New, updated education programs target career changers, current teachers
Updates include fully online option for Master of Arts in Teaching, new Graduate Certificate to prepare teachers for national certification
By JAMIE ABELL on August 9, 2023
As a leader in education for more than 150 years, Towson University’s College of Education prepares current and future teachers to succeed in a rapidly changing, diverse and challenging field.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
COE has altered its Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in response to Maryland school districts’ concern about a teacher shortage. Starting fall 2023, the program will offer a fully online option in addition to the current hybrid structure.
The MAT was designed for people with a bachelor’s degree in fields other than education who would like to earn their teacher certification in early childhood, elementary and secondary and special education.
Learn more about applying for the MAT.
“Providing a fully online program allows people with full-time jobs an opportunity to participate in all the courses without the added stress of additional travel,” says Pamela Wruble, graduate program director of the MAT at TU. “Since all our certification areas offered by the MAT have an online format, those who want to transition their careers to the education field or become a certified teacher in Maryland have the opportunity to participate in a program that strives to meet their academic and personal needs.”
Accomplished Teaching for Student Impact Graduate Certificate
TU also recognizes the need to support teachers beyond their initial degrees. By providing a Graduate Certificate focused on National Board Certification, COE helps current teachers advance in their careers, earn higher salaries (a bump of approximately more than $10,000 per year) and gain stature within the profession.
The only program of its kind in Maryland, the graduate certificate—available fully online and in a hybrid format—prepares P–12 teachers in Maryland for National Board Certification.
Learn how you can apply for the Graduate Certificate.
“Our courses are not only designed by Nationally Board Certified teachers (NBCTs) but taught by them too,” says Elizabeth Singleton, program director. “The program also allows each student to receive graduate credit while collaborating with peers in a cohort format that they might not otherwise have access to.”
Additionally, this program will aid and enhance existing efforts offered by school districts to support teachers seeking national certification. It also aligns with the career ladder framework outlined in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
The program already has more than 150 participants, including educators from Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Howard County, and Montogomery County school districts.
“This course turned obtaining my National Board Certification from something ambiguous to something tangible,” says Kevin Anderson, a physical education teacher at Ducketts Lane Elementary School and member of a current Howard County cohort. “Achieving this certification is linked to my ambition for becoming a leader. The program helps me hyperfocus on what really good teaching looks like and how to achieve that.”