Teaching

Overview

Focus is on producing teacher candidates who can demonstrate research-based and practice validated strategies for teaching and learning, teach subject matter to a diverse student body, analyze their practice for effectiveness in promoting student learning and integrate technology to promote personal and student growth.

Students must pass the university required content assessment prior to the student teaching internship and register for the Praxis II pedagogy exam prior to graduation. Students must provide evidence of passing the university required content assessment and registering for the Praxis II pedagogy exam. Additionally, students must successfully complete a performance-based teaching portfolio and action research project.

Field Experience and Student Teaching Internship

The Teaching Program at University of Maryland University College is a clinically based teacher preparation program. Every course in the MAT program includes required field experience components in which students develop and practice their knowledge, skills, and dispositions for working effectively with diverse learners. Students in the MAT program may work with secondary students in a variety of settings, including conventional and distance-learning classrooms; urban, suburban, and rural schools; and learning communities that offer cultural, ethnic, language, and socioeconomic diversity. The program requires students to complete and document field experiences in diverse settings.

Each student is responsible for following the required procedures for arranging field experiences and classroom observations within the school district of his or her choice. While UMUC is able to provide support and assistance in securing field placements, the university cannot guarantee that all school districts will grant MAT students permission to enter the classroom. Also, states and local school districts have varying regulations and policies regarding field experiences and student teaching. Students are advised to remain informed about the student teaching requirements for their state and locality and the Department of Defense.

Career Path

• Secondary school teacher, licensed in the state of Maryland