Maryland Alternative Teacher Certification

Maryland’s alternative teacher certification system is one of the most active, well-structured, and employer-subsidized in the United States. Designed for career changers and recent graduates who hold bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields, the Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Program (MAAPP) framework allows qualified candidates to enter classrooms as paid teachers almost immediately — earning a full teacher’s salary while completing certification requirements through a jointly administered school system and university program.

The urgency behind this framework is real and documented. In 2021-22, Maryland had 1,616 unfilled teaching positions and 6,724 teachers working outside their certification field or in an underqualified status. The state’s teacher pipeline — already strained by below-average starting salaries relative to neighboring states — has been consistently unable to produce enough traditionally trained teachers to fill demand, particularly in special education, mathematics, science, and ESL.

Maryland’s response has been to invest deeply in the MAAPP ecosystem: more than 20 MSDE-approved alternative preparation programs operating across all 24 county school systems, a range of university partnerships, community college programs, nonprofit providers, and a post-baccalaureate route through institutions like Johns Hopkins and Towson University. Each program is jointly administered by a local education agency (LEA) and a college, university, or nonprofit, and each undergoes state program approval peer review on a five-year cycle.

This guide provides the most comprehensive available overview of every Maryland alternative certification pathway — covering the MAAPP/Resident Teacher License framework in detail, the Conditional License, university ACP programs, Professional and Technical Education certification, Special Education alternative routes, the July 2025 edTPA/PPAT assessment change, and practical decision guidance for candidates evaluating their options.

Maryland Alternative Certification: What Makes It Distinctive

PAID FROM DAY ONE: MAAPP candidates receive a full teacher’s salary from the first day of teaching — unlike most states where student teachers are unpaid.

SCHOOL SYSTEM SUBSIDIZED: The employing school system typically covers much or all of the program cost. Career changers face minimal out-of-pocket expense in many MAAPP programs.

DUAL CREDENTIAL: Many MAAPPs lead not only to Maryland state certification (IPL) but also to a graduate certificate or master’s degree from the partner university.

SAME STANDARDS: Per study.com: ‘MAAPP teacher certification standards meet the same standards used for traditional teacher certification programs.’ Alternative route teachers earn identical credentials.

APRIL 2024 REFORM: The April 1, 2024 COMAR update converted all certificates to licenses, including the Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC) to Resident Teacher License (RTL).

Sources: MSDE MAAPP Directory (marylandpublicschools.org); study.com Maryland Alternative Certification; AACPS alternative licensure programs (aacps.org); MSDE Program Explorer.

Maryland Alternative Certification: Key Numbers

20+

Approved MAAPP Programs

MSDE MAAPP Directory; statewide

Alternative Certificate Types

Resident Teacher License + Conditional

3 yrs

Resident Teacher License Valid

teachercertificationdegrees.com MD Alt

2 yrs

Conditional License Valid

MSDE; school system request only

$74,260

Avg. MD Teacher Salary

NEA 2025; 9th nationally

1,616

Unfilled Positions (2021-22)

MSDE/NCES data

6,724

Underqualified Teachers

MSDE/NCES; alt cert demand

July 25

edTPA/PPAT Required

Replaces PLT for all pathways

Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MD Alternative (Jan 2026) — RTC 3 years; Conditional License 2 years; MSDE MAAPP Directory; NEA 2025 Rankings; 1,616 unfilled / 6,724 underqualified; research.com MD 2026 — July 2025 edTPA/PPAT; MSDE Program Explorer.

The Legal Framework: COMAR 13A.12 and the MSDE MAAPP Structure

Maryland’s alternative teacher certification system is grounded in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Title 13A, Subtitle 12, which governs all educator credentialing. The MSDE Division of Educator Effectiveness — specifically the Educator Preparation and Program Approval Branch — administers the MAAPP framework, approves all programs, and maintains the official MAAPP Directory.

Two Types of MSDE-Approved Programs

Per the MSDE Approved Educator Preparation Programs page, Maryland has exactly two types of approved programs:

Traditional: Offered by a college or university, leading to a degree or post-baccalaureate certificate that includes coursework and a clinical internship.
Alternative: Established by a local education agency, institution of higher education, or nonprofit agency that leads to a participant receiving a Resident Teacher License and includes teaching assignments with supervision and mentoring by a qualified teacher.

This distinction is key: alternative programs are not inferior versions of traditional programs — they are structurally different, workplace-based preparation routes that lead to the same state certification credential.

Source: MSDE Approved Educator Preparation Programs page (marylandpublicschools.org/about/pages/dee/program-approval/maryland-approved-programs.aspx).

The April 1, 2024 Licensure Overhaul

The most significant recent change to Maryland alternative certification was the April 1, 2024 transition from a certificate-based to a license-based system under new COMAR 13A.12 regulations. Key effects on alternative certification:

RTC to RTL: The Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC) became the Resident Teacher License (RTL) — same credential, new nomenclature under the updated regulatory framework
Conditional Certificate to Conditional License: The Conditional Certificate (COND) became the Conditional License (CL). Notably, existing Conditional Certificates cannot be renewed after April 1, 2024, though school systems can still request new Conditional Licenses for qualifying employees
Certificate-to-License conversion: Certificates issued between January 1, 2020 and March 31, 2024 were automatically reissued as licenses on April 1, 2024 and remain valid through March 31, 2027

Sources: MSDE Educator Licensure Overview (April 1, 2024); teachercertificationdegrees.com MD Alternative (Jan 2026); BTU/BCPSS Educator Licensure Overview (June 2024).

Two Types of Alternative Programs: MAAPP vs. Traditional Alternative

Within Maryland’s alternative certification landscape, there are two broad categories that candidates need to distinguish: the school-based MAAPP/RTL programs and the university-based post-baccalaureate ACP programs. Both lead to MSDE certification, but through very different structures.

Feature	MAAPP / Resident Teacher License	University ACP / Post-Baccalaureate
Administered by	Jointly: local school system + college/university (or nonprofit)	College or university independently
When you can teach	From near day one (after internship)	After program completion (or later stages)
Salary during program	YES — full teacher salary throughout residency	Usually not — student teaching typically unpaid
Program cost	Usually covered or heavily subsidized by school system	Candidate pays tuition; financial aid available
Credential earned	RTL during program; then IPL on completion	IPL (and often master’s degree) on completion
Portability during program	Not portable — specific to sponsoring school system	N/A — not yet certified
Program location	Embedded in a specific school district	At a college or university campus (may be online)
Best for	Career changers who need income during training	Career changers with financial flexibility; those preferring full academic preparation
Duration	2-3 years	Typically 12-24 months

Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MD Alternative (Jan 2026); AACPS alternative licensure programs (aacps.org); LangCred MAAPP entry; MSDE Program Explorer.

Alternative Certification Pathways at a Glance

Pathway	Cert/License Issued	Duration	Best For	Degree Req.
MAAPP (school system + university/nonprofit partnership)	RTL during program; IPL on completion	2-3 years while teaching	Career changers hired by a Maryland school system; paid teaching from day one	BA required
University Partnership Program (UPP)	RTL during program; IPL on completion	2 years	Career changers in a structured district + university partnership	BA required
Conditional License (CL)	Conditional License (2 yrs, not renewable)	2 years	Hired to fill vacancy when no certified teacher available; school system initiates	BA required
Post-Baccalaureate ACP (university-based)	IPL on program completion	12-24 months	Career changers preferring campus-based prep; MAT/post-bacc programs	BA required
Professional and Technical Education (PTE)	IPL with PTE endorsement	Application-based	Professionals with 3+ yrs experience in technical/vocational fields	BA required in related field
Special Education MAAPP (e.g., AACPS/NDMU)	RTL then IPL in SpEd + content area	2-3 years while teaching	Career changers entering special education specifically	BA required

Sources: MSDE MAAPP Directory; AACPS alternative licensure programs (aacps.org); teachercertificationdegrees.com MD Alternative (Jan 2026); Montgomery College ACET; research.com MD 2026.

Pathway 1: Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Programs (MAAPP/RTC)

The MAAPP framework is Maryland’s primary alternative certification mechanism and the pathway that most career changers should investigate first. It is built on a simple but powerful premise: the most effective preparation for teaching is actual teaching, supported by concurrent coursework, mentoring, and a university’s academic framework.

What Makes MAAPP Distinctive

Per the MSDE Program Explorer and MSDE MAAPP page: Alternative programs are ‘established by a local education agency, institution of higher education, or nonprofit agency that leads to a participant receiving a Resident Teacher License and includes teaching assignments with supervision and mentoring by a qualified teacher.’

The three defining features of every MAAPP are:

Teaching assignments: The candidate is placed in a real classroom as the teacher of record — not as a student teacher. This is paid employment.
Supervision: A qualified, experienced teacher provides direct supervision and mentoring throughout the program.
Coursework: Concurrent pedagogical coursework through the partner college, university, or nonprofit provides the academic preparation framework.

Who MAAPP Programs Are Designed For

Per AACPS: MAAPP is ‘designed for professionals interested in changing careers or recent college graduates with degrees in fields other than education.’ The target candidate is someone who:

Holds a bachelor’s degree in any non-education field
Has content knowledge relevant to the area they wish to teach
Wants to begin earning a teacher’s salary immediately rather than completing an unpaid preparation program
Is prepared for a demanding concurrent schedule of teaching and coursework

Sources: AACPS alternative licensure programs (aacps.org); MSDE Program Explorer (marylandpublicschools.org/about/pages/dee/program-approval/maryland-approved-programs.aspx); study.com Maryland alternative certification.

The Resident Teacher License (RTL) — How It Works

The Resident Teacher License (RTL) — formerly the Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC) — is the MSDE credential issued to MAAPP participants during their program. It is the bridge between career changer and fully certified teacher.

RTL Key Characteristics

Resident Teacher License (RTL) — Critical Facts

ISSUED BY: MSDE at the request of a local school superintendent — candidates cannot apply independently.

VALIDITY: Valid for 3 years (per teachercertificationdegrees.com MD Alternative Jan 2026) — though some sources cite 2 years; 3 years is the current standard under the updated licensure framework.

NOT PORTABLE: The RTL ‘is not transferable to other school systems in Maryland nor to other states’ (LangCred). While holding the RTL, you can only teach in the school system that sponsors your MAAPP.

NOT RENEWABLE: The RTL cannot be renewed. Its purpose is to provide teaching authority during the MAAPP — once the program is completed and all requirements met, the holder must advance to the IPL (Initial Professional License).

SCHOOL SYSTEM COST COVERAGE: ‘Often the local school system (LSS) that sponsors the MAAPP covers much of the cost of the MAAPP itself.’ (LangCred) This is a significant financial benefit for career changers.

SAME CREDENTIAL OUTCOME: Upon MAAPP completion, candidates receive the IPL — identical to the credential earned by traditionally trained teachers. There is no difference in professional standing.

Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MD Alternative (Jan 2026) — 3-year validity; LangCred MAAPP entry — not portable, school system covers costs; MSDE Educator Licensure Overview (April 1, 2024).

RTL to IPL: What Must Be Completed

To transition from the RTL to the Initial Professional License (IPL), MAAPP participants must typically:

Complete all required coursework through the MAAPP (including any required reading instruction coursework)
Complete the required teaching experience (typically at least one year of satisfactory full-time teaching)
Pass all required Praxis II Subject Assessments for the certification area
Pass the reading instruction assessment if pursuing Elementary, Early Childhood, Special Education, or ESOL certification
Complete the edTPA or PPAT performance-based pedagogy assessment (required from July 1, 2025)
Receive a satisfactory recommendation from the program and from the employing superintendent
Apply through the TEACH Dashboard at certificationhub.msde.maryland.gov

Sources: teachercertification.com MD alternative (2023); AACPS RTC page (aacps.org); Montgomery County Schools RTC page.

The Three Phases of MAAPP: Internship, Residency, and Certification

Most MAAPP programs follow a three-phase model, though specific timelines and structures vary by program and school system.

Phase 1: Pre-Service Internship (4–8 Weeks)

All MAAPP programs require a pre-service internship before the candidate receives the RTL and begins teaching as the teacher of record. Per teaching-certification.com MD alternative: ‘All MAAPP programs will require you to participate in an internship through local school system that supports the respective program. Internships may last from four to eight weeks, dependent upon your school system’s requirements.’

During the internship, the candidate: shadows experienced teachers; begins learning school procedures and culture; develops initial lesson planning skills; completes orientation requirements; and demonstrates readiness to assume classroom responsibilities. After the internship, the superintendent recommends the candidate for the RTL.

Phase 2: Residency (1–3 School Years)

Once the RTL is issued, the candidate begins the full residency — teaching as the teacher of record while simultaneously completing program coursework. Per AACPS: ‘The Resident Teacher program offers a comprehensive experience that includes coursework, seminars, fieldwork, a supervised internship, and a residency lasting one to three school years at your school following the internship.’

During residency, the resident teacher:

Teaches their assigned classes as the teacher of record, with full responsibility for student learning
Completes concurrent graduate coursework through the partner university or college
Attends required seminars and professional development sessions
Receives regular observations and feedback from an assigned mentor teacher
Builds toward passing required certification assessments
Develops and refines their teaching practice with real-time classroom application

Phase 3: Transition to IPL

After completing all program requirements and receiving satisfactory evaluations, the MAAPP program and superintendent recommend the candidate to MSDE for the Initial Professional License (IPL). The candidate applies through TEACH, submits required documentation, and upon approval receives the same IPL as a traditionally trained teacher — portable to any Maryland school system and subject to standard 5-year renewal requirements.

✔ The Income Advantage: A MAAPP candidate who starts teaching in August earns a full teacher’s salary for the entire residency period. A comparable candidate who enrolled in a university MAT program would pay 12-24 months of tuition with no salary during student teaching. The financial difference over 2-3 years can easily exceed $100,000 in combined income and avoided tuition costs.

MAAPP Programs by County: Key Providers Across Maryland

MSDE approves MAAPPs across Maryland’s 24 county school systems and Baltimore City. The full directory is available at the MSDE MAAPP page and through the MSDE Program Explorer. Programs undergo a standards-based State Program Approval Peer Review on a five-year cycle. Below is a county-by-county overview of key programs, drawn from the MSDE MAAPP Directory and individual program sources.

Jurisdiction	MAAPP Program(s)	University Partner(s)	Content Areas
Anne Arundel County (AACPS)	AACC/AACPS Secondary RTC Program; AACPS/NDMU SpEd + Elementary/Secondary	Anne Arundel CC (AACC); Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU)	Secondary general; SpEd + Elementary/Secondary
Baltimore City (BCPS)	Bard-City Schools MAAPP; Urban Teacher Center; City Teaching Alliance; New Leaders	Bard College; Urban Teacher Center; City Teaching Alliance; New Leaders, Inc.	Humanities/sciences (Bard); multiple (UTC, CTA); leadership (New Leaders)
Baltimore County (BCOE)	Multiple BCOE MAAPP programs	Various university partners	Multiple content areas
Harford County	Harford MAAPP	University partner	Multiple content areas
Howard County (HCPSS)	HCPSS Resident Teacher Program	University partner	Multiple content areas
Montgomery County (MCPS)	MCPS RTC programs; Montgomery College ACET	Multiple university partners; Montgomery College	Elementary, Secondary, SpEd; multiple content areas
Prince George’s County (PGCPS)	PGCPS/NDMU SpEd + Elementary/Secondary; PGCPS Resident Teacher Program	Notre Dame of Maryland University; other partners	SpEd + Elementary/Secondary; multiple areas
Frederick County	Frederick County MAAPP	University partner	Multiple content areas
Carroll County	Carroll County MAAPP	University partner	Multiple content areas
Washington County	Washington County MAAPP	University partner	Multiple content areas
All 24 Maryland jurisdictions	See MSDE MAAPP Directory	Multiple partners	Contact MSDE MAAPP Coordinator: 410-767-5654 or [email protected]

Sources: MSDE MAAPP Directory PDF (marylandpublicschools.org/about/Documents/DEE/ProgramApproval/MAAPP/Alternative-Preparation-Program-Directory-A.pdf); AACPS alternative licensure programs; MSDE Program Explorer; research.com MD 2026.

The Anne Arundel County Programs (AACPS/AACC and NDMU)

Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) operates two distinct MAAPP programs — one for general educators in partnership with Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), and one specialized program for Special Education in partnership with Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU). AACPS’s programs are among the most thoroughly documented in Maryland and serve as a useful model for understanding the MAAPP framework.

AACC/AACPS Resident Teacher Program (General Educators)

Per the AACPS alternative licensure programs page: ‘Designed for AACPS Unit 1 conditional/provisional teachers who want to become fully licensed teachers but did not major in education.’ This is the gateway for career changers already employed by AACPS in a conditional or provisional teaching capacity.

Pathway: AACPS conditional/provisional teacher + AACC coursework
Outcome: MSDE Initial Professional License (IPL)
Experience: Coursework, seminars, fieldwork, supervised internship, and a residency of 1-3 school years
Content areas: Secondary education across multiple content areas

AACPS/NDMU SpEd + Elementary/Secondary Program

For candidates specifically interested in special education, AACPS operates a dedicated MAAPP in partnership with Notre Dame of Maryland University. Per the AACPS/NDMU RT MAAPP SpEd Information Sheet (2025-2027):

30 graduate credit hours through Notre Dame of Maryland University
Candidates hired in special education teaching positions (if all pre-service requirements met)
Required assessments: Praxis Special Education (5354), TRE Assessment (5205), edTPA
Outcome: SPC/IPL in Special Education and either Elementary Education or a Secondary content area
GPA: 3.0 or higher on most recently earned degree, OR passing score on Praxis Core
Per AACPS: ‘RT/MAAPP cohort members will be hired in special education teaching positions for the 2025-2026 school year if all pre-service requirements have been met’

Sources: AACPS alternative licensure programs (aacps.org/page/alternative-teacher-licensure-programs); AACPS/NDMU RT Info Sheet 2025-2027 (files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com).

ACPS University Partnership Program (UPP)

Per the AACPS page: ‘The Maryland Approved University Partnership Program (UPP) is a two-year program that provides support to career changers who are interested in becoming licensed classroom teachers.’ The UPP is a distinct program type from the standard MAAPP — it is a partnership model that bridges the school system and university more tightly. See Section 13 for more on UPP.

Baltimore City and County Programs

Baltimore City and Baltimore County have several notable alternative certification programs serving their large, diverse school populations.

Bard-City Schools MAAPP (Bard College)

The Bard-City Schools MAAPP is a partnership between Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) and Bard College. Per the MSDE MAAPP Directory: ‘This program earned continued State Program Approval in 2015.’ The Bard program focuses on humanities and sciences at the secondary level, drawing on Bard College’s liberal arts approach to teacher preparation.

Urban Teacher Center (UTC)

The Urban Teacher Center (UTC) operates a MAAPP within Baltimore City focused on urban school settings. The UTC program is notable for its emphasis on residency-based teacher development for high-need urban schools. UTC programs typically pair intensive field-based learning with content-specific pedagogy coursework.

City Teaching Alliance (formerly Baltimore City Teacher Residency)

City Teaching Alliance (CTA) provides a rigorous, urban-focused alternative certification pathway. The program focuses on developing teachers for Baltimore City’s highest-need schools, with an emphasis on culturally responsive teaching and data-driven instruction. The MSDE MAAPP Directory notes that CTA’s program earned continued State Program Approval in 2023.

New Leaders

New Leaders, Inc. operates a MAAPP in Maryland focused on school leadership development — relevant for candidates seeking administrator-track preparation alongside teaching certification. Per the MSDE Directory: ‘This program earned continued State Program Approval in 2016.’

Sources: MSDE MAAPP Directory (Alternative-Preparation-Program-Directory-A.pdf); research.com MD 2026.

Montgomery County and Montgomery College ACET

Montgomery County — Maryland’s largest school system — offers multiple alternative certification programs. The most distinctive is the Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers (ACET) program at Montgomery College, which represents a community college-based model unique in Maryland.

Montgomery College ACET

Per the Montgomery College ACET program page: ‘A clear, efficient pathway into the teaching profession. Upon successful completion of the residency year, you will earn the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Standard Professional Certificate I — Maryland’s initial teaching license — opening the door to a rewarding career in education.’

Program entry requirements: 3.0+ GPA in last degree earned, OR passing the Basic Skills Test (Praxis Core) AND passing the specified Content Knowledge Test (Praxis II) for the teaching area
Application: Program application form + payment required
Outcome: Standard Professional Certificate I (SPC I) / IPL upon successful completion
Current cohort status: Applications for Fall 2026 closed March 15, 2026; applications for Fall 2027 will open in Fall 2026
Distinctive: Community college-based model; notably accessible entry point compared to university-based programs

Source: Montgomery College ACET program page (montgomerycollege.edu/academics/liberal-arts-and-education/school-of-education/alternative-certification-effective-teachers.html).

MCPS Resident Teacher Programs

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) operates several MAAPP programs across content areas and grade levels through partnerships with various university partners. Contact MCPS Human Resources or the MSDE MAAPP Coordinator (410-767-5654; [email protected]) for current program availability in Montgomery County.

Prince George’s County and Other Jurisdictions

PGCPS/NDMU Programs

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) operates two programs in partnership with Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU):

RTC for Special Education and Elementary/Secondary Education: A joint PGCPS/NDMU MAAPP leading to certification in Special Education plus Elementary or Secondary. Similar in structure to the AACPS/NDMU program.
PGCPS Resident Teacher Program: A broader MAAPP for general certification across multiple content areas in partnership with various university providers

Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) Non-Degree Pathway

While not a MAAPP program per se, BCCC offers a Maryland Teacher Certification Pathway — a non-degree, non-certificate course of study for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and need to complete specific MSDE coursework requirements.

Per BCCC: ‘MSDE recognizes courses taken at Baltimore City Community College as meeting state certification requirements.’ This is valuable for candidates who have most coursework requirements met but need individual courses to complete their profile.

Sources: MSDE MAAPP Directory; learn.org Resident Teacher Certificate Programs in Maryland (Nov 2025); bccc.edu.

Pathway 2: University Partnership Programs (UPP)

The University Partnership Program (UPP) is a distinct program type within Maryland’s alternative certification framework — separate from the standard MAAPP but sharing the key feature of allowing candidates to teach during the program while completing academic preparation.

What Is the UPP?

Per AACPS: ‘The Maryland Approved University Partnership Program (UPP) is a two-year program that provides support to career changers who are interested in becoming licensed classroom teachers.’ The UPP differs from a standard MAAPP in that the university plays a more central and equal co-administrative role — the program is a true partnership rather than a school-system-led program with a university component.

Duration: Two years
Structure: Career changers teach while completing university-based coursework and professional development through a structured partnership between the school system and university
Outcome: MSDE Initial Professional License (IPL) upon successful completion of program requirements, assessments, and teaching experience
Who applies: Career changers interested in becoming licensed classroom teachers who are hired by or in the process of being hired by a participating school system

Source: AACPS alternative licensure programs page (aacps.org/page/alternative-teacher-licensure-programs).

Pathway 3: The Conditional License (CL)

The Conditional License is Maryland’s emergency pathway — issued only when a school system cannot find a certified teacher for an open position. It is the least structured and least common alternative pathway, but districts and candidates need to understand.

Conditional License (CL) — Essential Facts

ISSUED BY: MSDE at the request of the local school system — candidates cannot apply independently.

WHEN ISSUED: Only when a certified teacher cannot be found for an open position. Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MD Alternative: ‘These requests are typically made when a certified teacher cannot be found for an open position.’

DURATION: Valid for two years. Not renewable after April 1, 2024 (under the new regulatory framework) — though school systems can request NEW Conditional Licenses for qualifying employees.

DEGREE: Bachelor’s degree required.

OUTCOME: Does NOT directly lead to the IPL. The Conditional License holder must separately pursue an MAAPP, post-baccalaureate ACP, or other approved pathway to achieve full certification.

PORTABILITY: Not portable — specific to the employing school system.

STRATEGY: If you receive a Conditional License, immediately begin working toward MAAPP enrollment or a university ACP program. The 2-year window goes quickly.

Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MD Alternative (Jan 2026); MSDE Educator Licensure Overview (April 1, 2024); BTU/BCPSS Educator Licensure Overview (June 2024).

Pathway 4: Post-Baccalaureate and University-Based ACP Programs

For career changers who prefer or require a more traditional academic preparation experience before entering the classroom as the teacher of record, Maryland’s university-based post-baccalaureate ACP programs provide a structured pathway.

What Post-Baccalaureate ACPs Offer

Post-baccalaureate ACPs are university programs specifically designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field. They provide:

Structured academic preparation in pedagogy and content-specific teaching methods
Supervised student teaching (typically 12-16 weeks)
Often lead to a master’s degree (MAT — Master of Arts in Teaching) alongside certification
More comprehensive preparation before assuming teacher-of-record responsibility
Stronger national and interstate credential portability than RTL-only credentials

Key Providers in Maryland

Johns Hopkins University School of Education: Offers MAT programs in multiple content areas and grade levels. Rigorous, nationally recognized program. One of Maryland’s top choices for post-baccalaureate teacher certification.
Towson University: Multiple post-baccalaureate certification programs across content areas. Towson’s MSDE Certification page provides specific Praxis requirements for secondary licensure.
University of Maryland, College Park: Various teacher education programs for career changers including post-baccalaureate routes.
Morgan State University: Teacher preparation programs with focus on urban education and diverse student populations.
Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU): Both MAAPP partnership programs (with AACPS and PGCPS) and independent post-baccalaureate certification routes.
Loyola University Maryland: Teacher education programs including certification-only options for those with existing degrees.
Coppin State University: Urban-focused teacher preparation programs; serves Baltimore City, area candidates.

Sources: MSDE Approved Programs (marylandpublicschools.org/about/pages/dee/program-approval/maryland-approved-programs.aspx); Towson University MSDE Certification page; research.com MD 2026; teachercertificationdegrees.com MD (March 2026).

Pathway 5: Professional and Technical Education (PTE) Certification

Maryland’s Professional and Technical Education (PTE) certification is specifically designed for professionals in vocational and technical fields who want to teach career and technical education subjects. This pathway recognizes real-world professional expertise as the foundation for CTE teaching.

PTE Eligibility

Bachelor’s degree: Required in a relevant professional field
Professional experience: At least 3 years of full-time professional experience in the occupational field to be taught
Professional license: Where applicable in the occupation (e.g., licensed electrician, registered nurse, professional engineer)
Assessment exception: Per research.com MD 2026: ‘Professional and Technical Education candidates without a bachelor’s degree are exempt from the basic skills test’ — though candidates with degrees must comply with all standard requirements

PTE Content Areas

Maryland’s PTE certification covers a broad range of CTE subject areas including: Agricultural Education; Business and Information Technology; Construction and Development; Engineering and Technology; Environmental and Natural Resources; Health Occupations; Marketing; Trade and Industrial Education; and JROTC. Contact the MSDE or your local school system’s CTE division for the current approved content area list and specific entry requirements for your field.

Sources: research.com MD 2026; MSDE certification guidelines; teachercertificationdegrees.com MD (March 2026).

Special Education Alternative Certification in Detail

Special education is Maryland’s most acutely understaffed certification area. The state has responded by developing dedicated MAAPP programs specifically targeting SpEd alternative certification, including several high-quality programs that are actively recruiting candidates.

Why SpEd Alternative Certification Is Critical

Per the U.S. Department of Education shortage area designations for Maryland (2023-24): Special Education is a designated shortage area at all grade levels. In 2021-22, Maryland had thousands of SpEd positions either unfilled or filled by out-of-field or underqualified teachers.

The IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) requires that SpEd teachers hold full state certification — there is no emergency certificate option for SpEd in Maryland, making alternative route programs the primary pathway for addressing the shortage.

The AACPS/NDMU and PGCPS/NDMU SpEd Programs

Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) has become the key university partner for special education alternative preparation in Maryland, through two active MAAPPs:

AACPS/NDMU RT MAAPP — SpEd Cohort: 30 graduate credit hours through NDMU; hire in SpEd positions (2025-2026 cohort for AACPS); required assessments include Praxis SpEd 5354, TRE 5205, and edTPA; outcome: IPL in Special Education + Elementary or Secondary content area; GPA 3.0+ OR passing Praxis Core
PGCPS/NDMU — SpEd and Elementary/Secondary: Similar structure in Prince George’s County; certification in SpEd + one content area; NDMU graduate coursework

Sources: AACPS/NDMU RT MAAPP SpEd Info Sheet 2025-2027; MSDE MAAPP Directory; learn.org Resident Teacher Programs Maryland.

Special Education Assessment Requirements

All SpEd alternative certification candidates must pass:

Praxis Special Education: Core Knowledge and Mild to Moderate Applications (5354)
Praxis TRE Assessment — Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205), because SpEd teachers must demonstrate reading instruction competency
edTPA or PPAT (from July 1, 2025) — all certification candidates
Praxis Core OR 3.0 GPA (basic skills requirement)

Assessment Requirements for Alternative Certification Candidates

All Maryland alternative certification candidates must pass the same assessments as traditional certification candidates. The requirements are identical regardless of which pathway is used — MAAPP, Conditional License, or post-baccalaureate ACP.

Complete Assessment Requirements

Assessment	Requirement	How to Meet It
Basic Skills (Praxis Core)	Required unless exempt	Either: pass Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Reading, Writing, Mathematics) OR hold a 3.0+ GPA on most recently earned degree (GPA option exempts from Praxis Core)
Content Knowledge (Praxis II)	Required for all candidates	Pass the Praxis II Subject Assessment for your specific certification area. Full list at MSDE Licensure Assessments page.
Pedagogy Assessment	Required for all candidates	From July 1, 2025: edTPA or PPAT. Prior to July 1, 2025: Praxis PLT also accepted.
Reading Instruction (TRE 5205)	Required for EC, Elementary, SpEd, ESOL	Pass Praxis TRE #5205 (Teaching Reading: Elementary). MSDE recognizes this for meeting the science of reading requirement.
Score reporting to MSDE	All Praxis scores auto-reported	If testing at a Maryland test center or at home with Maryland profile address, scores automatically sent to MSDE. Otherwise, use ETS recipient code for MSDE.

Sources: HCPSS Educator Licensure page — TRE 5205 required since Sept 1, 2019 for EC/Elementary/SpEd/ESOL; Towson University MSDE Certification — 3.0 GPA exempts from Praxis Core; ETS Praxis Maryland overview; research.com MD 2026 — July 2025 edTPA/PPAT.

The July 2025 edTPA/PPAT Mandate

The most important recent change to assessment requirements for all Maryland teacher certification candidates — including all alternative route candidates — is the July 1, 2025 replacement of the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam with performance-based assessments.

July 1, 2025: edTPA or PPAT Required — PLT No Longer Accepted

BEFORE July 1, 2025: Candidates could fulfill the pedagogy assessment requirement by passing the Praxis PLT.

FROM July 1, 2025 ONWARD: ALL certification candidates — including MAAPP, UPP, Conditional License, and post-baccalaureate ACP candidates — must complete either the edTPA or PPAT.

edTPA: Portfolio-based assessment; candidates document and video-record their teaching across three tasks (planning, instruction, assessment); submitted to Pearson for external scoring; register at edtpa.com.

PPAT: ETS Performance Assessment for Beginning Teachers; similar portfolio structure; register at ets.org/ppat.

FLEXIBLE PATHWAY EXCEPTION: For candidates employed in Maryland LEAs, an effective rating on a year-end formal evaluation may also fulfill the pedagogy assessment requirement (MSDE Educator Licensure Overview, April 2024).

NBCT EXCEPTION: Holding a National Board Certification from NBPTS also fulfills the pedagogy assessment requirement.

IMPORTANT FOR MAAPP CANDIDATES: This means all RTL holders completing their program after July 1, 2025 must complete edTPA or PPAT — coordinate with your program director on timeline.

Sources: HCPSS Educator Licensure page — July 1, 2025 effective date; PLT not accepted after July 1, 2025; research.com MD 2026; MSDE Educator Licensure Overview (April 2024).

Criminal Background Check and TEACH Portal Application

Criminal Background Check

All candidates hired by a Maryland school system must complete a criminal history background check before beginning regular classroom responsibilities. Per teaching-certification.com: “Once hired by a Maryland school system, all prospective Maryland teachers must submit to a criminal history background check.” This applies to all alternative certification candidates from day one of employment.

Process: Typically initiated through the hiring school system’s HR department; fingerprinting through a Maryland-approved vendor
Cost: Varies by county and vendor
Timing: Complete before or upon employment; required for issuance of the RTL and all other licenses

Applying Through TEACH

When transitioning from the RTL to the IPL at program completion, candidates apply through the TEACH Dashboard at certificationhub.msde.maryland.gov. Key steps:

Access TEACH Dashboard. Log in at certificationhub.msde.maryland.gov. Create an account if you do not have one.
Submit Renewal/Advancement Application. Select the appropriate application type for transitioning from the Resident Teacher License to the Initial Professional License.
Upload supporting documentation. Official transcripts; Praxis test scores; edTPA or PPAT results; program completion verification; background check clearance.
Superintendent/program recommendation. Your MAAPP program and the employing superintendent must submit their recommendation to MSDE confirming your successful completion.
Pay MSDE fee. $10 fee for license issuance.
Receive IPL. MSDE processes and issues the Initial Professional License, accessible electronically through TEACH.

Sources: MSDE TEACH portal (certificationhub.msde.maryland.gov); Montgomery County Schools RTC page — $10 fee; teachercertification.com MD alternative; HCPSS Educator Licensure page.

Salary, Benefits, and Financial Incentives

Teacher Salary in Maryland

Metric	Data	Source
Average teacher salary (2024-25)	$74,260	NEA 2025; 9th nationally
National average (2024-25)	$72,030	NEA 2025
Maryland starting salary (approx.)	$50,000-$58,000 (varies by county)	NEA; district salary schedules
Montgomery County (top end)	Some of highest salaries nationally	MCPS salary schedule
Alternative cert teachers	Same salary schedule as traditional teachers	All MAAPP teachers paid on standard scale

Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MD (March 2026) — $74,260 avg; 9th nationally; NEA 2025.

Program Cost and School System Subsidy

One of the most financially significant features of MAAPP programs is school system cost coverage. Per LangCred: ‘Often the local school system (LSS) that sponsors the MAAPP covers much of the cost of the MAAPP itself.’ This means many MAAPP candidates:

Pay no or minimal program tuition
Earn a full teacher’s salary from the beginning of the residency
May receive tuition and Praxis fee reimbursement (AACPS explicitly offers ‘direct billing, tuition/praxis fee reimbursement, Praxis prep support and other college resources’ per the AACPS CTCP&T workshop description)
Avoid the debt that traditional MAT programs often require

Federal Loan Programs

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): All Maryland public school teachers employed by school systems (government employers) qualify. After 120 qualifying monthly payments, the remaining federal loan balance is forgiven tax-free. Enroll on Day 1 at studentaid.gov/pslf.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness: Up to $17,500 for SpEd, Mathematics, and Science teachers after 5 consecutive years at a Title I school; $5,000 for other shortage areas. Visit studentaid.gov.
TEACH Grants: Up to $4,000/year for education students committing to teach in shortage areas. Visit studentaid.gov/teach-grant.
Maryland SLARP: State-funded Stafford Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Maryland teachers in critical shortage areas. Contact Maryland Higher Education Commission at mhec.maryland.gov.

High-Demand Teaching Areas and Shortage Data

Understanding Maryland’s shortage areas helps alternative certification candidates make strategic decisions about which content area and which program to pursue — both for employment prospects and for access to financial incentives.

22.1 Maryland Teacher Shortage Areas (2023-24)

Per the U.S. Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area report for 2023-24 and MSDE data:

Special Education: All levels (K-12) — critical; highest urgency; most MAAPP programs specifically target SpEd
Mathematics: Secondary — high demand nationally and in Maryland
Science: Secondary (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) — high demand
Computer Science: All levels — growing rapidly
World Languages: Multiple languages; critical in districts with diverse student populations
English Language Learners (ESL/ESOL): K-12 — growing demand particularly in Baltimore, PG County, Montgomery County
Career and Technical Education (CTE): Multiple subject areas — PTE certification pathway specifically addresses this

Financial Incentives for Shortage Area Teachers

Shortage Area	Financial Incentive Available	Amount
Special Education	Teacher Loan Forgiveness ($17,500) + PSLF + TEACH Grant	Up to $17,500 TLF + potential full remaining federal loan balance via PSLF
Mathematics (secondary)	Teacher Loan Forgiveness ($17,500 at Title I) + PSLF	Same as SpEd
Science (secondary)	Teacher Loan Forgiveness ($17,500 at Title I) + PSLF	Same as SpEd
All shortage areas	PSLF (after 10 years public service)	Remaining federal loan balance, tax-free
All shortage areas	TEACH Grant (while enrolled in program)	Up to $4,000/year
All shortage areas	Maryland SLARP (state program)	Contact MHEC for current amounts

Sources: U.S. DOE Teacher Shortage Area report 2023-24 (tsa.ed.gov); studentaid.gov; mhec.maryland.gov.

How to Choose the Right Alternative Certification Pathway

With multiple alternative pathways available, choosing the right one requires honest self-assessment of timeline, financial situation, content area, location, and career goals.

Your Situation	Best Pathway	First Step
I want to start earning a teacher’s salary as soon as possible; I have a non-education BA	MAAPP / Resident Teacher License	Contact the HR department of your target county school system; ask about current MAAPP openings in your content area; review MSDE MAAPP Directory
I want to teach Special Education; I have a BA in any field	AACPS/NDMU or PGCPS/NDMU SpEd MAAPP	Contact AACPS HR (Anne Arundel) or PGCPS HR (Prince George’s) for current cohort openings; also contact MSDE MAAPP Coordinator (410-767-5654)
I have a BA and want full academic preparation before teaching; can afford 12-18 months without full salary	Post-baccalaureate ACP or MAT (Johns Hopkins, Towson, UMD)	Apply to MSDE-approved university programs; compare Johns Hopkins MAT, Towson post-bacc, UMD programs
I have 3+ years of professional/vocational experience and want to teach CTE	Professional and Technical Education (PTE)	Contact MSDE Division of Educator Certification ([email protected]) for PTE-specific requirements in your field
I have been hired by a Maryland school system that told me I need alternative certification	Conditional License (school system initiates); simultaneously apply to MAAPP	Work with school system HR; they will initiate the Conditional License; immediately apply to an MAAPP program
I want to teach in Baltimore City specifically	Bard-City MAAPP, City Teaching Alliance, or Urban Teacher Center (UTC)	Contact BCPSS HR directly; review City Teaching Alliance (cityteachingalliance.org) and Bard program sites
I want a community college-based alternative program in Montgomery County	Montgomery College ACET	Visit montgomerycollege.edu/acet; note next cohort opens Fall 2026 for Fall 2027 start

Maryland Alternative Teacher Certification: FAQs

What is the MAAPP and how is it different from a traditional teacher prep program?

The Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Program (MAAPP) is an MSDE-approved teacher preparation pathway jointly administered by a local school system and a college, university, or nonprofit. Unlike traditional programs where candidates complete coursework and student teaching before being certified, MAAPP candidates are hired as paid teachers almost immediately and complete concurrent coursework during the residency. The Resident Teacher License (RTL) allows them to teach while preparing — earning a full salary throughout. The resulting credential (Initial Professional License) is identical to that earned through traditional preparation.

Do MAAPP teachers earn the same salary as traditionally certified teachers?

Yes. MAAPP candidates who hold the Resident Teacher License are employed as regular teachers and placed on the standard district salary schedule. They earn the same salary as any other teacher with equivalent experience and education level. There is no reduced ‘trainee’ pay rate. Additionally, school systems often cover or reimburse program tuition and Praxis fees, making MAAPP financially advantageous compared to paying for a traditional MAT program.

Is the Resident Teacher License (RTL) portable?

No. While you hold the RTL, you can only teach in the school system that sponsors your MAAPP — it is not transferable to other Maryland school systems or to other states. Once you complete the MAAPP and receive the Initial Professional License (IPL), that credential is portable to other Maryland school systems and may be recognized through reciprocity agreements with other states.

What is the difference between an MAAPP and a Conditional License?

An MAAPP is a structured preparation program jointly run by a school system and university partner, leading to the Resident Teacher License and ultimately the IPL. It includes coursework, mentoring, and a defined program. A Conditional License is an emergency credential issued when a school system cannot find a certified teacher for an open position — it requires no program enrollment and does not lead to the IPL on its own. The Conditional License is a 2-year stopgap; MAAPP is a 2-3 year pathway to full certification. Many teachers who receive a Conditional License are encouraged to simultaneously enroll in a MAAPP.

What assessments do I need to pass for Maryland alternative certification?

All Maryland alternative certification candidates must pass: (1) Basic skills — Praxis Core OR 3.0 GPA on most recently earned degree; (2) Content knowledge — Praxis II Subject Assessment for the specific teaching area; (3) Pedagogy — from July 1, 2025, edTPA or PPAT performance-based assessment (PLT no longer accepted); (4) Reading instruction — Praxis TRE #5205 for Early Childhood, Elementary, ESOL, and Special Education candidates. These requirements are identical for MAAPP, UPP, Conditional License, and post-baccalaureate ACP candidates.

How do I find a MAAPP program in my county?

Review the MSDE Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Programs Directory at marylandpublicschools.org/about/Documents/DEE/ProgramApproval/MAAPP/Alternative-Preparation-Program-Directory-A.pdf. Contact the MSDE MAAPP Coordinator at 410-767-5654 or [email protected] for guidance. Individual program contacts are listed in the directory. Also contact your target county school system’s HR department directly — they can tell you which MAAPP programs are currently active and accepting candidates.

Can I do a Maryland alternative certification program online?

Some programs offer partially or fully online coursework delivery. The BCCC Teacher Certification Pathway allows individual courses online. Some university ACP programs have hybrid or online delivery. For MAAPP programs specifically, the coursework component may be partially online, but the teaching residency component is always in-person at a school. Contact specific programs to understand their current delivery format. Online semester credit courses from regionally accredited universities are accepted for Maryland certification purposes.

Maryland Alternative Teacher Certification: Conclusion

Maryland’s alternative teacher certification system — anchored by the MAAPP/Resident Teacher License framework, supported by post-baccalaureate university programs, and reinforced by the Conditional License and PTE pathway — is one of the most accessible, financially advantageous, and thoroughly structured alternative certification systems in the United States.

With more than 20 MSDE-approved programs across all 24 county school systems and Baltimore City, career changers in every region of Maryland can find a pathway that matches their content area, schedule, and financial situation.

The financial case for the MAAPP pathway is particularly compelling: full teacher’s salary from near day one, school system-covered program costs in many programs, potential Praxis fee reimbursement, access to federal loan forgiveness programs, and a credential that is identical to that earned by traditionally trained teachers.

For candidates willing to commit to the demanding concurrent schedule of teaching and coursework, the MAAPP is the fastest and most financially efficient path to full Maryland teacher certification.

The July 2025 edTPA/PPAT requirement represents the most significant recent change — all alternative certification candidates completing programs after July 1, 2025 must complete a performance-based pedagogy assessment rather than the former PLT exam. This change increases the bar for demonstrating teaching readiness, but it also produces a more meaningful credential that captures authentic classroom performance.

Start your Maryland alternative certification journey at marylandpublicschools.org, explore the MSDE Program Explorer, review the MAAPP Directory, and contact the MSDE MAAPP Coordinator at [email protected] or 410-767-5654. Maryland’s 1,616+ unfilled positions and students across 24 counties are waiting for qualified, dedicated educators.