LEWISTON — In an effort to meet the growing need for English as a Second Language teachers, the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College is offering courses leading to state certification.

The courses required, offered through USM’s College of Education and Human Development, are open to non-matriculated students.

They are: EDU 560 ESL Classroom Teaching Practices, EDU 561 Aspects of the English Language, EDU 562 Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in the Classroom, EDU 563 Language Testing and Assessment, and EDU 510 Writing Process or EDU 520 Literacy Development and Instruction.

EDU 520, EDU 562, and EDU 563 will be offered during the summer session, starting with EDU 520 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 13 to June 26. EDU 563 will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 26 through July 2. EDU 562 will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Aug. 11 to 15.

Open registration for the summer session begins April 18.

EDU 520 and EDU 560 probably will be offered in the fall.

Dr. Margo Wood, USM professor of education, said students who complete these courses and wish to continue their studies can have most of the credits accepted in the graduate programs in literacy education or adult education.

Roger Philippon, assistant dean of the college, said. “This enables many more teachers to help our immigrant population acquire the English skills they need in order to succeed.”

For further information, people can call 753-6500 or go online at usm.maine.edu/lac.