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These students recently completed the CLASS (Collaborative Learning And School Success) teacher education program at USM/L-A and are now fully qualified to teach at the K-8 level in Maine schools. The graduates are, left to right: Cheryl Robert and Michael "Ernie" Gagne |
December 2006
The CLASS (Collaborative Learning And School Success) professional teacher education program at the University of Southern Maine's Lewiston-Auburn College recently honored students for having successfully completed the program. This year's graduates are Cheryl Robert of Auburn and Michael "Ernie" Gagne of Lewiston. In addition to fulfilling all requirements of the CLASS program, Cheryl earned a baccalaureate degree in social and behavioral sciences and Michael earned a baccalaureate in arts and humanities. Both are now qualified to teach at the K-8 level in Maine schools. They performed their internships (student teaching) at Sherwood Heights Elementary School and the Auburn Middle School.
CLASS is a rigorous, non-traditional program that prepares students for rewarding careers in the classroom. It consists of four and a half years of academic work and professional teacher preparation. Students are placed in local partner schools immediately and partnered with a mentor teacher, so that they may begin to understand the everyday experiences of teachers and students. Upon completion of the CLASS Program, students earn their bachelor's degree in a liberal arts field, state certification to teach K-8, and more than 30 credits towards a graduate degree.
The CLASS PDS (Professional Development School) program provides all of the education courses and experiences required to become a highly qualified, state certified candidate for elementary and middle school teaching positions in the State of Maine. The education courses, field experiences and seminars all occur on-site in local public schools, currently the Sherwood Heights Elementary School and Auburn Middle School.
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