Professional Educator Review Board (PERB). The Board is comprised of professional educators from area schools as well as UNE faculty. Students are required to develop a portfolio reflecting their proficiency in meeting these state standards and present and defend the portfolio in front of the Board. Passing the PERB is a requirement for completion of the certification program and subsequently being recommended to the Maine State Department of Education for teacher licensure.

CONCENTRATION IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS

Maine Certification Area: 300 MATH (MAT)

CONCENTRATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Maine Certification Area: 395 LIFE SCIENCE ( BIO, ENV, MAR)

CONCENTRATION IN BIOLOGY

Maine Certification Area: 395 LIFE SCIENCE (BIO, ENV, MAR)

CONCENTRATION IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE- Chemistry Track

Maine Certification Area: 350 PHYSICAL SCIENCE (CHE, PHY)

CONCENTRATION IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE – Physics Track

Maine Certification Area: 350 PHYSICAL SCIENCE (CHE, PHY)

CONCENTRATION IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE – Multi-disciplinary Track

Maine Certification Area: 350 PHYSICAL SCIENCE (CHE, PHY)

CONCENTRATION IN HISTORY

Maine Certification Area: 200 SOCIAL STUDIES (GEOG, HIS, ECO, POL)

CONCENTRATION IN ENGLISH

Maine Certification Area: 100 ENG/LA (ENG)

CONCENTRATION IN MARINE SCIENCES

Maine Certification Area: 395 LIFE SCIENCE ( BIO, ENV, MAR)

*Biology Curricular Requirements

**See Marine Curricular Requirements         

COURSE WITHDRAWAL POLICY

In the fall, spring, and summer semesters, a student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty with a grade of W at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester as specified in the current academic calendar. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average.

INCOMPLETE POLICY

An Incomplete (I) grade may be given by the instructor to a student, who is doing passing work in a course, but who, for reasons beyond his/her control, is not able to complete the work on time. The Incomplete grade must be changed within the time limit determined by the instructor and may not extend beyond six weeks following the end of the semester or 30 days following the end of an eight-week session. Until changed, the Incomplete grade defers computation of credits and grade points for the course to which it is assigned. Failure to complete the work before the deadline date, or within the time imposed by the instructor, results in the assignment of an administrative F grade for the course. Once an Incomplete grade is removed, academic standing will be updated according to dean's list, good standing or probationary standards.

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

All coursework, including the internship, should be completed within a five-year timeframe.  A delay beyond the five years might warrant the retaking of course work.  Furthermore, if state certification requirements change prior to your completion even within the five-year timeframe, those changes must be incorporated into a revised program plan, in order to meet state certification regulations.

Maine Department of Education InTASC Standards

Standard One: Learner Development

The teacher understands how students learn and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.

Standard Two: Learning Differences

The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that allow each learner to reach his/her full potential.

Standard Three: Learning Environments

The teacher works with learners to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, encouraging positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.

Standard Four: Content Knowledge

The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners

Standard Five: Innovative Applications of Content

The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical/creative thinking and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

Standard Six: Assessment

The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to document learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s on-going planning and instruction.

Standard Seven: Planning for Instruction

The teacher draws upon knowledge of content areas, cross-disciplinary skills, learners, the community, and pedagogy to plan instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals.

Standard Eight: Instructional Strategies

The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to access and appropriately apply information.

Standard Nine: Reflection and Continuous Growth

The teacher is a reflective practitioner who uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students,  families,  and  other  professionals  in  the  learning  community),  and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

Standard Ten: Collaboration 

The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

Standard Eleven: Technology Standards for Teachers -  (NETS.T)

Effective teachers model and apply the National Educational Technology Standards for   Students   (NETS.S)   as   they   design,   implement,   and   assess   learning experiences  to  engage  students  and  improve  learning;  enrich  professional practice;   and   provide   positive   models   for   students,   colleagues,   and   the community. All teachers will meet the following standards and performance indicators. 

TRANSFER CREDIT

Individuals who have full acceptance in the Teaching Certification Program can transfer up to, but no more than (6) education credits from other universities.

In-service or workshop-type courses that do not carry college credit will not be accepted for transfer equivalency.

No courses of any kind will be accepted from other institutions after your acceptance into the program at UNE without a course equivalency granted prior to the course’s being taken.

Candidates for all undergraduate education programs not already possessing a bachelor’s degree must meet the core requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences and the requirements for their major. Elementary/middle certification requirements for the major rests solely within the Department of Education. Secondary certification students and art education students must meet two sets of major requirements involving their content major as well as the requirements for professional certification. Hence, undergraduates seeking secondary or K-12 art certification should consult first with their content advisor and next with their education advisor within the Department of Education.

Each undergraduate student will be reviewed for admission to advanced standing when s/he has completed approximately 60 credit hours. Advanced standing is earned by achieving minimums of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in professional education courses with no course grade below a C; 3.0 in content area classes for those pursuing secondary or art education certification; and a 2.5 cumulative grade point average across all courses including the core curriculum and electives. Grade point averages will be calculated using only courses taken at UNE (the cumulative grade point average) and using transfer courses if accepted as a part of the professional program (the cumulative professional grade point average). Students who do not meet these grade-point average requirements must improve their grade-point average before continuing in education courses, or change their major to Education Studies. If a grade below C is attained in a professional education course, that course must be retaken until at least a C is received before additional education courses can be taken.

At the time of the 60-credit review, students must pass the Praxis I Core Academic Skills for Educators (5712, 5722, and 5732) using the state of Maine minimum scores. Undergraduate transfer students who bring in more than 60 transfer credits have up to one year to pass Praxis I or before the internship application deadline, whichever comes first. If Praxis I is not passed at the time of these deadlines, no further certification courses may be taken and if a student is at the point of internship, the application will not be accepted which automatically restricts the student from participating in the internship the following semester.

All students must show evidence of passing Praxis II before the internship application deadline, which is February 1st for a Fall internship and October 1st for a Spring internship.

Students may obtain PRAXIS I registration information and Praxis II registration information from the Department of Education office or from the Educational Testing Service website: www.ets.org.

In addition to these achievement requirements, students admitted to UNE's teacher education programs are assessed systematically for the purpose of determining their professionalism and suitability for teaching. Students complete self-assessment SAPA in each professional education course and these are reviewed by faculty. If serious reservations arise in two or more of the assessments, a committee will convene to determine a student’s continuance in the program. Finally, students must pass the Professional Education Review Board (referenced later in this section of the catalog) at which competency in the InTASC teaching standards must be shown.

All certification coursework including the internship should be completed within a five-year timeframe. A delay beyond the five years might warrant the retaking of course work. Furthermore, if state certification requirements change prior to your completion even within the five year timeframe, those changes must be incorporated into a revised plan program in order to meet state certification regulations.

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.