The major in Elementary Education leads to certification to teach grades 1 through 6. The program provides classroom as well as field/clinical experiences that prepare students for beginning teaching in elementary schools. Candidates who desire a middle school placement must pass the Middle School Praxis subject matter.
College of Southern Maryland/Towson University 2+2 Program
The Towson University undergraduate program in Elementary Education and College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is a partnership program that prepares students for certification in elementary education (grades 1-6). This program is a two year daytime and evening program with the last semester being a full-time, day internship. Students complete their AAT requirements at CSM and transfer to Towson University but complete their junior and senior years at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM) and in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's County Public School classrooms. Students are admitted to enter the program each Fall and Winter.
STANDARD 1 – Understanding and Addressing Each Child's Developmental and Learning Needs
Candidates use their understanding of children growth and development, individual differences, and diverse families, cultures and communities to plan and implement inclusive learning environments that provide each child with equitable access to high quality learning experiences that engage and create learning opportunities for them to meet high standards. They work collaboratively with families to gain a holistic perspective on children's strengths and needs and how to motivate their learning.
STANDARD 2 – Understanding and Applying Content and Curricular Knowledge for Teaching
Candidates demonstrate and apply understanding major concepts, skills, and practices, as they interpret disciplinary curriculum standards and related expectations within and across literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies.
STANDARD 3 – Assessing, Planning, and Designing Contexts for Learning
Candidates assess students, plan instruction and design classroom context for learning. Candidates use formative and summative assessment to monitor students' learning and guide instruction. Candidates plan learning activities to promote a full range of competencies for each student. They differentiate instructional materials and activities to address learners' diversity. Candidates foster engagement in learning by establishing and maintaining social norms for classrooms. They build interpersonal relationships with students that generate motivation, and promote students social and emotional development.
STANDARD 4 – Supporting Each Child's Learning Using Effective Instruction
Candidates make informed decisions about instruction guided by knowledge of children and assessment of children's learning that result in the use of a variety of effective instructional practices that employ print, and digital appropriate resources. Instruction is delivered using a cohesive sequence of lessons and employing effective instructional practices. Candidates use explicit instruction and effective feedback as appropriate, and use whole class discussions to support and enhance children's learning. Candidates use flexible grouping arrangements, including small group and individual instruction to support effective instruction and improved learning for every child.
STANDARD 5 – Developing as a Professional
Candidates promote learning and development of every child through participation in collaborative learning environments, reflective self-study and professional learning, and involvement in their professional community.
