Maryland · Career guide
How to become a English Teacher in Maryland
English / Language Arts teachers cover reading, writing, literature, and (at the secondary level) composition and rhetoric. Demand is steady at the elementary level and modestly competitive at the secondary level outside the highest-need districts. ELA teachers play a central role in district-wide literacy goals, which gives the role outsized professional-development opportunities.
See 12 English / language arts teaching jobs open in Maryland →Certification path in Maryland
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. Maryland typically requires:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores) — Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject Assessments — Content knowledge for your certification area
- edTPA — Performance assessment during student teaching
A content-area endorsement in English / Language Arts is standard. Some states also offer separate Reading Specialist credentials for K-6.
- Apply for your initial license through Maryland State Department of Education. The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Maryland State Department of Education →
- Job-search in Maryland.Browse current English / language arts teaching openings across Maryland districts. Apply directly to each district's careers page — no platform fees.
Alternative pathways in Maryland
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Maryland offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC): Teach while completing an approved preparation program
- Teach For America (active in Baltimore City and Prince George's County)
- Career and Technical Education certification for industry professionals
Maryland salary context
Average teacher salary in Maryland: $73,444/year (rank #3 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $47,000/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Maryland salary guide for the breakdown.