Pathway to Teaching for Career Changers and Special Education

Secondary Education Requirements - 21 Credits

• EDTR 107 - Introduction to Special Education 3 Credit(s).

• or

• PSYC 107 - Introduction to Special Education 3 Credit(s).

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• EDTR 215 - Educational Psychology 3 Credit(s).

• or

• PSYC 215 - Educational Psychology 3 Credit(s).

•  

• EDTR 250 - Assessment for Secondary Teachers 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 251 - Methods of Teaching for Secondary Teachers 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 252 - Teaching Reading in the Content Area, Part I 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 253 - Teaching Reading in the Content Area, Part II 3 Credit(s).
• PSYC 219 - Adolescent Psychology 3 Credit(s).

Special Education - Early Childhood Education Requirements - 39 Credits

• EDTR 107 - Introduction to Special Education 3 Credit(s).

• or

• PSYC 107 - Introduction to Special Education 3 Credit(s).

•  

• EDTR 103 - Principles of Human Growth and Development 3 Credit(s).

• or

• PSYC 103 - Principles of Human Growth and Development 3 Credit(s).

•  

• EDTR 211 - Psychology of Early Childhood 3 Credit(s).

• or

• PSYC 211 - Psychology of Early Childhood 3 Credit(s).

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• EDTR 222 - Observing and Recording Children’s Behavior 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 261 - Evaluation of the Exceptional Child 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 262 - Educational Planning for the Exceptional Child 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 243 - Instruction of Reading 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 244 - Materials Used in Reading 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 245 - Assessment for Reading Instruction 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 121 - Curriculum and Materials in Early Childhood Education 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 264 - Classroom Management/Teaching Techniques for the Exceptional Child 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 214 - Parent, Teacher and Community Relations 3 Credit(s).

Special Education - Elementary Education Requirements - 39 Credits

• EDTR 107 - Introduction to Special Education 3 Credit(s).

• or

• PSYC 107 - Introduction to Special Education 3 Credit(s).

•  

• EDTR 103 - Principles of Human Growth and Development 3 Credit(s).

• or

• PSYC 103 - Principles of Human Growth and Development 3 Credit(s).

•  

• PSYC 230 - Child Psychology 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 240 - Assessment for Elementary Teachers 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 261 - Evaluation of the Exceptional Child 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 262 - Educational Planning for the Exceptional Child 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 242 - Processes and Acquisition of Reading 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 243 - Instruction of Reading 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 244 - Materials Used in Reading 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 245 - Assessment for Reading Instruction 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 241 - Methods of Teaching for Elementary Teachers 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 264 - Classroom Management/Teaching Techniques for the Exceptional Child 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 214 - Parent, Teacher and Community Relations 3 Credit(s).

Special Education-Secondary Education Requirements - 30 Credits

• EDTR 107 - Introduction to Special Education 3 Credit(s).

• or

• PSYC 107 - Introduction to Special Education 3 Credit(s).

•  

• EDTR 214 - Parent, Teacher and Community Relations 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 250 - Assessment for Secondary Teachers 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 251 - Methods of Teaching for Secondary Teachers 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 252 - Teaching Reading in the Content Area, Part I 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 253 - Teaching Reading in the Content Area, Part II 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 261 - Evaluation of the Exceptional Child 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 262 - Educational Planning for the Exceptional Child 3 Credit(s).
• EDTR 265 - Pre-Vocational and Vocational Methods 3 Credit(s).
• PSYC 219 - Adolescent Psychology 3 Credit(s).

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of these requirements, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate understanding of how children learn and develop by analyzing instructional practices and student behaviors during an observation in an authentic setting;
2. provide learning opportunities that support a child’s intellectual, social, and personal development by creating instructional activities that are developmentally appropriate;
3. understand diversity and its connection to learning by analyzing hypothetical scenarios;
4. use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation by analyzing instructional practices and student behaviors during an observation in an authentic setting;
5. understand how to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom using verbal, non-verbal, and technological communication techniques by creating a lesson plan using the Common Core Curriculum Frameworks;
6. be reflective and continually evaluate the effects of his or her choices and actions on self and others by completion of their Individual Development Plan; and,
7. understand the importance of fostering relationships with colleagues, families, and the larger community by utilizing technology to identify school-and community-based resources that support parents and families.

Program Description:

The Pathway to Teaching for Career Changers fulfills the pedagogical course requirements for Maryland secondary teacher and generic special education certification. It is designed for baccalaureate holders who want to become certified to teach at the secondary level or special education in grades K-12 in Maryland public schools without earning a second college degree. The pedagogical course requirements were developed collaboratively with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) staff. However, please note that a student teaching experience is not included in this program.

Students interested in the Pathway to Teaching for Career Changers should meet with the Teacher Education Department program director or a campus coordinator before registering for classes. They also need to pass the SAT, ACT, or GRE. Finally, they must submit their SAT, ACT, or GRE scores and official transcripts of their baccalaureate work to MSDE. Upon receipt of their transcript evaluation by MSDE, students may choose from the listed course selections to complete the pedagogical coursework required in their area. All certification areas require documented teaching experience and a baccalaureate degree before an initial certificate is awarded. This program does not include that teaching experience. Students are referred to the following link for the Certification Branch of MSDE: http://marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/certification/certification_branch

Secondary Education in Maryland covers grades 7-12.

Special Education: Secondary in Maryland covers grades 6-adult.