LEWISTON – Anyone interested in becoming an elementary or middle school teacher may want to explore the professional teacher education program offered at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College. An open house and information session on the “CLASS” Program will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 28.

The Collaborative Learning and School Success Program is a rigorous, nontraditional program that prepares students for careers in the classroom. It consists of 4 years of academic work and professional teacher preparation.

Students are placed in local partner schools immediately and begin working with mentor teachers to understand the everyday experiences of teachers and students. Upon completion of the program, students earn their bachelor’s degree in a liberal arts field, state certification to teach grades kindergarten to eight and more than 30 graduate credits toward a master’s degree.

The CLASS Professional Development School Program provides the education courses and experiences required to become a state-certified candidate for elementary and middle school teaching positions in the state. The education courses, field experiences and seminars all occur on-site in local public schools, Sherwood Heights Elementary School and Auburn Middle School.

The CLASS PDS program has piloted a modified sequence of courses for selected transfer students who have enough college credits to qualify them for “special student status.” It allows them to complete the program in less than the 4 years required of new students.

After a transfer evaluation is completed, each student admitted with the status will work with a faculty advisor to develop an individualized program.

The information session will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the college on Westminster Street. It will be an opportunity to meet with college and partner school faculty, as well as with students in the program. Light refreshments will be served. Those who wish to attend are asked to call 753-6618 or e-mail jbradley@usm.maine.edu.

Applications for fall admission are being accepted. More information is available on the Web at www.usm.maine.edu/lac/class.