STARS EDUCATION PROGRAM TO DEBUT AT UMFK NEXT FALL
Student Teachers Aspiring to meet the Real
challenges of Schools, or STARS, an accelerated
three-year bachelor’s degree program for education
majors, will debut next fall at the University of
Maine at Fort Kent.
The STARS Education Program at UMFK
was created for the academically-gifted and talented
student who aspires to become an exemplary
teacher in any school setting. The STARS program
is designed for students who wish to complete their
bachelor’s degree studies in less than four years.
Under the STARS program’s accelerated
schedule, students would take five classes each
semester, carrying approximately 16-18 credit
hours. Ideally, a student would enter the STARS
program with early college or advanced placement
credit.
The selective, three-year program at UMFK
creates an environment for optimal learning
emphasizing knowledge, values and experiences
by integrating teaching, service, and experiential
learning. The STARS program prepares educators
to become reflective scholars, instructional leaders,
and global citizens.
The STARS program will prepare students
to play a key role in a profession that is both
progressive and evolving. It also will qualify students
as ambassadors for educational excellence.
Among the many benefits of becoming
a STARS student at UMFK are: competitive
job market edge; accelerated admission to
graduate school; eligibility for UMFK academic
scholarships; admission into UMFK’s Honors
62 Higher Education WINTER 2010
program; teacher/scholar distinction on transcripts
and diploma; small classes with individualized
instruction; specialized field trips and on-going
experiential learning; and membership in the 3-21 Presidential Club.