McDaniel College's 29-credit Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in Special Education is designed for working teachers. Conditionally licensed special education teachers enrolled in the PBC will complete graduate coursework while actively "on the job." Courses will be delivered in an online, eight-week format using a bichronous instructional model, which intentionally blends virtual synchronous learning with flexible asynchronous engagement. The bichronous approach includes bi-weekly, live virtual class meetings held in the evenings. The eight-week course model supports teacher success by allowing candidates to focus on one course at a time wile keeping a two course pace per semester, thus completing the PBC in four semesters.
In the first semester, courses focus on an understanding of special education law and practice as well as on the Science of Reading. In the second semester, the PBC focuses on special education assessment and literacy instruction. In the third semester, courses focus on classroom management and teaching strategies for exceptional students. The first three semesters include a practicum that is embedded in the reading courses, with one-to-one support from McDaniel faculty to help candidates make connections between course learning and their classroom practice.
The final semester guides candidates to success on the edTPA portfolio and includes one-to-one mentoring and regular instructional feedback during their internship. By the end of the PBC coursework, candidates will be fully prepared for success on the appropriate PRAXIS tests and the portfolio assessment.
The FCPS/McDaniel College GYO Collaborative Program is designed for success. Candidates admitted into the program will receive supports to ensure their initial teacher licensure as special educators, success in the profession, and financial well-being. These supports include:
Full tuition and fees covered by the grant and paid directly by FCPS to McDaniel College
The cost of textbooks reimbursed to the candidate by McDaniel College
The cost of edTPA and Praxis assessments reimbursed to the candidate by McDaniel College
Praxis and edTPA preparation
FCPS and McDaniel mentors to guide the candidate through their instructional journey
The final semester guides candidates to success on the edTPA portfolio and includes one-to-one mentoring and regular instructional feedback during their internship. By the end of the PBC coursework, candidates will be fully prepared for success on the appropriate PRAXIS tests and the portfolio assessement.
There are two application opportunities for current FCPS employees. Please review options according to your current role.
NOTE: The application for the 2026 cohort is closed. The application for the 2027 cohort will open spring 2027.
Current FCPS Instructional Assistants and Special Education Instructional Assistants with a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution are encouraged to participate in the FCPS GYO Collaborative.
Positions are available for the 2027-28 school year to enroll in the FCPS/McDaniel College GYO Collaborative Program as a Conditional Special Education Teacher. Please visit FCPS Special Education Vacancies and scroll to "Conditional Special Education Teacher Application - Grow Your Own Collaborative." If hired as a Conditional Special Education Teacher, you will be enrolled in the Frederick GYO Collaborative and will receive instructional support and tuition remission benefits, including:
Full tuition and fees covered by the grant and paid directly by FCPS to McDaniel College
The cost of textbooks reimbursed to the candidate by McDaniel College
The cost of edTPA and Praxis assessments reimbursed to the candidate by McDaniel College
Praxis and edTPA preparation
FCPS and McDaniel mentors to guide the candidate through their instructional journey
DEADLINE TO APPLY: JULY 15, 2027
If you are a current FCPS Conditionally-License Special Education Teacher, please complete this Interest Form. You will then be contacted by a member of the Frederick GYO Collaborative Team with further instruction on moving forward in the program.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: JULY 15, 2027