This intensive course is designed for English language learners in levels 3 and 4 who are searching for their first job in the US. Students will learn how to search for a job and expand their English skills. Students will refine their customer service skills and learn financial literacy skills from ProsperityME teachers. This course does not require US work authorization to participate.

Due to grant funding, this program is free for accepted students. 

Prerequisites: ESOL level 3 or 4

To apply: Click here to submit your information.

This course covers the foundational skills needed to feel comfortable using computers and to increase digital literacy skills:

• keyboarding
• email
• internet use
• using Google Drive to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
• social media
• Google Classroom
• online meeting technology like Zoom and Google Meet

It is appropriate for English Language Learners at ESOL3 and above as well as native English Speakers.

Prerequisite: ESOL level 3 with teacher recommendation or ESOL level 4

Need assistance paying for this class? Financial assistance is available. Please email davenm@portlandschools.org for more information.

A 12 week, 150 hour training program, offered in partnership with ProsperityME, which prepares students for entry level careers in the banking world. Courses are co-taught by representatives from local financial institutions. Students leave the program with a Today's Teller certificate from the Center for Financial Training and Education Association (CFTEA). 

Click here to learn more.  Click here for the class schedule.

Prerequisites: CASAS score 225 or Language Arts level 100 or higher, current US work authorization, approved application, interview

To apply: There is an application process to enroll in this program. Click here to begin your application. The deadline to submit an application is December 22.

This class is intended for the person who has had little practice using Microsoft Products. We will create and edit letters and documents using Word. We will create and edit basic spreadsheets like budget and payroll using Excel. We will be using Microsoft Teams as our remote platform. We will learn to navigate screens between local and online options as well as Windows File explorer to save and retrieve our work.

Need assistance paying for this class? Email davenm@portlandschools.org to request a scholarship application.

This program is designed for foreign trained professionals who have worked as a teacher in their home country or are interested in becoming an educator in Maine by working as an Educational Technician 3; substitute teacher; and, if qualified, work toward Maine teacher certification. Click here for more information.

Students complete a series of five courses:

• Becoming a Maine Educator
• Teaching that Promotes Student Learning
• Teaching the Exceptional Student
• Classroom Management
• Practicum

Winter courses are: Teaching that Promotes Student Learning M/W 6:00-8:30 pm; Teaching the Exceptional Student T/Th 6:00-8:30 pm

Prerequisites: CASAS score of 225, approved application, interview

To apply: There is an application process to join this program. Please click here to submit your information.

 Scholarship money is available to those that qualify.

This class is intended for the person who has prior experience using Microsoft Office products. We will cover work related skills; building tables, mail merge and graphics using Word. We will create a slide show using PowerPoint that will include graphics, transition and animations. Additionally, we will explore MS Outlook and Outlook calendar. This will be taught using Microsoft Teams as the remote platform.

Prerequisite: Microsoft Office Suite 1 or instructor approval

Need assistance paying for this class? We have scholarship money available to those that qualify! Email davenm@portlandschools.org for the application.

Please note, this course is part of Education Academy within Portland Adult Education.

This is a project-based class taught using Google Meet and Google Classroom. Your final project is to write a lesson plan, and teach twenty-minutes of your lesson plan to our class. Your lesson plan will:

• Promote Student Engagement
• Promote Inclusivity
• Promote Outcomes-Based Learning
• Use Differentiated Instruction
• Use Social & Emotional Learning
• Demonstrate Backwards Design

Readings, discussions, weekly journal reflections, and peer-teaching will be used to assess your learning.

Prerequisites: CASAS score of 225+, approved application, and/or current employment in Portland Public Schools

Scholarship money is available to those that qualify. For more information, please email davenm@portlandschools.org.

As an introductory course, Intro to Accounting teaches the planning, analyzing and interpreting of transactions that occur in a small for-profit single-owner business. These transactions are processed and recorded through an entire accounting cycle with the ultimate objective of preparing financial statements that summarize the results of operations for that business. Basic accounting principles are taught with emphasis on accuracy and business ethics.

Need assistance paying for this class? We have scholarship money available to those that qualify! Email davenm@portlandschools.org for the application.