Teacher Leadership: Specialization in STEM (MEd)

In addition to a Master's Degree, candidates who successfully complete this program qualify for an add-on certification endorsement from the state of Maryland as a STEM Instructional Leader.

Program Philosophy:

The M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership: Special Studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education is an innovative program that allows in-service elementary and middle school teachers to explore relationships among science, engineering, and mathematics through a transdisciplinary approach to integrated STEM. Teachers in the program use cutting edge technology tools to build a Professional Learning Network as they develop philosophies regarding issues of authenticity, equity, and achievement in STEM.

Each course in the program has been designed to reflect the MSDE STEM Standards of Practice as well as the core ideas and practices of the Next Generation Science Standards and the Common Core State Curriculum. Our program opens the space for teachers to explore relationships between science, engineering, and mathematics through the ‘meta-discipline’ of STEM in order to develop a holistic understanding of the world. Teachers in the program are using cutting edge technology and innovative tools to build a Professional Learning Network as they develop personal philosophies regarding issues of authenticity, equity, and achievement in STEM.

Program Structure:

The M.Ed. In Teacher Leadership: Elementary STEM Education is composed of ten courses for a total of thirty graduate-level credit hours.

ACADEMIC YEAR 1 (12 CREDITS)

• Teaching & Learning in the Physical Sciences
• Biological Principles in Learning & Teaching
• Introduction to Engineering Design
• Developing a Professional Teaching Portfolio

ACADEMIC YEAR 2 (12 CREDITS)

• Innovations and Problem Solving in the Mathematics Classroom
• Applications of Technology in Instructional Settings
• Embracing Diversity in STEM Education
• Conducting Research on Teaching in the STEM Disciplines

ACADEMIC YEAR 3 (6 CREDITS)

• Mathematical Patterns & Predictions
• Educational Leadership in STEM Education

Sample Courses:

Teaching & Learning in the Physical Sciences: A course or two about physical science cannot possibly cover all topics one may end up teaching. The point of this course, therefore, is not just to help teachers understand some key topics but also to give them the skills needed to independently learn new material. In the process of learning science, teachers will have the opportunity to refine their ideas about what science is, what it means to learn and do science. Teachers participating in this course will develop:

• deep conceptual knowledge of topics in physics including motion, floating/sinking, and the nature of matter;
• the ability and propensity to approach the learning of new topics in physical science through tangible sense-making and coherence-building; and
• the ability and propensity to participate in scientific argumentation, which includes engaging with the ideas of others, defending claims with evidence, and seeking coherence between conflicting ideas

Introduction to Engineering Design: Designed by faculty in the Engineering Department, this course will provide an introduction to engineering design and human-centered design through three design projects. Each project will include a written design brief and product design reports, project planning and team management, and rapid prototyping. Participants will engage in discussions around sustainability, globalization, and engineering ethics. Teachers will also be guided through focused exploration of the intersections of scientific and mathematical inquiry and engineering design.

Problem Solving and Innovative Thinking in the Mathematics Classroom: Our society’s opportunities and demands are constantly changing. In order to take advantage of these opportunities and be successful in the face of unpredictable changes, students need learning and innovation skills such as creativity and problem solving as well as a support system for developing such skills. These skills are not only critical for a rapidly changing world, they are the keys to ensuring a fair and inclusive education, which is one of the most powerful levers available to make society more equitable. Mathematics is critical to the development of these skills. Therefore our mission is to re-imagine the mathematics learning environment, re-think mathematics instruction, and re-consider the mathematics curriculum so that we open the door to the development of powerful problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.

TUITION

Students are responsible for payment of tuition to UM at the standard UM rates in effect during the semester in which classes are taken. The outreach off-campus tuition is about the rate of the in-state campus' tuition. Students are responsible for payment of fees instituted by The Universities at Shady Grove and the home campus technology fee. University of Maryland Tuition and Fees.

SCHOLARSHIPS

AFCEA STEM TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP
(next deadline May 31, 2021)

UMD COLLEGE OF EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

MARYLAND STATE SENATORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

APPLICATION STEPS AND DETAILS

To begin the admission application process for the Science Technology /Engineering Mathematics (STEM) Montgomery County (MCSTE) program, please follow the instructions below.  Applications are rolling until the cohort is filled. 

STEM Graduate Application Process

Click on the University of Maryland Graduate Online Application link: gradapply.umd.edu. Click on “Create Account” tab, complete the form, create a user name and password and submit. 

• Click on ”Access Your Online Application” page and complete the following sections:
  • Demographics and Contact Information
  • Educational Intent Section: (Enter the following information)
    • Applicant Type: Degree
    • Level of Study: Masters
    • Intended Program of Study: Curriculum and Instruction
    • Term of Entrance:  Fall 2021
    • College/School:  College of Education (will be prepopulated)
    • Area of Interest 1: Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics (Montgomery County/Off-Campus)(MCSTE)
    • Area of Interest 2:  Not Applicable/Off-Campus
• Previous Education Section:  Enter names of the institutions of higher education at which you have received 9 credits or more and upload unofficial transcripts with degree conferred, if applicable (required) (see notes below) 
• Personal Information and Maryland Residency Information
• Program Upload Requirement Section: upload your Personal statement and resume
• Recommendations:  Enter the 3 recommender names and email addresses (required) 
• Pay $75 non-refundable application fee

Please make sure you upload all of the required documentation.

Note regarding Transcripts:  Scanned copy of transcripts must be uploaded into your application file with degree conferred.  Official transcripts are required by the Graduate School by the end of the first term of enrollment if accepted into the program and the University.  Applicants must have official, sealed undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended (with 9 credits or more) sent to the Graduate School at: 

University of Maryland College Park

Enrollment Services Operation – 

Attn: Graduate Admissions

Room 0130 Mitchell Building

College Park, MD 20742

Electronic Transcripts: gradschool@umd.edu Attn: Heather Kissinger

Information for International Applicants  

All applicants who have earned their Baccalaureate (4-year degree) from an international institution must ALSO meet ISSS admission requirements. It is recommended that applicants plan for additional time needed for IES processing.  Visit the Graduate School International admission pages:

International student admissions and International students scholar services

Required Materials:

• An official copy of original degree conferred transcripts in original language with a literal English translation and a copy of the final diploma.
• All English translations should be completed by an ISSS approved service (for transcript and diploma/certificate) are required. http://globalmaryland.umd.edu/offices/international-students-scholar-services/translation-services
• TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson’s (PTE) is required if you have international credentials whose native language is not English and who does not hold a degree from an institution in the US. United Kingdom, Anglophone Africa, Anglophone Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Commonwealth Caribbean.
• Applicants on a Visa must submit a copy of Visa documentation

The International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) at the University of Maryland assists international students in the process of applying to the university, and once admitted.  ISSS may contact applicants by email, please ensure email addresses listed on the application is accurate.  

If you have any questions regarding the application or process please contact Kay Moon, kmoon@umd.edu or studentservices_ip@umd.edu.  

How to Apply Document

For more information, contact Amy Green at amygreen@umd.edu.