How to Become a Teacher in Maryland
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- Maryland's teacher certification process covers multiple steps.
- First, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in education.
- Second, you need to meet the state's practice teaching requirements.
- Finally, you need to pass certification tests and apply for certification.
As a certified teacher in Maryland, you'll have ready access to plenty of job opportunities. During the 2021-22 school year, 20 of the state's 24 local education agencies reported more teaching vacancies than they had three years earlier.
Requirements to earn teacher certification in Maryland start with an education degree. You'll also have to meet practice teaching requirements and pass certification tests.
Interested in finding out exactly what you need to teach in the Old Line State? Read on to learn how to become a teacher in Maryland.
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4 Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Maryland
You'll need to complete four key steps to earn your teacher certification in Maryland. They cover education, practical training, knowledge verification, and a formal application for your teaching certificate.
1. Earn Your Bachelor's Degree
First, you'll need to complete at least a bachelor's degree. You can earn a general or specialized education degree or a bachelor's in the subject you'd like to teach. In the latter case, you'll also need an education bachelor's or master's degree or a post-bachelor's certificate from a state-approved educator prep program.
These educational requirements ensure you'll have appropriate training in educational standards and teaching methods. As of 2024, 23 Maryland institutions host more than 300 professional educator certification programs combined. Specializations are available in 45 teaching areas.
2. Gain Student Teaching Experience
Student teaching allows you to apply educational theory to real-world settings, which is an important part of your professional development. There are two ways of earning student teaching experience in Maryland:
- You can complete a supervised teaching experience at a public school, or at an accredited nonpublic school. Approved educator prep programs typically build these experiences into their academic requirements; or,
- You can fulfill your teaching experience requirements by working for at least one year as a full-time teacher. This path is less common because gaining full-time work experience as a teacher can be difficult if you're not already certified.
3. Take the Required Certification Tests
Maryland's teacher certification tests validate your academic and pedagogical knowledge. In other words, they function as a final check to make sure you're fully qualified. Maryland uses the Praxis Tests (I and II) or the ACTFL Assessments exam.
If you had an overall GPA of at least 3.0 on your most recent degree, you may be exempt from Maryland's basic skills assessment requirements. However, you may still have to complete pedagogical assessments if they're required for the teaching certificate you're seeking.
4. Apply for Certification
Your journey to teacher certification in Maryland ends with a formal application for your educator certificate. During this step, the Maryland State Department of Education will verify all your credentials one last time.
If you graduated from a Maryland-approved educator prep program, you'll have to submit all applicable certification test scores plus your academic transcripts. Your transcripts must include a formal statement of educator prep program completion.
Maryland supports many other routes to teacher certification. If you didn't graduate from a state-approved educator prep program, or if you want to learn more about alternative routes, check out the educator certification resources on Maryland's state government website.
How Do You Maintain Teaching Certification in Maryland?
Maryland teaching certifications remain valid for five years. At the end of the five-year period, educators must renew their certification. Your school district will process your renewal request. You must complete six credits of professional development training in order to renew your certification.
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.
How Much Will You Make as a Teacher in Maryland?
The Maryland State Department of Education keeps up-to-date data for all public school employees. Pay rates vary by role and location. The following table covers the full salary range (lowest to highest) for each profiled position for the 2023-24 school year.
| Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|
| Certified Teacher With a Bachelor's Degree | $50,275-$59,640 |
| Certified Teacher With a Bachelor's Degree Plus a Standard Professional Certification | $52,665-$92,853 |
| Certified Teacher With an Advanced Professional Certificate | $60,661-$116,807 |
| Certified Teacher With a Master's Degree | $67,336-$116,807 |
| Certified Teacher With a Master's Degree Plus an Advanced Professional Certificate | $76,782-$116,807 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Teacher in Maryland
How long does it take to become a teacher in Maryland?
It takes about four years of full-time study to complete a bachelor's in education, which will include your student teaching requirements. From there, you need to complete your certification exams and apply for your certificate. It takes about eight weeks to process a certificate application.
If you choose another path, such as getting a bachelor's degree in a non-education subject before earning a post-bachelor's teaching certificate or master's degree, the process will take longer.
Can you become a substitute teacher in Maryland without certification?
Short-term substitute teachers do not require provisional or professional teacher certifications in Maryland. To work as a short-term or long-term substitute teacher in Maryland, you need at least 60 college credits or an associate degree. Pay rates are higher if you have a bachelor's degree, if you qualify for or hold a teaching certificate, or if you choose to substitute long-term.
Do you need a master's to teach in Maryland?
No, you only require a bachelor's degree to qualify for teacher certification in Maryland. A master's degree still carries considerable value, though. If you work in a public school, you can secure higher pay by earning an advanced credential or degree.
Can you teach in Maryland without certification?
Certification is required to work as a full-time, regular classroom teacher in Maryland. However, you do not require a teaching certificate to work as a substitute teacher. Aspiring educators can use substitute teaching as a way to build experience.
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