The presentation introduced the Towson UTeach Program, Towson University’s new teacher preparation program for students pursuing teaching certification in secondary school mathematics or science (grades 7-12). Three hallmarks of the program were discussed: early and frequent field placements at public schools; coaching by Towson University master teachers who are former public school teachers with exemplary teaching and leadership experience, and education courses devoted to the learning and teaching of mathematics and science. The program’s emphasis on teaching using inquiry, constructivism, and technology was explored.

1. Innovation, Energy, and Focus
in Teacher Preparation for Secondary School
Mathematics and Science
26th Annual Conference for the
Association of Faculties for the Advancement
of Community College Teaching (AFACCT)
College of Southern Maryland
January 7, 2016
Session 3.8; 1:50 pm -2:50 pm
Linda Cooper
Co-Director of Towson UTeach
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Towson University
lcooper@towson.edu
Mary Stapleton
Director of Education and Outreach
Center for STEM Excellence
Towson University
mkstapleton@towson.edu

2. • The first UTeach Program began in 1997 at the
University of Texas at Austin.
• Goals
– Increase the quantity and quality of science and
mathematics teachers
– Streamline to a 4 yr program (120-126 credits)
resulting in a bachelor degree in content area with
secondary school teaching certification
– Greater focus on teaching through inquiry

4. 3 Hallmarks
• Early and frequent field teaching experiences
– students transferring in from a community college have a field
teaching experience each semester at TU
• Coaching by master teachers
– former public school teachers with exemplary teaching and
leadership experience
• Pedagogy focused on the learning and knowing of
mathematics and science
– inquiry and constructivism
– engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, evaluation
– attention to standards
• Next Generation Science Standards
• Common Core Mathematics Standards

5. Technology
• Videotape field teaching experience for reflection
• Incorporate into field teaching experiences
– iPads and probes
• motion detectors to fit a line while walking
• pH probes to explore effect of acid rain
• electronic circuits
– graphing calculators
– computer software programs (Geometer’s Sketchpad)
– student-created videos to launch (engage) a lesson
– Smartboards

6. Mathematics
Biology
Earth-Space Science
Chemistry
Physics
other
Major
other
6.6%
Physics
6.6%
Chemistry
6.6%
Earth-Space Science
9.1%
Biology
13.2%
Mathematics
57.9%
Distribution of Majors (fall 2015)

7. Towson UTeach Students in a Field Teaching Experience
Information video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C_kFOfhMtE

8. Sending Institutions
• Sending Institutions (fall 2013 – fall 2015)
– Community College of Baltimore County (20%)
– Harford Community College (14%)
– College of Southern Maryland (12%)
– Anne Arundel Community College (9%)
– Howard Community College (9%)
– Carroll Community College (6%)
– Frederick Community College (6%)
– 14 other institutions (24%)

9. Recommended Transfer Programs
and
Potential for Articulation Agreements

10. Preparation at the Community College for
Mathematics and Science
Secondary Education Majors
While at the community college, take
• as many content courses as possible
• Educational Psychology
• additional education courses to
satisfy AAT (mathematics)
Refer to www.towson.edu/uteach for recommended preparation for each major

11. Towson University’s Core Curriculum
1 – Towson Seminar (waived for transfer students)
2 – English Composition
3 – Mathematics
4 – Creativity and Creative Development
5 – Arts and Humanities
6 – Social and Behavioral Sciences
7 – Biological and Physical Sciences (Lab only)
8 – Biological and Physical Sciences (Lab & non-Lab)
9 – Advanced Writing Seminar
10 – Metropolitan Perspectives
11 – The United States as a Nation
12 – Global Perspectives
13 – Diversity and Difference
14 – Ethical Issues and Perspectives
Fulfilled by courses to be taken as
part of the Towson UTeach Program
while at Towson University

12. Scholarship for Towson University
Transfer Students
Transfer
Achievement
Award
(approximately
$1,200)
 Community college transfers- preference given to students from MD
schools.
 3.5+ college GPA and 56+ units by time of transfer - students are
evaluated based on credits completed prior to the December 1st
application deadline (excluding fall courses in progress at the time of
application.)
 This is a competitive award and funding is limited. Award criteria
may be adjusted to reflect the strength of the applicant pool. It is only
awarded to those entering Towson University in the fall semester.
https://www.towson.edu/admissions/financialaid/programs/scholarships/admissions.html

13. Scholarships for Towson University
Mathematics and Science Secondary
Education Majors
Endowed
Scholarships
($1,000 to
$1,400 each)
 Dr. Carol L. and Robert E. Daihl Endowed Scholarship
 Dollenberg Family Endowed Scholarship
 Dr. George E. Hohl '55 and Anne S. Hohl Endowed Scholarship for
Towson UTeach
 Kahlert Foundation Endowed Scholarship for Towson UTeach
 R. Elizabeth Remsberg ’27 Endowed Scholarship for Towson UTeach
http://www.towson.edu/fcsm/departments/uteach/scholarships.html

14. Externships
• Howard County Public School System
– summer curriculum writing with public school teachers
• National Aquarium
– summer assistant for education outreach
• National Federation for the Blind
– summer camp
• Sci-Tech
– lab assistant for Towson University's Center for STEM
Excellence, a dedicated student learning lab located in
Baltimore City’s Inner Harbor

15. For more information please visit:
www.towson.edu/uteach
Linda Cooper
Co-Director of Towson UTeach
Associate Professor of Mathematics
lcooper@towson.edu
Mary Stapleton
Director of Education and Outreach
Center for STEM Excellence
mkstapleton@towson.edu