Do you have a strong interest in teaching at the elementary
or middle school level? If so, you may want to attend an
informational meeting and open house at USM's Lewiston-Auburn
College Tuesday, February 8.
USM/L-A offers an undergraduate program called CLASS (Collaborative
Learning and School Success) to prepare students for rewarding
careers in the classroom. This rigorous, non-traditional
program 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. This enables them to begin understanding
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.
An informational meeting and open house about this innovative
program will be held at the College Tuesday, February 8,
from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. This informal open house will include
a brief presentation about the program and provide a forum
for questions and answers. Information about admissions and
financial aid will also be available. The session, free of
charge and open to the public, will be held in Room 170C
at USM's Lewiston-Auburn College, 51 Westminster Street in
Lewiston. Light refreshments will be served. Those who wish
to attend are asked to call Jim Bradley at 753-6618.
Space is limited, so advance registration is encouraged.
The CLASS/PDS program is designed specifically for undergraduate
students. Anyone interested in teaching who already holds
a bachelor's degree may want to consider the ETEP program.
ETEP is a post-baccalaureate teacher education program offered
through USM's College of Education and Human Development.
Those interested in ETEP are encouraged to call 780-5306
for more information.
