EdTerps Learning Academy - PK-12 Education Programs

The EdTerps Learning Academy provides formal and informal training and professional development opportunities that encompasses current evidence-based research and practice related to instruction, policy analysis, counseling, and human development.

Mentoring and advising are an essential part of the program. Students meet with faculty and the academic program director to ensure that educational goals and career learning and development goals are met. Students should contact: 

• Dr. Theresa Nebel Robinson, Academic Program Director: tnebrob1@umd.edu
• Dr. Carolina Napp-Avelli, CITE Liaison: cnapp@umd.edu

Overview

The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Specialty: Creative Initiatives in Teacher Education (CITE) has a 43-credit, 17-course curriculum that prepares reflective practitioners for a pluralistic society through research-based inquiry.

• Participants learn to be reflective, develop a broad repertoire of teaching skills, establish cultural proficiency applications to the classroom, and base their teaching practice on sound theory and research.
• Can be completed in two years of continuous full-time enrollment. See Designation of Full-time/Part-time Status.

Program Features

Successful program completion results in a Master's of Education (M.Ed.) degree and eligibility for a Maryland teaching certificate in grades 1 through 6. In addition, candidates acquire a teaching emphasis in either special education or ESOL instruction. 

Program Knowledge Areas

• Curriculum
• Learners
• Subject matter
• Pedagogy
• Social context
• Educational Goals and Assessment

Each knowledge area incorporates the following principles:

• Multicultural Philosophy and Education
• Higher Level Thinking Skills
• Research: Knowledge, Inquiry and Interpretation
• Reflection
• High Leverage Teaching Practices
• Team Building and Rapport with Others

Program Key Components

• Inclusion of paraeducators, support staff, and other professionals interested in classroom teaching.
• Opportunities for professional growth in a multicultural community
• Focus instruction on special education or ESOL education to meet student needs
• Collaborative support from a master teacher, school-based administration, and University of Maryland (UMD) faculty
• Participation in a cohort experience with other CITE participants

Courses

Below is a listing of all program courses. For a detailed course description that includes pre-requisites or co-requisites, see The Graduate School Catalog, Course Listing as follows:

• TLPL Course Descriptions
• EDSP Course Descriptions

Registration Overview

• See the sample plan of study, below. Students should use this as a guide to develop a plan with the academic program director.
• Actual course offerings are determined by the program and may vary. Students should note if a course has a pre-requisite or co-requisite.
• Specific class meeting information (days and time) is posted on UMD’s interactive web service services, Testudo. Once on that site, select “Schedule of Classes,” then the term/year. Courses are listed by academic unit.
• The program uses specific section codes for registration that are listed on the sample plan of study.

Sample Plan

The 6-semester cohort plan of study begins in a spring semester and students complete the program in a fall semester (spring, summer, fall, spring, summer, fall).

Overview

• Features a blend of in-person and online learning.
• Instruction provided by UMD faculty and professionals from the partnership school system.
• Uses the semester academic calendar with classes held during fall and spring semester (16 weeks each) and Summer Session (two 6-week sessions).

In-Person Instruction

• Instructors present dynamic and interactive seminar-style instruction.
• Classes are held in the evenings at partnership school system locations, offering a focused, distraction-free learning environment.
• Students enrolled in a program that features in-person instruction are required to submit the University’s Immunization Record Form prior to the first day of their first semester/term. See Health Requirements.

Online Instruction

• Using advanced audio and video technology, UMD’s online learning environment delivers dynamic and interactive content.
• Featuring convenience and flexibility, online instruction permits asynchronous or synchronous participation.
• Students attend lectures virtually (e.g., use of video technology, such as Zoom).
• Online lectures (lecture, slides, presentation, and Q&A interactions) are recorded and video-archived for student review.