About

Our Vision:  For every Baltimore student an exceptional STEM educator.

Our Mission:  The Sherman Teacher Scholars Program supports scholars to become culturally responsive and compassionate educators by collaborating with UMBC faculty and local schools. Through school-based partnerships, the program facilitates authentic learning experiences for scholars while promoting student achievement and engagement in learning.

The UMBC Sherman Teacher Scholars Program prepares highly qualified educators to teach in high-needs schools throughout the Baltimore region and across Maryland. Secondary education scholars specialize in STEM content areas, while early childhood and elementary education scholars develop expertise across all subject areas with a strong focus on integrating STEM into their teaching.

In addition, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Baltimore City Schools, the program supports conditionally certified teachers in the Baltimore Teachers in Practice (BTIP) cohorts. These scholars receive professional coaching, academic advising, and scholarship support, allowing them to complete their Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and earn full certification with minimal out-of-pocket costs.

The Program’s inaugural cohort of 10 students began in the fall of 2007, and since then we have supported over 225 students.  Nearly 80% of graduates are currently teaching. Our goal is to annually graduate 25 students who will enter the teaching workforce.

Sherman Scholars are high achieving students with a demonstrated aptitude in and passion for their disciplines, a desire to teach in high-needs and urban schools, and a commitment to the ideal of a quality education for all children. Candidates for the Sherman Teacher Scholars Program may be incoming freshmen, transfer students, upperclassmen, or graduate students.

UMBC created the Sherman Scholars Program by adopting the best practices of local and national models of student support and teacher preparation. Through a cohort model, we welcome students into the ‘Sherman Family,’ fostering a culture of interdependence and multi-tiered support. Scholars consistently highlight the strong sense of community within the Sherman Program as one of its most impactful and valuable aspects.

Program staff provide dedicated advising to Sherman Scholars, equipping them with the skills of successful college students, the reflective practices of effective educators, and the culturally sustaining approaches essential for teaching in today’s diverse classrooms. All Sherman Scholars participate in applied learning experiences and leadership development to ensure they are well-prepared for the state-mandated 100-day student teaching internship and full-time employment. Additionally, program staff continue to support Sherman alumni through induction, offering guidance and mentorship during the early stages of their teaching careers.