Fingerprinting:

Maine law requires fingerprinting and a criminal records check of new teachers. School districts are reporting that newly hired personnel must have their fingerprints taken by their 20th day of work in the school system. If you want to work as a substitute teacher, you should have your fingerprints taken this fall. You must have your fingerprints taken and have the criminal records check completed when you apply for teacher licensure this May/June. It is your choice to complete this activity now or later.

There are no fees for the fingerprinting. The Maine Department of Education webpages provide information about the schedule for fingerprinting; fingerprinting sessions are held on Saturdays in Waterville on a regular basis. You are asked to register for an appointment. I understand that school officials recommend that you print out the on-line confirmation of the appointment since you will not be able to retrieve it after you exit the page.

Teachers' Exams

The PRAXIS test is required for initial teacher licensure in Maine. The Maine State Board of Education set passing scores for the Praxis I exam at its November 2000 meeting.

Applications for Maine teacher certification can be requested directly from the Maine Department of Education. Karen usually has applications for you, but if you need another one, you can ask for one directly. If you are applying for teacher certification on your own, remember to request a letter of recommendation for teacher certification from the Education and Human Development Program.

Page maintained by Karen Kusiak      10-11-2002