Sherman STEM Teacher Education Program
Target Audience
Aspiring teachers: Sherman Scholars are incoming freshman,
transfer students, current STEM students with an interest in
teaching and career changers.
Current teachers: Scholar referrals or current teachers
with an interest in mentoring new teachers.
Higher education faculty: Interest in the research about
or instruction of science, mathematics or engineering education
for either the K-12 students or teacher candidates.
Youth and families in Baltimore: Improving teacher retention,
student outcomes and total school performance in elementary
and middle schools in the Greater Baltimore area.
About the Program
The Sherman STEM Teacher Education Program is leveraging UMBC’s
strengths in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
with our capabilities in teacher preparation, experiential education
and leadership development to increase the number of outstanding
STEM students in the teacher-education pipeline. We will couple
significant financial assistance with academic, professional
and social support to graduate highly qualified mathematics
and science teachers who will teach in high-needs schools in
the Baltimore region, especially Baltimore City.
The Program Will:
In recruiting our Sherman Scholars, we will seek high-achieving
students with a demonstrated aptitude in STEM disciplines, a
desire to teach and a commitment to quality education for all
children. Building on this foundation, we will use a cohort
model as a vehicle for multi-tiered peer support, while building
an interdependent culture among all Sherman Scholars.
We will enhance the higher education experience of these future
teachers with the following:
Academic support: Students will be asked to participate
in an education-focused First Year Seminar (FYS) course and
in workshops on academic success. In addition to campus advising
services, Sherman Scholars will be advised by program staff,
who will ensure access to services. Lastly, we will implement
a summer bridge component to introduce our Sherman Scholars
to UMBC and to the Sherman Program culture, to begin their academic
coursework and to initiate conversations about and understanding
of the profession and high-needs schools.
Professional support: In addition to their coursework,
students will participate in service-learning and education-focused
internships, both of which will be supplemented with substantial
reflection. The Sherman Program will host guest speakers from
various fields, such as education and youth advocacy. Scholars
will attend at least one professional conference and will be
paired with a mentor (tenured teacher) while in the early years
of their career.
Social support: By interacting early and often with teachers
who work in high-needs schools, Sherman Scholars will begin
to be socialized into their intended profession. Additionally,
understanding that a fulfilled life is a balanced life, the
Sherman Program will host recreational activities, such as retreats,
cookouts and sports outings.
Program Funding
Through a generous endowment from the Sherman Family Foundation
and gifts from the Rouse Company and Charles Mead Foundations,
we have begun to build capacity and support Scholars. We are
actively seeking additional funding to further support and expand
the program.
UMBC Contact Person
Rehana Shafi
Assistant Director
410-455-1736
rshafi@umbc.edu
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