Maryland Teaching Certification
Are you considering becoming a teacher in Maryland? Becoming certified as an educator can be a rewarding, inspiring experience that opens the door to many opportunities. The Maryland State Department of Education provides several pathways for prospective teachers to become certified and launch or continue their careers in the classroom.
The MSDE is in charge of licensing teachers in Maryland, and you must complete all the required certification to be recommended for licensure.
With a strong commitment to academic excellence and a passion for fostering growth in students, Maryland offers an ideal environment for aspiring teachers. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career changer, or an experienced educator seeking additional credentials,
Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW online teacher preparation program provides the support, resources, and expertise needed to thrive in the classroom. Discover the possibilities and make a difference in the lives of Maryland students as a certified teacher.
How to Become a Teacher in Maryland
Embarking on the journey to become a certified teacher in Maryland is made easier with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) as your trusted guide. As the governing body responsible for teacher certification in Maryland, the MSDE offers a wealth of invaluable resources and comprehensive information on the steps to achieve your teaching goals. From understanding examination requirements to providing essential data on education and student performance, the MSDE plays a vital role in ensuring the quality of education throughout the state.
The state of Maryland requires that its teachers earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, candidates also need to attend a state-approved teacher preparation program, referred to as a Maryland Approved Program (or MAP).
The Traditional Pathway
The most common way to become certified is through completing a traditional preparation program from a Maryland higher education institution, such as a college or university. This pathway typically requires the completion of an undergraduate degree in education. Once this program is completed, prospective teachers will need to submit their transcripts and other documents to the Department of Education for review.
The necessary teacher preparation coursework is included in Most bachelor’s degrees in education.
The Alternative Pathway
In addition, there are alternative certification routes available if you already possess a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education. These alternative programs require completing additional courses and classroom teaching experience. These allow the prospective teacher to become certified without having to go back to school to earn another undergraduate degree. Among these is an option to complete a certification-only preparation program, such as Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW online teacher preparation program, which can be completed in as little as nine months.
Additionally, career changers with a bachelor’s degree outside of education can pursue a master’s degree in education with us to complete the required coursework and preparation for certification.
Steps to Get a Teaching Certification in Maryland
Maryland State Department of Education supports teachers throughout the certification process, offering resources and assistance to meet state requirements. Our TEACH-NOW online teacher preparation program is a flexible and comprehensive option for aspiring educators. With TEACH-NOW’s support, aspiring teachers can successfully navigate the certification process and embark on fulfilling careers in Maryland.
The steps to teacher certification in Maryland involve the following:
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree: Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Complete a Teacher Preparation Program, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW online teacher preparation program. These programs usually include lessons in educational theory and a seminar in classroom skills in addition to a fieldwork component.
- Get student teaching experience: Classroom experience lets you put educational theory into practice in the real world. You can either complete supervised experience at a public or private school, or by working as a full-time teacher for at least one year.
- Pass required exams: Take and pass the required exams, such as the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) and Praxis Subject Assessments, to demonstrate your content knowledge and teaching abilities.
- Complete a Background Check.
- Apply for your teaching license: Submit an application for teacher certification to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) for verification. Include all necessary documentation, such as transcripts, exam scores, and proof of completion of a teacher preparation program.
The specific requirements for teacher certification in Maryland may vary based on the type of certification and the grade level or subject area you intend to teach. To find out which requirements are unique to your career path, contact a Moreland admissions counselor: Call us at 1 (844) 283-2246 or email us at admissions@moreland.edu.
Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program offers a convenient online curriculum with flexible start dates each month.
By completing the TEACH-NOW program and fulfilling all certification requirements, aspiring teachers are well-prepared to begin their teaching journeys in Maryland.
Requirements for Teacher Certification in Maryland
To become a teacher in Maryland, you must meet the following requirements:
- Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Complete the minimum reading coursework–12 semester hours for certificates in Pre-K through elementary; 6 for middle to secondary grades
- Pass the appropriate Praxis exams for your certification area (this will vary by position)
- Complete an approved educator preparation program at an accredited college or university
- Pass a criminal background check through a fingerprinting process
The Praxis exam you will need to pass is the Subject Assessment exam which corresponds to the grade level and subject area in which you wish to be endorsed. You will likely also need to take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching skills test tied with the grade level you want to teach: Early Childhood, K-6, 5-9, or 7-12.
These requirements should be reviewed and understood before embarking on the teacher certification process. It’s important to note that all applicants must take and pass the MSDE Professional Licensure Assessment (PLT) test for initial licensure. This test is designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge of the core competencies necessary to be an effective teacher in Maryland.
After you complete the requirements outlined by the MSDE, relevant documentation needs to be sent as part of your application to obtain certification. You can create an account with the MSDE Education Application and Certification Hub before submitting the following documentation:
- Your official transcripts
- Qualifying scores on the required examinations
- Verification of having completed a teacher preparation program
- Completed application with payment of processing fees
Once you have obtained a valid teaching certificate from MSDE and successfully passed the background check, you can apply for a teaching position in a school district.
Can you teach in Maryland without a certification?
You may be able to teach as a short-term substitute without a Maryland provisional or professional teaching certificate. To become a substitute in Maryland, however, you are still required to earn at least 60 college credits or have your associate degree. You can expect more competitive pay if you have a bachelor’s degree, if you qualify for a teacher certification (or already have one), or if you decide to be a long-term substitute teacher.
Speak with an Admissions Representative about Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program
Why Choose Moreland University
Our TEACH-NOW online teacher preparation and master’s degree programs are designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to impact your
students’ lives positively. Our customized curriculum ensures a personalized learning experience that meets your unique needs.
At Moreland University, we take pride in being pioneers of online global teacher education. Our TEACH-NOW online teacher preparation program is designed to ignite innovation and collaboration among instructors and fellow aspiring educators. By embracing a unique cohort model, we provide you with the opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions and exchange valuable insights with your peers. This collaborative learning environment enhances your understanding of the
evolving demands of the teaching profession, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the field.
We understand that our students lead busy lives, which is why we prioritize flexibility, affordability, and convenience in our TEACH-NOW program. Combining synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences, our curriculum is tailored to accommodate the schedules of working professionals and career changers.
Through our activity-based and collaborative cohort model, you can pursue your educational goals while enjoying a supportive community of like-minded individuals. We are dedicated to providing you with the tools and resources you need to succeed in your teaching career.
Overall, becoming a teacher in Maryland is an exciting process that requires dedication and perseverance. With the right resources and guidance, you can become a certified teacher in the state of Maryland in no time. Good luck!
Our Accreditations & Partnerships
Moreland University Partners with these Key Organizations to Support Maryland educators
Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Read more about how we support educators in Maryland
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