McDaniel College 

BEST - Initial Teacher Certification

"The BEST program leads to teaching certification, as well as a master’s degree, both crucial in the field of teaching. More importantly, I was able to approach teaching with confidence because I trusted in the skills and knowledge I gained while in the BEST program."

— Tom Keller
BEST Graduate &
High School Science Teacher
Hereford High School
Parkton, MD

Meet Tom 


The Better Educators for Students of Tomorrow (BEST) program provides students with the content, teaching background and experiences necessary for initial certification in:

The program has been evaluated and approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) , and the Maryland State Department of Education.

The BEST program embraces a rich combination of content, research based learning theory, effective teaching practices with significant public school experiences, opportunities for research within the public school setting, and encouragement to reflect upon classroom practice. National standards in these fields provide the base for the pedagogical and content knowledge throughout the BEST program.

Successful completion of the BEST program will result in the candidate becoming eligible for initial teacher certification by the State of Maryland and the awarding of a Master of Science degree by McDaniel College.

Program Features

  • Nationally accredited program. Teaching certification gained through program is accepted by PreK-12 employers across the U.S.
  • Full-time students can obtain a master's degree and initial teacher certification in just two years.
  • Most courses offered at times convenient for working adults.
  • Extensive classroom experience offers effective instructional strategies and behavioral management techniques.
  • Empowers teachers to be come continuous life-long learners and reflective practitioners.
Information For:  

Contact
Francis Fennell, PhD
BEST Coordinator
  Elementary Education
213 Academic Hall
ffennell@mcdaniel.edu
410-857-2501

Ochieng' K'Olewe, EdD
BEST Coordinator
  Secondary, PreK-12 Education
211 Academic Hall
okolewe@mcdaniel.edu
410-857-2500