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.

UMBC and the Sherman Teachers Scholars Program graduate highly qualified mathematics and science teachers who will teach throughout the Baltimore region and across the state, focusing on high-needs schools. Scholars in early childhood and elementary education prepare to be experts in teaching and integrating STEM subject areas, while secondary candidates become experts in teaching their discipline. The Program’s inaugural cohort of 10 students began in the fall of 2007, and since then we have supported nearly 150 students.  Currently 80% of graduates are 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.  We enfold students into the “Sherman Family” through a cohort model and establish a culture of interdependence and multi-tiered support.  Scholars say the most salient component of the Sherman Teachers Scholars Program is being a member of this community of Teacher Scholars.

Program staff advises Sherman Scholars, teaching them the practices of successful college students, the reflective practices of effective educators, and the culturally competent practices required of teachers facing today’s diverse classrooms.  All Sherman scholars are required to engage in applied learning experiences and leadership development, so they are well positioned for the state-mandated 100-day student teaching internship and full-time employment.  Additionally, Program staff continues to support Sherman alumni through induction, which is support and guidance for teachers in the early stages of their careers.  Read more about the Sherman Experience.