Education & Human Development

Frequently Asked Questions in the Advising Center
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What is the Teacher Candidacy portfolio?
The Teacher Candidacy portfolio is an assessment tool used to measure a student’s academic preparedness for upper-level teacher education courses. The portfolio assesses students admitted to the College's Teacher Candidacy program at the end of their sophomore year, ensuring that they have proven their commitment to the profession through self-initiated field experiences and academic performance. Acceptance into Teacher Candidacy allows students to engage in the upper-level education coursework for their respective degree programs.

Plans for Electronic Teacher Candidacy Portfolios (e-folios) are in the works. It is projected that the incoming class in the fall of 2006 with use the Notetaker software to design efolios for Teacher Candidacy in the future.

When is my portfolio due?
Portfolios are accepted twice a year. All components of the portfolio process (including successful completion of Praxis I exams) must be satisfied before submitting the portfolio.

Fall Submission Date: October 1
Spring Submission Date: February 1

How do I register to take the Praxis Exam?
You cannot register for the Praxis with the College. However, we can assist you in the registration process by answering your questions and providing guidance on test dates, options and filling out the registration form.

You must register with the Education Testing Service (ETS) for the exams. You can do so by downloading their application form on www.ets.org/Praxis. Please allow three weeks for processing the application and be aware of the deadlines for registration and yearly testing dates, all of which can be found on the ETS Web site.

Am I required to own an Apple MacBook?
Yes, Education majors enrolling in the College are required to own an Apple MacBook. Please visit http://www.umaine.edu/edhd/laptops.htm to learn more about the Laptop Initiative.

What is my class standing?
Seniors: 84 or more degree credits
Juniors: 54 or more degree credits
Sophomores: 24 or more degree credits
First-years: Less than 24 degree credits

How do I register for classes?
In order to register for classes, you must meet with your advisor prior to your actual registration date (this is determined by your class standing). In preparation for the meeting with your advisor, research course offerings and align them to your program. Your organization and preparation for this meeting will be very beneficial to you. At the meeting your advisor will help you make final course selections, answer any questions you may have and provide you with your Registration Authorization Number (RAN).

The Advising Center has extended office hours the two weeks prior to registration and during the registration period. We are open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for walk-in service. If those times do not fit your schedule please call or E-mail Advising Center coordinator Andrea Cole, and she will accommodate your schedule with an alternative time.

Useful links for course registration:

Web DSIS: https://beech.unet.maine.edu/dsis/pls/menu.show_scrn

Office of Student Records: http://www.studentrecords.umaine.edu/

I would like to transfer into the College of Education and Human Development. How do I go about this?
All prospective transfer students must meet with Associate Dean, Owen J. Logue, to discuss entrance qualifications. Please schedule an appointment with Dean Logue by contacting Arlene Sylvester at 581-2435.

I would like to minor in education. What does this entail?
All prospective minor candidates must meet with Andrea Cole, Coordinator of Academic Advising and Student Services, to discuss the requirements of the minor.

Please read more about the minors offered in Education by linking to http://catalog.umaine.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=41&poid=3427.

Visit the Advising Center and/or your faculty advisor often. Get to know your advisor as a person and get the assistance you need to be a successful college student.