Learn how to become an Education Administrator or School Principal in Maine.

The Maine Department of Education offers education administrator licensure to qualified applicants. Titles commonly used include Assistant Building Education Administrator (Assistant School principal), Building Education Administrator (School principal), Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent.

Academic Obligations

Assistant Building Education Administrator:

• At least an undergraduate degree  (in any field) from an accredited institution
• Finish authorized classes in these areas:
  • Teaching Exceptional Students in the Regular Classroom
  • Federal and Maine Civil Rights Law & Education Law
  • Supervision and Evaluation of Personnel
  • Organizational Theory and Planning

Building Education Administrator

• At least a master’s degree (in any field) from an accredited institution
• Finish authorized classes in these areas:
  • Teaching Exceptional Students in the Regular Classroom
  • Federal and Maine Civil Rights Law & Education Law
  • Community Relations
  • School Finance/Budget
  • Supervision and Evaluation of Personnel
  • Organizational Theory and Planning
  • Educational Leadership
  • Instructional Leadership
  • Ethical Decision Making
  • Curriculum Development
  • Cultural Differences

Assistant Superintendent

• At least a master’s degree (in any field) from an accredited institution
• Finish authorized classes in these areas:
  • Teaching Exceptional Students in the Regular Classroom
  • Federal and Maine Civil Rights Law & Education Law
  • Community Relations
  • School Finance/Budget
  • Supervision and Evaluation of Personnel
  • Organizational Theory and Planning
  • Educational Leadership
  • Instructional Leadership
  • Ethical Decision Making
  • Curriculum Development
  • Cultural Differences

Superintendent

• At least a master’s degree (in any field) from an accredited institution
• Finish authorized classes in these areas:
  • Teaching Exceptional Students in the Regular Classroom
  • Federal and Maine Civil Rights Law & Education Law
  • Community Relations
  • School Finance/Budget
  • Supervision and Evaluation of Personnel
  • Organizational Theory and Planning
  • Educational Leadership
  • Instructional Leadership
  • Ethical Decision Making
  • Curriculum Development
  • Cultural Differences

Assessments

No assessment is required for education administrator licensure in Maine.

Classroom Teaching Experience Requirements

Assistant Building Education Administrator

• Must possess 3 years of full-time teaching experience in public/private schools

Building Education Administrator

• Must possess 3 years of full-time teaching experience in public/private schools
• Must successfully complete an authorized practicum/practicum of at least 15 weeks in a Maine school relating to the duties of a school principal or 1 full year of work experience as an assistant school principal or school principal in a school out-of-state

Assistant Superintendent

• Must possess 3 years of full-time teaching experience in public/private schools
• Must possess 1 year of previous administrative experience in schools

Superintendent

• Must possess 3 years of full-time teaching experience in public/private schools
• Must possess 3 years of full-time administrative experience in schools
• Must successfully complete an authorized practicum/practicum of at least 15 weeks in a Maine school relating to the duties of a superintendent or 1 full year of work experience as an assistant superintendent or superintendent in a school out-of-state

Document and Application Requirements

To apply for education administrator licensure in Maine, utilize the Application for Initial Certification. Include official college transcript(s) showing degrees conferred and required courses are taken, materials of experience, copies of previous teaching/administrative certificates, application fees payable to the Treasurer of the State of Maine, certificate code, and explain any “yes” answers you gave on the application. Send all of the above to the State of Maine Department of Education, Certification Office, 23 State House Station, Augusta ME 04333-0023.

Background Check Requirements

As an education administrator in the Maine public school system, you must have a criminal history background check. This includes a fingerprinting process. You may find authorized fingerprinting locations here. You must pay all fees associated with the criminal history background check. Your education administrator certificate will not be issued until the Maine Department of Education receives a cleared background check.

State Contacts

For additional info on education administrator licensure in Maine, contact the Certification Office of the Department of Education at 207-624-6603.