Embedded Files
If you're planning to teach in Maryland
If you're planning to teach in Maryland
Graduating with your Master of Arts in Teaching degree does not automatically create your teaching certificate in Maryland. You must apply for certification through the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
If you are offered a job before you have applied for certification, your school district will apply for your certificate on your behalf. You will work with the Human Resources Office of the school district to submit your documents and application.
But if a job offer isn’t on the table, or you plan to teach outside of Maryland, you should apply for your certificate right after graduation and completion of all requirements (including passing of the appropriate pedagogy exam).
If you’re planning to teach outside of Maryland
We recommend all MAT graduates, regardless of state of residency, apply for Maryland certification to take advantage of interstate reciprocity, which often makes the process of applying for certification in other states easier and less time-consuming. Further information on interstate reciprocity may be found at https://www.nasdtec.net/page/Interstate. Candidates interested in applying for licensure outside of Maryland should also ensure to contact their state's Department of Education for more detailed information on the requirements and process for applying for certification in that state.
Preparing your application packet for Maryland certification
First, create an account through The Educator Application and Certification Hub (TEACH) and submit your online application to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Make sure you do this first, as this is how MSDE will match up your documents. Any documents received by MSDE prior to creating a TEACH account will be discarded.
After creating you TEACH account and submit your online application, you will need to submit the following items to MSDE:
Official transcripts. PHOTOCOPIES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. Please do not request your official MAT transcripts until you have been notified that the Maryland approved-program (MAP) statement has been added. Without the MAP statement, you will not be eligible for certification!
You can request to have UMGC send your official electronic transcripts directly to MSDE. You can submit this request through MyUMGC or directly through Parchment.
Student copies of official transcripts are also acceptable if submitted in an unopened mailer from the Registrar’s Office. You can request an official, sealed transcript be mailed to you and you then mail the still-sealed transcript to MSDE.
Copies of qualifying test scores (ex. basic skills, content, pedagogy, ACTFL OPI/WPT). You may submit a photocopy of an official score report.
Note that while you will see on your ETS score report that they automatically send score reports to the Department of Education in the state where you complete your teacher training, you must still provide a copy of your score report to MSDE with your application. MSDE is unable to keep/track score reports prior to receipt of a TEACH application or manually match reports to applications, so they will not have your score report unless you provide a copy.
Please also note that UMGC does not include student test scores on the official transcript so you will need to obtain copies of your score reports to send to MSDE.
Do not provide your only copy of your score report. If you need an additional score report, contact the testing agency (ex. ETS, LTI, College Board).
Detailed information and instructions on applying for certification can be accessed on MSDE's Web site at www.mdcert.org There is also specific information on applying for certification as a graduate of a Maryland-approved program (MAP).
If you are mailing documents to MSDE, please include a cover letter with your name, address, social security number, date of birth, daytime telephone number, email address, and the subject area(s) for which you are seeking certification so MSDE is able to match your mailed documents to your online TEACH application.
Mailed packets should be sent to:
Maryland State Department of Education
Attention: Certification Branch
200 W. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
For more information
MSDE Certification Assistance Line
(410)767-0412
(888)246-0016
The Certification Assistance Line is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm, except for state holidays.
REMINDER: The State of Maryland, not UMGC/MAT, grants teacher certification. All questions beyond the curriculum should be directed to MSDE.
If you have questions about your home state’s requirements, contact your home State’s Department of Education.
Page updated
Report abuse