Program Requirements
- Completion of a minimum of 45 credits
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative UMD grade point average
- Completion of Fundamental English Composition with a minimum grade of “C-”
- Completion of Fundamental Content course (related to your area of certification) with a minimum grade of “C-”
- Completion of Methods I course with a minimum grade of “B-”
- Successful completion of Gateway Courses: See advisor for details.
- Completion of the Basic Skills Test Note: Scores should be sent directly to the College of Education - Institution Code 5814.
Instructions for Supplemental Application Materials
- Complete the Criminal History Disclosure Form The disclosure form must be on file in Room 1204 Benjamin before beginning any placement in the local schools.
- Complete the Foundational Competencies/Model Code Ethics For Educators (FC/MCEE) and submit online.
List of Prior Experiences: Students should include a detailed list of previous paid and/or volunteer experiences with children of the age group that corresponds to the certification band. This should be submitted in an enhanced resume format, with each item including (at a minimum) a brief description of the type of activity, age group of the children, and type of setting in which these experiences occurred. Competitive candidates should have experience interacting with children of the target age group and diverse populations (e.g. ELLs, children with disabilities, non-dominant ethnic groups).
Goal Statement: Please submit an essay describing your interest in becoming a public school teacher and your academic, professional, and extracurricular experiences that led you to your decision to apply. We expect your essay to be well-organized and to demonstrate your ability to express yourself as a professional. This includes adhering to the conventions of standard, edited, written English. The Goal Statement should be at least two pages, double spaced. As we read your essay, we will be looking for evidence that you do the following:
Describe what a good teacher within your content area does and tries to accomplish; explain why these efforts are important and identify strategies that good teachers use to accomplish their goals;
Address the need for teachers to reach learners of diverse backgrounds and maintain an effective learning environment for all students; and
Demonstrate a thoughtful consideration of what you need to learn to be a good teacher. Guiding questions: What do I need to learn to be a good (insert content area here i.e. math, science social studies, etc.) teacher? What will it mean to be a good (insert content area here i.e. math, science, social studies, etc.) teacher?
- Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) letters of recommendation are required.
- One letter must be written by a faculty member in your content area major, who can address your academic abilities and potential to complete an academically rigorous professional program.
- The other letter must be written by a previous/present employer or supervisor of a paid/volunteer experience who can address your potential as a teacher.
- The letters must be on letterhead stationery (where applicable) and should contain contact information for the recommender in case additional information is needed.
- In these letters, the recommender should address your contributions to the teaching profession, the quality of your service, and your professional development during your employment or volunteer experience.
- Letters need to be submitted electronically to ed-apps@umd.edu.
Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted electronically on or before Dec. 1 of each year to the Office of Student Services. *Note: Applications must be complete when submitted.
Please note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the Professional Teacher Education
Program in Education.