MCPS Tuition Reimbursement & Educational Benefits 2025

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) devotes significant resources to teacher education and professional development. They do this by providing tuition assistance for employees enrolled in certification training with one of their 10 higher education partners. This allows Maryland teachers to receive a much less expensive education while attending reputable schools like Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, or Montgomery College.

Tuition Reimbursement at Montgomery County Public Schools

The MCPS tuition reimbursement program reduces or eliminates tuition costs for qualified applicants who work at least part-time with the school system. This program covers tuition for coursework but not other expenses, like books or student fees.

The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Board of Education has implemented a tuition reimbursement program based on negotiated agreements with several higher education institutions, like the University of Maryland. The school board offers this reimbursement to build a well-trained and professional workforce across the school system. Eligible recipients can receive funding for teacher development training or for further education with online master's programs and graduate certifications.

MCPS Tuition Assistance Education Program

MCPS is one of many school systems, non-profit organizations, and companies that pay for college. They support their current employees in one of two ways: teacher certification or continuing education reimbursement.

This allows MCPS employees to acquire new credentials, specialized training, and academic mentorship without resorting to student loans. Although MCPS has not published the specific figures for tuition reduction, the county school board determines the exact reimbursement level for eligible recipients.

Eligibility for MCPS Tuition Reimbursement

MCPS limits tuition reimbursement to its permanent, active employees who work at least 20 hours per week with the school system. Eligible students can receive reimbursement for up to nine credit hours for each fiscal year.

Students must achieve at least a B in a course to receive reimbursement. For additional eligibility information, you can review the guidelines from the MCPS website or contact tuitionreimbursement@mcpsmd.org.

How To Apply for Tuition Reimbursement

If you wish to qualify for reimbursement, then please follow these important steps. You will need to access MCPS's web portal to complete an online application.

• Log into the MCPS Professional Development Online (PDO) system.
• Complete the PDO's steps for requesting reimbursement.
• Submit relevant financial receipts (tuition, scholarships, completed credits, etc.).
• Meet the application deadline: 60 days after the last day for each course.
• PDO will follow up with you through email correspondence.

Teacher Prep Partnerships

MCPS offers tuition assistance for employees who are interested in earning a teaching certificate at one of its partner universities. These partner schools work with MCPS to cover tuition costs, provided the student obtains certification in specific fields such as special education, elementary education, computer science, secondary science, Spanish, French, and other concentrations.

The available options for MCPS employees who want to earn teaching certificates in Maryland are listed below:

• Johns Hopkins Special Education Teacher Immersion Training (SET-IT)
• Montgomery College Alternative Certification for Effective Teaching (ACET)
• Montgomery College Culturally Responsive Educators Aspiring for Teaching Excellence (CREATE)
• Moreland University TEACH-NOW Program
• Notre Dame of Maryland University
• Towson University Towson Tigers Teachers Program
• Towson University Master of Arts in Teaching for special education (MAT)
• University of Maryland Creative Initiatives in Teacher Education (CITE)
• University of Maryland Global Campus
• University of Maryland Baltimore County for ESOL

Partnerships for Continuing Education

MCPS also has partnerships with other universities for their current teachers with a teaching certification who want to continue their education by earning a master's degree or graduate certificate. These options are distinct from the above-mentioned teacher-prep programs. Here is a complete list of eligible master's degrees and graduate certificates for continuing education available to current MCPS teachers:

• Bowie State University Master of Education in reading
• McDaniel College Equity and Excellence in Education Certificate
• Notre Dame of Maryland University - graduate certificate in dyslexia
• Towson University Master of Education in special education
• Towson University Master of Education in special education with a focus on multilingual learners
• University of Maryland Master of Education in middle school mathematics
• University of Maryland Baltimore County - post-baccalaureate certificate in TESOL

FAQs About MCPS Tuition Reimbursement

The following frequently asked questions should help you better understand tuition reimbursement accessibility and eligibility.

What Courses Are Covered Under the Tuition Reimbursement Program?

Employees may receive reimbursement for up to nine credit hours per fiscal year. If you have enrolled in a specific teacher certification program, then the acceptable courses are those that count toward certification requirements. The Maryland County Board of Education governs the distribution of reimbursement funds, including the total value given to qualified applicants each school year.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for MCPS Tuition Reimbursement?

MCPS tuition reimbursement is available to all permanent employees who work at least 20 hours per week in the school system. The tuition support program also requires enrollment in an academic field related to education. This must involve teaching areas within the category of ''birth-grade 12'' education, as governed by the county school board.

How Do I Request Tuition Reimbursement at MCPS?

You must access the PDO web portal to request tuition reimbursement with MCPS. Prospective recipients must submit all applications and other materials online. This includes official transcripts, tuition records, proofs of payment, grade reports, and any other supporting documentation.

Discover Online Degrees Today

Don't forget that tuition reimbursement is available for many online degree programs across the country. Learn.org encourages you to investigate the most affordable and reputable online degrees, especially those you can finance through several corporate tuition reimbursement programs.