Getting you in the classroom early

Education students at Saint Joseph's College of Maine gain real-world experience in real classrooms - early and often. In fact, we place our future educators in schools before the end of their first year. This hands-on experience distinguishes our approach, and makes a difference to our graduates. You'll know what to expect in your teaching career, even before you launch it.

Education Programs
science methods class with area school children

Pick Your Pathway

No matter which degree you pursue, our education programs offer one-on-one support as you gain hands-on immersion in the field and the classroom.

Pick Your Pathway

No matter which degree you pursue, our education programs offer one-on-one support as you gain hands-on immersion in the field and the classroom.

Our Immersive Approach

We do field experiences early and sequentially. By your senior year you will be a confident teacher.

Education classes first year. You’ll teach junior year.

We place students in the classroom early to make sure that education is a fit for them. These classroom teaching experiences build your skills and you’ll get more ownership as you go so you are prepared your senior year to step into your role as a teacher.

Teach at the Secondary Level

For those wanting to teach in the secondary level, at Saint Joseph’s we do it differently. Here, you’ll major in your content area with the education piece as a minor, which is what administrators and principal’s want.

Our MSED students are out in the community.

They’re working in the community and they’re really making a difference. Our graduates are in leadership positions.

Student Stories

Alia Bradley '22

Biology and Secondary Education

Alia Bradley1
education 1

"Although teaching practice depends on one’s “personal style” the STEM program has helped shape an informed approach to teaching rooted in child/educational psychology, research, and practical application of theory. Having a firm foundation in an informed approach prepares me for the realities of navigating an increasingly political profession."

Olivia Haraden 1

Olivia Haraden '22

Elementary Education

"Getting into the classroom early was the best decision because it allowed me to walk into student teaching confident and ready to jump in. I entered the classroom without hesitation because I had already been in the classroom numerous times and gave countless presentations that made me feel at home there."

Olivia Haraden 2

Wyatt Leblanc '22

Special Education

Wyatt Leblanc 1
Wyatt Leblanc 2

"SJC has prepared me with the correct mindset to teach special education. Every course is focused not only how to improve the academic achievement of students, but how to care for students. Professors make sure to take time to discuss accommodations, modifications, how no two disabilities are the same, and how to best support students in your classroom through several issues."

April Benak1 MSED

April Benak '19, '22

MSED, School Leadership

"I analyzed the organizational structure of my current place of employment to develop a new strategic plan to address our organization's goals. I have expanded my network and gained experience by applying course material to the everyday functions of a school leader's position."

education 4

Alia Bradley '22

Biology and Secondary Education

Alia Bradley1

"Although teaching practice depends on one’s “personal style” the STEM program has helped shape an informed approach to teaching rooted in child/educational psychology, research, and practical application of theory. Having a firm foundation in an informed approach prepares me for the realities of navigating an increasingly political profession."

education 1

Olivia Haraden '22

Elementary Education

Olivia Haraden 1

"Getting into the classroom early was the best decision because it allowed me to walk into student teaching confident and ready to jump in. I entered the classroom without hesitation because I had already been in the classroom numerous times and gave countless presentations that made me feel at home there."

Olivia Haraden 2

Wyatt Leblanc '22

Special Education

Wyatt Leblanc 1

"SJC has prepared me with the correct mindset to teach special education. Every course is focused not only how to improve the academic achievement of students, but how to care for students. Professors make sure to take time to discuss accommodations, modifications, how no two disabilities are the same, and how to best support students in your classroom through several issues."

Wyatt Leblanc 2

April Benak '19, '22

MSED, School Leadership

April Benak1 MSED

"I analyzed the organizational structure of my current place of employment to develop a new strategic plan to address our organization's goals. I have expanded my network and gained experience by applying course material to the everyday functions of a school leader's position."

education 4
 

Robert Noyce Teacher STEM Education Scholarships

STEM Scholarship

Maine students interested in pursuing secondary education in underserved areas in Maine are eligible for 2 year fully funded tuition scholarships. This includes professional development and in-school mentors.

In Four Programs

Pursue a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) & Secondary Education degree. Secondary programs offered are Biology, Math, Physical Science-Chemistry, and Physical Science-Environmental Science.

Transfer Students Eligible

We have articulation agreements with Southern Maine Community College with each of the four STEM & Secondary Education programs.

education student works with middle school student
Students teaching in local school
peeking into a classroom

Programs and Partnerships

Our undergraduate education program works with area elementary and secondary schools as well as community colleges.

Saint Joseph's MSED program works with local school systems to establish graduate student cohorts that are trained as teachers and administrators in their schools. These cohorts are helpful for retention as well as "growing their own" staffing models that ease recruitment challenges. Saint Joseph's provides a program discount to schools and staff that participate in our cohort programs.

Junior year internships

During both semesters junior year, students teach all semester 2 days a week in local schools. This quickly builds their confidence in their teaching abilities and reinforces methods learned in their classwork.

Transfer agreement

Saint Joseph’s College and Southern Maine Community College, under the Growing Future STEM Teachers in Maine program, support students looking to become secondary STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) teachers via a 2+2 degree program at the two institutions.

Sophomores teach science inner-city school

With science methods courses you’ll design and teach a series of lessons at an inner-city school in nearby Portland. One project led to the creation of the pollinator garden on campus.

Three distinct graduate level options

Teachers and administrators can expand their career opportunities in three distinct areas: public K-12 schools, Catholic schools, and health care education.

Teaching to students
 

Recent Employers

  • Lake Region School District

  • Mexico School District

  • Burlington, Vermont School District

  • Standish School District

  • Biddeford School District

  • Windham School District

  • Oxford Hills School District

  • Wiscasset School District

  • Lebanon, NH School District

  • American International School in Vienna

  • Lakeland Magic, Professional Basketball Organization

  • Monkton Central School

Faculty

Anita Charles, PhD
Anita Charles, PhDOnline Faculty
Kathleen Kiley Clements, EdD
Kathleen Kiley Clements, EdDAssistant Professor, Chair
Tom Eismeier, MEd
Tom Eismeier, MEdOnline Faculty
Jane Greer, MSEd
Jane Greer, MSEdOnline Faculty
Chris Healy, PhD
Chris Healy, PhDAssistant Professor
Kevin Mahoney, EdD
Kevin Mahoney, EdDAssistant Professor
Philomena McPhee-Brown, EdD
Philomena McPhee-Brown, EdDOnline Faculty
Janice Rey, EdD
Janice Rey, EdDAssistant Professor
Gary Rosenthal, MSEd
Gary Rosenthal, MSEdOnline Faculty
Pamela Thompson, PhD
Pamela Thompson, PhDOnline Graduate Education Program Director
Patricia Waters, PhD
Patricia Waters, PhDAssociate Professor
Christopher Willer, MSEd
Christopher Willer, MSEdAssistant Professor, Physical Education Teacher Prep Faculty

Next Steps | Campus Program

Next Steps | Online Program

Application Deadlines

Campus Programs

Nov. 15

EARLY ACTION

Rolling

REGULAR ADMISSIONS

Online Programs

Rolling

REGULAR ADMISSIONS