FARMINGTON – Teachers in Western Maine will be able to expand their ability to serve special needs children by taking two graduate-level courses at the University of Maine at Farmington campus. The courses are part of a collaboration between UMaine Farmington and the University of Southern Maine to help meet the need for special education teachers in the state, as well as expand the knowledge kindergarten through grade 12 teachers need to work successfully with special needs children in their classrooms.

The two graduate-level courses being offered this fall are Methods of Teaching Mathematics for Students with Special Needs and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Although these courses are part of the USM master’s degree in special education program, they are also open to kindergarten through grade 12 teachers.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports can help any teacher who wishes to learn ways to manage student behavior in the classroom. The class will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays starting September 2.

Methods of Teaching Mathematics for Students with Special Needs will help teachers develop a better understanding of how to diversify mathematics instruction to accommodate students with special challenges in this subject area. Students will learn about new research, methods and materials that can help all students grasp the mathematical concepts they will need as they move through their academic careers and into the workplace. This class will be held from 4 to 6:15 p.m. Tuesdays starting Sept. 7.

Those interested in taking these classes should contact the UMF Registrar’s Office, 207-775-7237. For more information on the UMF/USM collaboration and how to begin earning a master’s degree in special education on the UMF campus, contact Pam Wilson through e-mail at: [email protected] or call 775-7186.