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What is Educator Licensure?
What is Educator Licensure?
Beginning April 1, 2024, the state of Maryland has moved from a certification to a licensure model of educator credentialing. Under the new COMAR 13.A12 Educator Licensure regulations, educators must now hold a valid Maryland license in order to be employed in a public school system.
How will I move from a certificate to a license?
How will I move from a certificate to a license?
As the FCPS Certification Team issues or renews certificates for staff, educators will be issued the new Maryland Educator License and will need to meet the new renewal requirements.
What is a Professional Development Point (PDP)?
What is a Professional Development Point (PDP)?
Under the licensing model, educators must accrue 90 Professional Development Points (PDPs) every five years to renew their license. One PDP is equivalent to one "clock hour" of learning which allows educators to document smaller learning episodes within specific categories.
What are the Professional Development Point (PDP) categories?
What are the Professional Development Point (PDP) categories?
COMAR 12.A12 mandates that all educators must have at least one hour of professional learning in each of the following categories:
Content or pedagogy that is related to an area on your license
English as a Second Language, Sheltered English, or Bilingual Education
Strategies for teaching students with disabilities or differentiated instruction
Culturally Responsive Teaching or diverse student identities in education
Additonal requirements MAY apply for educators who hold specialized licensure. Please see FAQ document and/or contact certification@fcps.org with individual questions.
How do I earn Professional Development Points?
How do I earn Professional Development Points?
What are Professional Development Activities (PDAs)?
What are Professional Development Activities (PDAs)?
The new Educator Licensure regulations (COMAR 13A.12) allow Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to award Professional Development Points (PDPs) for approved Professional Development Activities (PDAs). Each PDP equals one hour of learning, so PDAs must be at least one contact hour. Central Office staff or school-based administrators who wish to initiate a PDA must follow the Standard Operating Procedure for FCPS Approval of Professional Development Activities and submit the activity for approval. Teachers interested in initiating a PDA to support professional growth within their school should work with an administrator to determine its viability. Once deemed viable, an administrator must submit the activity for approval.
*Please note: Only PDAs that have been approved by FCPS, MSDE, or another LEA will award PDPs. It is the educator's responsibility to obtain completion documentation from the PDA facilitator and document it on the IPDP. Only FCPS-sponsored PDAs will be recorded in Unified Talent.
How can I meet the Science of Reading requirement for licensure?
How can I meet the Science of Reading requirement for licensure?
In the Spring of 2024, the MSDE announced changes to the required reading coursework for license holders with endorsements in certain areas. These new requirements replace the former 12 or 6 ancillary credits of reading and are required for the following areas:
Elementary Education
Early Childhood Education
Special Education (all grade bands)
ESOL
Visit www.mdcert.org and follow the pathway to "Demonstration of Proficiency in Teaching Reading" to learn more information, including approved professional learning coursework and registration information.
For additional information, please visit the Science of Reading Proficiency - Licensure FAQ or reach out to certification@fcps.org
What is my responsibility as an educator in the new licensure system?
What is my responsibility as an educator in the new licensure system?
All Maryland educators are responsible for planning for and maintaining record of professional learning, including PDPs during the educator's renewal cycle. All Maryland educators are responsbile for submitting a completed professional development activity log as evidence of renewal requirements to the The Educator Application and Certification Hub (TEACH). * click below to access TEACH.*
How do I record PDPs within the IPDP (Individualized Professional Development Plan)?
How do I record PDPs within the IPDP (Individualized Professional Development Plan)?
MSDE_IPDP_3.15.24.pdfMSDE Individual Professional Development Plan
MSDE Individual Professional Development Plan
Maryland IPDP
This is the comprehensive MSDE document to be completed by all educators upong transitioning to new licensure beginning July 1, 2024.
EARLY CAREER EXAMPLE (PDA LOG ONLY) - Google Docs.pdfProfessional Development Activity Log
Professional Development Activity Log
SAMPLE
SAMPLE
EARLY CAREER EDUCATOR
This example showcases a the FCPS Inducation Program, meeting all requirements for licensure renewal.
POST INDUCTION EXAMPLE - General Educator (PDA LOG ONLY) - Google Docs.pdfProfessional Development Activity Log
Professional Development Activity Log
SAMPLE
SAMPLE
POST INDUCTION EDUCATOR
This examples showcases a combination of credited coursework and PDPs, meeting all requirements for renewal.
Where can I learn more about the COMAR updates?
Where can I learn more about the COMAR updates?
Professional Learning Requirements
Professional Learning Requirements
under COMAR 13A.12 Educator Licensure
I have questions... whom should I contact?
I have questions... whom should I contact?
Questions about professional learning and educator licensure, please email professional.learning@fcps.org
Questions about professional learning and educator licensure, please email professional.learning@fcps.org
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