High School Programs

If you’re considering a career in education, join the Teacher Academy of Maryland! Known as “TAM,” this program offers hands-on learning and an education internship while you’re in high school. Plus, you can earn college credits and scholarships to several Maryland teacher preparation programs.

Not sure if your high school offers a TAM program? Ask your school career counselor! 

Other options for high school students:

• Get an early start on college credits, and consider a dual enrollment program.
• Consider starting with an associate of arts in education through a community college.
• If you’re 16 or older, you may qualify for an apprenticeship at your school or a school nearby. That’s paid experience and on-the-job training! Learn more about teaching apprenticeships.

Bachelor’s + License Programs

Many colleges and universities offer “traditional” four-year programs that combine a bachelor’s degree with a teaching program. So, you might major in education or your future teaching subject—like math, English or biology—and work toward your teaching license, all at the same time. This can reduce the total cost and time you spend becoming a teacher! These programs offer the most intensive support, with full coursework, student teaching and lots of feedback. 

A bachelor’s degree pathway may be a good fit if:

• You’re in high school, or your first or second year of college.
• You know what subject and grade level you want to teach.

Pro tip: Starting at a community college and then transferring to a four-year school can save you money (seriously, a ton of money)! 

• Learn more about starting at a community college in Maryland.
• Visit the TEACH Maryland Program Explorer to find programs near you! 
   

Combined bachelor’s & master’s with teaching license

Earn your bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and teaching license in one streamlined program.

A “4+1 program” combines undergraduate and graduate coursework so you can earn both degrees—plus your teaching license—in about five years. You’ll complete your teacher prep as part of the program, often with hands-on classroom experience and mentorship.

A 4 +1 program may be a good fit if:

• You know early in college that you want to teach.
• You want to earn a master’s degree along with your teaching license.
• You’re looking for a structured, efficient path that saves time compared to earning the degrees separately. 

Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs 

Teacher apprenticeships offer a structured "earn while you learn" pathway to becoming a licensed Maryland teacher. These programs are ideal if you want a lower-cost or debt-free route into teaching. Apprenticeships remove financial barriers by providing a progressive wage while you train. That means that you'll earn more as you gain experience, without taking on extra debt. 

Unlike traditional programs, which often require an unpaid student teaching semester, apprenticeships give you intensive, paid training. You’ll work side-by-side with an experienced teacher (called a journeyworker teacher in Maryland), integrating classroom theory with daily hands-on teaching practice.  

A registered teacher apprenticeship could be a great fit if you:

• Are 16 or older, including high school students.
• Work for a school or are willing to get a job at a local school.
• Need financial assistance to pay for college.
• Prefer “on-the-job” learning alongside classroom instruction.

Learn more about apprenticeships.

Have occupational experience?

Use your real-world professional or industry experience to start teaching right away. You might not even need a bachelor’s degree! 

Teach technical, career-focused or specialized subjects like welding, cosmetology, business and marketing, health sciences, computer programming, construction, or media arts areas like graphic design. This pathway lets you share your expertise while helping students gain career-ready skills. 

This could be a great fit if you: 

• Have experience in a skilled trade, technical field or specialized arts area
• Want to bring your expertise into the classroom
• Enjoy helping students prepare for their careers

Learn more about the occupational experience pathway for Professional & Technical Education on our PTE page.