Terrapin Teachers is an innovative program designed to quickly produce a new teaching force of highly qualified instructors in STEM subjects. The University of Maryland's (UMD) Terrapin Teachers program is based on the nationally known and highly regarded UTeach program, developed at the University of Texas (UT), Austin under the leadership of UMD Provost Mary Ann Rankin when she was dean of Natural Sciences at UT. UTeach is administered through the UTeach Institute and the National Math + Science Initiative (NMSI). Funding for Terrapin Teachers comes from NMSI and was provided by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Additional funding is provided by the University of Maryland and the Colleges of Education and Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences.
Our Mission
The mission of the University of Maryland Terrapin Teachers program is to engage science and
mathematics students in the teaching and learning process so that they are prepared by the end of their four undergraduate years to be highly skilled middle and secondary science and mathematics school teachers who can go on to teach and inspire their students, and enable them to not only know about science and math, but to use these disciplines in their everyday lives.
“The Terrapin Teachers program enables the University of Maryland to move forward in addressing an important shortage in STEM teachers in the State of Maryland.”
What TERRAPIN TEACHERS OFFERS:
- An integrated degree program - students will receive a bachelor's degree in science or math along with a teacher certification.
- Opportunities for students to teach science or math lessons in elementary and middle schools.
- A strong focus on research-based strategies that provides opportunities for students to engage in scientific research.
- Personal guidance from experienced school teachers and faculty from the university.
