University of Southern Maine

What ETEP Unified is
The Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP) Unified option is a graduate level teacher education program that leads to elementary, secondary, and special education certifications and a master's degree. Committed to equitable and engaging learning, the faculty works closely with school partners to ensure that prospective teachers are competent, caring, and qualified.

What the ETEP Unified options are

• Unified K-8 and K-8 special education option that combines K-8 general education certification with K-8 special education certification.  This is an online program.
• Unified K-8 and K-12 English as a Second Language option that combines K-8 general education certification with K-12 English as a Second Language certification.  This is an online program.
  
• Unified 7-12 Secondary and 7-12 special education option that combines a 7-12 certification in a selected content area or a K-12 foreign language, with a 7-12 special education certification.
  
  All unified options lead to a master of science in education (M.S.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning.
  

What the Advantages of ETEP Unified are

• Dual Certification: ETEP Unified is the only graduate-level pathway in the state of Maine to dual certification in general education (grades K-8, 7-12 content areas, and K-12 foreign language) and special education (grades K-8 or 7-12).
• Part Time Opportunities: ETEP Unified is especially designed for persons employed in schools as educational technicians who want to remain in their position while completing an internship in general education and special education.
• Online Learning: The elementary option and the third-year of the secondary option are taught predominantly online. Students must complete internships in Maine schools.
• Personalized and Supportive Learning:  Teacher candidates are organized into groups of 15-20. These groups work closely with faculty and school-based site coordinators, take classes together, and provide an ongoing network for interactive learning and support.
• Intensive Mentored Internships:  Throughout the entire internship years -from the first day of school in September until May-ETEP Unified interns are placed in K-12 classrooms with experienced teachers. These classrooms serve as "learning laboratories" where interns can practice the ideas and concepts they are studying in their professional teaching courses and learn the essentials of classroom management, instructional planning, responsive teaching, and the ongoing assessment of student learning.
• Graduate-Level Degree Program: ETEP Unified courses and seminars are taught by experienced USM faculty and school practitioners and provide in-depth opportunities to connect content and pedagogy. The program leads to a master of science in special education.
• School Partnerships:  ETEP Unified works in close collaboration with southern Maine school districts.  This relationship has keeps the program vital and relevant and accounts for the high rate of job placements achieved by our graduates in their first year out of the program.

Who ETEP Unified serves

• People with a bachelor's degree who want to be elementary school, middle school, high school, or special education school teachers.
• Career changers with a bachelor's degree who want to become an elementary school, middle school, high school, or special education school teachers.
• Educational technicians with a bachelor's degree who want to change careers and become an elementary school, middle school, high school, or special education school teachers.
• Conditionally certified teachers seeking a master's degree as they complete coursework to fulfill teacher certification requirements.

Steps to Applying to ETEP Unified

1. The most important step in applying to ETEP Unified is to read the handbook for prospective students:  ETEP Application Handbook (pdf)
2. Take the Praxis I exam:  Schedule Praxis I as soon as you can, even if you need time to study for it, the longer you wait to get a test date the more likely it is that you will have difficulty getting a date and time.
3. Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
4. Choose three people for letters of recommendation:  These letters should be from people who know you working with kids in a teaching and learning environment. They can also be from people who can speak to your ability to be success in a graduate program.
5. Update your resume
6. Complete the application, including essay, catalog of experience, and ETEP Program Selection Sheet
7. Send all application materials to the:

Office of Graduate Admissions
University of Southern Maine
39 Exeter Street

P.O.Box 9300
Portland, ME 04104-9300

(207) 780-4386
FAX (207) 780-4969
gradstudies@usm.maine.edu

Letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc can be sent directly to Graduate Admissions (39 Exeter Street)) and they will be held until your application has been received.

For more information about ETEP Unified or how to apply, please contact: