How to Become a High School Teacher in Maryland
| by Alex Skov
Maryland is home to a diverse student population and a wide range of job opportunities in the education field, making it an exciting place to grow your teaching career. If you’re ready to share your knowledge and inspire the next generation as teacher new to the state or new to the profession, this guide will walk you through the need-to-know steps to becoming a high school teacher in Maryland, from earning the right credentials to securing your certification.
Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Maryland
Becoming a high school teacher in Maryland requires knowledge in specific subjects and an understanding of the state’s unique educational requirements. While general teacher certification is a must-have starting point, high school educators may sometimes complete specialized coursework and testing to demonstrate their knowledge in the area of study they wish to teach.
For a detailed overview of the process, visit our How to Become a Teacher in Maryland Guide. This complimentary resource is designed to help you navigate every step of the journey and is great to bookmark for easy reference as you advance on your path to teaching certification in the Free State.
What Do You Need to Be a High School Teacher in Maryland?
To become a high school teacher in Maryland, you’ll need to do the following:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: Maryland requires each of its teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Individuals often major in education if they know they want to be teachers immediately after graduation, though people with degrees in other subjects can become teachers by completing additional coursework.
- Complete an educator preparation program (EPP): Educator preparation programs like Moreland’s TEACH-NOW help new teachers get ready to lead their classrooms. These programs usually focus on pedagogy, practical instructional skills, and hands-on classroom experience.
- Pass certification exams: Maryland requires teachers to earn passing grades on both the general and subject-specific Praxis exams to verify they have the appropriate knowledge and teaching ability.
- Pass a background check and fingerprinting: All teachers in Maryland must pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting to be compliant with the state’s safety and ethical standards.

Steps to Becoming a High School Teacher in Maryland
Knowing the steps needed to become a high school teacher in Maryland will help you feel comfortable as you advance through the process. Here are the main steps to becoming a certified educator:
1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
You can choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in education or in the subject you want to teach. Whether it’s chemistry, history, or another field, Maryland high school teachers should have in-depth knowledge of their chosen area.
2. Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
Educator preparation programs (EPPs) are generally built into the undergraduate curriculum for those who major in education. Those who earned a bachelor’s degree in a different field can enroll in a standalone EPP like Moreland’s 9-month, 100% online TEACH-NOW program to develop the teaching strategies and classroom management skills needed to succeed in secondary education.
3. Pass the Praxis Exams
Maryland requires every licensed teacher in the state to pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills exams and a Praxis II subject assessment aligned with your teaching area. These tests assess both your foundational teaching skills and subject-specific knowledge.
4. Submit Your Certification Application
After completing your tests and receiving your scores, you can submit your transcripts and other required documents along with a processing fee to apply for teacher licensure through the Maryland State Department of Education.
5. Pass a Fingerprinting and Background Check
Every educator in Maryland is required to submit fingerprints and pass a background check as part of a mandatory safety screening.
6. Begin Your Teaching Career with Initial Certification
After completing the previous steps and having your application approved, you will receive your initial teaching certification and can start teaching in Maryland’s public high schools. You can find job opportunities regularly updated on the MDSE website.
Can You Become a High School Teacher in Maryland Without a Teaching Degree?
Yes, it’s possible to become a high school teacher in Maryland without a traditional teaching degree. Educator preparation programs like Moreland’s TEACH-NOW can provide you with the flexibility to complete coursework in as little as 9 months while teaching or working another job full-time!
You can learn more about alternative pathways to certification by exploring our Maryland teacher certification program online, where you’ll find information about flexible and affordable programs designed to help you meet Maryland’s licensure requirements.
Take the First Step Toward Becoming a High School Teacher in Maryland with Moreland
At Moreland, we’re committed to empowering current and aspiring educators in Maryland to achieve their teaching goals. Our programs are designed to provide all the information and guidance you need to navigate the process of becoming a high school teacher in Maryland, offering a streamlined and flexible path to earning your teaching licensure. Don’t wait to start making an impact in the classroom — apply today and move closer to your dream career in education!