A growing number of partnerships between Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and area universities and colleges is helping meet the training needs of the school system, fostering relationships with institutions of higher education and, ultimately, benefiting students.

Through the partnerships, many MCPS teachers and support staff have earned master's and bachelor's degrees. Generally, the school district works with a partner to identify and/or create courses of study to benefit district employees and make it easier for employees to take those courses. Tuition rebates or free course materials make the courses more affordable for employees, and classes often are held in school district buildings.

Currently, MCPS has partnerships with the following universities and colleges.

Career enhancement and teacher preparation for support staff

Bowie State University

Organizational Administration. For support staff with an associate's degree. Results in a bachelor's degree.

Johns Hopkins University

PROMAT (PROfessional experience Master of Arts in Teaching). Results in a master's degree. Focus on elementary or secondary education.

SET IT (Special Education Teacher Immersion Training). For support staff with a bachelor's degree. Results in a master's degree in special education and MSDE certification in either elementary or secondary level.

George Washington University

Teachers 2000. Results in teacher certification at the secondary level.

Trinity College

ExCEL (Extending Careers Experiences and Learning). For support staff with a bachelor's degree. Results in a master's degree in special education and MSDE certification in either elementary or secondary grades.

University of Maryland, College Park

CITE (Creative Initiatives in Teacher Education). For support staff with a bachelor's degree. Results in a master's degree in elementary education and MSDE certification in grades 1-8.

Leadership and instructional development for teachers and administrators

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

English for Speakers of Other Languages. Results in K-12 certification and master's degree.

University of Maryland, College Park

School of Library and Media Services. Results in certification as a school library and media services specialist.

Human Development. Results in a master's degree in human development. Focus is middle and secondary school teachers.

Bowie State University

Reading. Results in a master's degree in reading and MSDE certification as a reading specialist.

Administration and Supervision. Results in a master's degree in administration and supervision and MSDE certification at either the elementary or secondary level.

Educational Leadership. Results in a doctor of education (Ed. D.) degree.

Johns Hopkins University

SUPPORTS (Setting Up Programs that Promote Opportunities and Resources for Teaching all Students). Results in a master's degree in education with a focus on inclusion and certification in special education at the elementary or secondary levels.

Administration and Supervision. Results in a master's degree in administration and supervision and MSDE certification at either the elementary or secondary level.

Western Maryland College

Computer Science/Computer Applications. Results in a master's degree in computer science/computer applications. This program provides coursework that may result in MSDE certification.

Towson University

Administration and Supervision. Results in MSDE certification in administration and supervision at either the elementary or secondary level.

For all of the programs listed, initial screening of all applications is done by a team composed of staff from both MCPS and the university or college. Selected applicants must then complete an official application and present transcripts from all previous universities or colleges attended. Some partnerships also may require entrance exams or interviews by a team from MCPS and the university or college.