How To Become a Middle School Teacher in Maryland 2025

Middle school teachers guide students through an important stage of academic and personal development, helping them gain subject knowledge and build critical thinking skills. To get started, you can review the general steps for how to become a middle school teacher before exploring Maryland's specific certification process.

This article outlines each step to becoming a certified teacher, from completing your degree to passing exams and choosing a subject area. You'll also learn about job prospects, average salaries, and financial aid options.

What Does a Middle School Teacher Do?

Middle school teachers help students in grades six through eight develop subject knowledge while supporting their growth as independent learners. These educators create lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student progress across core academic areas. They also play a key role in supporting students' emotional and social development as they transition from childhood to adolescence.

To qualify for the role, you must meet specific middle school teacher educational requirements, including completing a bachelor's degree and an approved educator preparation program. Certification also requires passing relevant exams and a background check.

Middle school teachers in Maryland are expected to manage a wide range of classroom and instructional responsibilities, including the following:

• developing lesson plans aligned with Maryland College and Career Ready Standards
• teaching content in subjects like math, science, English, or social studies
• creating a supportive, inclusive classroom environment
• assessing student learning and adjusting instruction based on performance
• collaborating with other educators and support staff
• communicating regularly with parents or guardians
• attending professional development and school events

How To Become a Middle School Teacher in Maryland

Maryland requires middle school teachers to meet specific academic and certification criteria to teach in public schools. Most candidates follow a traditional preparation pathway that includes a bachelor's degree, an educator preparation program, and state certification exams. Other approved routes include alternative certification and resident teacher programs. To understand how this process compares nationally, see the requirements to become a middle school teacher.

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor's Degree and Educator Preparation Program

You must first earn a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Your degree should include a concentration in a content area commonly taught in middle school, such as English, mathematics, or science. Maryland does not offer a standalone middle school certification, so students generally pursue dual certification in elementary and secondary or in a single secondary subject for grades seven to 12.

Your degree must also include completion of an approved educator preparation program. This program includes coursework in instructional methods, learning theory, and classroom management, along with field experiences and student teaching. These components are required for certification eligibility.

Step 2: Pass Required Praxis Exams

After completing your academic program, you must pass the required Praxis exams. These typically include the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (if not waived by SAT/ACT scores) and the Praxis II subject assessment specific to your content area.

The subject exam ensures you have the depth of knowledge necessary to teach your chosen discipline. You may also need to take the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam for grades five to nine or seven to 12, depending on your certification area. All test scores must be submitted with your certification application.

Step 3: Apply for Certification Through MSDE

Once all academic and testing requirements are met, you can apply for certification through the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). You'll need to submit official transcripts, Praxis scores, and verification of program completion.

Applications are submitted online or by mail, and you must also complete a background check and fingerprinting. Once approved, you'll receive a Standard Professional Certificate (SPC I), which allows you to begin teaching in Maryland public schools.

Step 4: Consider Alternative Certification Options (If Applicable)

If you already hold a bachelor's degree but did not complete a teacher preparation program, Maryland offers alternative certification routes. These include the Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC), which allows you to teach while completing preparation coursework, often through partnerships with school districts.

These programs are designed for career changers and include intensive mentoring, pedagogy training, and job-embedded learning. Candidates must still meet testing requirements and complete their certification pathway within a specified timeframe.

Step 5: Maintain and Upgrade Your Certification

After receiving your initial certification, you'll need to meet continuing education requirements to renew or upgrade your license. Maryland requires six semester hours of professional development or coursework every five years to maintain certification.

With continued teaching experience and additional requirements met, you can advance to the Standard Professional Certificate II (SPC II) and later to the Advanced Professional Certificate (APC), which allows for longer renewal periods and additional teaching flexibility.

Middle School Requirements By Subject

In Maryland, certification for middle school teaching is typically earned through secondary content-area licensure, which covers grades seven to 12. While there is no stand-alone middle school certification, teachers can still work in middle grades by earning certification in a specific subject area and completing the appropriate coursework. Below are the general steps required to become certified in core teaching subjects.

How To Become a Middle School Math Teacher

To teach math in Maryland middle schools, you'll need a bachelor's degree with a strong emphasis in mathematics. Your coursework should include algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and other advanced math topics, along with a teacher preparation program that includes field experiences and instructional strategies for adolescent learners.

You must also pass the Praxis II Mathematics: Content Knowledge exam, as required by the Maryland State Department of Education. With all requirements met, you'll be eligible for certification to teach math in grades seven to 12, which qualifies you for middle school teaching positions.

How To Become a Middle School Science Teacher

If you plan to teach science at the middle level, you'll need a bachelor's degree that includes coursework in biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics, as well as classes on lab instruction and science teaching methods. Your educator preparation program should also focus on instructional practices appropriate for grades six to eight.

To become certified, you must pass the Praxis II science exam relevant to your subject area, such as biology or general science. This certification allows you to teach science in grades seven to 12, including middle school classrooms across Maryland.

How To Become a Middle School History Teacher

To teach history in Maryland middle schools, you'll need a bachelor's degree with substantial coursework in U.S. history, world history, government, geography, and economics. Your teacher preparation program should include both content pedagogy and adolescent learning strategies.

You'll also be required to pass the Praxis II Social Studies: Content Knowledge exam. Once certified, you can teach social studies or history in grades seven to 12, making you eligible for middle school teaching roles.

How To Become a Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

Aspiring English teachers must earn a bachelor's degree with coursework in grammar, composition, literature, reading analysis, and language development. In addition to these content areas, you'll complete a teacher preparation program that includes adolescent literacy instruction and classroom-based experiences.

To meet Maryland's certification requirements, you must pass the Praxis II English Language Arts: Content Knowledge exam. This license allows you to teach English in seventh to twelfth grade, including middle school grades.

Education Degree Programs in Maryland

Several Maryland universities offer state-approved programs that prepare students for middle school teaching certification. These programs combine subject-area coursework with classroom experiences and licensure support.

1. Towson University

Towson University offers a Bachelor of Science in education in middle school education designed for students seeking certification in grades four through nine. The program allows candidates to specialize in two subject areas from English, mathematics, science, or social studies, preparing them to teach in interdisciplinary settings.

Students complete a structured sequence of education courses, field experiences, and a full semester of student teaching. Coursework includes adolescent development, instructional methods, and content-specific pedagogy aligned with Maryland certification requirements. Graduates are eligible for licensure upon successful program completion and required exam passage.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,186 (in-state); $31,332 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Frostburg State University

At Frostburg State University, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in education through the elementary/middle school dual certification program, which prepares candidates to teach in grades one through nine. The program includes a strong foundation in education theory, instructional strategies, and field experiences, along with the choice of a content-area focus such as language arts, math, science, or social studies.

Frostburg also offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) for individuals who already hold a non-teaching bachelor's degree. The MAT program provides an accelerated path to certification with coursework and clinical practice designed to meet Maryland's licensure requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,414 (in-state); $23,306 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Salisbury University

Salisbury University provides multiple pathways for students interested in teaching middle school, including options for undergraduate majors and minors that align with certification in grades four through nine. Students pursuing a degree in education can enhance their qualifications by adding a middle school science education minor, which focuses on instructional methods, curriculum development, and classroom practices tailored to adolescent learners.

The Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education offers field-based experiences, faculty mentorship, and access to state-approved certification programs. Through a combination of content-area coursework and practical training, graduates are prepared for licensure and careers in Maryland middle schools.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,306 (in-state); $22,810 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. University of Maryland, Baltimore County

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) offers a Bachelor of Arts in education through its middle grades STEM (MG-STEM) program, designed for students planning to teach math or science in grades four through nine. This interdisciplinary program includes coursework in STEM content areas, teaching methods, and adolescent development, along with clinical experiences in local schools.

UMBC also offers secondary education certification programs that qualify graduates to teach in grades seven to 12, which may include opportunities in middle school classrooms. All education programs combine subject-area preparation with field-based learning aligned with Maryland's teacher certification requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,257 (in-state); $31,225 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Bowie State University

Bowie State University offers degree pathways for students interested in teaching middle or secondary school, including a Bachelor of Science in science education and a Bachelor of Science in secondary education. These programs prepare students for certification in grades seven to 12, which includes eligibility to teach in middle school classrooms across Maryland.

The programs combine core education coursework with subject-specific classes in areas like biology, chemistry, or general science. Students participate in early field experiences and complete a full semester of student teaching. Both degrees meet Maryland State Department of Education certification requirements and are designed to support careers in public school teaching.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,325 (in-state); $17,170 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

Middle School Teacher Salary in Maryland

The average middle school teacher salary in Maryland is $79,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure reflects the mean wage for teachers in grades six through eight across public and private schools. Salaries may vary based on district funding, years of experience, and additional certifications.

Compared to the national average of $62,970, Maryland's compensation for middle school teachers is notably higher. Teachers in metropolitan areas like Baltimore and the D.C. suburbs may earn above-average salaries due to higher living costs and regional demand for qualified educators.

Job Outlook for Middle School Teachers in Maryland

While employment for middle school teachers nationwide is projected to decline by 1% from 2023 to 2033, opportunities will still exist. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that about 41,400 positions will open each year due to retirements, career changes, and workforce exits.

In Maryland, school systems continue to face teacher shortages in critical subject areas, which may lead to ongoing demand despite the national trend. New teachers entering the profession are likely to find job opportunities in rural areas or in high-need schools and subject fields.

Financial Aid for Middle School Teacher Programs

Students preparing to become middle school teachers in Maryland have several financial aid options. You can begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access federal grants, subsidized loans, and work-study opportunities. Many cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA offer teaching programs that qualify for these benefits.

Maryland also provides state-specific financial support. The Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship helps cover tuition for students who commit to teaching in public schools after graduation. Additional aid may be available through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), which oversees grant and scholarship programs for in-state residents pursuing education degrees.

FAQs About Becoming a Middle School Teacher in Maryland

If you're considering a teaching career in Maryland, it's helpful to understand the timelines, degree options, and financial pathways available. These common questions cover what to expect as you work toward becoming a certified middle school teacher.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Middle School Teacher in Maryland?

It typically takes about four years to become a middle school teacher in Maryland if you follow a traditional undergraduate program that includes teacher certification. Additional time may be needed if you pursue alternative certification after earning a non-teaching degree.

Can You Become a Teacher in Maryland Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, Maryland offers alternative certification routes for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a non-education field. These programs allow candidates to begin teaching while completing the required coursework and exams for full certification.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Teacher?

The fastest way to start teaching is through a resident teacher or alternative certification program, which allows you to teach while completing your education requirements. These pathways are ideal for career changers who already hold a degree.

How Can I Become a Teacher in Maryland for Free?

You may be able to reduce or eliminate your costs through financial aid, state scholarships, or service-based programs that offer tuition assistance in exchange for teaching commitments. Maryland also offers teaching fellowships that cover tuition for students who agree to teach in high-need areas.

Can You Start Teaching With an Associate Degree?

An associate degree alone does not meet the certification requirements to teach in Maryland public schools. However, it can be used as a starting point toward a bachelor's degree and eventual licensure through a four-year transfer program.

Explore Teaching Degrees in Maryland

Browse accredited teaching degree programs in Maryland to find the right fit for your goals. Learn.org features colleges that offer licensure pathways and subject-area preparation for future middle school teachers.