How to Become a Teacher in Baltimore
Public school teachers in Baltimore are employed by the Baltimore City Public Schools district and must hold Maryland teacher certification issued by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Becoming certified requires completing a bachelor’s degree and teacher preparation program and passing the state’s exams for prospective teachers. Candidates for teaching jobs in Baltimore private and charter schools might not be required to hold Maryland teacher certification, but must usually have at least a bachelor’s degree. Continue reading to learn more about job opportunities in Baltimore’s K-12 schools.
Baltimore Teacher Certification Requirements
All prospective teachers in Maryland must complete a bachelor’s degree, an approved teacher preparation program, and successfully pass the Basic Skills test and any necessary content and pedagogy tests related to the age range and teachable subjects sought. Applications for teacher certification can be completed using the online application. To learn more about the traditional path to teaching in Maryland, view our Maryland teacher certification page.
Prospective teachers in Baltimore who hold a bachelor’s degree but have not completed teacher preparation may pursue alternative teacher certification, which may allow candidates to hold a teaching job while completing teacher education requirements. It may also be possible to earn a teaching certificate if you have extensive subject knowledge in an approved secondary school subject. More information about the alternative path to certification can be found through our Maryland alternative teaching certification resource.
Teacher Certification Programs in Baltimore
The following colleges and universities in Baltimore have state-approved teacher preparation programs that can prepare you for certification or additional endorsements if you already hold certification. You can also read more about teacher preparation programs statewide on our Maryland education schools page.
- Coppin State University
- Goucher College
- Johns Hopkins University
- Maryland Institute College of Art
- Morgan State University
- Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Stevenson University
- Towson State University
- University of Baltimore
- University of Maryland-Baltimore
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Baltimore School District Steps for Becoming a Teacher
Teacher hiring is overseen by Baltimore City Public Schools. To become a regular classroom teacher, you must have a Maryland teaching certificate and follow a multi-step process, which is outlined below.
Step 1: Complete an online profile.
To be considered for Baltimore City Public Schools jobs, you first need to complete an online profile, which includes three essay questions. You must also provide a resume, college transcripts, Praxis scores, proof of valid teaching certificate, and three professional references. You will then complete a telephone interview with the district’s human resources team before being accepted into the teacher applicant pool.
Step 2: Be interviewed by a school leader or panel.
Once you have applied for open positions, school leaders may contact you directly through the online system or via email to set up an interview. You will likely be invited to complete an interview with a school leader. If the interview goes well, the school leader will send a recommendation to hire to the school board for the position and your qualifications will be verified.
Step 3: Complete the hiring process.
Following the successful interview, candidates must complete the hiring process with the Baltimore City Public Schools Human Capital Office, the district’s final hiring authority.
Contact Information
Baltimore City Public Schools
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baltcityschools
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/BaltCitySchools
200 E North Ave
Baltimore, MD 21202
(443) 984-2000
https://www.baltimorecityschools.org
How to Become a Substitute Teacher with the Baltimore School District
To be eligible to work as a short-term substitute teacher with Baltimore City Public Schools, candidates must possess a high school diploma, pass a criminal background check and medical clearance, and complete a minimum of 30 college credits. Candidates for long-term assignments must have a bachelor’s degree. In addition, prospective Baltimore substitute teachers must provide two professional references and complete an interview. To apply, complete the online application. If you are selected, you will be required to attend a mandatory orientation session to prepare for your first assignment.
Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements in Baltimore
Teaching positions with private or charter schools in Baltimore may have different requirements than those with the Baltimore City Public Schools. Private and charter schools may hire candidates who do not have Maryland teacher certification but do have at least a bachelor’s degree. However, some schools prefer to hire candidates with state certification.
The Largest K-12 Schools in Baltimore
The following table is designed to help you compare the largest public, private, and charter schools in Baltimore that may be hiring qualified teachers.
| School | Type | Grade Level | # Students | Student-Teacher Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roland Park Elementary/Middle School | Public | PK-8 | 1,415 | 20:1 |
| Leith Walk Elementary School | Public | PK-8 | 1,166 | 19:1 |
| Commodore John Rogers Elementary School | Public | PK-8 | 881 | 18:1 |
| Perry Hall Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 1,895 | 17:1 |
| Franklin Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 1,298 | 17:1 |
| Merganthaler Vocational-Technical High School | Public | 9-12 | 1,641 | 16:1 |
| Baltimore Polytechnic Institute | Public | 9-12 | 1,552 | 20:1 |
| Baltimore City College | Public | 9-12 | 1,310 | 20:1 |
| KIPP Harmony Academy | Charter | K-8 | 1,522 | 18:1 |
| Monarch Academy Public Charter School | Charter | K-8 | 1,012 | 18:1 |
| Green Street Academy | Charter | 6-12 | 807 | 17:1 |
| Bais Yaakov School for Girls | Private | PK-12 | 1,517 | 7:1 |
| Calvert Hall College High School | Private | 9-12 | 1,163 | 11:1 |
| Talmudical Academy of Baltimore | Private | PK-12 | 1,052 | 14:1 |
See Table Notes and References at bottom of page.
Baltimore Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
During the 2020-2021 school year, first-year teachers at Baltimore City Public Schools started at a minimum annual salary of $51,552 but those with advanced credentials or qualifications may receive higher salaries.1 Teachers also receive higher salaries commensurate with experience, along with stipends for duties considered beyond the scope of their contract.1
The table below compares various classroom teaching roles in Baltimore by the total number employed, median annual salary, 90th percentile annual salary, and 10-year job growth projections. Note SPED is an abbreviation for special education.
| Teacher type | # Employed2 | Median Annual Salary2 | 90th Percentile Annual Salary2 | Proj. Job Growth 2022-323 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | 1,080 | $59,750 | $97,670 | 0% |
| Elementary School Teachers | 11,030 | $62,340 | $100,030 | 0.1% |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, SPED | 1,150 | $63,400 | $104,360 | -0.1% |
| Middle School Teachers | 5,480 | $76,410 | $102,410 | 0.4% |
| Middle School Teachers, SPED | 1,260 | $76,250 | $100,480 | -0.1% |
| Secondary School Teachers | 7,190 | $75,350 | $101,130 | 0.4% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education | 450 | $81,320 | $104,480 | -0.1% |
| Secondary School Teachers, SPED | 1,020 | $65,580 | $104,350 | 0% |
Baltimore Teacher Shortage Areas
The US Department of Education bases some student loan forgiveness programs on teacher shortage areas, meaning that your chances of qualifying for loan forgiveness may be stronger if you are teaching a subject formally identified as a shortage area. You may also qualify for other funding opportunities or a more competitive salary based on your endorsement(s). Note that shortage areas may change from year to year, so you should check with state education agencies, your selected education program, and your student loan providers about funding options. During the 2017-2018 school year, the MSDE declared the following statewide teacher shortage areas:4
- Art (PreK-12)
- Blind and Visually Impaired
- Business Education (7-12)
- Computer Science (7-12)
- Dance (PreK-12)
- English (7-12)
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (PreK-12)
- English/Language Arts (4-9)
- Family and Consumer Sciences (7-12)
- French (PreK-12)
- Hearing Impaired
- Infant/Primary Special Education (Birth-3)
- Mathematics (4-12)
- Science (7-12)
- Social Studies (4-9)
- Secondary Special Education (6-Adult)
- Spanish (PreK-12)
- Special Education (1-8)
- Technology Education (7-12)
In addition, both Baltimore City and Baltimore County are areas of geographic teacher shortage as identified by the US Department of Education.5
Baltimore Teaching Jobs Boards
Look for open positions and job requirements on Baltimore teacher job boards. Here are a few to help you in your job search.
- Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS)
- Baltimore City Public Schools
- Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS)
Additional Resources
- Baltimore City Public Schools: The public school district for K-12 schools in Baltimore.
- Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU): Union representing public school teachers and other eligible employees in Baltimore’s public schools.
- Teachers Association of Baltimore County (TABCO): A membership organization for teachers and others working in Baltimore’s schools that provides professional assistance and advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do you become a substitute teacher in Baltimore?
Answer: Prospective substitute teachers in Baltimore City must have a high school diploma and at least 30 college credit hours. Candidates seeking special education substitute assignments must have a bachelor’s degree in special education or a related service field. To be considered for substitute positions, you must apply to Baltimore City Public Schools online.
Question: Do you need a teaching certificate to teach in Baltimore?
Answer: If you are seeking a short-term substitute position or a position with a private school, a Maryland teaching certificate might not be required. However, for all regular K-12 public school teaching positions, you will need an appropriate teaching certificate issued by the MSDE.
Table Notes and References:
1. Niche, Largest Schools in Baltimore: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/largest-schools/t/baltimore-md/
References:
1. Baltimore City Public Schools: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_12580.htm#25-0000
3. Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Baltimore City Workforce Region Occupational Projections 2022-2032: https://labor.maryland.gov/lmi/iandoproj/maryland.shtml
4. Maryland Department of Education Teacher Staffing Report: https://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Documents/DEE/ProgramApproval/MarylandTeacherStaffingReport20162018.pdf
5. US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas Nationwide Listing: https://www.ed.gov/teaching-and-administration/professional-development/teacher-shortage-areas