How to Become a Teacher in Maryland

Maryland is a state with great cultural and socioeconomic diversity, creating challenging, dynamic, and rewarding classroom environments. The state has made efforts to offer alternatives to traditional education in order to improve the learning experience for students. When researching how to become a teacher in Maryland, students will find that Maryland has a large number of alternative certification options available to potential teachers. Individual counties often offer their own types of programs.

How to become a teacher in Maryland - traditional route for residents

Anyone asking "how do I become a teacher in Maryland?" should note the special requirements unique to Maryland, such as the requirement to complete 12 hours of reading coursework in an approved teacher preparation program. Students must also satisfy testing requirements on the Praxis II or ACTFL and a basic skills exam.

How to become a teacher in MD - alternative route for residents

In an effort to attract qualified teachers, Maryland has approved of several alternate avenues to earn a teaching certificate in Maryland. In researching how to become a teacher in Maryland, prospective teachers may want to look into these options. One such option involves earning a certificate while enrolled in a master's degree program. In addition, individuals who have completed teaching placements with Teach for America or AmeriCorps can bypass some coursework or exams.

How to become a teacher in MD - for out-of-state teacher applicants

In Maryland, out-of-state teachers must demonstrate 2-3 years of experience in the subject area they are interested in teaching. They must also offer proof that they hold a valid license in another state and send official transcripts from every undergraduate institution they have attended. If they have not achieved minimum scores on the Praxis or ACTFL exams, they may be required to retake the tests before being issued a license in Maryland.

How do I become a teacher in Maryland - necessary exams for residents

Researching exam requirements should be an essential aspect of learning how to become a teacher in MD. Students must demonstrate basic skills proficiency and pass either the Praxis or ACTFL exam with a satisfactory score. If an applicant cannot demonstrate SAT or ACT scores, he or she may also be required to take the Praxis I Academic Skills Assessment.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in Maryland?

Typically, to earn teacher certification in Maryland, a teacher does need to hold a bachelor's degree in their area of teaching, or, for elementary teachers, in general education. However, this is not always necessary. Students should research the requirements for various teacher certification programs in Maryland.

What are teacher preparation programs in Maryland?

Some of the best information about how to become a teacher in Maryland can be found at Maryland college websites, 23 schools in the state offer teacher preparation programs approved by the state board of education. In addition to teaching courses, students have extensive required reading, and paid internships in actual public schools are generally included in programs as well.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Maryland?

The renewal of a teacher certificate in Maryland must be approved by a school district board. Generally, official transcripts proving that a teacher has completed 6 acceptable credit hours and a $10 renewal fee are the only major requirements for renewal.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in MD?

Students interested in teaching in Maryland will find the most valuable information at websites such as:

Maryland State Alternative Certification Options

This website will list all of the principle programs, by county, available to students who wish to forego the traditional certification option in favor of an alternative route, and will provide students desiring to learn how to become in a teacher in MD with sufficient information to do so.
Maryland State Department of Education

The Maryland State Department of Education's website should be the first stop for those asking "how do I become a teacher in Maryland?" Students can find comprehensive information regarding teacher preparation programs and certification options.

Maryland Student Statistics

Number of Pre-School students: 26,821
Number of Kindergarten students: 60,530
Number of 1st - 12th grade students: 756,510
Total number of students in Maryland: 843,861

Maryland Teacher Statistics

Number of staff: 116,812
Number of teachers: 58,940
Average teacher salary in Maryland: $56,896

Average Teacher Salary by Grade Level

Grade Level	Average	10th percentile	25th percentile	Median	75th percentile	90th percentile
Pre-school	$29,000	$17,990	$21,530	$26,070	$32,440	$46,670
Kindergarten	$47,190	$23,060	$27,550	$46,110	$62,150	$78,410
Elementary	$61,000	$38,850	$47,560	$59,240	$74,480	$86,790
Middle school	$64,510	$38,440	$48,140	$63,150	$79,790	$95,940
High school	$62,500	$41,760	$48,630	$60,260	$76,170	$88,610

School Districts in Maryland

School District	Largest Elementary Schools	Largest Middle Schools	Largest High Schools
Allegany County Public Schools	Bel Air Elementary 14401 Barton Blvd Cumberland, MD 21502	Westmar Middle 16915 Lower George's Creek Rd Lonaconing, MD 21539	Fort Hill High 500 Greenway Ave Cumberland, MD 21502
	Frost Elementary 260 Shaw St Frostburg, MD 21532	Mount Savage Middle 13201 New School Rd NW Mount Savage, MD 21545	Mountain Ridge High School 100 Dr Nancy South Grasmick Frostburg, MD 21532
	Mt. Savage Elementary 13201 New School Rd NW Mount Savage, MD 21545	Braddock Middle 909 Holland St Cumberland, MD 21502
Anne Arundel County Public Schools	Marley Special Glen School 200 Scott Ave Glen Burnie, MD 21060	J. Albert Adams Academy 245 Clay St Annapolis, MD 21401	Annapolis Evening High School 2700 Riva Rd Annapolis, MD 21401
	Ferndale Early Education Center 105 Packard Ave Glen Burnie, MD 21061	Chesapeake Science Point 1321 Mercedes Dr Suite Q-s Hanover, MD 21076	Mary E. Moss Academy 45 Community Place Crownsville, MD 21032
	Central Special School 140 Stepney Ln Edgewater, MD 21037	Brooklyn Park Middle 200 Hammonds Ln Baltimore, MD 21225	Glen Burnie Evening High 7550 Baltimore/annapolis Blvd Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Baltimore City Public Schools	Lois T. Murray Elementary 1600 Arlington Ave Baltimore, MD 21239	Southeast Middle 6820 Fait Ave Baltimore, MD 21224	Claremont School 5301 Erdman Ave Baltimore, MD 21205
	The Green School 335 West 27th St Baltimore, MD 21211	Lois T. Murray Elementary 1600 Arlington Ave Baltimore, MD 21239	Independence School Local I 1250 West 36th St Baltimore, MD 21211
	New Song Academy 1530 Presstman St Baltimore, MD 21216	Canton Middle 801 South Highland Ave Baltimore, MD 21224	Eager Street Academy 401 East Eager St Baltimore, MD 21202
Baltimore County Public Schools	Battle Monument School 7801 East Collingham Dr Baltimore, MD 21222	Bridge Center 1740 Twin Springs Rd Baltimore, MD 21227	Bridge Center 1740 Twin Springs Rd Baltimore, MD 21227
	Maiden Choice School 4901 Shelbourne Rd Baltimore, MD 21227	Crossroads Center 11640 Crossrds Circlecle Baltimore, MD 21220	Battle Monument School 7801 East Collingham Dr Baltimore, MD 21222
	Chesapeake Terrace Elementary 2112 Lodge Farm Rd Baltimore, MD 21219	Dundalk Middle 7400 Dunmanway Baltimore, MD 21222	Catonsville Center For Alternative Studies 901 South Rolling Rd Baltimore, MD 21228
Calvert County Public Schools	Appeal Elementary 11655 Hg Trueman Rd Lusby, MD 20657	Calvert Middle 435 Solomons Island Rd North Prince Frederick, MD 20678	Calvert High 600 Dares Beach Rd Prince Frederick, MD 20678
	Barstow Elementary 295 Williams Rd Prince Frederick, MD 21607	Mill Creek Middle 12200 Margaret Taylor Rd Lusby, MD 20657	Patuxent High 12485 Rousby Hall Rd Lusby, MD 20657
	Beach Elementary 7900 Old Bayside Rd Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732	Southern Middle 9615 H G Trueman Rd Lusby, MD 20657	Northern High 2950 Chaneyville Rd Owings, MD 20736
Caroline County Public Schools	Federalsburg Elementary School 302 South University Ave Federalsburg, MD 21632	Colonel Richardson Middle School 25390 Richardson Rd Federalsburg, MD 21632	Colonel Richardson High School 25320 Richardson Rd Federalsburg, MD 21632
	Preston Elementary School 225 Main St Preston, MD 21655	Lockerman Middle School 410 Lockerman St Denton, MD 21629	North Caroline High School 10990 River Rd Ridgely, MD 21660
	Ridgely Elementary School 118 North Central Ave Ridgely, MD 21660
Carroll County Public Schools	Pride School 495 South Center St Westminster, MD 21157	Gateway School 225 Kate Wagner Rd Westminster, MD 21157	Carroll Springs School 495 South Center St Westminster, MD 21157
	Carroll Springs School 495 South Center St Westminster, MD 21157	New Windsor Middle 1000 Green Valley Rd New Windsor, MD 21776	Gateway School 225 Kate Wagner Rd Westminster, MD 21157
	Charles Carroll Elementary 3719 Littlestown Pike Westminster, MD 21158	Northwest Middle 99 Kings Dr Taneytown, MD 21787	South Carroll Sr. High 1300 West Old Liberty Rd Sykesville, MD 21784
Cecil County Public Schools	Charlestown Elementary 550 Baltimore St Charlestown, MD 21914	Bohemia Manor Middle 2757 Augustine Herman Hwy Chesapeake City, MD 21915	Bohemia Manor High 2755 Augustine Herman Hwy Chesapeake City, MD 21915
	Chesapeake City Elementary 214 Third St Chesapeake City, MD 21915	Cherry Hill Middle 2535 Singerly Rd Elkton, MD 21921	Perryville High 1696 Perryville Rd Perryville, MD 21903
	Kenmore Elementary 2475 Singerly Rd Elkton, MD 21921	Perryville Middle 850 Aiken Ave Perryville, MD 21903	North East High 300 Irishtown Rd North East, MD 21901
Charles County Public Schools	Mt Hope/nanjemoy Elementary School 9275 Ironsides Rd Nanjemoy, MD 20662	Piccowaxen Middle School 12834 Rock Point Rd Newburg, MD 20664	Maurice J. Mcdonough High School 7165 Marshall Corner Rd Pomfret, MD 20675
	Eva Turner Elementary School 1000 Bannister Circle Waldorf, MD 20602	General Smallwood Middle School 4990 Indian Head Hwy Indian Head, MD 20640	Henry E. Lackey High School 3000 Chicamuxen Rd Indian Head, MD 20640
	Indian Head Elementary School 4200 Indian Head Hwy Indian Head, MD 20640	Matthew Henson Middle School 3535 Livingston Rd Indian Head, MD 20640	La Plata High School 6035 Radio Station Rd La Plata, MD 20646
Dorchester County Public Schools	Vienna Elementary 4905 Ocean Gateway Vienna, MD 21869	South Dorchester School 3485 Church Creek Rd Church Creek, MD 21622	North Dorchester High 5875 Cloverdale Rd Hurlock, MD 21643
	South Dorchester School 3485 Church Creek Rd Church Creek, MD 21622	North Dorchester Middle 5745 Cloverdale Rd Hurlock, MD 21643	Cambridge-south Dorchester High 2475 Cambridge Bypass Cambridge, MD 21613
	Choptank Elementary School 1103 Mace's Ln Cambridge, MD 21613	Maces Lane Middle 1101 Maces Ln Cambridge, MD 21613
Frederick County Public Schools	Sabillasville Elementary 16210b Sabillasville Rd Sabillasville, MD 21780	Monocacy Valley Montessori School 217 Dill Ave Frederick, MD 21701	Brunswick High 101 Cummings Dr Brunswick, MD 21716
	Lewistown Elementary 11119 Hessong Bridge Rd Thurmont, MD 21788	Oakdale Middle 9840 Old National Pike Ijamsville, MD 21754	Catoctin High 14745 Sabillasville Rd Thurmont, MD 21788
	Wolfsville Elementary 12520 Wolfsville Rd Myersville, MD 21773	Crestwood Middle 7100 Foxcroft Dr Frederick, MD 21703	Walkersville High 81 Frederick St Walkersville, MD 21793
Garrett County Public Schools	Garrett County Home & Hospital School 40 South Second St Oakland, MD 21550	Swan Meadow School 6709 Garrett Hwy Oakland, MD 21550	Garrett County Home & Hospital School 40 South Second St Oakland, MD 21550
	Swan Meadow School 6709 Garrett Hwy Oakland, MD 21550	Bloomington School 334 North Branch Ave Bloomington, MD 21523	Northern Garrett High School 86 Pride Pkwy Accident, MD 21520
	Kitzmiller Elementary 288 West Main St Kitzmiller, MD 21538	Northern Middle School 371 Pride Pkwy Accident, MD 21520	Southern Garrett High School 345 Oakland Dr Oakland, MD 21550
Harford County Public Schools	Darlington Elementary 2119 Shuresville Rd Darlington, MD 21034	Restoration Alternative Academy Charter School 253 Paradise Rd Aberdeen, MD 21001	Restoration Alternative Academy Charter School 253 Paradise Rd Aberdeen, MD 21001
	John Archer School 100 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015	Havre De Grace Middle 401 Lewis Ln Havre De Grace, MD 21078	John Archer School 100 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015
	Norrisville Elementary 5302 Norrisville Rd White Hall, MD 21161	Patterson Mill Middle School 85 Patterson Mill Rd Bel Air, MD 21015	Patterson Mill High School 85 Patterson Mill Rd Bel Air, MD 21015
Howard County Public Schools	Cedar Lane Special Center 11630 Scaggsville Rd Fulton, MD 20759	Homewood School 10914 Route 108 Ellicott City, MD 21042	Cedar Lane Special Center 11630 Scaggsville Rd Fulton, MD 20759
	Stevens Forest Elementary 6045 Stevens Forest Rd Columbia, MD 21045	Oakland Mills Middle 9540 Kilimanjaro Rd Columbia, MD 21045	Homewood School 10914 Route 108 Ellicott City, MD 21042
	West Friendship Elementary 12500 Frederick Rd West Friendship, MD 21794	Wilde Lake Middle 10481 Cross Fox Ln Columbia, MD 21044	Glenelg High 14025 Burnt Woods Rd Glenelg, MD 21737
Kent County Public Schools	Rock Hall Middle 21203 Sharp St Rock Hall, MD 21661	Rock Hall Middle 21203 Sharp St Rock Hall, MD 21661	H. H. Garnett Elementary 320 Calveroute St Chestertown, MD 21620
	Rock Hall Elementary 5608 Boundary Ave Rock Hall, MD 21661	Chestertown Middle 402 Campus Ave Chestertown, MD 21620	Kent County High 25301 Lambs Meadow Rd Worton, MD 21678
	H. H. Garnett Elementary 320 Calveroute St Chestertown, MD 21620	Galena Middle 114 South Main St Galena, MD 21635
Montgomery County Public Schools	Longview School 13900 Bromfield Rd Germantown, MD 20874	John H. Poole Middle 17014 Tom Fox Ave Poolesville, MD 20837	Longview School 13900 Bromfield Rd Germantown, MD 20874
	Carl Sandburg Center 451 Meadow Hall Dr Rockville, MD 20851	Col. E. Brooke Lee Middle 11800 Monticello Ave Silver Spring, MD 20902	Poolesville High 17501 Willard Rd Poolesville, MD 20837
	Monocacy Elementary 18801 Barnesville Rd Dickerson, MD 20842	Shady Grove Middle 8100 Midcounty Hgwy Gaithersburg, MD 20877	Rockville High 2100 Baltimore Rd Rockville, MD 20853
Prince George's County Public Schools	James E. Duckworth Regional Center 11201 Evans Trl Beltsville, MD 20705	John Hanson French Immersion 6360 Oxon Hill Rd Oxon Hill, MD 20745	Jessie B. Mason Special Center 2720 Iverson St Temple Hills, MD 20748
	Judith P. Hoyer Early Childhood Center 2300 Belleview Ave Cheverly, MD 20785	G. Gardner Shugart Middle 2000 Callaway St Temple Hills, MD 20748	James E. Duckworth Regional Center 11201 Evans Trl Beltsville, MD 20705
	C. Elizabeth Rieg Regional Center 15542 Peach Walker Dr Mitchellville, MD 20716	John Hanson Montessori School 6360 Oxon Hill Rd Oxon Hill, MD 20745	Croom Vocational 9400 Surratts Rd Cheltenham, MD 20623
Queen Anne's County Public Schools	Kent Island Elementary School 110 Elementary Way Stevensville, MD 21666	Sudlersville Middle School 201 North Church St Sudlersville, MD 21668	Queen Anne's County High School 125 Ruthsburg Rd Centreville, MD 21617
	Church Hill Elementary School 631 Main St Church Hill, MD 21623	Matapeake Middle School 671 Romancoke Rd Stevensville, MD 21666	Kent Island High School 900 Love Point Rd Stevensville, MD 21666
	Sudlersville Elementary School 300 South Church St Sudlersville, MD 21668	Stevensville Middle School 610 Main St Stevensville, MD 21666
Somerset County Public Schools	Deal Island School 23275 Lola Wheatley Rd Deal Island, MD 21821	Somerset 6/7 Intermediate School 7970 Crisfield Hwy Westover, MD 21871	Crisfield High 210 North Somerset Ave Crisfield, MD 21817
	Greenwood Elementary School 11412 Dryden Rd Princess Anne, MD 21853	Crisfield High 210 North Somerset Ave Crisfield, MD 21817	Washington High School 10902 Old Princess Anne Rd Princess Anne, MD 21853
	Princess Anne Elementary 11576 Lankford St Princess Anne, MD 21853	Washington High School 10902 Old Princess Anne Rd Princess Anne, MD 21853
St. Mary's County Public Schools	Chesapeake Charter School 20945 Great Mills Rd Lexington Park, MD 20653	Esperanza Middle 22790 Maplacee Rd Lexington Park, MD 20653	Chopticon High 25390 Colton Point Rd Morganza, MD 20660
	Town Creek Elementary 45805 Dent Dr Lexington Park, MD 20653	Spring Ridge Middle 19856 Three Notch Rd Lexington Park, MD 20653	Great Mills High 21130 Great Mills Rd Great Mills, MD 20634
	Ridge Elementary 49430 Airedale Rd Ridge, MD 20680	Margaret Brent Middle 29675 Point Lookout Rd Helen, MD 20635	Leonardtown High 23995 Point Lookout Rd Leonardtown, MD 20650
Talbot County Public Schools	Tilghman Elementary 21374 Foster Ave Tilghman, MD 21671	St. Michaels Middle/high School 200 Seymour Ave Saint Michaels, MD 21663	St. Michaels Middle/high School 200 Seymour Ave Saint Michaels, MD 21663
	White Marsh Elementary 4322 Lovers Ln Trappe, MD 21673	Easton Middle 210 Peachblossom Rd Easton, MD 21601	Easton High 723 Mecklenburg Ave Easton, MD 21601
	St. Michaels Elementary 100 Seymour Ave Saint Michaels, MD 21663
Washingtion County Public Schools	Marshall Street School 1350 Marshall St Hagerstown, MD 21740	Hancock Middle Senior High 289 West Main St Hancock, MD 21750	Marshall Street School 1350 Marshall St Hagerstown, MD 21740
	Robinwood Early Childhood Center 11402 Robinwood Dr Hagerstown, MD 21742	Clear Spring Middle 12628 Brdfording Rd Clear Spring, MD 21722	Hancock Middle Senior High 289 West Main St Hancock, MD 21750
	Fountain Rock Elementary 17145 Lappans Rd Hagerstown, MD 21740	Smithsburg Middle 68 North Main St Smithsburg, MD 21783	Clear Spring High 12630 Brdfording Rd Clear Spring, MD 21722
Wicomico County Public Schools	Northwestern Elementary 9975 Sharptown Rd Mardela Springs, MD 21837	Pittsville Elementary & Middle 34404 Old Ocean City Rd Pittsville, MD 21850	Mardela Middle & High 24940 Delmar Rd Mardela Springs, MD 21837
	Westside Primary 6046 Quantico Rd Quantico, MD 21856	Wicomico Middle 635 East Main St Salisbury, MD 21804	Wicomico High 201 Long Ave Salisbury, MD 21804
	Glen Avenue School 1615 Glen Ave Salisbury, MD 21804	Mardela Middle & High 24940 Delmar Rd Mardela Springs, MD 21837	Parkside High 1015 Beaglin Park Dr Salisbury, MD 21804
Worcester County Public Schools	Cedar Chapel Special School 510 Coulbourne Ln Snow Hill, MD 21863	Snow Hill Middle 522 Coulbourne Ln Snow Hill, MD 21863	Cedar Chapel Special School 510 Coulbourne Ln Snow Hill, MD 21863
	Snow Hill Elementary 515 Coulbourne Ln Snow Hill, MD 21863	Pocomoke Middle 800 8th St Pocomoke City, MD 21851	Snow Hill High 305 South Church St Snow Hill, MD 21863
	Snow Hill Middle 522 Coulbourne Ln Snow Hill, MD 21863	Stephen Decatur Middle 9815 Seahawk Rd Berlin, MD 21811	Pocomoke High 1817 Old Virginia Rd Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Maryland Education Contact Information

Maryland State Department Of Education

200 West Baltimore St
Baltimore, MD 21201

410-767-0100

How to Become a Teacher in Maryland