These two 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. Jennifer
White of Freeport, left, and Cherie Poole of Lewiston, right, are
pictured here with Bumper White, Ph.D., associate professor of education
and CLASS program coordinator.
New teaching candidates at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College. These
three students in the CLASS (Collaborative Learning And School Success)
teacher education program at USM/L-A have achieved candidacy status
and are now working with mentor teachers with the program’s
partner schools. From left to right are Cheryl Robert
of Auburn, Bobbie Cook of Lewiston, and Ernie Gagne of Lewiston.
January 2005
The CLASS (Collaborative Learning And School Success) professional
teacher education program at the University of Southern Maine’s
Lewiston-Auburn College recently recognized the achievements
of five students. Jennifer White of Freeport and Cherie Poole
of Lewiston were honored for having successfully completed
the program. In addition to fulfilling all CLASS requirements,
they earned baccalaureate degrees in social and behavioral
sciences and will be qualified to teach at the K-8 level
in Maine schools.
They performed their internships (student teaching) at Sherwood
Heights Elementary and the Auburn Middle School.
Cheryl Robert of Auburn, Bobbie Cook of Lewiston, and Ernie
Gagne of Lewiston were cited for having reached official
teacher candidacy status in the program. They have completed
scholarly and practicum work in the elementary education
field attaining proficiency in child development, content
knowledge, technology, diversity, educational philosophy,
and professionalism. These students will now continue to
study and research the elementary education field at the
graduate level. Upon completion of the candidacy period,
the students will work as teaching interns for a full year
under the guidance of mentors.
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.
An informational meeting and open house about the CLASS
program will be held at the College Tuesday, February 8,
from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Please call 753-6618 for more information.
