Baltimore Teacher Apprenticeship Program (BTAP) - Earn your M.Ed. in Special Education!

Learn while you earn! Loyola University Maryland partnership with Baltimore County Public Schools - Exceptional Teachers for Exceptional Learners

BTAP is a one-year teacher preparation program that provides the apprentice with the opportunity to train with a cohort of peers and receive guidance from an experienced teacher mentor. Apprentices will complete graduate coursework to earn a Master’s in Education, Special Education in either Elementary/Middle or Secondary/Adult Education. While working towards certification, apprentices will be assigned as a BCPS Teacher Fellow and maintain active employment, compensation, and benefits. Participants will receive structured training and support throughout the program as well as beyond graduation. 

Program requirements:

• A conferred Bachelor’s degree 
• Meeting all application and enrollment requirements
• Completion of the program by Spring 2025 
• Commitment to teaching for 3 years in BCPS upon program completion 

Applicants must be employed as a BCPS para-educator in good standing or plan to work in BCPS as a para-educator during the program.

Program Schedule:

One-year program; 40 graduate credits

• Summer 2024: 15 credits
• Fall 2024: 13 credits 
• Spring 2025: 12 credits 

Program Benefits:

Regular Special Education tuition for the 2024-25 academic year is $690/credit (a total of $27,600 for 40 credits - see the Special Education tuition page for details).

 

ETEL Apprentices receive:

• 25% Loyola discount off the standard Special Education tuition
• $300/credit ($12,000 total) BCPS Tuition Benefit

Program Costs:

• $210/credit ($8,400 total) out-of pocket tuition (after 25% discount and BCPS Tuition Benefit)
• Licensure exam fees: approx. $600
• Internship fee: $200
• Books: approx. $500

Salary Outcomes:

• Salary for a licensed special education teacher in BCPS starts at $60,000.

Financial Resource Options:

• Growing Our Own For BCPS - Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers
• Federal TEACH Grant
• State and Federal Tax Credits
• Federal Student Aid Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
• Other fellowships, scholarships, and grants
• Loyola Finish Line Fund (for licensure exam assistance)
• FAFSA workshop

Want to learn more?

Book a 1-on-1 with an advisor or attend an information session!

• Book a 1-on-1 with an advisor
• Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (EST)- Virtual Info Session *

*Please register for this event.

Ready to apply? Access your application today! 

Application Deadlines:

• Summer Priority Deadline: April 15
• Summer Deadline: May 1

At the discretion of the department, applications will continue to be reviewed after the application deadline on a space-available basis. Schedule a 1:1 with an advisor if you are interested in applying.

Learn more here.