How to Become a Kindergarten Teacher in Maryland

<p>Kindergarten teachers in Maryland must hold a professional certificate in early childhood education to qualify for a job in a public school. The certification process involves the completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program and several examinations. The table below provides general information for Maryland kindergarten teachers. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree and teacher preparation program</td></tr> <tr><td> Exam Requirements </td><td> Basic skills exam and Praxis subject area assessments</td></tr> <tr><td> Certification Renewal Period </td><td> 5 years</td></tr> <tr><td> Advancement Requirements </td><td> 3 years of experience and 6 semester hours of credit</td></tr> <tr><td> Average Salary (2018) </td><td> $67,170 (for Maryland kindergarten teachers)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td> 8% growth (for kindergarten teachers nationwide)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics </i></p> <h3 id="section---Step1CompleteAMarylandTeacherPreparationProgram">Step 1: Complete a Maryland Teacher Preparation Program</h3> <p>All teacher certification candidates in Maryland are required to complete a state-approved teacher preparation program in order to begin the certification process (unless they have a valid out-of-state certification). Aspiring kindergarten teachers should apply to a teacher preparation program in early childhood education. </p> <p>The curricula for these programs typically cover such topics as child development, curriculum design, and assessment. They also include at least 12 hours of reading instruction courses, field experiences, and internships. All certification candidates in a specialized subject area must complete three semester hours in special education as well. A list of all available programs in early childhood education is available on the Maryland Department of Education website. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2CompleteTheRequiredExaminationsForEarlyChildhoodEducation">Step 2: Complete the Required Examinations for Early Childhood Education</h3> <p>Certification candidates must meet two separate examination requirements. The first is known as the basic skills requirement, which can be fulfilled with acceptable scores on one of several tests, including the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, the SAT, the GRE General Test, and the ACT. </p> <p>The second requirement is known as the subject area requirement, which involves the completion of one or several Praxis examinations in the subject area relevant for certification. For early childhood education, candidates are required to complete three separate Praxis examinations (Early Childhood Education, Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early Childhood, and Teaching Reading: Elementary Education). Free study guides, practice tests, and registration instructions are available on the relevant examination websites. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3CompileAnApplicationPacketAndMailItToTheMarylandDepartmentOfEducation">Step 3: Compile an Application Packet and Mail It to the Maryland Department of Education</h3> <p>To begin the application process, you must create an online account in the Educator Information System Portal on the Maryland State Department of Education website. Once you have created an account, you may download the professional certificate application form online. This form requests information on your education, student teaching, and employment histories. </p> <p>Once complete, print your application form and include it in a packet with a cover letter listing your contact information (including mailing and email address), date of birth, the last 4 digits of your social security number, and the certificate type/subject area you're applying for. Be sure to have official transcripts sent directly to the department of education from the relevant issuing organizations. Once the certification branch reviews your initial documents and determines your eligibility for the requested certificate, it will reach out to you directly with additional instructions.</p>