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Maryland requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The degree can be in any field and does not need to be in education. Official transcripts must be provided as part of the certification application process through the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
All substitute teacher candidates in Maryland must undergo a comprehensive criminal background check, including fingerprinting processed through the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and the FBI. Maryland also requires a review of the candidate's record on the state child abuse and neglect registry. Background clearance must be obtained before any classroom assignment.
Substitute teachers in Maryland must be at least 18 years of age. Given the bachelor's degree requirement, most candidates will be at least 21 or 22 years of age upon application.
Candidates apply for a substitute teaching certificate through the MSDE online educator certification system. The application requires official transcripts, background check results, and payment of the applicable fee. After receiving state certification, candidates must also apply with individual school districts to be placed on their substitute teacher roster.
Maryland issues a substitute teaching certificate through the Maryland State Department of Education. This certificate authorizes the holder to serve as a substitute teacher in any Maryland public school. The certificate is valid for five years and must be renewed before expiration. Holders of a valid Maryland professional teaching certificate do not need a separate substitute certificate.
Maryland does not require specific state-mandated training hours for substitute teachers, but individual districts often require orientation sessions. These sessions typically cover school safety protocols, district policies, student management strategies, and use of educational technology platforms. Some districts offer paid training days for substitute teachers.
For more information, visit the Maryland State Department of Education Certification page.
Our courses are designed to help you meet all the requirements for substitute teacher training.