education / liberal studies
College of Notre Dame is the top preparer of initially certified teachers among private colleges in Maryland. All programs in the School of Education have been approved by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Students can attend classes at convenient offsite locations including: Anne Arundel Community College, the Higher Education and Conference Center in Aberdeen, and the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center.
The philosophy and approach of the education department is illustrated in the letters RSVP:
| Research | Research-based and experience-based teaching within a liberal arts tradition enables the educator to know not only what she is doing, but why. |
| Self-Reflection | Reflection in action and critical self-knowledge enable the educator to be guided by reason and values. |
| Vocation | Education is a vocation requiring both competence and virtue. |
| Practice | Educators who exhibit visionary leadership and commitment, and exemplary educational practices, encourage and enable others. |
Education offers the opportunity to touch the lives of children, whether they are first graders, sixth graders or high school students. The School of Education offers four-year (B.A.) and five-year (B.A./MAT) courses of study that integrate academic and professional studies and lead to certification in secondary education, secondary education/special education, elementary education, elementary/special education, elementary/early childhood education, or elementary/TESOL.
Undergraduate candidates in the Women’s College complete a dual major in liberal studies/elementary education, elementary/special education, elementary/early childhood education or elementary and TESOL. Undergraduate candidates can complete a bachelor’s and a master’s degree and four certifications: elementary, special education, early childhood and TESOL in five years.
Candidates for secondary education major in an academic discipline (e.g., art, biology, English, or mathematics) and follow a planned minor in secondary education, completing required academic and professional courses as well as extensive internship experiences in Professional Development Schools.
Since 1993, elementary education programs have been available in the Weekend College (WEC). Candidates in the Women’s College and WEC complete the same program of study, including internships.
Candidates in the undergraduate programs who choose the Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching (i.e., B.A./MAT) option for certification complete the B.A. in an academic major and then enter the MAT to complete their required education program.
Candidates in all education programs are required to complete an electronic portfolio that includes a variety of artifacts that demonstrate the ability of the candidates to successfully meet the standards within education.
Beyond the classroom, candidates get the opportunity to complete field placements and internships within a PDS environment. Currently the School of Education has partnerships with 18 elementary/high schools in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Harford County.
The PDS model provides a partnership that enhances the K-16 learning community with teacher education candidatesparticipating in a year-long internship that combines the methods and student teaching experience within one PDS site. Interns will benefit from the mentoring of experienced teachers, a University supervisor, on-site course offerings, and additional professional development opportunities.
The School offers undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate courses at Notre Dame’s off-campus sites, including the HEAT Center, SMHEC, and Anne Arundel Community College at Arundel Mills .
For more information, contact:
Marie Danielle Amspacher, SSND
School of Education
Gibbons Hall, Room 302
College of Notre Dame of Maryland
4701 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21210
410-532-5349
ndm.edu
