TEACHER ACADEMY OF MARYLAND

Program of Study

Student members of the Future Educators Association (FEA) visited Towson's campus in June 2008.

The Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) program consists of four high school course that focus on teaching as a profession, human growth and development through adolescence, learning theory, and curriculum and instruction. These credits are designed to articulate to a Maryland post-secondary teacher education program at a designated higher education institution. Once the program has been completed and the ParaPro test has been passed, high school graduates are ready for employment as paraprofessionals in education.

TAM students have the opportunity to conduct formal observations, develop and deliver lesson plans in a K-12 setting and participate in special events and activities with other future educators. TAM coursework focuses on development and learning theory, positive and effective classroom management and discipline, curriculum delivery models and the creation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning environments.

Program Requirements

In order for students to be successful in the TAM program, they must earn a grade point average of 3.0 in the TAM program of study with no grade lower than a C (2.0) in any of the four TAM courses. The following courses are required:

• Human Growth and Development through Adolescence (PDF)
• Teaching as a Profession (PDF)
• Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction (PDF)
• Education Academy Internship (PDF)

In addition to completing the four TAM courses, TAM students are also required to complete a program portfolio and pass all High School Assessments (HSAs). TAM students must also pass the ParaPro examination.The ParaPro Assessment is a 2.5 hour standardized examination. The 90 multiple choice questions assess reading, writing and math skills as well as the ability to apply these skills when assisting in classroom instruction. The test fee is currently $45. For more detailed information please visit the ParaPro Web site.

• ParaPro Assessment

TAM students also required to maintain active membership in the Future Educators Association (FEA), which is a pipeline to the TAM. It is used to help middle school students develop an interest in education as a profession. TAM students are required to be active members of the FEA as preparation for professional practice, as K-12 instructors are required to be members of professional organizations. The FEA provides students with valuable experiences as well as access to mentors that will help students to develop the professional skills that they will need as educators. FEA members are provided with opportunities to visit college/university campuses and attend professional conferences. Through FEA’s sponsoring organization, Phi Delta Kappa, students are given chances to earn scholarship grants.

• Future Educators Association (FEA)
  

Teacher Academy of Maryland
Hawkins Hall, Room 413L

Phone: 410-704-4572
E-mail: mmee@towson.edu