UNC Asheville and A-B Technical Community College will host two distance learning courses designed for lateral entry teachers beginning in August. The courses, "EDUC 373: Teaching Reading in the Content Areas" and "EDUC 243: Learning Theory," will each consist of eight weeks of classroom training with a 15-hour online component and be available via teleconference. Teleconference locations will be on the campuses of UNC Asheville, Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock and McDowell Technical Community College in Marion.

"EDUC 373: Teaching Reading in the Content Areas" will be held at the UNC Asheville campus from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays from August 19-October 7. Participants will prepare lessons to engage students in active learning, research and report on the successes of strategies used and develop units that integrate reading strategies and infuse elements of the writing process.

"EDUC 243: Learning Theory" will be held at the A-B Tech campus from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays from October 14-December 2. This course provides practicing lateral entry teachers with an introduction to learning theory, familiarity with various styles of learning and motivational factors involved in the learning process.

The courses are designed for teachers who have their own classrooms and are seeking alternative licensing through the Regional Alternative Licensing Center.

Tuition is $258.18 plus a $20 non-refundable application fee for the course at UNC Asheville. Tuition for the course at A-B Tech is $137.25. Students must have a computer with Microsoft Word and Internet access.

For more information or to register, call UNC Asheville’s Extension and Distance Education Office at 828/232-5122 or visit www.unca.edu/distedu/ce/lateral.html to access an application.