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.

The purpose of this program is to prepare English Language Learner students for the Knowledge portion of the CDL Class B permit exam. Students will use the State of Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle handbook and online resources to prepare for the multiple choice exam. After completing the course, students have the opportunity to be hired by local employers as a bus driver trainee.

Click here to learn more about this program.   

Click here for the winter schedule.

Prerequisites: CASAS score 225+, US work authorization, current Class D Maine driver's license, approved application

To apply: There is an application process to enroll in this class. To begin your application, click here. The deadline to apply is December 22.

Need assistance paying for this class? Scholarship money is available to those who qualify. 

Excel is a necessary skill to have in the work place. Students will learn how to create, edit and manage spreadsheets. Then, increase your efficiency by learning how to organize, display and calculate your data into useful information using sorts, filter, and charting. Use Excel's most powerful features to analyze data quickly and easily with confidence.

Prerequisite: Microsoft Office Suite 2

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

Students in this class will develop techniques and skills that are conducive to building keyboarding speed with a high level of accuracy, including the number keypad. Students will also learn correct techniques of hand placement and proper posture so they will be able to type more comfortably and without looking at their hands. Students will be expected to commit to coming to class twice a week and then invest at least 3 hours/week of typing on their own. If a student can do that, they can expect to learn the keyboard and should be able to type at a speed of 25 WPM by the end of the course. Students who are already familiar with proper keyboarding technique will have the opportunity to practice and progress to 45 WPM. This course may be taken more than once.

Prerequisite: ESOL Level 4 or higher

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