Sen. Pierce introduces bill to continue support for Maine Teacher Residency Program

Posted: March 13, 2025 | Education and Cultural Affairs, Senator Pierce

AUGUSTA — On March 11, 2025, Maine Senate Majority Leader Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, introduced LD 696, An Act to Bolster the Maine Teacher Residency Program, before the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. This bill would provide $1 million to continue Maine’s premier teacher residency program.

Sen. Teresa S. Pierce

“The Maine Teacher Residency Program is making a remarkable difference across Maine,” said Sen. Pierce. “The return on investment is strong — over 100 student-teachers have successfully completed the residency and are now teaching in schools statewide. I hope to continue to fund this program as part of an ongoing effort to address Maine’s teacher workforce shortage.”

The Maine Teacher Residency program is a proven, successful program that was first launched in the 2020-2021 school year as a pilot program through University of Southern Maine and the Biddeford School District. The University of Maine System (UMS) secured $1 million in congressionally directed spending through Senators King and Collins to continue the program. Most recently, Sen. Pierce secured $200,000 to support the Maine Teacher Residency Program through LD 1608 in the 131st Maine Legislature.

The MTR program pairs students enrolled in UMS education programs with mentor teachers in local school districts, providing both parties with stipends. The student teacher completes their on-the-job coursework while earning real-world experience and alleviating the teacher workforce shortage.

“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,” said Marion Murray, an MTRP resident at Leonard Middle School in Old Town, in written testimony to the committee.

LD 696 faces further action in the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.

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