PORTLAND – The University of Southern Maine’s College of Education and Human Development has launched a graduate-level program that leads to dual certification for people aspiring to be high school teachers.

Called the Unified Secondary Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP), it is one of a handful of programs in the country that provides dual certification in special education and general education for secondary teachers. It is the only program of its kind in Maine.

Special education remains on the Maine Department of Education’s list of teacher shortage areas. For a decade, state and national studies have reported on the persistent shortage of special education teachers.

Since the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Act, there are increasing numbers of children covered by the law in need of special education services in the schools they attend. To address this, school districts are increasing services, but report a lack of personnel with the necessary credentials. While positions are filled, many are filled with teachers who are not fully certified.

The Unified Secondary ETEP program addresses Maine’s need for certified secondary special-education teachers while providing the same teachers certification to teach in specific subject areas.

“On the leading edge of teacher preparation, USM provides candidates with an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to meet the needs of all children, including those with disabilities,” said Betty Lou Whitford, dean of the USM College of Education and Human Development.

The public is invited to attend one of the following sessions hosted by USM faculty members to learn more about the Unified Secondary ETEP Program:

Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Poland Regional High School central office.

Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Sanford High School cafeteria.

Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Room 324, PATHS, Portland.