The Sherman STEM Teacher Education Scholars Program (Sherman Scholars Program) seeks to increase the number of outstanding STEM students in the teacher-education pipeline. UMBC’s long-standing model of teacher preparation requires that students earn their degree in a discipline and complete the coursework for teacher certification either through the undergraduate certificate program or graduate degree program. Consequently Sherman scholars major in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) discipline while completing the coursework to obtain Maryland initial teacher certification.
UMBC and the Sherman Scholars Program graduate highly qualified mathematics and science teachers who will teach throughout the Baltimore region and across the state, focusing on high-needs schools. In recruiting Sherman scholars, we seek high achieving students with a demonstrated aptitude in and passion for STEM disciplines, a desire to teach, and a commitment to the ideal of a quality education for all children. We also work with students who are considering a teaching career and are seeking a support system in which they can explore the idea. Candidates for the Sherman Scholars Program may be incoming freshmen, transfer students, upperclassmen, or graduate students. The Program’s inaugural cohort of 10 students began in the fall of 2007, and since then we have supported nearly 100 students. Currently 80% of graduates are teaching. Our goal is to annually graduate 20 students who will enter the teaching workforce.
On this solid academic foundation, UMBC created the Sherman Scholars Program, adopting the best practices of local and national models of student support and teacher preparation. We enfold students into the “Sherman Family” through a cohort model and establish a culture of interdependence and multi-tiered support. Scholars say the most salient component of the Sherman Scholars Program is being a member of this community of STEM scholars and future STEM teachers.
Program staff advises Sherman scholars, teaching them the practices of successful college students, the reflective practices of effective educators, and the culturally competent practices required of teachers facing today’s diverse classrooms. All Sherman scholars are required to engage in applied learning experiences and leadership development, so they are well positioned for the state-mandated 100-day student teaching internship and full-time employment. Additionally, Program staff continues to support Sherman alumni through induction, which is support and guidance for teachers in the early stages of their careers. Read more about the Sherman Experience.The Sherman Scholars Program is located in the Academic Services Building, Room 106C. E-mail us at ShermanProgram@umbc.edu