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.

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. 

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.  

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

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.*