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
BTAP is a two-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 licensure, apprentices will be assigned as a Para-BTAP and maintain active employment, compensation, and benefits. Participants will receive structured training and support throughout the program as well as beyond graduation.
Requirements
- A conferred Bachelor’s degree
- Meet all Loyola application and enrollment requirements
- Apply and be accepted into Loyola's M.Ed in Special Education*
- Apply and be accepted to BCPS in a "Para-BTAP" Position*
- Completion of program in two years
- Commitment to teaching for 3 years in BCPS upon program completion
*must happen concurrently
Schedule
Two-year, six-semester program; 39 graduate credits
Summer semesters: last week of May thru August
Fall semesters: September thru December
Spring semesters: January thru first week of May
Suggested Course Sequence
FIRST YEAR
Summer Term-
SE 905: Development and Characteristics of Learners with Disabilities
SE 914: Communication, Collaboration, and Consultation with Parents and Professionals Serving Learners with Disabilities
Fall Term-
SE 901: Principles of Behavior Management for Special Education
TE 600: Foundations of Education
Spring Term-
SE 902: Literacy Instruction for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disabilities
SE 912: Instructional Planning, Adaptations, and Learning Strategies for Learners with Disabilities
SECOND YEAR
Summer Term-
RE 560: Early Literacy Assessment and Instruction
RE 561: Intermediate Literacy Assessment and Instruction/RE 744: Literacy in the Content Area II
SE 911: Assessment, Diagnosis, and Evaluation of Learners with Disabilities
Fall Term-
RE 562: Literacy Assessment and Instruction for Multilingual Learners/RE 733: Literacy in the Content Area I
TE 670: Teacher Research and Inquiry
SE 922: Internship I: Special Education
Spring Term-
SE 923: Internship II: Special Education
Benefits*
BTAP Participants receive:
15% Loyola discount off the standard Special Education tuition
$300/credit ($12,000 total) BCPS Tuition Benefit
*Pending BCPS Board of Education Approval for 26-27 Academic Year
Out of Pocket Costs for Participants
$320.50/credit*
Licensure exam fees: approx. $600
Internship fee: $200
Books: approx. $500
*tuition rates are subject to change for the 26-27 Academic Year
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
Salary Outcomes
Salary for a licensed special education teacher in BCPS starts at $60,000
Want to learn more?
- Book a 1-on-1 appointment with an advisor
- Attend our next Virtual Information Session on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., EST
Ready to apply? Access your application today!
Application Deadlines:
- Summer 2026: 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.
Questions?
Contact us via email at specialeducation@loyola.edu or by phone at (410)-617-2990.
Ready to learn more?
Contact us at education@loyola.edu or 410-617-2990.Attend an Information Session
Request information and apply
Ready to learn more?Explore the following links or contact us at education@loyola.edu or 410-617-2990.