The Towson Learning Network partners with Baltimore County Public Schools to offer programs that focus on the goals of the school system and the professional development needs of school system employees.
The Towson Learning Network partners with Baltimore County Public Schools to offer programs that focus on the goals of the school system and the professional development needs of school system employees.
The following master’s programs and post-baccalaureate certificate (PBC) programs are offered at reduced tuition rates to Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) employees through the Towson Learning Network. Most classes are held online or in BCPS buildings.
The purpose of this program is to prepare certified elementary, middle, or high school teachers to be certified reading specialists with an ESOL certificate for K-12 education. You will gain advance skills to enhance literacy and coach classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents while advocating for successful learning environments.
Contact: Meghan Liebfreund
This collaborative is intended for MSDE-certified teachers in BCPS who are interested in obtaining a master's degree in special education. Students will be prepared to take the Praxis II for Special Education if they would like to add an endorsement to their certificate in special education.
Contact: Michelle Pasko
This collaborative is intended for MSDE certified teachers who are in interested in obtaining a master's degree in special education. This program has been customized to prepare participants to provide high quality reading instruction for special education students or those who exhibit deficits in the area of literacy. Teachers will have the opportunity to learn, research, and present strategies to address various language-based learning disabilities, such as dyslexia.
Contact: Michelle Pasko
For educational professionals who are interested in exploring the role of technology in classroom teaching, or leading the design, application and implementation of emerging technologies and digital learning at the school, district or state level. Students in this program work with cutting edge classroom technologies and master practical and theoretically-based strategies for effectively using technology to improve student learning.
Contact: Liyan Song
For professionals who wish to pursue a career as a School Library Media Specialist. Discover the exciting combination of literacy, technology and teaching. Support teachers to design and implement innovative digitally rich learning opportunities in a school setting (Certification available to Maryland residents).
Contact: David Robinson
This program aims to provide advanced training for professionals with certification in special education or a related field, such as psychology, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy and social work. This program does not lead to certification as Maryland does not offer a certification in ASD. However, graduates will gain the critical knowledge, skills and dispositions to lead their school communities in providing the most effective, evidence-based instruction and programs for students with ASD and their families.
Contact: Katherine Holman
This program is designed to provide general educators or paraprofessionals with the skill development and knowledge base established by the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) standards. Courses emphasize inclusive practices, collaboration and consultation among professionals, and the translation of evidence-based instructional practices to instruction, using a cross-categorical disability approach. This series of coursework is designed to support professionals who have not previously completed (or have had limited exposure to) formal coursework in special education.
Contact: Michelle Pasko
This program prepares educators to serve as dynamic and effective leaders in America’s schools, including both formal and informal leadership roles. The program, for those with three or more years’ teaching experience, includes the core courses for the MSDE Administrator 1 credential. Elective courses are selected with district needs and priorities in mind. Authentic leadership experiences in the school/district are embedded throughout the program.
Contact: Carla Finkelstein
This program prepares master degree educators to serve as dynamic and effective leaders in America’s schools, including both formal and informal leadership roles. The program, for those with three or more years’ teaching experience, includes the core courses for the MSDE Administrator I credential. Authentic leadership experiences in the school/district are embedded throughout the program.
Contact: Carla Finkelstein
Many teachers seek leadership roles as they gain expertise in their practice but are not interested in traditional leadership positions. This program is designed for educators who desire to pursue school-based instructional leadership roles, such as team leader, mentor, instructional coach, department chair, or for teachers who prefer to remain in the classroom but are interested in more informal leadership roles such as conducting action research, facilitating PLCs, or organizing other collaborative learning experiences with colleagues. Courses may later be transferred as electives into the M.S. Transformational Educational Leadership program.
Contact: Carla Finkelstein
All schools, but especially schools serving high poverty and racially and ethnically diverse populations, need staff that are able to engage effectively the communities that they serve. Through examining sociological theory, understanding the concept of professional learning communities, and implementing action research initiatives, participants will increase their capacity for community engagement and school change. Participants will learn how to build successful change from the bottom up, empowering students, families, and community members to become the drivers of positive change.
Contact: Carla Finkelstein
$900 is billed after registration for each 3-credit course. You may request full tuition reimbursement for which you are eligible after successful completion of the course by following the process managed by the BCPS Office of Certification. After payment and reimbursement, the ultimate tuition cost is $0 for BCPS employees.
The TU application fee of $45 is waived. Participants are responsible for purchasing course texts. A required electronic portfolio software program, with a one-time fee of $113, will be used in all College of Education graduate programs.