Maine Senate unanimously backs Sen. Pierce bill to support Maine’s premier teacher training program
AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the Maine Senate gave bipartisan, unanimous initial approval to a bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, that would continue funding the Maine Teacher Residency program (MTRP), Maine’s premier teacher training program, and address our state’s shortage of classroom-ready qualified teachers.
“As we continue to combat the shortage of classroom-ready teachers across Maine, particularly in rural Maine, I’m thrilled my colleagues supported and recognized the strength of the MTRP to continue producing teachers that lead and inspire the next generation of leaders: our students,” said Sen. Pierce. “This is a sound investment in our students of today, tomorrow and in the coming years, and I look forward to seeing this program’s continued success.”
LD 696, “An Act to Bolster the Maine Teacher Residency Program,” as initially approved, provides $1,000,000 in one-time funds to support the MTRP at the University of Southern Maine. Originally created with federal dollars secured by U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, the MTRP has produced over 100 classroom-ready qualified teachers who are now teaching in Maine public schools.
“MTRP has allowed me to fully embrace the classroom by giving me the chance to run my own with support from my mentor. I have been able to experience what teaching is like as the only adult in the room, which textbooks and seminars cannot prepare you for,” said Marion Murray of Orono, a UMaine Student-Teacher at Leonard Middle School in Old Town, in written testimony to the Education Committee. “As a [full-time] student, MTRP has also given me the ability to cover the expenses of living on my own. I would have had to work two or three extra jobs to be able to support myself, but MTRP gives me the opportunity to focus on finishing my schooling instead of worrying about money. I am proof of how this program has successfully impacted educators.”
LD 696 now faces additional votes in the House and Senate before being sent to the Governor’s desk.
Sen. Pierce is serving her second term in the Maine Senate representing Senate District 25, which includes Falmouth, Cumberland, North Yarmouth, Yarmouth (majority), Gray and Long Island. She also serves as the Senate Majority Leader.