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Program Overview
Program Overview
Mount St. Mary's University's will provide access to FCPS paraprofessionals to its Adult Undergraduate Degree Program. Upon successful completion, candidate's will have earned a bachelor's degree and teacher licensure in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Special Education.
Mount St. Mary’s Adult Undergraduate Program is designed for the working adult; all classes are held online in either a synchronous or asynchronous format. Coursework, early field placements and internships are completed while actively "on the job," with classroom experiences aligned to their targeted licensure area(s).
Upon admittance to the program, candidates will be provided with an individualized, detailed map that allows them to progress through the program on a part-time basis in alignment with their professional goals and the June 30, 2030 deadline established by the GYO grant. Most adult undergraduates average completion in about three years with summer courses; however, the progression varies based on preference of pace and any credits that may be transferred into the program.
Licensure Options
Licensure Options
Prospective candidates can pursue the following licensure:
Elementary Education
Early Childhood with Elementary Education (Dual Licensure)
Elementary Education with Special Education (Dual Licensure)
Elementary Education with Early Childhood and Special Education (Triple Licensure)
Field placement, Internship I, and Internship II will be aligned to targeted licensure area(s).
Program Supports
Program Supports
The FCPS/Mount St. Mary's University GYO Collaborative Program is designed for success. Candidates admitted into the program will receive supports to ensure their achievement of a bachelor's degree, initial teacher licensure in their chosen area(s), 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 Mount St. Mary's University
The cost of textbooks reimbursed to the candidate by Mount St. Mary's University
The cost of Praxis assessments reimbursed to the candidate by Mount St. Mary's University
Praxis and InTASC portfolios preparation
FCPS and Mount St. Mary's University mentors to guide the candidate through their instructional journey
The structured mentorship framework is designed to support paraprofessionals as they transition into licensed teaching roles. Participants remain employed in FCPS while completing licensure coursework through Mount St. Mary’s University, allowing their current instructional support roles to serve as embedded clinical internships within the schools where they work, ensuring coordinated academic, instructional, and professional support.
Candidate Commitment
Candidate Commitment
At the time of enrollment in the pathway, candidates will be asked to sign an acknowledgement form where they commit to the following:
Upon program completion and licensure, teach for FCPS for a minimum of three years as a full-time teacher in a high-needs grade level or content area
Maintain a 2.5 GPA each semester of the program
Participate in program evaluation (e.g., focus groups and surveys)
Lastly, the candidate commits that if they withdraw from the GYO program, they will repay FCPS the entirety of tuition, fees, and other costs reimbursed to Mount St. Mary’s University through the Maryland GYO Educators Program grant.
Application Information
Application Information
Current FCPS Instructional Assistants and Special Education Instructional Assistants who meet the following qualifications are encouraged to apply to the FCPS/Mount St. Mary's University GYO Collaborative Program:
Must be a currently employed, full-time benefits-eligible Instructional Assistant or SEIA with Frederick County Public Schools
Demonstrated history of satisfactory or higher performance evaluations in current FCPS role
Possess a High School Diploma
Reference from current building principal/administrator
To apply, please visit the FCPS Applitrack website, select Grow Your Own Teacher Programs and scroll to Mount St. Mary's University Grow Your Own (GYO) Teacher Candidate.
Candidates who already possess a bachelor's degree should consider the Hood PBC pathway.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: NOVEMBER 15, 2026
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