How To Become a Teacher in Maryland 2025

<p>To become a certified teacher in Maryland, you need to complete the following: </p> <ul><li>earn a bachelor's degree </li><li>complete an approved teacher preparation program </li><li>pass state licensure assessments </li></ul><p>All teachers must pass Praxis exams based on what they plan to teach. Requirements differ for kindergarten teachers versus high school math, for example. The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_program_to_become_a_teacher.html">quickest way to become a teacher</a> is to study full-time in a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) approved teacher prep program. There are traditional options, available through state schools, and nontraditional options, available through local agencies or higher education centers. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3> <p>Before beginning any teaching programs, you'll want to decide what grade level and subject matter you plan to focus on. Certification exams vary across the educational spectrum, so it's essential to clarify this early on to ensure you meet any specific certification requirements. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4> <p>A degree in early childhood education or elementary education is helpful for learning both curriculum and classroom management, whether you plan to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a> or a fifth grade teacher. There are separate Praxis requirements for early childhood educators, but everyone teaching grades one through six must pass three exams, including teaching reading and elementary education. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4> <p>Middle school teachers don't just need patience and a good attitude; they also have to pass two Praxis exams pertaining to their subject matter. The middle school teacher educational requirements</a include either principles of learning and teaching (grades five to nine) or performance assessment for teachers, along with a subject matter test. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4> <p>Educators interested in secondary education must pass similar exams as middle school teachers. In Maryland, the high school teacher educational requirements include the principles of learning and teaching (grades seven to 12) or performance assessment for teachers, along with a subject matter tests. Subjects range from agriculture to theater. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3> <p>Once you've chosen your subject area, you can choose a college major. You'll want to pick a major that provides you with the most specialized knowledge. A teaching degree may give you great information on curriculum, learning styles, and classroom management, but if you hope to teach advanced placement (AP) chemistry to high school students, for example, then the advanced knowledge of a chemistry degree may be more helpful. </p> <p>Prospective teachers should also consider if they will need any extra training or certification; subjects like physical education or technical education may have additional board exams. Look at your career path as a whole and choose the major that will help you most. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>Future Maryland teachers must complete an approved program to obtain licensure in the state &mdash; several accredited schools offer teacher preparation programs. These will not only immerse students in a quality teacher education program, but they will also give you classroom experience during student teaching and help you prepare for certification. </p> <p>Maryland offers several incentives to prospective teachers, including scholarships and fellowships. The state also offers highly competitive salaries and reemployment programs for retired educators. Take some time to research how these incentives can help jumpstart your teaching career. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3> <p>While Maryland teachers do not need a master's degree to get licensed, it can set you up for better, higher-paying jobs. Even though a national teacher shortage may mean there are more open positions, an advanced degree will set you apart. Many state schools offer a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree, but Goucher State University offers all of their master's programs online, allowing you the extra flexibility to finish your degree while you keep working. </p> <p>Additionally, consider whether you want to work as a teacher for your entire career &mdash; or if you hope to one day move up into administration. Additional education can help this transition and may be required in some cases. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5PassMarylandTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Maryland Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3> <p>You've earned your bachelor's degree and have successfully completed an approved teacher prep program; it's time to earn your teaching certificate. You'll apply for licensure through The Educator Application and Certification Hub (TEACH). You must include your transcripts and passing grades from all certification exams. There is a $10 processing fee. </p> <p>If you have a GPA below 3.0 in your most recently completed degree program, you will need to complete two basic skills assessments that demonstrate mastery of reading and writing. Your licensure will take about eight weeks to process but military members and their spouses may be eligible for expedited processing. </p> <h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3> <p>It's exciting work to begin looking for your first teaching job, and narrowing your search based on school districts can be helpful. State job boards will also post openings. If you spent time student teaching or working as a substitute teacher, don't be afraid to reconnect with those teachers or administrators; networking is a great way to find the right fit. </p> <p>Some schools may require a background check or fingerprinting before beginning work. Once you find a job, remember that you will still be required to keep up with your skills through professional development. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2> <p>The most important thing to consider when choosing a teaching degree program is if the school is accredited. This ensures the school is prioritizing academics and will prepare you not just for national board exams but a successful teaching career overall. </p> <p>Getting your education degree through an approved teacher prep program, whether through your college or university or through nontraditional means, gives you additional teaching experience that will be invaluable once you are in your own classroom. Bear in mind that some more specialized positions may require specific degrees or certifications. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInMaryland">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Maryland</h2> <p>Meeting all the requirements for teacher certification can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to. Below, we'll explore more about teaching requirements, different types of roles, and how long this process takes. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDegreeDoYouNeedToBeATeacherInMaryland">What Degree Do You Need To Be a Teacher in Maryland?</h3> <p>Teachers need a bachelor's degree in Maryland. This can be in whatever subject you choose, but you'll want to pick a major that will prepare you for licensure exams. For example, a middle school social studies teacher will have to pass a social studies Praxis exam, so a degree in history may be best for them. Choose a major based on what grade and subject you hope to teach. </p> <h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3> <p>To be licensed, nonpublic school teachers must have a bachelor's degree and pass licensure exams but they must also have five years of effective teaching experience at a MSDE-approved private school. As applicable based on grade level, they must pass an approved reading instruction assessment, and as of July 1, 2025, they must meet additional requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheDifferentTypesOfTeacherRolesInMaryland">What Are the Different Types of Teacher Roles in Maryland?</h3> <p>There are many different types of roles you can pursue in Maryland. The state is always in need of more classroom teachers but you can also be a gifted and talented educator, a reading specialist, a library media specialist, or a pupil personnel worker. There are specific pathways for Montessori teachers as well. Bear in mind all of these specializations may require additional certification. </p> <h3 id="section---HowFastCanYouBecomeATeacherInMaryland">How Fast Can You Become a Teacher in Maryland?</h3> <p>It takes a little over four years to become a teacher in Maryland. You must first complete your bachelor's degree, and an approved teacher prep program will provide student teaching experience. After you pass your licensure exams, you'll submit all the necessary information to TEACH for licensure. This takes about eight weeks; after that you are ready to set up your classroom. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineEducationPrograms">Explore Online Education Programs</h2> <p>Whether you are reading to kindergartners or conducting science experiments with teenagers, teaching is an incredibly rewarding career. Maryland offers numerous online education programs, many of which are featured on Learn.org. See which program is right for you and reach out to the school to discuss your goals.</p>