Courtesy of Bowie State University
Bowie State University and the Maryland State Education Association collaborated to host HBCU Summit 2025 for aspiring teachers from the state’s four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), offering resources and support as they prepare for careers in education.
“More than 75 students from Bowie State, Coppin State, Morgan State and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore attended the inaugural summit,” said Albert Jones, Maryland State Education Association’s organizational specialist. “Many of the sessions that students attended were designed to help them prepare to take and pass the Praxis exam, which is required by the state before they can become a classroom teacher.”
Students who attended the summit were coached in creating a strategic plan to prepare for the exam and learned tactics to overcome test anxiety. They also networked with experienced teachers and explored additional resources.
Carla Matthews, a junior from Southern Maryland and Miss Education at Bowie State, is majoring in early childhood and special education. She plans to earn a Ph.D. in education and become a change agent.
“It was a blessing for me to be able to attend the summit and learn about the assistance that is available including one-on-one tutoring to help students prepare for the Praxis,” said Matthews. “I believe the next generation of children will become the new policymakers and corporate CEOs. I want to become a powerful and positive role model, inspiring and motivating students to always be the best that they can be.”