Become a Teacher
Certification Overview
Math & Science Teaching Requirements
USM Programs
Financial Support
Noyce Scholarships
Qualifying Schools
Teacher Support
Curriculum Topics
Resources
NSF Grant Project
Project Overview
Publications
For Prior Scholars
Become A Teacher
“Who in their left mind wants to teach math and science?”
Teaching is rewarding in so many ways. Which of these appeals to you?
- Working in the world of ideas. Effective teachers bring their own ideas and creativity to the curriculum, transforming the essential elements of instruction into something relevant and meaningful. Experience the satisfaction and freedom of managing your classroom, your way.
- Preparing tomorrow’s leaders. Maine is moving away from our historic reliance on natural resources. In order to into evolve into a prosperous knowledge-based economy, we need a workforce that is well-educated – particularly in technology, science, and mathematics. Teachers are critically important in helping our students learn the skills they will need to thrive.
- Making a difference. Teachers are uniquely positioned to fulfill a pivotal need for positive role models in the lives of our youth. From the classroom to involvement in extracurricular opportunities, you have the potential to influence for the better the choices kids make. In return, you are rewarded with their energy, enthusiasm, and a share in their successes.
- Job schedule and security. It’s no secret that a teacher’s work does not end at the final bell; administrative duties, catching up on communication with parents, and planning for that extra-special lesson activity all take time. But for many, the school schedule is the perfect way to accommodate their family and professional needs. The hours logged at the computer after dinnertime are compensated with summer months free for reflection, professional development, and time to pursue personal interests. And with a persistent shortage of highly qualified mathematics and science teachers in most parts of Maine – as well as across the nation – good math and science teachers are in constant demand.
Do you think you have what it takes?
Think of the most influential people in your life during your developing years… most likely a teacher is in the top 5. We are looking for future teachers who are:
- Passionate about science, mathematics, or technology.
- Enthusiastic about working with school aged kids.
- Flexible when it comes to managing changing priorities and juggling competing demands.
- Committed to teaching in one of the many high need schools districts in Maine for the beginning years of teaching.
Not sure if teaching is right for you?
Try out opportunities to work with school-aged kids in teaching and learning situations like these:
- Volunteer to help out in your local school district. Working in your child’s classroom as a parent volunteer is a good start, but spending time at the grade level(s) and subject(s) you wish to teach is even better. Many school districts have a volunteer coordinator who can help match your interests to their needs.
- Work or volunteer as a tutor. Schools, after school organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs, or programs like USM’s Upward Bound Program [link to UB site] can often use help.
- Find other ways to engage with children and youth in instructional or leadership situations, such as coaching, scouting, 4-H, the YMCA, or other youth groups.
Substitute teaching can sometimes be a good way to get exposed to classroom life. However, it can combine some of the biggest teaching challenges (classroom management and discipline) with few of the rewards. So, even though it seems like an obvious fit, subbing is not the first thing we recommend for trying out teaching. If you spend some time substitute teaching and are discouraged, reflect on what you liked and didn’t like about the experience. It may be that the aspects that turned you off, such as dealing with a disruptive student or teaching an uninspiring lesson, are things that would be different if you were managing your own classroom using the skills and knowledge you gained during a teacher preparation program.