Please Help By Keeping Sidewalks and Pathways Clear

City officials ask that residents to be mindful that pedestrians, mail carriers and city emergency crews rely on safe sidewalks and clear pathways to buildings and homes. 
Portland, Maine - As predicted, a large winter storm has moved into the Portland area.   Before the storm ends late tonight Greater Portland should expect 6 to 11 inches of new snow on the ground. City crews will continue snow removal throughout today and into tonight.  As a result of the latest winter storm, Portland has declared a city wide parking ban.  The parking ban takes effect at 10:00PM until 6:00AM.  Any vehicle left on the street is subject to towing and impound.  For information about off street parking during a parking ban visit http://portlandmaine.gov/showart.asp?contentID=2590

As part of the snow removal effort, City officials ask that residents to be mindful that pedestrians, mail carriers and city emergency crews rely on safe sidewalks and clear pathways to buildings and homes.

City ordinance requires residents to clear sidewalks on their property within 24 hours after municipal plowing operations are complete.  Should property owners not comply; the city will clear the sidewalk and invoice the property owner for the cost of the snow removal.   Commercial property owners are required to comply within 12 hours.  Exits should also be kept clear so in the event evacuation is necessary, exits aren’t blocked by accumulated snow.   If you observe what you believe to be unsafe or hazardous sidewalk conditions please call the winter and sidewalk operations hot line at (207) 874-8793.  “We really appreciate the help we receive from Portlanders as we work to keep our streets and sidewalks clear.  Our goal is to keep Portland safe and walkable” said City Manager, Mark Rees.

As with any major weather event, please check on elderly or disabled neighbors who may need assistance.  If you are concerned or unsure of their safety, call 911 and have emergency crews evaluate the situation.

Pathways to Teacher Certification Begin at URock

Rockland, Maine - University College at Rockland offers University of Maine System programs that allow people with or without bachelor’s degrees to obtain the credentials necessary to teach in Maine. Courses are offered on-site at the center, online, and through ITV and videoconference.

The options to earn accreditation for certification in elementary education or in early childhood education are provided through a collaborative arrangement between the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the University of Maine at Augusta. The programs offer pathways for those without bachelor’s degree as well as for those who have a degree in a different subject area but who wish to prepare for a teaching career.

A collaborative agreement between the University of Maine at Machias and the University of Maine at Augusta has created a special education certification program for off-campus students. Students may earn a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from UMA while taking special education courses from UMM, including 15 hours of student teaching at a school district near the student’s home.

Students who have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college may seek conditional certification to teach in Maine. Maine utilizes “Transcript Analysis” to grant conditional licenses to teachers coming from another subject area, out-of-state teachers, and those looking to change careers. Applicants must meet academic requirements for the subject