Teaching Math in Maryland

Maryland is an excellent choice for anyone looking to become a math teacher. With higher than average teacher salaries, a wide-range of loan forgiveness programs, stipends, a low student-to-teacher ratio and high expenditures per student, Maryland is definitely a “top pick” mathematics education destination.

The state boasts one of the highest median incomes in the nation, and this is reflected in the salaries of its teachers. In 2010-11, Maryland was ranked eighth in the nation with an average annual teacher salary totaling in at $63,960. If you’re interested in teaching in high-needs areas, you can take advantage of several loan forgiveness programs and even stipends of up to $2000.

Maryland is serious about the advancement of its students. Not only has the state adopted the Common Core standards, but average student expenditures come in at $14,616 per pupil – that’s almost $4,000 more than the national average.

Maryland also offers several professional organizations that will enhance your growth and effectiveness, while also offering both alternative and reciprocal teaching certifications. The weather tends to mild and the cultural activities diverse. If you are a water fanatic, Maryland has over 4,000 miles of shoreline and more than 400 lakes.

Math Teacher Certification in Maryland

Math Teaching Qualifications

Maryland teachers must complete the required coursework and pass all standardized tests. In addition, prospective teachers must complete an accredited certification program.

Credentials & Exams

Maryland offers four levels of certification:

• Professional Eligibility Certificate: This certificate is valid for five years and is issued to prospective teachers who have completed the minimum requirements but are not currently employed in a Maryland school system.
• Standard Professional Certificate I: Valid for five years, this certificate is issued to teachers who have completed the minimum requirements and are currently employed in a Maryland local school system or accredited non-public school.
• Standard Professional Certificate II: Valid for five years, this certificate is issued to individuals who meet the criteria for the Standard Professional Certificate I, but who also have (1) three years of professional experience; (2) six semesters of acceptable credit; and (3) a professional development plan for the Advanced Professional Certificate (APC).
• Advanced Professional Certificate: Valid for five years and issued to applicants who meet the criteria for the Standard Professional Certificate II in addition to possessing either a Master’s degree or a minimum of 36 semester hours of post-baccalaureate coursework (which must include at least 21 semester hours of graduate credit). The APC is also issued to National Board Certified teachers who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher and have earned at least 12 semester hours of approved graduate coursework.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

Maryland also offers an alternative teacher preparation opportunity in the form of the Resident Teacher Certificate. This certificate is valid for two years and is issued to applicants selected by their local school system to participate in the program.