children sitting around teacher and looking at a globe
Teaching

Curriculum and Instruction - Creative Initiatives in Teacher Education Specialization (CITE) (Hybrid), M.Ed.

Master of Education
At a Glance
Leads to Teacher License?

Yes

Avg. Duration

2 years (5 consecutive semesters)

Start Term

Fall and Spring

Required Credits

34

Course Load

Part-time

Location

Mixed online format with off-campus meetings on Tuesday evenings at the Laurel College Center

Accreditation

Maryland State Department of Education

Application Deadline

Spring: November 3, 2026
Fall: June 4, 2027

At a Glance
Leads to Teacher License?

Yes

Avg. Duration

2 years (5 consecutive semesters)

Start Term

Fall and Spring

Required Credits

34

Course Load

Part-time

Location

Mixed online format with off-campus meetings on Tuesday evenings at the Laurel College Center

Accreditation

Maryland State Department of Education

Application Deadline

Spring: November 3, 2026
Fall: June 4, 2027

Program Overview

Keep working. Become a licensed teacher.
Earn your M.Ed. and Maryland elementary teaching license (grades 1–6) while continuing to work in your current school-based role. CITE is a two-year, cohort-based graduate program designed specifically for paraeducators, conditionally hired teachers, and teacher assistants seeking a clear, supported path into the classroom.

Why choose CITE?

  • Earn your M.Ed. and teaching certification without leaving your job
  • Flexible blended-learning schedule designed for working professionals
  • Complete your internship in your own school, in your own classroom
  • Get hands-on support from mentor teachers, faculty, and program leaders
  • Join a cohort of educators moving through the program together
Learning Goals
  • How to build classrooms where every student feels supported and can thrive
  • Research-backed teaching strategies for academic, social, and emotional growth
  • How to design standards-aligned lessons that put technology to good use
How to Apply

Please refer to our Application Instructions for information on how to apply to this program.

Admissions Requirements          Guide to Applying

Admission Requirements
  1. A transcript analysis from the CITE program advisor, completed before you apply — email CITE@umd.edu to request this. This analysis verifies which MSDE prerequisite coursework requirements have been fulfilled and identifies any remaining courses needed.
  2. Three professional recommendations, including one from your current principal or supervisor.
  3. A CV or resume highlighting your experience working with children.
  4. Completed MSDE prerequisite coursework for credit in math, English, science, and social sciences.
  5. A reviewed copy of the Foundational Competencies (FC) and Model Code of Ethics for Educators (MCEE) introduction, plus an uploaded acknowledgment survey (submitted through your TerpEngage application).
     
Cost

The graduate tuition rate is $875 per credit. Tuition remains consistent throughout the 2-year program. Additional fees include the $75 application fee and a $139 learning platform cost. Financial aid, scholarships, and graduate funding are available.
 

FAQ

Have questions? Please view our FAQ for answers. 


 

Program Faculty
Theresa Robinson
Theresa Nebel Robinson
Director, Creative Initiatives in Teacher Education
301-452-6547
Carolina Napp-Avelli. Headshot
Dr. Carolina Napp-Avelli
Assistant Clinical Professor and CITE Liaison
301-405-7410
Contact

Questions? Email CITE@umd.edu