Better Educators for Students of Tomorrow (BEST) MS

Overview

The BEST program provides students with the content, pedagogical background and experiences necessary for initial certification in elementary (Grades 1-6), secondary (Grades 7-12) (including biology, chemistry, English, French, German, mathematics, physics, social studies, and Spanish) or Pre-K-12 (art, music, and physical education) education. The program has been evaluated and approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the Maryland State Department of Education.

The BEST program embraces a rich combination of content, research based learning theory, effective teaching practices with significant public school experiences, opportunities for research within the public school setting, and encouragement to reflect upon classroom practice. National standards in these fields provide the base for the pedagogical and content knowledge throughout the BEST program.

Successful completion of the BEST program will result in the candidate becoming eligible for initial teacher certification by the State of Maryland and the awarding of a Master of Science degree by McDaniel College.

Admission and Full-Acceptance

Applicants to the program are initially admitted after submitting:

A completed Application for Graduate Study and application fee
Official transcripts verifying completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75* (on a scale of 4.0)

To begin the program, candidates must:

Take part in a pre-matriculation advising session
Complete a criminal background record check through fingerprinting and disclosures
Complete a program plan developed in consultation with BEST Coordinator

Full-accpetance (program admission requirements):

Successful completion of EDU 580, EDU 580P and EDU 581, EDU 581P;
A GPA of 3.00 or higher in courses taken at McDaniel College;
Three professional letters of reference;
Praxis I test scores that meet MSDE minimum score requirements;
Completion of all the necessary prerequisite courses. (Note: Candidates will not be allowed to enroll in Education courses beyond EDU 580 and EDU 581 until they have successfully completed the required prerequisite courses in their programs.)
Appropriate Professional Dispositions as determined by the course instructors.

*Students not meeting these criteria may be admitted to the program on a conditional basis.

Courses

Required of All Participants:

Elementary Sequence:

Course prerequisites from undergraduate studies: American History, Children’s Literature, Introductory Psychology, Life Science and Physical Science (12 credits), Mathematics (12 credits including MAT 520 Mathematical Foundations).

Secondary Sequence:

Course prerequisites from undergraduate studies: Earned major in subject area of certification or completion of McDaniel College major and a general psychology course.

Choose the appropriate Instructional Plans course for your area of certification:

PK12 Sequence:

Course prerequisites from undergraduate studies: Earned major in subject area of certification or completion of McDaniel college major and a general psychology course.

Choose the two (2) appropriate Instructional Plans courses for your area of certification:

Note:

An exit portfolio and Action Research project are certification and degree requirements. Praxis II test scores that meet MSDE minimum score is a certification requirement.