From the time that a young child picks up a crayon and makes marks on a paper to when an older child puts the finishing sentence on an autobiography or a poem, a young author is developing the skills that will be used for a lifetime. In this course, you will examine the developmental stages of writing, from the "scribbling" stage to the "standard spelling" stage, so that you can foster your students' skills and gently nudge them to grow as authors. This course is full of practical ideas that you can use to motivate students in your classroom.

You will look at tools such as the writer's workshop, the six traits of writing, and genre studies for ways to teach students about writing. You will see how each of these tools can be used by teachers to encourage early elementary writers. As your students become better writers, they will become better readers, and you will see how well reading and writing instruction work together to support each other.

The course also covers ways to support the writers who struggle, whether due to a lack of motivation, fine motor skills, or ideas. You will also explore techniques for getting parents involved so that they can help with writing at home. By the end of the course, you will have a new enthusiasm for teaching that will ignite your students' love of writing.

For more information or to register please click the link.

Creativity will abound in your classroom as you tap your students' hidden talents. Learn how to use creativity to teach reading, writing, visual arts, performing arts, social studies, science, mathematics, and physical and health education. Develop creative new approaches to field trips, learning labs, activities, exercises, assignments, and evaluation methods. Think beyond the textbook and challenge your students by making your classroom a creative classroom!

For more information or to register please click the link.

Parents, family members, teachers and related support staff, child and youth workers, counselors, nurses and the like will all benefit from the information shared in this course.

You will learn about the many physical, emotional, and cognitive changes that affect the teens in your life and understand the significance of these changes, both for you and the adolescent. You will look at relationships inside and outside the home and how they shape the development of a teen's identity. You will explore personality, moral development and the role of faith.

By the time you finish this course, you should be very well-prepared to understand, appreciate, and meet the needs of the teens in your life.

For more information or to register please click the link.

Harness the power of the Internet to make your textbooks and lessons come alive! Teach your students how to locate and evaluate Internet resources. Improve the caliber and amount of discussion through the use of email and discussion boards. Learn how to safeguard your students and their personal information while they are using the Internet. The Internet can make teaching easier, and this course will show you how to fully take advantage of it.

For more information or to register please click the link.

To work in the veterinary field, you need to understand the medical language unique to the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of animals. This online course will teach you the definition and uses of veterinary medical terminology.

You will master veterinary medical terminology through a simplified learning process that builds on commonly used word parts. Each course lesson is designed to build on this foundation, with the material and illustrations focusing on the new word parts and definitions needed for success in the veterinary field.

For more information or to register please click the link.

For those seeking to achieve United States citizenship.

This 14-week in-person class will help you understand the naturalization process and prepare you for the interview and civics test. 

Coursework includes in-class instruction, take-home study materials, and a compilation of online resources.

Students are expected to have regular class attendance and reliable transportation. Some basic English skills are required.

How to Get Started

Make an appointment with us! You can do any of the following to schedule an appointment:

• Call or text our Saco Learning Center at (207) 282-3846
• Email learningcenter@rsu23.org
• Visit our Google calendar to find a time that works for you

In your hour-long appointment, you will fill out paperwork and take an English comprehension test.

***This is ONLY the APPLICATION.  Course costs will be determined upon registration.**

There are few industries that offer as much opportunity ad stability as the healthcare industry.  If you are considering a career in healthcare, becoming a Clinical Medical Assistant may be perfect for you.   A career in Medical Assisting could provide you with everything you’re looking for:  A short training period, excellent job opportunities, a good salary, and a professional working environment.

What is a Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA)?  A Clinical Medical Assistant is a medical support professional that performs a variety of tasks to assist physicians in providing patient care, while ensuring that clinics and hospitals run smoothly and efficiently.  While CMAs working in smaller practices may be required to perform some administrative tasks, those working in larger medical facilities focus mainly on providing support services directly related to patient care.  Here at the Academy we offer both Clinical and Administrative programs that can be combined.

Clinical Medical Assistants are more often found at the physician’s side working in close contact with patients.  Typically, Medical Assistants prep rooms and prepare patients for examinations, while helping manage medical supply inventories.  CMAs may also assist nurses and physicians providing direct patient care by taking medical histories, charting vitals, and assisting in examinations and procedures.  Some even perform more advanced tasks under the supervision of a physician such as cleaning and dressing wounds, removing sutures, collecting blood and other specimens as well as administering medication.

Characteristics of a successful Clinical Medical Assistant:  Excellent communicator, ability to multitask, organized, ability to handle stress and think clearly on the fly.  One must be compassionate while still maintaining a professional distance.  This job often involves working with people who are sometimes frustrated, anxious, tired, sick and possibly even dying.

All courses offered either locally at Adult Education Centers in Maine only.  Externships are suggested, please ask your career counselor for more details or assistance in providing those.

Upon registration, program and application materials will be sent to you.

Our comprehensive academic and advising program guides students to enrollment in post-high school education or training that results in a credential of value and high-quality employment. Participants will acquire the skills and knowledge to pursue their learning and employment goals.

Adults studying to earn high school diplomas receive help in transitioning to college, while adults who already have a high school diploma receive preparatory support for college.

Counseling, mentoring, and support services are provided to enable these adults to successfully transition to college and earn degrees.

Learn more about college, goal setting, skill development, financial aid applications, exploring career options, and more. Classes are offered to prepare adult learners for college-level coursework, all free of charge!

How to Get Started

Make an appointment with us! You can do any of the following to schedule an appointment:

• Call or text our Saco Learning Center at (207) 282-3846
• Email learningcenter@rsu23.org
• Visit our Google calendar to find a time that works for you

In your hour-long appointment, you will fill out paperwork and take an English comprehension test.