When choosing a program, make sure your must-haves are covered. Your teaching program should:

• Lead to a Maryland teaching license in the grade level and subject you want to teach.
• Be approved by the state of Maryland. Use the TEACH Maryland Program Explorer to find approved programs.
• Fit your budget. Consider tuition, fees and available financial support.
• Fit your schedule. Programs may offer online, in-person or hybrid coursework. 

You’ll get more out of a program that makes you feel at home. Think about what type of learning environment you’d like to be in: 

• Who are the students? Consider the program’s demographics.
• How big are the classes?
• Do you prefer online or in-person coursework?

Hands-on experience includes any classroom practice before you earn your license, like student teaching or an internship. More experience is better, but quality matters!

Ask your program about things like:

• How long your internship or student teaching experience will last.
• How the program selects mentor teachers.
• How you’ll receive feedback on your teaching.

Any teaching program should prepare you to teach students with different learning styles, backgrounds and social and emotional needs. 

Ask about what kind of preparation you’ll get, including: 

• What required courses focus on different student needs.
• What hands-on practice you’ll get with a wide range of students.
• What skills you’ll build to work with a variety of students.

Most teaching programs pair you with a mentor or coach who provides feedback during your student teaching or other training. A strong mentor can have a big impact on your attitude toward teaching! 

Ask prospective programs about:

• How they choose mentor teachers and coaches.
• How they match you with a mentor.
• How they ensure that mentor teachers model effective practices and give helpful feedback.
• Whether they offer continued support during your first few years as a teacher.

This answer can be hard to track down! We recommend that you:

• Review the program’s website. 
• Talk with current students or alumni of the program.
• Reach out to teachers in the surrounding area to ask about the program’s reputation.