The foundation of the Sherman Teacher Scholars Program is our high achieving students who possess a 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. Sherman Scholars take part in meaningful experiences which prepare them for success academically, as well as in student teaching and full-time employment.
“Some of the most influential people during my time at UMBC have been the mentors and leaders of the Sherman Program. With their willingness to help and kind affirmations, I have felt so supported and encouraged to continue on my journey to be a teacher.”
Adriana Torres, STEP 19
It is our goal to help students fund as much of their academic costs as possible. Sherman awards range from $3000-$15,000 per academic year. We work with Scholars to identify additional financial resources where available.
Sherman Scholars demonstrate the following qualities:
- Strong academic aptitude and enthusiasm in their disciplines
- Commitment to social justice and community engagement
- Open-minded and reflective in mindset and practice
- Principled in belief that all children deserve a high-quality education
Your Sherman Scholar journey unfolds in three phases. Expand each section below to explore the experiences, opportunities, and support available from your first semester at UMBC through your first years in the classroom.
- Sherman Cohort Courses (EDUC 299 + 467): The Sherman Scholars Program’s core curriculum centers on two essential cohort courses. EDUC 299, fosters a strong sense of community and guides Scholars in unpacking their own socialization within education, developing empathy, and understanding diverse perspectives. Building on this foundation, EDUC 467, “Teaching in and with Baltimore Communities,” revisits positionality work within the context of Baltimore City, empowering Scholars to analyze systemic challenges, embrace culturally responsive teaching practices, and become impactful educators committed to partnering authentically with Baltimore’s vibrant communities.
- Holistic Academic Advising: In addition to their assigned academic advisor(s), students are advised by Sherman program staff. Program advising begins for incoming freshmen during the summer prior to matriculation and for all other students during the application process. Our philosophy of advising is collaborative, goal-oriented, and student centered with a focus on bridging academic, professional and personal goals.
- Applied Learning Experiences: All Scholars participate in one semester-long, school-based Applied Learning Experience (ALE) per year. Students volunteer at least three hours per week for a semester at one of our school or community partner service sites. Placement sites include Lakeland Elementary/Middle School, Cherry Hill Elementary/Middle School, Bard High School Early College Baltimore and more.
- Community: Scholars say the most salient component of the program is being part of the community of equally passionate scholars and future teachers, which we call the “Sherman Family.” We have deep and sincere appreciation, care, and respect among Sherman scholars and alumni. They support one another, advise one another, and celebrate one another.
- Professional Development: Through meaningful Applied Learning Experience placements, Family meetings, k-12 campus visits, and program events, Sherman Scholars gain experience working in educational settings and interacting with preK-12 students under the guidance of teacher-mentors and staff and faculty partners. Program staff engages students in reflection and assessment, which are among the chief skills of effective teaching.
Teacher Candidate (Pre-Service Teacher)
- Education Internship: Scholars complete a teaching internship through the UMBC Department of Education (student teaching internship details). At UMBC, the internship is separated into two phases. In their Phase I semester, students complete at least 30 full days of teaching at their placement site. In the following semester, students complete at least 75 full days of teaching in their Phase II placement. Read more about student teaching at UMBC
- Coaching: Sherman staff provide professional coaching support for teacher candidates, focusing on preparation for urban, high-needs, and multi-cultural classrooms. Sherman staff conduct monthly classroom visits to provide feedback and guide reflective practices and habits of mind.
- Teacher Candidate Seminar: Through monthly seminars Scholars are immersed in an iterative community of practice during the internship. Specific topics include parent engagement, classroom management, and culturally responsive teaching. Guest speakers include expert faculty and practitioners in the field.
- Professional Support – Scholars receive professional coaching and support with the hiring process, particularly in urban and high-needs schools. This includes resume review, practice interviews, letters of recommendation, and connections to human resources staff.
- Alumni Support: Our support, through coaching and community, continues when scholars graduate and enter the classroom as teachers. We are committed to guiding our alumni through the first few years of teaching. Scholars also support one another through our Alumni network.
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.
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.