Project LEAP is a 3-year, teacher collaborative project created by Towson University (TU), the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), and the Howard County Education Association (HCEA). This project is funded by a grant from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
PROJECT LEAP GOALS
- Strengthen relationships between the IHE (institute of higher education), school system, and exclusive employee representatives.
- Improve teacher retention
- Increase number of educators moving along the career ladder
- Implement more robust and sustainable practicum experiences
- Increase number of post-baccalaureate certification credits taught by National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs)
- Increase number of teacher candidates and NBC applicants/completers, with a specific focus on Black, Asian, and Latinx- identifying teachers
WHO DOES THE PROJECT SERVE
Populations Served:
- High school students who aspire to be teachers
- Teacher candidates
- Teachers across all schools in HCPSS
- TU faculty
- Undergraduate initial preparation programs at TU
HOW WILL PROJECT LEAP WORK?
Partners are working collaboratively to create, pilot, and refine a seamless system for teacher development that meets the standards of edTPA and National Board and developing leadership career pathways for effective and skilled teachers in accordance with the Maryland Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education.
Project LEAP is positioned for success in developing a replicable model due to its focus on national and international best practices, adherence to state and local policies, stakeholder support, shared vision, and sustainability.