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, mathematics, physics, and social studies) or PreK-12 (art, French, German, music, physical education and Spanish) 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 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 provide the basis 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 Maryland State Department of Education and the awarding of a Master of Science degree by McDaniel College.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the program must submit:

application for graduate study with non-refundable fee;
official transcripts verifying completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 2.75;
satisfactory interview with program coordinator;
three professional letters of recommendation

To begin the program, candidates must:

Complete a criminal background record check through fingerprinting and disclosures
Complete a program plan developed in consultation with BEST Coordinator

Certification Course Sequences

Elementary Sequence:

Course required from undergraduate studies: American History, Children’s Literature, Life Science and Physical Science (12 credits), Mathematics (9 credits), Human Growth and Development Child, Culture and Diversity, and Issues in Inclusive Education.

Total Credit Hour Requirement: 44

Secondary Sequence:

Course requirements from undergraduate studies: Earned major in subject area of certification or completion of McDaniel College major, an adolescent psychology course, Culture and Diveristy and Issues in Inclusive Education.

EDU 503 - Implementing Classroom Technology
Math and Science candidates may choose to take STM 511 instead of EDU 503.
STM 511 - Technology in the STEM Classroom
EDU 580 - Learning and Teaching
EDU 581 - Linking Instruction and Assessment
EDU 594 - Action Research I: Qualitative Methodology
EDU 599 - Internship and Seminar High School
EDU 602 - Action Research II
EDU 603 - Internship and Seminar Middle and High School
RDG 532 - Reading in the Content Areas: Part I
RDG 534 - Reading in Content Areas: Part II

Choose the appropriate methods course for your area of certification:

Total Credit Hour Requirement: 31

PreK - 12 Sequence:

Course requirements from undergraduate studies: Earned major in subject area of certification or completion of McDaniel College major, a child, adolescent, or lifespan psychology course, Culture and Diveristy, and Issues in Inclusive Education.

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

Total Credit Hour Requirement - Art, Music, Physical Education: 34

Total Credit Hour Requirement - French, German, Spanish: 31

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.

Individuals pursuing certification in physical education must take a fitness test at least twice during their teacher education preparation program and must agree to be committed to their own physical fitness.