The Division of Certification and Accreditation
was created in 1970.
This division certifies teachers and other professional
personnel; oversees the preparation and assessment
of candidates for principalship; and approves
the educational programs of nonpublic schools.
Under the division are three branches: Certification,
Nonpublic School Approval, and Program Approval
and Assessment.
Certification Branch
The Certification Branch was formed in 1981.
The branch certifies teachers, specialists
and administrators employed in public and
private schools, other state institutions
and the general public.
Nonpublic Schools Approval
Branch
The Nonpublic Schools Approval Branch began
operation in 1948 as the Nonpublic Schools
Accreditation Branch. It received its current
name in 1994. The branch approves the educational
programs of nonpublic nursery schools, kindergartens,
elementary schools, middle schools, secondary
schools, schools for the disabled, and entities
licensed by other state agencies, such as
the Department of Juvenile Justice. The branch
also registers church-operated nonpublic schools
and other nonpublic entities who are not approved
or supervised by the State Board of Education
or a local board of education. The branch
also publishes the annual Directory of Approved
Nonpublic Schools in Maryland.
Program Approval and
Assessment Branch
The Program Approval and Assessment Branch
began in 1981 as a part of the Teacher Education
and Certification Branch and reorganized under
its present name in 1994. The Program Approval
and Assessment Branch evaluates and approves
programs to educate teachers and prepare other
professionally-certified personnel. The branch
also coordinates certification assessment
of teacher and principal candidates.
Professional Standards & Teacher Education
Board
The Professional Standards and Teacher Education
Board originated in 1971 as an advisory board
established by the State Board of Education.
It was authorized by statute in 1991 (Chapter
662, Acts of 1991). With the State Board of
Education, the Professional Standards and
Teacher Education Board sets the standards
and regulations by which teachers and other
professionals are prepared and licensed for
Maryland public schools. The board's twenty-five
members are appointed to three-year terms
by the Governor with Senate advice and consent
(Code Education Article, §6-701 through
§6-708).
State Teacher Education
Council
The State Teacher Education Council was formed
by the State Superintendent of Schools in
1984. Then, it was known as the State Coordinating
Council on Field Experiences. Under its present
name, the State Teacher Education Council
reorganized in April 1992. The council advises
the State Superintendent on current issues
and promising practices in teacher education.
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Contact Information
Division of Certification and Accreditation
Maryland State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
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Approved Programs
Currently there are 23
institutions of higher education (4 year)
with Maryland approved programs. For
a complete listing, click here.
State Requirements
Required Reading Course
Work
In July 1998, the State
Board of Education increased the number of
reading credits for teachers at all educational
levels. Certificate holders with certification
in early childhood education, elementary education,
and special education at those levels are
required to complete 12 semester hours in
reading. Certificate holders with certification
in a secondary content are, special education
at that level, and N-12 disciplines are required
to complete 6 semester hours in reading. For
a complete listing of approved reading course
work, click here. (Adobe Acrobat Format,
requires the Free Adobe Acrobat reader).
Alternative to Completing
Course Work
Applicants or current
certificate holders with certification in
early childhood, elementary, or special education
at the early childhood and elementary levels
may test out of the reading requirement (12
semester hours) by meeting the qualifying
score on the above Praxis II assessment.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON: MAYLAND
TEACHER CERTIFICATION
