Goucher College is working in partnership with Baltimore County Public Schools to offer a two-year dual special and regular education alternative certification program. This program is designed for career changers including those from the military. Special features of this program include a pre-entry portfolio review, four different options to complete the pre-residency internship, and distance learning possibilities.

Interested candidates must first apply to the school system (Baltimore County Public Schools). Once a person has been accepted as a Resident Teacher Candidate (RTC) through the school system, application to Goucher would be processed. Goucher College becomes involved in the process only after a person has been hired by the school system as an RTC participant.

By the end of the program, candidates will earn 30 graduate credits with an additional 9 MSDE in-service credits for those teaching in elementary schools and 3 MSDE in-service credits for secondary candidates. Intensive coaching will occur in the first year of the program and during the second year a supervisory protocol will be followed. Interested candidates can complete the remaining credits required for the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree at Goucher College.