This “traditional” pathway through a college or university leads to a teaching license and includes a student teaching experience. You’ll start by going back to school, either full-time in a traditional graduate program or part-time in a program designed for working adults. 

This is a slower, more supported path into teaching. You begin as a student and move into the classroom once you’re fully prepared. 

This could be a great fit if you: 

• Want a structured, step-by-step path into teaching.
• Are interested in earning a master’s degree.
• Prefer more guidance and practice before becoming a teacher.

Find a program with our Program Explorer tool. 

Some college or university programs lead to a teaching license and include student teaching, but don’t require master's degree coursework. These are often referred to as post-baccalaureate or “post-bacc" programs.

If you’re already connected to a college or university, this can be a clear and supported way to earn your teaching license. 

This could be a great fit if you: 

• Are a current college student or recent graduate.
• Want a structured, college-based path into teaching.
• Do not want to earn a master’s degree. 

Find a program with our Program Explorer tool.

In an alternative teaching program, you earn your teaching license while teaching in a classroom as a resident teacher. 

“Alternative” means this is different from a traditional teaching program. In a traditional program, you complete your coursework before you begin teaching. In Maryland, approved alternative teacher preparation programs let you start teaching while completing the coursework and training required to earn your teaching license. 

Some programs are license-only, while others—such as certain residency models—let you earn a master’s degree as part of your training. Because these programs are built around classroom experience, many offer a stipend or paycheck while you learn, though it is not guaranteed.

This could be a great fit if you: 

• Want to start teaching right away.
• Are comfortable learning on the job while you train.
• Are interested in earning a stipend or salary during your program. (This varies by program.)
• Already have a bachelor’s degree but haven’t completed a teaching program.

Residency Programs

Typically for working adults with a degree, a residency program is a type of alternative licensure program. A residency allows you to start teaching right away after a short training period, and with significant support during your first year on the job. You’ll earn a paycheck and take classes outside of school hours. 

In some residency programs, you may earn a master’s degree. In others, you’ll only earn a teaching license. Either way, you’ll dive right into the classroom! So if you feel confident jumping right in—with support from your school—this pathway might be right for you. 

Get more information about residency programs. 

In certain fields, you may already have the coursework and experience required for your license. If you’re interested in teaching fine arts or grades 7-12, read on to see if transcript analysis would work for your background. 

Fine Arts Transcript Analysis Pathway

This pathway is for individuals with expertise in art, music, dance or theatre. Your education, professional experience and skills are reviewed to determine your eligibility for teacher licensure. 

You’ll find an overview below. For details about specific requirements for your background, visit the Maryland State Department of Education website. 

This could be a great fit if you:

• Have a degree and professional experience in the arts.
• Have taught or mentored others in your field, or already comfortable in a classroom setting.

You’ll need: 

1. A bachelor’s degree or higher.
2. Demonstrated expertise in your subject area through education, professional experience or a content assessment.
3. Proof of professional coursework (21 semester hours) related to classroom instruction and teaching practices.
4. Successful evaluation through a portfolio-based performance assessment or a school system teaching evaluation.

Secondary Content Transcript Analysis

This pathway is for individuals with expertise in other subjects, including biology, English, math, history, computer science, business and many others. You’ll earn a license to teach your subject in grades 7-12. 

You’ll find an overview below. For details about all available content areas and specific requirements for your background, visit the Maryland State Department of Education website. 

This could be a great fit if you: 

• Have a degree or professional experience in the subject you want to teach.
• Have taught at the college level or a related professional setting, or are already comfortable in a classroom setting.

You’ll need: 

1. A bachelor’s degree or higher.
2. Demonstrated expertise in your subject area through education, professional experience or a content assessment.
3. Proof of professional coursework (21 semester hours) related to classroom instruction and other teaching practices.
4. Successful evaluation through a portfolio-based performance assessment or school system teaching evaluations.

This is a highly specific pathway that’s only available through participating Maryland school districts. To pursue this option, you must first secure a teaching position with a participating district.

This pathway lets you earn your teaching license while working in a school, without completing a teaching program outside of your district. Instead, you'll gain hands-on experience while your district provides all of the mentoring, coaching and teacher training.

This could be a great fit if you: 

• Work for a district that participates in the program.
• Want to earn a full salary and benefits while you complete your training.
• Are used to working with students or feel comfortable learning while teaching.

You’ll need:

1. A job in a participating Maryland school district, approved nonpublic school, or state-operated school.
2. A conditional license in the subject and grade you want to teach.
3. A bachelor’s degree for many subjects, and proof of content knowledge through coursework or an approved assessment.
4. Proof of mentoring, supervision, and department-approved training while teaching.
5. Attestation from your district that you’re ready for full licensure.

Learn more by visiting the Anne Arundel County Public Schools website or the Maryland State Department of Education website. 

If your degree or professional experience is in a field such as computer programming or media arts, you may be able to secure a teaching position in a technical or career-focused subject.

Use your experience to teach professional skills such as welding, cosmetology, business and marketing, graphic design, health sciences, computer programming or construction—just to name a few! 

This pathway lets you share your real-world skills while helping students prepare for careers. 

This could be a great fit if you: 

• Have experience in a skilled trade or technical field.
• Want to bring your expertise into the classroom.
• Enjoy helping students build career-ready skills.

Read more on our Professional & Technical Education pathways page.