University of Southern Maine

Are you interested in teaching as a career? If so, then you may wish to attend an informational session to be held at USM's Lewiston-Auburn College, Thursday, October 21 at 6:00 p.m. This informal workshop will address the University of Southern Maine's highly acclaimed Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP).

This graduate level teacher education program consists of two distinct phases: the internship; and the Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning. The internship phase provides all of the coursework and experience required for State of Maine certification in either a compact, full-time format or, for certification in K 8 special education or secondary education, a part time two-year format. Once students complete the internship and secure their first teaching assignment, they have the option of completing an additional 13 credits of advanced professional study to earn a M.S. Ed with a concentration in Teaching and Learning.

ETEP also has a two-year unified K-8 general education/special education option leading to certification in both areas. The unified option is designed especially for participation by people employed in schools, such as educational technicians.

ETEP students engage in teaching activities in public schools under the supervision of a mentor teacher. They complete courses designed to help them learn subject area methods, knowledge of student development, and features of curriculum construction and assessment. Students may pursue either elementary and middle school certification (K-8) or secondary certification (7-12) in six different subject areas. Some of the partner schools include Poland Regional HS and the Brent Whittier Middle School in Poland.

This workshop, free of charge and open to the public, will be held in Room 170 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 753 6552 to register or to get more information. Space is limited, so advance registration is encouraged. A similar event focused on USM's undergraduate teacher education program known as CLASS will be held Tuesday evening, October 26.