I'm not sure about the best places for classes. I know ScrapGirls and some other sites offer them, but I've never tried them. Maybe others here can chime in.
I have two tutorials on my blog meant to be 'starter' tutorials.
Creating Your First Page in PSE will introduce you to the basic tools using a quick page.
Using Layered Templates in PSE will take you through the process of using a template which will come in handy if you want to use some of the hybrid templates out there.
If you try either and get stuck, just let me know.