Teachers in Maryland work in urban and rural districts where they teach students a variety of subjects, including science, math, foreign languages, and history. Educators who want to work in Maryland public schools need teaching certification.
In Maryland, prospective teachers have several available pathways to certification. Some complete an educator preparation program in Maryland or another state. Others change careers into education and complete alternate preparation programs. Prospective teachers can attend an in-person or online program in Maryland or go back to college to earn a teaching degree.
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With above-average salaries––Maryland high school teachers earn a median pay of $78,510 per year––the state is a great place for teachers. However, before pursuing teaching careers, prospective teachers should understand how to become a teacher in Maryland.
How Do I Become a Teacher in Maryland?
In Maryland, educators must hold teaching certification to work in public schools. The state offers four levels of certification depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Initial teacher certification requires a bachelor's degree and an educator preparation program. Candidates must also pass certification exams.
The Maryland Department of Education issues teaching certifications. Educators licensed in another state can apply for a reciprocal license in Maryland. The state also offers certifications for applicants who complete an out-of-state educator preparation program. Maryland teaching certifications remain valid for five years.
Meet Minimum Education Requirements
As in other states, teaching in Maryland requires a bachelor's degree. Many teachers meet the requirement by earning a bachelor's in education. Education majors complete specialized training in pedagogy, teaching standards, and assessment methods. In Maryland, 23 colleges and universities offer professional educator certification programs. These programs offer more than 300 specialization options, including 45 different teaching areas.
College graduates with a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field can complete an educator preparation program or earn a master's in teaching. Maryland also awards certification to graduates from out-of-state educator preparation programs.
Maryland also sets a minimum GPA for teacher certification. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA in their most recent degree. Candidates who do not meet the requirement must pass a basic skills test.
Gain Student Teaching Experience
Maryland teachers complete student teaching experience as part of their training. Students who complete a Maryland-approved educator preparation program meet the student teaching requirement during their degree. Each program sets its own minimum hours for student teaching. The requirements may also vary depending on the degree and specialization area.
Prospective teachers who do not complete a teacher training program can pursue alternative preparation programs. These intensive programs prepare learners for classroom teaching through challenging training. After completing an alternative preparation program, including classroom experience, candidates earn their teacher certification in Maryland.
Pass Required Certification Tests
Maryland educators must pass content and pedagogy tests to earn their teacher certification. Before 2022, Maryland used the Praxis Principles of Learning exams. Starting with the 2022/2023 school year, Maryland will use the edTPA and PPAT to certify teachers.
The specific exams depend on the candidate's licensure area. Elementary educators pass content area exams on reading, math, science, and social studies. They also take a pedagogy exam and an exam on teaching reading. Educators often take specific tests at the secondary level based on their specialty. Maryland licenses teachers in biology, history, math, physical sciences, and other areas.
Apply for Certification
After meeting the education, experience, and testing requirements, candidates apply for their teaching certification. Applicants who complete an approved Maryland teacher preparation program submit transcripts, content and pedagogy test scores, and applications. The submission materials should also include a cover letter listing the area of certification.
Teachers licensed in other states submit official transcripts, a copy of their out-of-state professional certificate, and verification of test scores. They also submit an application.
The Maryland Department of Education aims to process teacher certification applications within eight weeks of receipt. Teachers pay a $10 processing fee for the certificate or any renewals.
How Do I Maintain Teaching Certification in Maryland?
Maryland teaching certifications remain valid for five years. At the end of the five-year period, educators complete a renewal process. School systems process renewal requests for their employees. As part of renewing the teaching certification, educators must complete six credits of professional development training.
Maryland offers teaching certificates at four levels:
- Professional Eligibility Certificate: For applicants who meet all requirements but do not currently hold a teaching job at a Maryland public school.
- Standard Professional Certificate I: For applicants who meet all requirements and currently work at a Maryland public school.
- Standard Professional Certificate II: For teachers with an SPC I certificate working at a Maryland public school who submit proof of three years of satisfactory teaching experience, six credits of continuing education, and a professional development plan.
- Advanced Professional Certificate: For teachers with an SPC II certificate who submit proof of advanced standing, including a master's degree or National Board Certification.
Career Outlook for Teachers in Maryland
Teachers enjoy above-average salaries and high demand in Maryland. Nationally, high school teachers earn a median salary of $62,870 per year, while Maryland reports a median salary of $78,510 per year.
Educators take on greater responsibilities and qualify for higher salaries with a master's degree. Current teachers can also increase their earning potential by pursuing administrative roles. When considering graduate school, make sure to check which programs meet teaching certification in Maryland requirements.
The state offers several incentives and scholarships for teachers. The Maryland Higher Education Commission offers fellowships and scholarships for future teachers. Educators may also qualify for teacher loan forgiveness and public service loan forgiveness for federal loans.
In-Demand Teaching Careers in Maryland
Foreign Language Teacher
Foreign language teachers educate students in grammar, vocabulary, and reading in a non-English language. Maryland reports a high need for foreign language teachers. In particular, the languages with the highest demand include Spanish, French, and Chinese. In addition to foreign language teachers, the state also reports a high need for teachers specializing in English language learners.
Median Annual Salary: $42,645
Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers specialize in educating students with disabilities. They modify lesson plans to meet each student's abilities. Special education teachers offer individualized support that prepares learners for higher grades, the workforce, and college. Maryland reports a high need for special education teachers. The Board of Education offers special education licenses covering infants through 3rd grade, 1st-8th grade, and 6th grade through adult.
Median Annual Salary: $61,500
Career and Technical Education Teacher
Career and technical education (CTE) focuses on vocational subjects and business training. CTE teachers train learners for skilled craft, vocational, and professional career paths. Maryland reports a high need for CTE teachers, who follow a slightly different path for educator certification.
Median Annual Salary: $59,140
Science Teacher
Science teachers specialize in subjects like earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics. Maryland also licenses environmental science teachers. Science teachers encourage analytical and critical thinking skills. They also prepare graduates for technical and STEM careers. In Maryland, science teachers rank among the highest-need subjects.
Median Annual Salary: $48,760
Math Teacher
Math teachers educate elementary students in basic mathematical literacy and teach secondary-level algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. High school math teachers prepare students for college-level STEM majors. Secondary math teachers must pass content area exams to earn their certificate. Maryland reports a shortage of math teachers.
Median Annual Salary: $51,370
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Certification in Maryland
How do I get teaching certification in Maryland?
Maryland teachers apply for a teaching certification from the Maryland Department of Education. Candidates must meet education requirements which include a bachelor's degree and completion of an educator preparation program. Additionally, Maryland requires passing scores on content and pedagogy exams related to the candidate's teaching areas. For example, secondary math teachers pass an exam covering math for grades 7-12.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement must also submit basic skills test scores. After submitting an application and paying a $10 processing fee, applicants receive their teaching license.
Can I teach in Maryland without certification?
Teaching in Maryland public schools requires certification. That includes schools that receive public funds from the state. Teachers without certification can teach at private schools. However, public schools tend to pay higher salaries than private schools. For example, nationally high school teachers earn a median salary of $63,400 at public schools and $58,550 at private schools.
Experienced educators can qualify for certification by completing an alternative preparation program. Earning a teaching certification in Maryland can open more career opportunities and qualify educators for higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a teacher in Maryland?
The process of how to become a teacher in Maryland includes earning a bachelor's degree and meeting certification requirements. Bachelor's programs typically take four years for full-time students.
During a bachelor's in education, majors complete teacher preparation training. This includes student teaching experience. Education majors also prepare for certification exams during their program. After earning a bachelor's degree, teachers must pass their certification exams and apply for a teaching certification. Maryland reports an eight week processing time to issue new certifications.
What can I do with a teaching certification in Maryland?
With a teaching certification, educators can work at Maryland public schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools. Maryland issues teaching certifications in dozens of specialization areas, including elementary education, secondary math education, special education, and foreign language education.
After receiving a teaching certification, teachers are eligible to work in K-12 schools. The certification remains valid for five years. After five years, educators can apply for certification at a higher level. Maryland offers teaching certifications at four different levels. The highest level, an advanced professional certificate, requires a master's degree or National Board Certification. Renewal also requires continuing education credits.
How do I become a substitute teacher in Maryland?
The Maryland Department of Education does not issue substitute teacher licenses. Instead, the state's 24 local school districts set requirements for working as a substitute teacher. At the state level, substitute teachers must hold a high school diploma or the equivalent. However, many school districts set a higher educational requirement. This may include an associate degree or bachelor's degree. Substitute teachers must also pass a criminal background check. Long-term substitute teaching experience may meet the requirements for a Maryland teaching certification.
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FAQs
Can you teach in Maryland without a degree? ›
Like most US states, Maryland requires all teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Candidates must also attend a state-approved teacher preparation program, known as a Maryland Approved Program (MAP).
What is required to get a teaching certificate in Maryland? ›Teacher Certification Process
The process is as follows: After receiving a Bachelor's or Master's degree, completing all requirements of the teacher preparation program, and meeting all MSDE guidelines, teacher candidates are eligible for certification through MSDE.
A bachelor's degree is usually needed to become a teacher. It is also possible to study for a teaching diploma, which can be upgraded to a degree. Generally, one has to complete an approved teacher training programme and practical training.
How do you be a teacher if you already have a degree? ›The Professional Teaching Certification (PTC) program is a non-degree program designed for individuals who have completed a Bachelor's degree in any field and who intend to teach at the secondary education level.
How much do public school teachers make in Maryland? ›How much does a Public School Teacher make in Maryland? The average Public School Teacher salary in Maryland is $57,923 as of February 27, 2023, but the range typically falls between $48,373 and $70,637.
Can I become a teacher if I don't have a degree? ›To become a teacher without a degree is certainly possible, although you're going to have to acquire some training, experience or qualifications. In this article, we discuss the possibilities of becoming a teacher without a degree, the teaching qualifications you can acquire and the different schools you might work at.
How long is a Maryland teaching certificate good for? ›Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC)
Valid for two years. Issued to an applicant who has been selected by a MD local education agency to participate in an alternative teacher preparation program.
A minimum of 60 college credits from an accredited college or university is required; 6-12 months of experience working with children. Must be able to work forty-five (45) days during the school year.
How do I become a teacher's assistant without a degree? ›To apply for a teaching assistant position, you must have the minimum of a matric certificate. Preference will be given to those who hold any other qualifications from a tertiary institution.
What is the maximum age to become a teacher? ›KPSC Age Limit and Age Relaxation
To apply for the teacher recruitment exam, a candidate must be between 21-42 years.
How much does a teacher earn a month? ›
Average R 16 691 per month.
How much is a teaching course? ›The costs of studying to teach part-time in South Africa generally range between R18,000 and R40,000 per annum; this depends on the course duration and the qualifications that come with them.
How hard is it to become a teacher? ›Depending on the route you take, becoming a teacher can require years of study before you can qualify. However, once you have qualified, you'll be embarking on a lifelong career in which you'll be making a lasting difference to thousands of children.
How many years is a bachelors degree? ›The duration period of any bachelor's degree will remain the same whether student studies regularly or online. An associate degree will be done in 2 years and a bachelor's degree will be done within its standard time of 4 years.
Can me graduate become a teacher? ›You can pursue post-graduation in any discipline. Please Note: You can appear for CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) after completion of your B. Ed. Cracking CTET will help you become a teacher in schools under the Central Government (e.g: Kendriya Vidyalaya).
Which county in MD pays teachers the most? ›In the Montgomery County Public Schools, the average salary paid to teachers is one of the highest in the state at more than $85,000, while the lowest pay listed was Kent County Public Schools at about $58,000, according to Niche.
What state pays teachers the most? ›| States 1-12 | Teacher Salary | States 13-25 |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $87,738 | Illinois |
| Massachusetts | $86,315 | Oregon |
| California | $85,892 | Delaware |
| District of Columbia | $80,659 | Michigan |
While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $53,825 and as low as $15,450, the majority of Teacher salaries currently range between $23,921 (25th percentile) to $36,879 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $47,345 annually in Maryland.
Is 40 too old to become a teacher? ›Wherever you are in your journey to becoming a teacher, don't let your age be a factor. Students and schools need all kinds of teachers. Your experience will most likely be an asset: part of what makes your teaching and your classroom uniquely valuable to your school community. In short, it's never too late to teach!
How long is teacher training? ›Full-time courses usually take three to four years, while part-time courses take four to six years. If you have undergraduate credits from previous study, you might be able to complete a course in two years.
What is initial teacher training? ›
Initial Teacher Training is a university-led approach, and focuses on study and practical time in school. You could also apply to a School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme, which is a postgraduate route that's delivered by groups of neighbouring schools and colleges.
How do I become a kindergarten teacher in Maryland? ›- Complete a Degree and Teacher Preparation Program in Maryland. ...
- Pass the Necessary Examinations for Preschool Teachers in Maryland. ...
- Apply for Your Maryland Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education. ...
- Maintain and Upgrade Your Maryland Teaching Certificate.
Maryland's Teacher of the Year will represent the teaching profession and spend the coming year as an educational speaker, ambassador and advisor.
How long is qualified teacher status? ›You can apply for QTS . It should take between 2 and 4 weeks to process your application.
How much do subs make in Maryland? ›Average Prince George's County Public Schools Substitute Teacher hourly pay in Maryland is approximately $15.02, which is 6% above the national average.
Do you need a bachelor's degree to be a substitute teacher in PA? ›Requirements for day-to-day substitutes: Valid Pennsylvania educator certificate or out of state certificate. Bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalency) if not certified. Background clearances.
What do I need to bring to become a substitute teacher? ›...
Be prepared by packing some (or all) of the following items in your bag of tricks:
- Pack of pencils.
- Pack of erasers.
- Flash cards.
- Paper clips.
- Mini stapler.
- Loose leaf paper.
- Dry erase markers.
Check your pay
Salary range for the majority of workers in Teachers' aides - from R3 071 to R11 578 per month - 2023.
help teachers prepare lesson materials. set up and tidy classrooms for lessons. work with students to make sure they understand. watch, record and report the progress students make.
Can I be a TA with no experience? ›There are no compulsory qualifications or experience required for becoming a teaching assistant. That may sound like great news, but the truth is that you will likely still need some relevant qualifications or experience to prove that you're right for the job.
How old is the average teacher in the US? ›
| Age category | ||
|---|---|---|
| State | Average age of teachers | Less than 30 years |
| United States | 42.4 | 15.3 |
| Alabama | 41.9 | 15.6 |
| Alaska | 43.2 | 15.7 |
The youngest a teacher can be in the United States is 21 or 22 years old. This is true for elementary school, middle school/junioir high, and high school teachers. Someone that completes 4 years of college immediately after high school and aquires a teaching certificate can start teaching right away.
What is the age of the youngest teacher in years? ›We find that the age of the oldest teacher is 54 years and the age of the youngest teacher is 23 years.
Which teachers get paid the most? ›...
Highest-paying jobs in education
- School superintendent. ...
- K-12 principal. ...
- Dean of students. ...
- College professor. ...
- Instructional coordinator.
As of Mar 6, 2023, the average weekly pay for a Teacher in the United States is $633 a week. While ZipRecruiter is seeing weekly wages as high as $1,038 and as low as $298, the majority of Teacher wages currently range between $461 (25th percentile) to $711 (75th percentile) across the United States.
What is a Level 1 teacher? ›Level 1 teachers are the lowest paid and least experienced teachers and can expect to earn from R126,720 per annum or R10,560 a month. By comparison, the salary for principals starts at over R346,000 a year or R29,000 a month.
Can I study teaching online? ›Can You Study Teaching Online? Yes, you can study teaching online through distance learning. Many institutions offer courses through distance learning.
Is teaching good for money? ›Teaching is a rewarding career that helps you make a significant difference in people's lives around the world. Using these different money-making methods, teachers will have more opportunities to earn revenue during their free time.
What is the average teacher salary? ›Find out what the average Teacher salary is
The average teacher salary in Ireland is € 37 538 per year or € 19.25 per hour. Entry-level positions start at € 30 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to € 48 812 per year.
And so you wonder, do teachers make enough money to live comfortably? Yes, in general, K-12 teachers in the U.S make enough money to live comfortably depending on how they are accustomed to living. Other factors include standard of living, geographic location, family status, and saving habits.
Is it hard being a first year teacher? ›
The first year of teaching is the hardest. While being an educator is never without its struggles, the first year is by far the most challenging — pieced together with idealism, confusion, good intentions, excitement, fear, and expectations.
What is a 2 year degree called? ›An associate degree is a two-year degree typically offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges. However, some four-year universities offer them as well. Examples of some associate degrees include Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS).
What degree is 8 years of college? ›An “eight-year degree” typically refers to a doctorate degree or PhD. Although some doctorates can be completed in as little as three years, these degrees typically require more time studying highly specialized subjects.
What are the 4 types of degrees? ›Associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees vary in terms of prerequisites, lengths, and requirements. College degrees generally fall into four categories: associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral. Each college degree level varies in length, requirements, and outcomes.
What qualification do you need to become a teacher? ›In India, one may begin teaching after finishing 10+2 exams or while studying for it. To become a government teacher, however, applicants must pass the admission tests. CTET, TET, STET, and other entrance exams are held to pursue a B. Ed.
Can I teach after graduation? ›Eligibility to become a Teacher
In addition to their undergraduate and graduate degrees in their subject of choice, teachers in the country must also complete a B. Ed. Students wanting to specialise and teach at higher levels can also obtain an M. Ed.
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science.
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course.
| Alabama | Indiana | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Kentucky | New Mexico |
| California | Louisiana | New York |
| Colorado | Maine | North Carolina |
| Connecticut | Massachusetts | North Dakota |
Virginia requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited program to become a licensed teacher in the state. As a part of this degree, you will need field experience, along with time as a supervised student teacher.
How long does it take to qualify as a teaching assistant? ›Most courses take a minimum of 12 months to complete.
Is there a teacher shortage in Maryland? ›
Scores of Maryland public school teachers are saying the same thing, and their departures are creating shortages throughout the state's education system. In the last academic school year, 9.1% of Maryland teachers left the profession altogether, according to the state Department of Education.
What states are easiest to get a teaching job? ›...
The 10 Best States To Find A Teaching Job
- North Dakota. ...
- Alaska. ...
- Illinois. ...
- Florida. ...
- Arizona. ...
- Connecticut. ...
- Alabama. ...
- Arkansas.
Effective Tax Rates for Substitute Teachers in Virginia
The average salary for a substitute teacher in Virginia is $22,000 per year.
Now, many school divisions are relying on provisionally licensed teachers to fill the gaps. The Pandemic Impact on Public K-12 Education report shows the teacher shortage in Virginia is growing, and the impact on students is getting worse.