Maryland Accelerates Teacher Residency Program at FSU Recruiting Third Cohort

Oct 4, 2021 1:05 PM

Frostburg State University’s Maryland Accelerates Teacher Residency program is currently recruiting its third cohort of students, after graduating its first cohort of teachers on May 7. The second cohort is currently in residency in Frederick and Garrett County schools. 

The Maryland Accelerates program is managed and supported by the FSU College of Education via a $4.1 million federal grant. 

The program offers a one-year intensive master’s degree program integrated with a teacher residency component accommodated by Frederick County and Garrett County public school systems. One of the unique features of the program is the opportunity to “earn while you learn,” in that it provides a $30,000 annual living stipend to the teacher-residents during their first year to allow them to dedicate their time to their studies and residency assignment. 

The seven members of the inaugural graduating class have successfully completed their coursework, as well as completed work on micro-credentials, taken their certification/licensure exams and been interviewed and placed in teaching positions in Frederick County or Garrett County Public Schools. This indicates their matriculation from teacher-residents to teacher-fellows. 

To address the goal of building systemic capacity and increasing the number, diversity and quality of teachers in high-need and rural areas, program participants must agree to teach for a minimum of three years in one of the partner counties. The teacher-fellows will be coupled with an experienced teacher referred to as their coach, and fellow and coach will be provided with a variety of professional development opportunities to assist with teacher effectiveness, retention and career advancement. 

This serves two purposes: It is designed to prevent the significant numbers of new teachers who leave the profession within their first couple of years, and it provides a better career pathway for experienced teachers who want to progress in their field but stay in the classroom. Creating professional development pathways is a key feature of the Kirwan Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, the initiative to improve Maryland’s public education system. 

“This innovative program is one of very few teacher preparation programs to receive funding from the Department of Education,” said Dr. Boyce Williams, dean of the College of Education. “This program and its integration of the Kirwan Model into teacher education represent the future of teacher training.” 

Because of increased interest in the program, on May 17, a second cohort participated in orientation: 10 teacher-residents have been assigned to Frederick County and seven to Garrett County. 

The application process for the 2022-2023 cohort is under way. For more information on the Maryland Accelerates program, including application procedures, visit www.frostburg.edu/marylandaccelerates or email info@marylandaccelerates.edu.