Navigating Education Job Requirements in Maryland
Maryland's commitment to providing high-quality education to its students translates into specific requirements for educators seeking employment within the state. This article outlines the essential qualifications, application processes, and opportunities available for education jobs in Maryland.
The Blueprint for Maryland's Future
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is actively transforming education with the "Blueprint for Maryland's Future," aimed at ensuring all students are college, career, and life-ready. MSDE seeks talented, motivated, and experienced professionals to support schools, childcare centers, and rehabilitation services. As an MSDE employee, you become part of a team focused on supporting children, families, and educators by building strong foundations, reducing the student achievement gap, and connecting high school students to career and college pathways.
Essential Qualifications for Educators
While specific requirements may vary depending on the role and subject area, some general qualifications apply to most education jobs in Maryland.
Academic Credentials
All states require a bachelor’s degree to teach. However, states differ on undergraduate coursework requirements.
Special Education
For specialized roles such as Special Education teachers, a Bachelor's Degree and one year of professional teaching experience in Special Education are typically required. Candidates must also be eligible for or willing to obtain certification in Special Education by the Maryland State Department of Education.
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Certification
To earn a Maryland teaching credential, completing the required undergraduate coursework, standardized tests, and an accredited certification program is essential. Maryland offers alternative teacher preparation programs at the county and city level, compiled in the Maryland Approved Alternative Teacher Preparation Programs Directory.
Specialist and Administrative Roles
Each specialist area has individual qualifications in Maryland. Similarly, each administrator and supervisor area also has its own specific requirements.
Occupational Experience Pathway
An Occupational Experience pathway is available, but a PTE/SAFA (Provisional Teacher Education/Subject Area Field Assignment) area of licensure can only be requested by an employer.
Montessori Instruction
A Montessori Professional License may only be used to teach students in a public school using Montessori instruction as the primary mode, or a Montessori private school approved by the MSDE.
Application Process
Applying for education jobs in Maryland typically involves a comprehensive process. Applicants must include their resume, complete a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Application for Employment (or JobAps Application), the Juvenile Services Education (JSE) Application Addendum indicating application for Position - Teacher, Academic (Juvenile Education), and a copy of their current or most recent Teaching Certificate indicating application for Teacher, Special Education, Juvenile Services Education.
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The application, resume, and supporting documentation must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the prerequisite Minimum Qualifications and possesses the Essential requirements for the position. Completed Applications must be directed to the Staff Employment Section, Office of Human Resources, Maryland State Department of Education, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 or faxed to 410.333.8950. Applications will continue active consideration for one year from the date of receipt. Requests to continue active consideration for an additional year will be honored providing the request is made in the twelfth month of receipt of the application.
Finding Job Opportunities
The Maryland Department of Education posts some teaching jobs on their site. Job seekers can also use the Maryland page on SchoolSpring to find in-state teaching jobs.
Opportunities within MSDE Divisions
MSDE comprises various divisions, each playing a crucial role in shaping education in Maryland.
Division of Assessment, Accountability, and Technical Support
This division provides assessment, accountability, and technical support for local school systems. It offers resources to develop world-class students who are lifelong learners and productive, responsible citizens of a global society.
Division of Early Childhood (DEC)
The Division of Early Childhood is responsible for ensuring safe and nurturing childcare opportunities for Maryland’s youngest residents and their families. DEC supports over 7000 childcare providers with licensing, training, and quality ratings. DEC also administers a childcare scholarship program that allows families of over 20000 children to receive affordable and safe childcare options.
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Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
DORS is an agency of the Maryland State Department of Education composed of the public vocational rehabilitation (VR) program and the Disability Determination Services. The public VR program includes the Office of Field Services, the Office for Blindness & Vision Services, and the Workforce & Technology Center.
Division of Finance
The Division of Finance is responsible for developing and implementing agency administrative and financial policies, procedures, and systems. This includes budget, fiscal operations and accountability, and grants administration and compliance. The division also administers the Nonpublic Textbook Program, the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Program, and co-administers the Nonpublic Aging Schools Program.
Office of Operations
The Office of Operations oversees multiple business operations of MSDE including Human Resources, Procurement and Contract Management, and Information Technology. These offices provide critical systems and foundational support to all MSDE offices and divisions in implementing the Strategic Plan and Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
Compensation and Benefits
Maryland is one of the highest paying states to teach in and provides additional pay support to teachers working in high-needs schools and shortage subjects.
In Maryland, teachers earned an average of $73,000 to $75,000 in 2018 depending on grade level, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Salary schedules are determined by individual school districts. Teachers in Maryland public schools become vested in the pension system after five years of service. Employees must work at least 50% of the work week to be eligible for benefits. Teachers in Maryland can retire with full benefits at age 62 with at least five years of service, or at age 55 with 25 years of service for reduced benefits. Additional benefits include multiple healthcare plans, compensation plans, tuition reimbursement, and paid annual, personal, and sick leave.
Professional Development
Maryland’s Professional Development Advisory Council (PDAC) recognizes the importance of professional development to improve public education. The council aims to standardize policies and programs at the local and state level.
Opportunities in Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS)
There are many reasons to work for Baltimore County Public Schools: competitive salaries and benefits, job security, the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and communities, diversity, professional growth, and more. BCPS is committed to investing in its employees, encouraging innovation, and celebrating success to create a workplace where everyone is engaged and thrives in work and life. The Department of Human Resources is there to help you succeed.
Interstate Reciprocity
Interstate reciprocity is a program that allows teachers certified in one state to teach in another state. To find out which other state teaching licenses can be used in Maryland, visit the Teach.com reciprocity page.
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