Ed Tech Information

Levels of Authorization

Educational Technicians who assist in the special education classrooms are supported by the special education teachers. They are taught how to provide individualized or small group guided instruction, assist in the special education or regular education classrooms and help manage student behavior. Educational Technicians find their work enjoyable and challenging. 

Some regular education teachers and special education teachers begin their careers as Educational Technicians. It is a position which provides a novice teacher with opportunities to expand teaching skills, improve behavior management techniques and learn instructional strategies needed for teaching diverse learners.

To become a certified Educational Technician, candidates need to apply for the certification through the Maine Department of Education. Maine has three levels of Educational Technicians.

Educational Technician I require a high school diploma or GED, 
Educational Technician II requires 60 semester hours of approved study and
Educational Technician III requires 90 semester hours of approved study.

Ed Tech 1

Reviews and reinforces previously introduced learning under direct supervision of the classroom teacher or appropriate content specialist. Assists in preparation of classroom materials or student supervision. Instructional duties must be directly supervised by a classroom teacher or specialist; non-instructional duties supervised by administration.

 

Education: High School diploma or GED

 

At level 1: Orientation training must be provided within the first eight weeks of employment. In-service training must also be provided, with the following areas recommended: roles and responsibilities of the ed tech; students with special needs; understanding the instructional process; emergency, health and safety procedures; and confidentiality issues in schools.

 

Ed Tech II

Duties of Ed Tech I, also may introduce new learning pre-planned in collaboration with the classroom teacher or specialist. Supervision similar to Ed Tech I but may also conduct small groups with indirect supervision.

 

Education: Two years post-secondary education or 60 credit hours approved study in related areas; for vocational ed, 2 years work experience in the field.

 

At level II: On-going in-service training must be provided. Recommended areas are: roles and responsibilities of the ed tech; students with special needs; understanding the instructional process; emergency, health and safety procedures; and confidentiality issues in schools.

 

Ed Tech III

Includes duties and working conditions of Ed Tech I and II. May also supervise small groups in community-based programs with indirect regular professional supervision.

 

Education: Three years post-secondary or 90 credit hours approved study in a related area; for Vocational Education, 3 years work in a related field.

 

Candidates must take 90 hours of professional development or 6 credits from a university or college within the duration of the authorization (5 years). Proof of professional development hours/credits needs to be forwarded to the MSAD #6 Certification Committee through the Ed Tech Representative.

 

At level III:    Ongoing in-service training must be provided in the specialty area of employment.

 

Advancing a Level

To move up from a Level I to Level II, you must take the equivalent of 60 credits of  “approved study" in a field related to your assignment in order to move up a level.

You can do this in the following ways:

  • Take 20 college courses with the usual amount of 3 credits each (1 semester hour
    = 1 credit of approved study); or
  • Do workshops or institutes at a college or university which offer C.E.U.s. Since 1.5 C.E.U.'s
    = 1 approved study credit, you would need a total of 90 C.E.U.'s; or
  • Participate in local in-service activity.  Since 15 hours of in-service activity
  • = 1 approved study credit, you would need a total of 900 clock hours of in-service activities; or
  • Take 10 college courses with the usual amount of 3 credits each (1 semester hour
    = 1 credit of approved study); or
  • Do workshops or institutes at a college or university which offer C.E.U.s. Since 1.5 C.E.U.'s
    = 1 approved study credit, you would need a total of 90 C.E.U.'s; or
  • Participate in local in-service activity. Since 15 hours of in-service activity
    = 1 approved study credit, you would need a total of 450 clock hours of in-service activities; or
  • Do any combination of the above, so long as the total amount of hours involved equals 30 approved study credits of courses, C.E.U. programs, and in-service activity.
  • Do any combination of the above, so long as the total amount of hours involved equals 60 approved study credits of courses, C.E.U. programs, and in-service activity.
  • To move up from a Level II to a Level III, you must take the equivalent of 30 credits of "approved study" in a field related to your assignment in order to move up a level.

Again, YOU are responsible for obtaining documentation for all approved study, courses, conferences/workshops.

For college courses or C.E.U. workshops, you will get a transcript or grade report. For local in-service activity, you must have a signature from your local certification chair or another person designated to sign off on this activity for the Division of Certification's records.


Approved study can be college credits or continuing education units (CEUs) issued by a college or institution or in-service credits or contact hours.

Please complete the form in the box below and return to your Ed Tech Representative.

Certification and Credentials : https://www.maine.gov/doe/cert

 

Application and Fees : https://www.maine.gov/doe/cert/application

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