Department of Secondary and Middle School Education

Hawkins Hall 404
Phone: 410-704-2562

Vision Statement

Towson University will be recognized for preparing innovative and socially just professionals who advocate on behalf of children, families, and the profession. We will empower educators with strong knowledge of research-based pedagogies, a technology-rich skillset, a deep understanding of how children, youth, and adults learn, and caring dispositions to lead and succeed in inclusive and equitable settings.

Mission Statement

The mission of Educator Preparation Programs at Towson University is to:

Prepare the next generation of diverse educators and leaders committed to meet the individual needs of all learners.
Advance scholarship around significant priorities in the profession.
Collaborate with and advocate for children, families, and communities.
Develop and implement innovative solutions to education challenges.

Programs of the Department

Declaring Secondary Education

The Department of Secondary and Middle School Education offers the following programs of study: the major in Middle School Education (grades 4–9) and certification programs in English, and history / social studies (grades 7–12).

Programs for teaching pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in Art, Dance, Music, Physical Education, Spanish and French are offered by those academic departments.

All Teacher Education programs are approved by the Maryland State Department of Education. Upon graduation in one of these programs and completion of Maryland State Department of Education content testing requirements, students are eligible to apply for certification to teach in Maryland.

The programs of education for middle and high school teachers are designed to bring about close integration between theory and practice. Students are required to apply directly to the Department of Secondary and Middle School Education. A Secondary Education adviser is required in addition to an adviser in the major for the following majors:

For the Middle School Education Program, students are required to meet every term with the adviser assigned after admission.

For information, go to Hawkins Hall 404.

Declaring the Middle School Education Major

Students interested in becoming Middle School Education majors must first gain admission to Towson University. Admission to TU does not guarantee admission to the Middle School Education program. Students declare majors online.

All students enrolled in a Teacher Education program are required to undergo a criminal background check before participating in any internship placement.

Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade Teacher Education Programs

Teacher Education programs exist in the following areas for grades PreK-12:

For required courses and special program information, consult the section of this catalog dealing with the specific department and the requirements for those majors.

Master of Arts in Teaching—Secondary

Director: Dr. Pamela Wruble
Psychology Building 102
Phone: 410-704-4935
Email: pwruble@towson.edu

The Master of Arts in Teaching program is designed to prepare highly qualified post-baccalaureate students for teaching certifications in grades 7 through 12. Consult the Graduate Catalog for more information.

Admission Requirements for Teacher Education

The Teacher Education Executive Board, representing all initial teacher education programs at Towson University, utilizes the following minimum requirements as conditions for admission into teacher education programs, maintaining candidate status and formal entry into the capstone internship. Programs may include additional requirements for admission into the program and/or the capstone internship.

The College of Education admits students either as freshmen or as undergraduate transfer students from accredited, post-secondary institutions. During the freshman and sophomore years, students are generally engaged in pre-professional courses or courses that fulfill Core Curriculum requirements, as well as all identified prerequisites (e.g., specific and sequential courses in Core Curriculum) for admission to COE screened majors and programs.

All College of Education undergraduate programs are screened majors. As an integral part of the teaching/learning experience, students work with advisers in a strategic planning process across all years at TU. Accordingly, to support student success, all COE students are required to confer prior to registration each term with their assigned advisers.

I. PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO ALL TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Complete a self-disclosure criminal background form to be submitted to the major department with the application.
Submit an application for formal admission to the program. Students seeking admission to teacher education programs must contact their department chairperson or program coordinator by 45 credit hours for program-specific procedures and requirements for admission to professional education programs.
A cumulative/overall GPA of 3.00 or higher is required for admission to an initial licensure teacher education program.
1. Applicants with a GPA between 2.50 - 2.99 may be admitted conditionally if they provide evidence of passing scores on a Basic Skills Assessment* as identified by the Maryland State Department of Education (i.e. SAT, ACT, GRE, Praxis Core) and receive approval from the department chairperson/program coordinator.
  
  *Candidates may apply for a test waiver directly to the department. Such waivers should only be granted if it is predicted, based on the individual candidate’s transcript data, that the candidate’s final cumulative/overall GPA will be above a 3.00.

II. ADDITIONAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Students should apply for formal admission into the Middle School or Secondary Education Program when they have completed at least 45 college units.

Once a completed application is received, students in Secondary Education and Middle School Education are permitted to enroll in Principles of Secondary Education or Principles of Middle School Education, and Using Reading and Writing in the Secondary or Middle School.

Prior to program admission, students are permitted to take only Introduction to Special Education, Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on America’s Urban Schools; Teaching and Learning in a Diverse Society; Education, Ethics and Change; Adolescent Learning, Development and Diversity; and Integrating Instructional Technology from the education program.

Notes for prospective Secondary Education Students:

Students interested in obtaining Maryland State Teaching Certification in one of the following areas: English (Grades 7-12), History / Social Studies (Grades 7-12), and World Languages (Grades PreK-12) should contact the Department of Secondary Education Chair, Dr. Heather Haverback (Hhaverback@towson.edu).
Students interested in Mathematics or Science and leading to Maryland State Teacher Certification in Secondary Education (Grades 7-12) can select from one of the following subject areas: Biology, Chemistry, Earth-Space Science, Mathematics of Physics. The students should contact the TU U-Teach Program director, Dr. Linda Cooper (lcooper@towson.edu).

Secondary & Middle School Education Courses

SCED 200 FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION (3)

Sociological, philosophical, psychological, and historical foundations of Western education. Perspectives in these areas as they relate to current educational issues and practices.

SCED 270 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SECONDARY ED (1-3)

In-depth study of a selected topic in Secondary Education. The specific requirements and prerequisites will vary with each topic and will be designated by the department each time a topic is scheduled. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered.

SCED 304 EDUCATION, ETHICS AND CHANGE (3)

Examines the nature of ethics, social justice and related critical issues with implications for teacher education majors and those interested in education, human services, ethics and change. Prerequisites: recommended completion of Core Curriculum Requirement TSEM 102 or ENGL 102. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.

SCED 305 ADOLESCENT LEARNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND DIVERSITY (3)

Classic and contemporary theories of learning with explicit connections to the ways learning theories affect students and teachers. Current research into brain development and function will be investigated, with an emphasis on classroom applications. The course will also address the complexity introduced by the extraordinary diversity of today's adolescent population. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

SCED 341 PRINCIPLES OF SECONDARY EDUCATION (4)

Philosophy and purposes of secondary education; nature of secondary education programs; principles of teaching and learning; basic techniques in instruction. A field experience to schools is required and will necessitate travel time before and after class. Individualized grade level experiences for specific content areas will be provided. To be taken the term prior to the methods course. Prerequisites: junior standing, SCED 305, and permission of the SCED chairperson.

SCED 353 TEACHING MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE (3)

Aims and purposes of foreign language instruction; current curricular trends, including the importance of modern language teaching practices. Open only to seniors who plan to teach foreign language, with consent of instructor. Prerequisites: SCED 341, SCED 460 and permission of SCED chair.

SCED 355 TEACHING SOCIAL STUDIES IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL (3)

Objectives, curriculum, materials, and instructional procedures in the teaching of social studies. Open only to seniors immediately prior to internship and to others with equivalent backgrounds and objectives. Prerequisites: SCED 341, SCED 460 and permission of SCED chairperson.

SCED 357 TEACHING ENGLISH IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL (3)

Language arts as taught in secondary schools. Open only to seniors immediately prior to internship and to others with equivalent backgrounds and objectives with consent of instructor. Prerequisites: SCED 341, SCED 460 and permission of SCED chair.

SCED 383 INTERNSHIP IN SECONDARY EDUCATION- ENGLISH (12)

Practical experience in observation, participation and internship in public school classrooms under the guidance of master teachers, and a University supervisor. Prerequisites: PSYC 201, SCED 341, SCED 460, ISTC 301, SPED 301 and SCED 499, SCED 357 and EDUC 401, and permission of student's major department. All SCED students and baccalaureate students will teach at both middle and high school levels in the same semester. Graded S/U. Internship/Practicum fee will be assessed.

SCED 384 INTERNSHIP IN FRENCH EDUCATION (12)

Practical experience in observation, participation and student teaching in public school classrooms under the guidance of mentor teachers, and a University supervisor. Students will teach in a variety of grade levels in the same semester. Prerequisites: PSYC 201, SCED 341, SCED 460, ISTC 301, SPED 301, SCED 499, SCED 353 and EDUC 401, and permission of student's major department. Graded S/U. Internship/Practicum fee will be assessed.

SCED 385 INTERNSHIP IN SECONDARY EDUCATION- GEOGRAPHY (12)

Practical experience in observation, participation and student teaching in public school classrooms under the guidance of master teachers, and a University supervisor. Prerequisites: PSYC 201, SCED 341, SCED 460, ISTC 301, SPED 301, SCED 499, SCED 355 and EDUC 401, and permission of student's major department. All SCED students and baccalaureate students will teach at both middle and high school levels in the same semester. Graded S/U.

SCED 386 INTERNSHIP IN SECONDARY EDUCATION- GERMAN (12)

Practical experience in observation, participation and student teaching in public school classrooms under the guidance of master teachers, and a University supervisor. Prerequisites: PSYC 201, SCED 341, SCED 460, ISTC 301, SPED 301, SCED 499, SCED 353 and EDUC 401, and permission of student's major department. All SCED students and baccalaureate students will teach at both middle and high school levels in the same semester. Graded S/U.

SCED 389 INTERNSHIP IN SECONDARY EDUCATION- HISTORY (12)

Practical experience in observation, participation and student teaching in public school classrooms under the guidance of master teachers, and a University supervisor. All SCED students and baccalaureate students will teach at both middle and high school levels in the same semester. Prerequisites: PSYC 201, SCED 341, SCED 460, ISTC 301, SPED 301, SCED 499, SCED 355 and EDUC 401, and permission of student's major department. Graded S/U. Internship/Practicum fee will be assessed.

SCED 394 INTERNSHIP IN SPANISH EDUCATION (12)

Practical experience in observation, participation and student teaching in public school classrooms under the guidance of mentor teachers, and a University supervisor. Students will teach in a variety of grade levels in the same semester. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: PSYC 201, SCED 341, SCED 460, ISTC 301, SPED 301, SCED 499, SCED 353 and EDUC 401, and permission of student's major department. Internship/Practicum fee will be assessed.

SCED 396 INTERNSHIP IN SECONDARY EDUCATION- SOCIAL SCIENCE (12)

SCED 401 ANALYZING THE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE (3)

Analysis of and development of solutions for problems in pupil behavior, curriculum, evaluation and instructional procedures. Teaching philosophies and strategies based upon identified needs determined as a result of the internship experience will be explored in depth. Taken concurrent with internship. Prerequisite: SCED 499.

SCED 419 YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE (3)

Examination of literature as an expression of basic needs and ideas of youth through wide independent reading; studying criteria and aids for selection of books and other media; evaluating in terms of forces affecting society and the adolescent.

SCED 460 USING LITERACY IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS (3)

Developmental reading and writing assessment; vocabulary building; comprehension; special needs adaptations; clinical practice. Individualized grade level experiences for specific content areas will be provided. Prerequisites: SCED 341 (may be taken concurrently) or permission of Towson UTeach (for UTeach majors).

SCED 461 TEACHING LITERACY IN THE SECONDARY CONTENT AREAS (3)

Application and assessment of reading strategies and instructional frameworks in secondary content classrooms. Individualized grade level experiences for specific content areas will be provided. Prerequisites: SCED 460 and currently teaching or doing an internship or with permission of Towson UTeach.

SCED 463 DEV RDG ADOLESC (3)

Methods of designing and teaching developmental reading programs for the middle or junior high school student. Attention to the following: providing for individual differences, teaching students to read critically, developing and extending reading interests.

SCED 470 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION (1-3)

In-depth study of a selected topic in Secondary or Adult Education. The specific requirements and prerequisites will vary with each topic and will be designated by the department each time a topic is scheduled. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered.

SCED 494 TRAVEL AND STUDY IN SECONDARY EDUCATION (1-6)

Study abroad of educational facilities, programs or practices, or selected projects in education topics. By special arrangement with program chair and sponsoring instructors.

SCED 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN EDUCATION: SECONDARY (1-4)

An opportunity for especially qualified students to undertake research problems or study projects relevant to their interest and training under the direction of a staff member. Prerequisite: Consent of SCED chairperson.

SCED 496 DIRECTED READINGS IN SECONDARY EDUCATINO (1-4)

Independent reading in selected areas of Secondary Education in order to provide for the individual a comprehensive coverage or to meet special needs. By invitation of the department to qualified students. Prerequisite: Consent of SCED chairperson.

SCED 499 INTERNSHIP IN EDUCATION (6)

Clinical experience in a professional development school the term immediately prior to the full-time internship; focus on classroom management and discipline, technology utilization, student diversity and reflective practices. Prerequisites: SCED 341, SCED 460 and permission from SCED Chairperson. Graded S/U. Internship/Practicum fee will be assessed.

Secondary Education in Mathematics & Science Courses

SEMS 110 INTRODUCTION TO STEM TEACHING I: INQUIRY APPROACHES TO TEACHING (1)

A first exploration into teaching as a career, emphasizing inquiry-based science and constructivist mathematics. Field experience with upper elementary grades includes two classroom observations and three teaching experiences. Prerequisites: freshman standing and instructor permission.

SEMS 120 INTRODUCTION TO STEM TEACHING II: INQUIRY-BASED LESSON DESIGN (1)

A second exploration into teaching as a career, focusing on the development of SE lesson plans aligned to district curricula; attributes of adolescent students; utilization of technology; questioning strategies; and formal and informal methods of assessment. Middle school field experience in either mathematics or science includes classroom observations and three teaching experiences. Credit will not be given for both SEMS 120 and SEMS 130. Prerequisite: SEMS 110.

SEMS 130 INTRODUCTION TO STEM TEACHING I & II COMBINED (2)

A first exploration into teaching as a career, emphasizing inquiry-based science and constructivist mathematics. The focus is on the development of SE lesson plans aligned to district curricula; attributes of adolescent students; utilization of technology; questioning strategies; and formal and informal methods of assessment. Middle school field experience in either mathematics or science includes two classroom observations and four teaching experiences. Students who have successfully completed SEMS 120 will not receive additional credit for SEMS 130.

SEMS 230 KNOWING AND LEARNING (3)

For prospective mathematics and science teachers to construct the model of knowing and learning that they will take with them into their classrooms. Focuses on issues of what it means to know and learn science and mathematics: What are the standards for knowing? How are knowing and learning structured? How does what we know change and develop? Prerequisite: SEMS 120 or SEMS 130 (may be taken concurrently).

SEMS 240 CLASSROOMS INTERACTIONS (3)

Centered around a close examination of the interplay between teachers, students, and content, and how such interactions enable students to develop deep conceptual understanding, students design and implement instructional activities informed by their understanding of knowing and learning mathematics and science. Focus is given to building awareness and understanding of equity issues and their effects on learning and developing strategies for teaching students of diverse backgrounds equitably. Prerequisites: SEMS 120 or SEMS 130; SEMS 230 (may be taken concurrently) or SCED 305 (may be taken concurrently).

SEMS 250 PERSPECTIVES IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS (3)

Explores a selection of topics and episodes in the history of science and mathematics. Illustrates how knowledge has often emerged through torturous struggles against obstinate resistance and within cultural, religious, and social structures. Students are brought to understand that science and mathematics are not merely bodies of facts, theories, and techniques; they involve diverse processes by which they are continually generated and formulated. Prerequisites: MATH 115 or higher, or qualifying score on Math Placement exam. Core: Arts & Humanities.

SEMS 260 DIVERSITY AND DIFFERENCE IN THE STEM CLASSROOM (3)

Examines what it means to be a diverse learner and helps prepare teachers to respond to diverse student needs in their classroom. Emphasis is placed on the roles teachers as decision-makers play in meeting the educational needs of learners of diverse identities. Specifically focuses on STEM education and the specialized pedagogy required in those disciplines. Prerequisite: SEMS 250 or SEMS 120 or SEMS 130. Core: Diversity & Difference.

SEMS 370 PROJECT-BASED INSTRUCTION (3)

Course has three essential components: a theory-driven perspective about how people learn and how project-based instruction may be among our most informed classroom learning environments; a technological component that will assist students in developing their own project-based unit; a field experience of observation and teaching of well-implemented project-based instruction in local schools. Prerequisites: SEMS 240 and admission to Towson UTeach Program.

SEMS 430 SEMINAR IN APPRENTICE TEACHING (1)

Seminar for full-time mathematics and science student interns to discuss topics from the classroom experience and current issues. Graded S/U. Corequisite: MATH 426 or SCIE 393. Prerequisites: SEMS 498 and permission of Towson UTeach.

SEMS 470 SELECTED TOPICS IN STEM EDUCATION (3)

Special topics in STEM education. Content varies. May be repeated once for a total of 6 units provided a different topic is covered.

SEMS 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN SEMS (1-3)

An opportunity for especially qualified students to undertake research problems or study projects relevant to their interest and training under the direction of a staff member.

SEMS 498 INTERNSHIP IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE SECONDARY EDUCATION (3)

Clinical experience in a professional development school the term immediately prior to the full-time student teaching internship. Focus on classroom management, technology utilization, and reflective practices. Prerequisite: by permission of Towson UTeach. Graded S/U. Internship/Practicum fee will be assessed.

Faculty

Professors: Heather Haverback (Chairperson), Todd Kenreich, Molly Mee

Associate Professors: Ashley Lucas (Graduate Program Director), Montana McCormick, Pamela Segal

Assistant Professors: Laura Jacobs, Danielle Sutherland

Lecturers: Katie Gjoni, Katie Landon, Chelsea McClure

Lecturer II: John Foley, Jamie Silverman