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. 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 certification page.
Prospective teachers in Baltimore who hold a bachelor’s degree but did not complete 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 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 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 (BCPS). In order 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 iRecruitment system or via email to set up interviews. 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 interview and a recommendation to hire, candidates must complete the hiring process with the BCPS Human Capital Office, which is the district’s final hiring authority.
Contact Information
Baltimore City Public Schools
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baltcityschools
Twitter: https://twitter.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 must have completed 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 who hold state certification to teach.
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
Average annual Baltimore teacher salaries are comparable to or slightly lower than Maryland teacher salaries but are higher than national averages.1,2,3 In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metropolitan area, secondary school teachers earn the most at an average of $69,910 compared to $72,610 in the state overall and $64,340 nationally.1,2,3 The greatest difference in pay is among middle school teachers, who earn an average of $64,210 in Baltimore while the statewide average is $69,710.1,2 Kindergarten teachers earn an average of $72,500 and elementary school teachers earn an average of $70,990 in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, which are comparable to state averages ($67,170 and $71,060) respectively.1,2
The Maryland Department of Labor projects job growth for select K-12 teaching occupations through 2026, with growth primarily reflected in special education occupations.1 Job growth for kindergarten, elementary, middle school, and secondary teachers is expected to be less than one percent during this time period, but openings should be available as current teachers leave the workforce.1
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 that has been 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 be sure to check with state education agencies, your selected education program, and your student loan providers about funding options. During the 2017-2018 school year, the Maryland State Department of Education declared the following statewide teacher shortage areas:5
- 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.6
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
- Baltimore County Public Schools
- Baltimore City Public Schools
Additional Resources
- Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS): 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: What is the average Baltimore teacher salary?
Answer: In Baltimore, elementary school teachers earn an average of $70,990, middle school teachers earn an average of $64,210, and secondary school teachers earn an average of $69,910.1 These salaries may vary based on factors including education and experience, as well as the type of school (public, private, or charter) in which the teacher is employed.
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 long-term substitute assignments must have a bachelor’s degree. In order 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 Maryland State Department of Education.
Table Notes and References:
1. Niche, Largest Schools in Baltimore: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/largest-schools/t/baltimore-md/
References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_12580.htm#25-0000
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Maryland: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_md.htm#25-0000
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, United States: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#25-0000
4. Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Baltimore City Workforce Region Occupational Projections 2020-2030: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/lmi/iandoproj/wias.shtml
5. Maryland Department of Education Teacher Staffing Report: https://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Documents/DEE/ProgramApproval/MarylandTeacherStaffingReport20162018.pdf
6. US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas Nationwide Listing: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/pol/bteachershortageareasreport201718.pdf