Do you want to work as a teacher in the great state of Maryland? If that’s the case, you have come to the correct place. A short article on the processes of becoming a teacher in Maryland may be found below.

Step 1: Complete a Teacher Preparation Program that has been Approved

To teach in the United States, educators must have at least a bachelor’s degree. To get certification in Maryland, students must finish a state-approved teacher education program. However, the requirements for undergraduate courses vary by state in the United States. For example, depending on a student’s major, future educators enrolling at the University of Maryland must complete particular courses and credit prerequisites. For more information about acquiring an undergraduate teaching degree in early, primary, middle, or secondary education or instructional disciplines, see the University of Maryland’s college of Education page.

Curriculum and field experiences are the two main components of teacher education programs. Instruction on teaching core skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and training students to research, design, and execute learning experiences in their field of study are often included in the curriculum. Field observations, internships, student teaching, or an amalgamation of all three are common field experiences. The Maryland State Department of Education maintains a list of recognized teacher education programs in the state.

Step 2: Pass the Requisite Exams

Most states in the United States require tests to demonstrate proficiency in fundamental abilities as well as the subject area in which you intend to teach. Maryland requires a passing score on the Pre Professional Skills Test (PPST) or a passing score on the SAT, ACT, or GRE for basic skills. The Praxis II: Subject Exams are utilized for Subject Area Expertise.

You must finish the requisite number of undergraduate courses and standardized examinations, as well as a recognized certification program, to acquire your Maryland teaching certificate. For graduates of conventional teacher education programs in Maryland, there are four levels of certification:

Professional Eligibility Certificate (PEC), granted to new educators who have completed all certification requirements but have not yet begun teaching in a Maryland school or district. 

Standard Professional Certificate I (SPC I), awarded to instructors after working at a Maryland public or certified nonpublic school.

Standard Professional Certificate II (SPC II) is awarded to educators who have completed three years of professional experience and 6 semester hours of courses. 

Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) is awarded to educators who have completed all of the above requirements and have earned a master’s degree, or have completed at least 36 semester hours of post-graduate course work, including at least 21 hours (semester) of graduate credit.

Step 3: Submit your Application for a Maryland Teaching Credential

You may apply for a teaching license in Maryland if you have completed all of your educational commitments, fulfilled your student teaching requirements, and passed all of the relevant examinations. You will be needed to create a new user account to apply online for Maryland educator certification. You can also mail your documents to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Certification Branch, 200 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201: