Program Description
The Middle School Education Program (Mathematics or Science Concentration) is designed to prepare candidates to earn an M.Ed. and to meet the MSDE requirements for certification in grades 4-9, with a specific focus on mathematics or science teaching. The program prepares reflective practitioners, skilled in inquiry, with the knowledge of content, pedagogy and student learning necessary for teaching middle school mathematics or science (or both) in alignment with the National Middle School Association (NMSA), National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) standards, and the College of Education Conceptual Framework.In keeping with NMSA standards, the program emphasizes the needs of the middle school learner and the importance of teachers having depth of subject matter knowledge. We have designed coursework that explicitly prepares middle school teacher candidates to integrate curriculum across traditional disciplinary boundaries by using innovative technologies and working collaboratively with fellow teachers. In addition, we draw on the expertise and findings from research grants of our own faculty to help prospective teachers find ways of accessing and assessing student thinking in order to promote cognitive growth and equitable classroom environments, especially for English language learners and students with special needs.
The MCERT program is a 13-month intensive experience that places candidates in full-time internships in Montgomery, Prince Georges, Anne Arundel, or Howard County public middle schools with an experienced mentor. Candidates gradually take on greater responsibility in the classroom, culminating in a period of full-time teaching.
Admissions
Admissions to the MCERT program requires the following:
* Bachelor's Degree with 3.0 GPA
* Experience with children or adolescents
* Background in science and/or mathematics. See below.
* In addition to these academic requirements, students must take the Praxis I Exam with passing scores that meet Maryland State requirements. With their application, students must submit a goal statement, a list of education-related experience, and three letters of recommendation.Prerequisites
The program does not require an undergraduate major in science or mathematics. Instead, it is expected that applicants will have preparation in either science or mathematics (or both) sufficient for teaching middle school. Below are the expectations for preparation in science and/or mathematics. Interested applicants should contact the Office of Student Services in the College of Education to have their transcripts reviewed. Some prerequisites may be waived based on equivalent experience or the strength of the candidate's overall preparation. Applicants should have coursework in the following areas of either mathematics or science (or both).Science:
* Life science
* Physics
* Chemistry
* Earth/Space ScienceMathematics:
* Number and operations
* Geometry
* Probability and statistics
* Algebra
* Reasoning, justification, and proofAdditional information on MS Middle School Mathematics Certification
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS MCERT Middle School Certification Program
Schedule of Classes
SEMESTER CREDITS
Summer 1
Summer Session 1 (June-July)* EDCI 411 Knowledge, Reasoning, and Learning in Science or EDCI 457 Teaching and Learning Middle School Mathematics (3 Semester Credits)
* Elective (second methods course, special education course, English language learners) (3 Semester Credits)Summer Session II (July-August)
* EDCI 661 Content Area Reading (3 Semester Credits)
* EDCI 697 Embracing Diversity in Classroom Settings (3 Semester Credits)Fall
Fall classes start in late August
* EDCI 413 Interdisciplinary Middle School Teaching Methods I (2 Semester Credits)
* EDHD 413 Adolescent Development (3 Semester Credits)
* EDCI 689 Teaching Internship (2 Semester Credits)
* EDCI 611 Studying Student Learning in Diverse Settings (3 Semester Credits)
* EDCI 698 Conducting Research on Teaching 1 Semester Credit)Spring
Spring classes start in late January
* EDCI 414 Interdisciplinary Middle School Teaching Methods II (3 Semester Credits)
* EDCI 763 Reading, Cognition, and Reading Instruction (3 Semester Credits)
* EDCI 689 Teaching Internship (6 Semester Credits)
* EDCI 698 Conducting Research on Teaching (2 Semester Credits)Summer 2
(Mid-May – Mid-June)
* EDCI 690 Teaching as a Profession (3 Semester Credits)
* EDCI 689 Teaching Internship (3 Semester Credits)Total credits:
42
