Maryland Substitute Teaching License
Substitute teaching is a great way to test the waters of the Maryland state educational system and see if teaching is the right profession for you. The Maryland State Department of Education does not require a license or permit for substitute teachers. Each school system in Maryland has its own substitute teacher requirements. Links to all 24 Maryland public school systems may be found here. Request a substitute teacher application directly from the school in which you are interested.
Want to learn how to earn a professional teaching certification? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Maryland.
Sponsored School(s)
Depending upon your school system, you may get to choose the school and/or grade levels for which you’d like to substitute.
Daily pay rates for substitutes vary from one district to another, but are in the range of $60 to $90 per day for a non-degreed substitute, and $85 to $100 per day for a degreed substitute. Long-term substitute positions often pay higher rates.
Education Requirements
Education requirements for Maryland substitute teachers vary from one school system to the next. You must provide the school system with an official high school transcript or proof that you have obtained at least a high school diploma or GED. Some districts may require that you have a college degree, or are at least in the process of getting a degree, in which case you must submit official college transcripts to the district. Most districts insist that substitutes are at least 18 years old, and some require high school substitutes to be at least 21 years old.
Experience
Service as a day-to-day substitute teacher does not count as credit towards a Maryland teacher certificate. If you work as a long-term substitute for at least three months in the same assignment, that time will count towards your Maryland teacher certificate. Some districts also have Substitute Recommendation forms that a fellow teacher or administrator may complete so as to recommend you for teacher certification and/or a full-time position within the district.
Criminal History Background Check
All prospective Maryland substitute teachers must submit to a criminal history background check. Complete an Application for Criminal History Records Check from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. This will be provided to you by your school system. You’ll also be required to sign a complete Disclosure Statement in which you must disclose any criminal history.
As part of the background check, you will be required to submit to fingerprinting through one of these approved Maryland fingerprinting locations and pay the fees associated with fingerprinting services. Your application will be processed through the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and results will be forwarded to MDSE.
Deadlines
Application deadlines for substitute teachers vary from district to district. Consult your local school system to obtain their guidelines.
Contact Information
Contact your local school system for information about becoming a substitute teacher in Maryland.
