New Hire FAQs

I was hired over the summer. When will I receive my badge?

During Intake or New Teacher Orientation, you will receive your badge. If you already have an SMCPS issued badge due to holding a different position within our school system (including Abacus), you must return your old badge to the Department of Safety and Security once you receive your new badge. 

Do you have all of my paperwork, transcripts, etc.?

We appreciate your dedication to ensuring that your paperwork is complete and that we have received all necessary documentation; however, we will reach out to you if we are missing anything. We understand that some documents take longer than others (especially those of you that need to send out Verification of Employment forms). 

If we are missing something from you, you will receive a personalized email from our department. Our first priority is ensuring that everything is set up for you to start working and receive your pay. In September/October we will begin the process of requesting your certificate with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

What types of documents should I send to SMCPS for certification purposes?

🎓 Official transcripts from all colleges you have attended and are currently attending (along with transfer credits - if any). Please have the university send an official transcript directly to hrdtuition@smcps.org or they can mail it directly to: SMCPS - HR Department, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650. The MSDE does not accept transcripts that were opened by the employee (physical or digital). If you are a recent graduate, please wait until your degree conferral appears on your unofficial transcript before requesting official transcripts!

💯 Teacher Test Scores - This might be Praxis scores, out of state teacher tests, and/or edTPA scores. A copy of your score report can be emailed to hrdtuition@smcps.org. These do not have to be originals.

📜 Out of State Certificate(s) - Any out of state teaching certificate/license that you hold or once held from another state, even if expired. A copy of your certification(s) can be emailed to hrdtuition@smcps.org. These do not have to be originals.

✅ Verification of Employment Form(s) - All previous teaching experience must be verified using this form: VOE and Sick Leave. You complete the top section and send the form to each school district(s) where you previously were employed. This form is only used if you were the teacher of record within that district. Each district will send the form back to our office by following the directions on the form. *If you are currently employed by a school district, please wait until after your last day to request this document so that we can get your complete work history!*

I don’t have my Maryland State Teaching Certification yet, what do I do?

Don’t worry! Since you have signed a contract with SMCPS, we become your liaison with the MSDE. Our office will begin requesting certificates in September/October, so it’s completely normal to start in your new position without this document. Your certificate will have an effective date or July 1 or January 1 depending on your start date. Again, if we need something from you, we will send you a personalized email with that information. If you haven’t registered through TEACH yet, please follow the instructions found here: How to Register in TEACH. At this time, you should not do anything else in TEACH until you have received notification from Human Resources. 

What if I haven’t been fingerprinted by the SMCPS Department of Safety and Security?

This is a priority. You must be fingerprinted by our Department of Safety and Security as soon as possible. If you live in the area, we encourage you to do this sooner than later as we would like to reserve those final appointments for those moving from out of state. If you are coming to us from out of state, please schedule an appointment for a date when you will be in the area (again, the sooner the better). 

Schedule your appointment to be fingerprinted with the SMCPS Department of Safety and Security through the following link: Fingerprinting Appointment Schedule. The paperwork for this appointment will be sent through TalentEd Records and must be completed before your scheduled appointment with them. All employment is contingent upon successful completion of a full background check and Child Abuse/Sexual Misconduct verification forms. 

How do I get access to my SMCPS email? 

Your SMPCS email address may not be set up yet; however, you are welcome to try! Please follow the directions found at the bottom of this website page: Accessing SMCPS Email. 

Can I find out more about Retirement and/or Insurance? 

Please use the following link SMCPS New Hire Site to find out more about these programs. Don’t forget to enroll in your insurance benefits within 30 days of your start date!