The University of Southern Maine took center stage on April 27 as Governor Janet Mills, state lawmakers, and education leaders visited the Gorham campus to celebrate a new law that will raise Maine’s minimum teacher salary and the university’s role in preparing future educators.
State leaders were joined by USM students, faculty, and staff in the Center for Teaching Innovation — a cutting-edge space designed to mirror real-world classrooms and provide hands-on experience with emerging educational technologies. Built-out with funds for the University of Maine System from the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, the center reflects a broader investment in strengthening Maine’s educator pipeline.
Seth Des Rosiers, a graduate student in USM’s accelerated educator preparation program who also earned his undergraduate degree in history from USM last year, spoke at the ceremony about pursuing his K-6 teaching certificate and his goal of one day teaching first grade in Maine.
“I’m excited to become a Maine educator, but concerned about low wages, which will make it very challenging to make ends meet, and also do not reflect the education and experience necessary to be hired and become a highly effective teacher,” he said. “Raising minimum teacher pay will make it easier for more aspiring educators like me to commit to enrolling in high-quality educator preparation programs like USM’s and ultimately, a career as a Maine teacher.”.
The University of Maine System, which includes USM, is the state’s largest producer of classroom-ready teachers, having awarded nearly 4,300 education degrees or certificates in the past five years. Enrollment in itss education programs has increased 8.8% over the past five years and 19.5% over the past decade, with 3,854 students enrolled last academic year, according to testimony from the System in support of legislation to raise the minimum teacher salary.
By combining innovative spaces like the Center for Teaching Innovation with real-world classroom experience including through the USM-led Maine Teacher Residency, USM continues to lead in addressing the state’s teacher shortage — and in preparing graduates ready to make an immediate impact in schools across Maine.
“Everyone has fond memories of school, everyone has bad memories of school,” said Des Rosiers, who will graduate in May. “I’m really excited that I get to be part of the fond memories for a lot of kids coming up, and I know that I can hopefully make a good difference.”