The Baltimore Teachers in Practice (BTIP) cohort is a partnership between the UMBC Department of Education, Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS), and the Sherman Teacher Scholars Program. Designed for current Baltimore City teachers who are teaching on a conditional certificate, BTIP provides a supportive pathway to earn both initial teacher licensure and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from UMBC.
Why BTIP?
Baltimore City Schools employs hundreds of talented educators who are already making a difference in classrooms while working toward full teacher certification. Many of these educators are deeply connected to the communities they serve and represent the diversity of Baltimore’s students. BTIP was created to remove barriers and provide the personalized support teachers need to successfully complete their certification and advance their careers.
As a BTIP Scholar, you will benefit from:
- Very low out of pocket costs – students cover technology fees which average $115 per semester.
- Personalized academic advising and certification guidance
- Individual coaching and professional mentoring
- Cohort-based community support and networking
- A clear pathway to earning both your master’s degree and professional teaching certification while remaining in the classroom
Eligibility
BTIP is currently open to conditionally certified Baltimore City Public Schools teachers seeking initial certification in eligible content areas, including secondary STEM fields, TESOL, and the arts. Additional certification areas may become available as the program grows.
If you are passionate about teaching in Baltimore City and are ready to earn your certification with the support of a dedicated community, we encourage you to explore BTIP.
Questions? Contact Chris Vick (cvick@umbc.edu) to learn more about eligibility, the application process, and upcoming cohorts.