Towson University, in partnership with The Universities at Shady Grove and Montgomery County Public Schools, has announced the launch of a new fully funded bachelor’s degree pathway designed specifically for MCPS paraeducators pursuing careers in early childhood education.
The new program will allow current MCPS paraeducators to earn a bachelor’s degree and become fully licensed to teach children from birth through grade three, while continuing to work in their current roles. The pathway is aimed at strengthening the county’s early childhood teacher pipeline and addressing ongoing staffing shortages across Maryland.
“This pathway reflects our commitment to designing programs that meet aspiring educators where they are, professionally, academically and personally,” said Laurie Mullen, dean of Towson University’s College of Education. “Montgomery County’s paraeducators already serve children and families every day. With this program, they will gain the licensure and preparation they need to step into teaching roles that are so desperately needed across the state.”
The program is fully funded by MCPS and The Universities at Shady Grove, removing financial barriers that often prevent paraeducators from advancing into lead teaching roles. It builds on an existing partnership launched in 2024, when Towson University, MCPS and USG introduced a dual-certification bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education for MCPS paraeducators.
Offered exclusively at USG’s Rockville campus, the program features a flexible hybrid format designed for working adults. Most courses will be held online in the evenings, with year-round scheduling across fall and spring semesters, along with three- to five-week winter and summer minimesters to allow students to progress more quickly. Participants will also receive credit for prior learning based on their professional experience and will complete in-school internships at their current MCPS worksites.
“The Universities at Shady Grove brings multiple Maryland public universities together on one campus so working adults can finish their degrees close to home,” said Dr. Anne Khademian, executive director of USG. “By fully funding this new pathway with MCPS, we’re removing a major barrier for paraeducators who want to become early childhood teachers while staying in their current jobs and schools.”
MCPS officials say the initiative aligns directly with the district’s long-term workforce goals and commitment to developing educators from within the community. “MCPS is deeply committed to growing our own educators,” said Brittany Ramey, instructional specialist for higher education partnerships at MCPS. “Paraeducators know our students, our schools and our community. This pathway allows them to earn a bachelor’s degree in a timely, flexible and fully funded manner, while continuing to work and support their families.”
The new pathway is expected to benefit students and families by placing highly qualified, fully licensed teachers in early childhood classrooms who already have strong ties to their schools and communities.
Towson University is encouraging interested MCPS paraeducators to reach out as soon as possible, as the program is targeting a start date this coming spring semester. Paraeducators interested in learning more about eligibility and upcoming information sessions can contact Amy (Kit) DiCenso, USG Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator, at [email protected].
