Troops to Teachers, Proud to Serve Again, DOD, MSDE, DOE

Getting Certified

Qualifying for certification is a process that takes time to complete. Maryland has numerous state approved teacher certification programs to choose from... No two programs are
the same.

Male Teacher and Female Student at Computer

Some important points to consider before choosing a teacher certification program:

What subject(s) and grade(s) do you wish to teach? Consider your own educational background and personal experience working with children.
What subject(s) do you have the educational background to teach? Have the Troops to Teachers office perform an unofficial transcript evaluation to identify your strengths and possible shortages.
Thoroughly research all available certification program options for cost, length, entry requirements, and class/cohort convening dates.
Plan ahead. It is usually better to qualify for a teaching certificate prior to leaving the service than after you are discharged and unemployed.

Maryland Certification Process:

CERTIFICATION PROCESS FLOW CHARTS

	College Based Teacher Certification Route in Maryland
	Interstate Agreement (IA) Route to Certification in Maryland
	Alternative Preparation Route in Maryland

Maryland Approved Teacher Education Preparation Programs
(traditional, post-baccalaureate, and graduate programs)

Maryland Approved Alternative Teacher Preparation Programs
(alternative routes to certification)

Maryland State Department of Education Certification Branch

The state of Maryland does not currently have any teacher preparation programs available via distance learning. Maryland may, however, recognize and accept several out-of-state distance learning programs. A sampling of potential programs are: Western Governors University, Drexel University, Marquette University, and Old Dominion University .

*Check with the Maryland Troops to Teachers office before obligating to any teacher preparation program!*