U of Maine opens fast track bachelor's degree for SPED teachers; 'There's a need. . . '

April 15, 2026, NBC News Center Maine: University of Maine pilot program fast tracks special education teachers

“The University of Maine is piloting a new 4 year program that will help students become certified special educators. It allows students to earn their special ed certification with a bachelor’s degree, rather than a master’s degree.

The university is partnering with 3 different school districts. . . .

Student teachers will get placed in special ed classrooms for hands-on learning and field experience. . . .

The goal here is to strengthen the pipeline of educators and then better support students who have diverse learning needs all across Maine. . . .

There’s a need in society to get more special education and more highly educated teachers out there. . . .