Become a Maryland Teacher
with Moreland University

Becoming a teacher in Maryland typically involves a few steps, including obtaining a bachelor’s degree, completing a teacher preparation program (such as Moreland University’s nine-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program), passing required exams, completing a background check, and applying for your teaching license in Maryland.

Specific requirements for Maryland certification can vary. If you have questions about the process of getting your teaching certification in Maryland, Moreland University admissions representatives would be happy to chat more. Give us a call at 1(844) 283-2246 or email us at admissions@moreland.edu.

In most cases, you do need a teacher certification to teach in public schools in Maryland. Teacher certification ensures that educators meet certain standards of knowledge, skills, and professionalism required to teach effectively. Holding a valid teaching certificate demonstrates that you have completed the necessary education and training to work as a teacher in the state.

While certification requirements may vary depending on the specific teaching assignment and school district, a teaching certificate is typically a prerequisite for employment as a teacher in Maryland’s public schools. Private schools may have different hiring criteria and may not require state certification, but many still prefer or require teachers to have certification or relevant qualifications.

Check with the Maryland State Department of Education and individual school districts for the most accurate and up-to-date information on certification requirements and employment opportunities for teachers 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
✓ Pass the appropriate Praxis exams for your certification area (this will vary by position)
✓ Have completed an approved educator preparation program at an accredited college or university
✓ Pass a criminal background check

These requirements should be reviewed and understood before embarking on the Maryland 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.

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.

The steps to teacher certification in Maryland involve the following:

1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree: Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Complete a Teacher Preparation Program, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW online teacher preparation
program.
3. 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.
4. Complete a background check: This is a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting.
5. Apply for your teaching license: Submit an application for teacher certification to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). 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.

Maintaining teacher certification in Maryland involves fulfilling certain requirements to ensure that educators continue to meet the standards set by the state. Here are some general steps to maintain your Maryland teaching certification:

• Renewal Period: Maryland teacher certifications are typically valid for five years. Before your certification expires, you’ll need to renew it to continue teaching in the state.
• Professional Development: Maryland typically requires teachers to complete ongoing professional development (PD) hours to renew their certification. These PD hours help educators stay current with best practices, new teaching methods, and changes in education policy. The specific number of PD hours required varies depending on the type of certificate you hold.
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Teachers can earn PD hours through various activities, including workshops, conferences, coursework, and seminars. These activities may be offered by school districts, colleges, professional organizations, or other approved providers. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) provides guidance on acceptable PD activities and how to report them for certification renewal.
• Documentation: Keep thorough records of the PD activities you complete, including certificates of completion or transcripts. This documentation is helpful when renewing your teaching certification in Maryland.
• Renewal Application: When your certification is approaching expiration, you’ll need to submit a renewal application to the MSDE. Along with the application, you’re typically asked to provide documentation of your completed PD hours and any other required materials.
• Background Check: Depending on the renewal requirements at the time, you may need to undergo a background check as part of the renewal process.
• Pay Renewal Fees: There are typically fees associated with renewing your teaching certificate in Maryland. Be sure to submit payment along with your renewal application.
• Stay Informed: It’s important to stay informed about any changes to certification requirements or renewal processes issued by the MSDE. This may include attending information sessions or regularly checking the MSDE website for updates.

By fulfilling these requirements and staying up to date with changes in certification policies, educators in Maryland can maintain their teaching certification and continue to serve in the state’s schools.

In Maryland, it is generally required that individuals hold a valid teaching certificate to work as a teacher in public schools. However, there are some exceptions and alternative pathways to teaching in certain situations:

• Emergency Certification: In cases where there is a shortage of certified teachers, Maryland may issue emergency teaching certificates to individuals who meet certain criteria. Emergency certificates are typically issued on a temporary basis and may require the individual to work towards obtaining full certification while teaching.
• Teaching in Private Schools: Certification requirements may be different for teachers in private schools compared to public schools. Private schools often have their own hiring criteria and may not require state certification. However, many private schools still prefer or require teachers to have certification or relevant qualifications.
• Substitute Teaching:In some cases, individuals may be able to work as substitute teachers without full certification. Substitute teaching requirements vary by school district, but they often require a minimum level of education (such as a bachelor’s degree) and completion of a background check.

It’s important to note that while there may be opportunities to teach in Maryland without full certification, having certification typically provides better job prospects, career advancement opportunities, and ensures that teachers meet state standards for effective teaching.

You should check with the Maryland State Department of Education and individual school districts for the most accurate and up-to-date information on certification requirements and employment opportunities.

The timeline to become a certified teacher in Maryland can vary depending on several factors, including your educational background, the type of certification you’re pursuing, and whether you choose a traditional or alternative certification pathway.

It’s worth noting both pathways typically require a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years of full-time study to obtain. If your bachelor’s degree is in education, you can complete the required certification exams and apply for teacher certification in Maryland (which, according to the Maryland State Department of Education, will be reviewed within 8 weeks).

If your bachelor’s degree is not in education, you’ll need to complete a teacher preparation program. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in nine months — helping get you ready for the classroom and teaching sooner. Then you’ll complete the required exams and a background check before applying for your teacher certification in Maryland.

According to MSDE, you can expect it to take about 8 weeks (about 2 months) to process your application for your Maryland teacher certification.

Maryland teacher salaries can depend on many factors such as experience, education level, subject area, grade level, and school district. However, in 2023, the National Education Association reported that Maryland teachers make an average of $75,766 per year — the 9th highest average salary in the nation.

Additionally, Maryland State Department of Education’s Professional Salary Schedules for 2023-2024 reveals:

• Teachers with a bachelor’s degree can make $50,275-$59,640 a year*
• Teachers with a bachelor’s degree and standard professional certification (SPC) can make up to $52,665-$92,853 per
  year*
• Teachers with an advanced professional certificate (APC) can make up to $60,661-$116,807 per year*
• Teachers with a master’s degree can make up to $67,336 – $116,807 per year* with additional salary increases based on tenure
• Teachers with a master’s degree and APC can make up to $76,782 – $116,807 per year*
• Teachers with a doctorate degree can make up to $80,782 – $124,416 per year*

*Salaries are dependent on the local education agency

Salaries for new teachers in Maryland can vary depending on factors like experience, education level, subject area, grade level, and school district. In 2023, the National Education Association found Maryland’s average teacher starting salary is $49,451 — ranking 8th nationally.

Choosing Moreland University for your teaching certification in Maryland offers several advantages.

Firstly, Moreland University is accredited, ensuring that its programs meet high standards of quality and are recognized by employers and state education agencies. Secondly, the university has a strong reputation for producing highly qualified educators, providing you with credibility in the field.

With flexible program options and start dates, experienced faculty, and support services available, Moreland University offers a supportive learning environment for current and aspiring teachers 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.