What's causing the teacher shortage in Maryland?

Key drivers in Maryland: Intense competition from federal government and DC metro private sector for STEM talent; High cost of living in Montgomery County and PG County metro suburbs; Baltimore City schools face compounding urban challenges beyond just salaries; Western Maryland and Eastern Shore geographic isolation.

Are there loan-forgiveness or signing-bonus programs for Maryland teachers in shortage areas?

Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness (up to $17,500) covers Title I-eligible districts in subjects designated as shortage areas. Maryland also runs state-level incentives — check the state Department of Education's site for current programs. Some districts negotiate signing bonuses for hard-to-fill roles.

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2026 Shortage Guide

Teacher Shortage in Maryland

Q: Is there a teacher shortage in Maryland?

Maryland is experiencing a moderate teacher shortage. Maryland has a moderate teacher shortage shaped by the extreme competition from federal government, defense contractors, and private sector employers in the Washington D.C. metro corridor. While Maryland teacher salaries are among the highest nationally, they still lag behind the equivalent professional salaries available in the DC market. Rural western and Eastern Shore counties face geographic challenges. (Source: U.S. Department of Education Teacher Shortage Areas data (2024–25); state Department of Education reports.)

Q: Which subjects are in highest demand in Maryland?

The most-needed teaching specialties in Maryland include Special Education, Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, Bilingual/ESL. Special Education: Shortage across all disability categories particularly in Baltimore City and Prince George's County Mathematics: Secondary math shortage driven by federal government and private sector competition in metro DC Science: Physics and Chemistry teachers in shortage; STEM competition from federal agencies Computer Science: Proximity to NSA, NIH, and tech corridor creates competition for CS educators Bilingual/ESL: Montgomery and Prince George's diverse immigrant communities drive high ESL demand

202 open teaching positions in Maryland right now — districts are actively hiring.

Moderate ShortageOverall Severity

5In-Demand Subject Areas

202Open Positions

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Maryland Teacher Shortage Overview

Maryland has a moderate teacher shortage shaped by the extreme competition from federal government, defense contractors, and private sector employers in the Washington D.C. metro corridor. While Maryland teacher salaries are among the highest nationally, they still lag behind the equivalent professional salaries available in the DC market. Rural western and Eastern Shore counties face geographic challenges.

Most In-Demand Teaching Roles in Maryland

These subject areas have the most critical teacher shortages in Maryland. Candidates in these fields have strong hiring prospects and negotiating leverage.

Special EducationShortage across all disability categories particularly in Baltimore City and Prince George's County

MathematicsSecondary math shortage driven by federal government and private sector competition in metro DC

SciencePhysics and Chemistry teachers in shortage; STEM competition from federal agencies

Computer ScienceProximity to NSA, NIH, and tech corridor creates competition for CS educators

Bilingual/ESLMontgomery and Prince George's diverse immigrant communities drive high ESL demand

Why There's a Teacher Shortage in Maryland

Several factors contribute to the current teacher shortage situation in Maryland.

Intense competition from federal government and DC metro private sector for STEM talent
High cost of living in Montgomery County and PG County metro suburbs
Baltimore City schools face compounding urban challenges beyond just salaries
Western Maryland and Eastern Shore geographic isolation

What This Means for Job Seekers

Maryland offers some of the highest average teacher salaries in the nation. Montgomery County and Howard County are among the best-paying and most sought-after school systems. Baltimore City is actively recruiting with loan forgiveness and urban teaching incentives. For candidates wanting strong urban impact, Baltimore City Public Schools offers exceptional career development programs.

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Top Hiring Districts in Maryland

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard and are actively recruiting teachers.

Wicomico County Public Schools71 open positions Talbot County Public Schools58 open positions Cecil County Public Schools33 open positions Somerset County Public Schools29 open positions Prince George's County Public Schools7 open positions St. Mary's County Public Schools2 open positions Carroll County Public Schools2 open positions

202 total open positions across Maryland school districts.

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More Resources for Maryland Teachers

Before you apply, learn what you can expect to earn and what credentials you'll need to teach in Maryland.

Maryland Salary Guide → Maryland Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Maryland — apply directly on district sites.

View Maryland jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: U.S. Department of Education Teacher Shortage Areas data (2024–25); state Department of Education reports. Shortage designations and subject area data reflect conditions as of the 2024–25 school year and are subject to change. For the most current shortage listings, consult the U.S. Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area database or the Maryland Department of Education.