Transition from Laboratory to Classroom (TLC)

In partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), the University of Maryland College Park started the Transition from Laboratory to Classroom program in the spring of 2005. The purpose of the program is to prepare highly trained doctoral and postdoctoral scientists with extensive laboratory experience for careers as secondary science teachers with MCPS.

The TLC Program provides professional preparation that : (a) helps candidates learn to teach for understanding in the context of a county curriculum framework; (b) assists candidates in learning how to understand and accommodate to diverse learners in the classroom; (c) promotes an understanding of how teachers can build and support democratic learning communities, and (d) accents a professional orientation that includes a commitment to reflective practice.

Application

Eligible candidates must apply to the TLC Program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Admissions decisions are made by members of a joint EDCI and MCPS committee. Candidates seeking admissions must:

Provide evidence of an advanced degree with a major in a science field or the equivalent with coursework and/or experience that meets certification area requirements.

Provide evidence of passing scores on the Praxis I and Praxis II Part I Examinations.

Provide a cover letter explaining their interest in becoming a teacher and three academic/professional letters supporting the candidate’s background and dispositions for teaching.

Candidates will also be required to interview with MCPS and UMCP.

The Program

Selected candidates complete the program over an eleven month period extending from early June through mid-May of the following year.

The TLC Program provides full tuition support and monies for books for candidates to complete the program.

The Courses

Summer

• EDCI 680 Teaching and Learning in the Secondary Schools (Science)
• EDCI 661 Reading and Writing in the Content Areas
• EDCI 697 Enhancing Diversity in Education

Fall

• EDCI 788v Selected Topics in Teacher Education (Science)
• EDCI 763 Reading, Cognition and Reading Instruction
• EDCI 688 Internship Credits-3 credits

Spring 2008

• EDCI 611 Studying Student Learning in Diverse Settings
• EDCI 689 Internship- 9 credits

Total 30 credits.

For additional information please contact:

Dr. Kathleen A. Travers
Coordinator of Graduate Certification Programs
2311 Benjamin Bldg., University of Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park
College Park, MD. 20742-1175
301.405.3140
e-mail: KATravers15@aol.com

Russ Wright
Russ_wright@mcpsmd.org