This conversation is critical; as Joe writes, this has been a concern for nearly two decades.
Obviously the University of Maine doesn't have the power to issue certification -- nor should it have. But we do have four degree options that could help K-12 administrators in the hiring process. It might be worth listing them out in one spot. Most of our Instructional Technology courses are available at a distance (online + Google Hangout) and our master's degree has a path that doesn't require folks to be within driving distance.
1) Master's Degree in Education / Instructional Technology (this is a 36 credit-hour program with a core set of classes plus 3 or 4 electives. The final course is a Practicum.)
2) Master's Degree in Education / Instructional Technology leading directly to a 680 endorsement (this is a 36 credit-hour program with a core set of classes plus 3 or 4 electives. The last class is either: a) traditional 15-weeks of student teaching or b) 225 documented hours under supervision of a 680 certification holder)
3) Three-course certificate program called Classroom Technology Integration (for classroom teachers who want to learn more but don't want to enroll in a master's program.
4) Five-course certificate program called Educational Technology Coordinator (this is intended for techies who get jobs in schools but don't have a solid background in education.)
For more information:
Gail Garthwait
or