High school teachers are responsible for ensuring the country’s youth is ready for their futures in higher education, military service, and the workforce. High school teachers are taking part in a vocation that truly serves our nation and makes a difference. Maryland seeks more quality individuals to help guide and lead their youth.
The average high school teacher salary in Maryland as of May 2023 was $78,580. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Teachers of Tomorrow will cover Maryland’s high school teaching salaries in different settings across the state. We’ll also outline the steps required to become a high school teacher in Maryland, including alternative teacher certification options.
What Is a High School Teacher?
High school teachers in Maryland work with students in grades 9-12, ages 14-18. Teachers at this level instruct in specific subject areas, like English, mathematics, social studies, or biology. They help students think critically and independently while encouraging discovery and innovative problem-solving.
High school teachers often take on other responsibilities, such as leading after-school activities, writing recommendation letters, and fundraising for special school outings and enrichment opportunities.
- Creativity: Teachers must design innovative and engaging lessons to hold students’ attention during these modern times. Embracing and integrating technology uniquely and encouraging collaboration is instrumental to helping students approach learning in new ways.
- Leadership: High school students are faced with tough choices and challenging situations. They look to teachers for guidance on navigating their options and handling difficult circumstances.
- Compassion: High schoolers need empathy as they face tough decisions and work towards achieving their goals. High school is often when teens are asked to take on pretty adult responsibilities at home and join the workforce. They need teachers to try to understand the challenges they face outside of school and in the classroom.
- Confidence: High school classroom management begins with a teacher’s confidence. Teachers lose authority and respect when they show uncertainty and doubt in decision-making and when presenting lessons. It also takes a quality teacher to learn the difference between having confidence and never admitting they are wrong. An excellent teacher can maintain confidence while still acknowledging mistakes.
High school teachers are responsible for helping students prepare for their future in higher education and the workforce. It is an exciting and stressful time in these young people’s lives, and they seek guidance, role models, and leadership. Responsibilities include:
- Creating lesson plans that meet state and national standards.
- Observe, evaluate, and grade numerous students’ homework, projects, and tests.
- Preparing students to take standardized tests and university entrance exams.
How Much Do High School Teachers Make in Maryland?
The average annual salaries for high school teachers in Maryland as of May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Highest salary – $107,300
- Average salary – $78,580
- Lowest salary – $51,120
Maryland high school teaching salary ranges are determined by a district’s location and tax base. A high school teacher’s earnings are also impacted by the professional’s educational level, years of experience, special skills, and the subject(s) they are licensed to teach.
How To Become a High School Teacher in Maryland
How to become a high school teacher depends on the state a candidate is seeking certification. In Maryland, the process is overseen by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
Maryland high school teaching candidates using the traditional pathway to initial certification must complete
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree. Maryland requires a bachelor’s degree to teach, like the rest of the US states. Those on the traditional pathway are advised to select an institution and study area from the MSDE Approved Programs Directory. High school teachers are advised to get a degree in their desired subject area, such as Biology, history, and mathematics while taking educational courses. Some schools, such as Bowie State University, offer them combined, such as Biology, for teaching grades 7-12.
- Complete a teacher preparation program: Maryland colleges and universities usually include an accredited teaching preparation program as part of their educational degree. If, for any reason, a candidate wants to switch schools for the teacher preparation program, the MSDE provides a Preparation Directory by Licensure Area.
- Gain Student Teaching Experience. Maryland requires teaching candidates to try out their new skills in a classroom of a public or accredited nonpublic school. How the program works and the exact number of classroom hours depends on which teaching program the candidate is in.
- Pass Relevant Teaching Exams. Maryland high school teaching candidates are required to pass various teaching exams. Candidates must take the correct exams for their subject area and grade levels.
- Undergo a Background Check. Maryland requires background checks every 5 years for adults working with children at schools or care centers. The process is overseen by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
- Apply for a Teaching License: Maryland’s candidates must use The Educator Application and Credentialing Hub (TEACH) to apply for their teaching certifications. Check out their TEACH Guide for Applicants and Certificate Holders before signing up.
Alternative Route to Certification for High School Teachers
Maryland has alternative pathways for candidates. However, the option is only available to those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. It is best if the degree subject is the candidate’s desired teaching subject, such as English, physics, or chemistry.
- Choose an Alternative Preparation Program. Maryland candidates on the alternative route must choose an MSDE, an approved program from their Alternative Preparation Directory. Costs, flexibility, and program completion time depends on the institution. Some take as little as 9 months to complete. In addition, some programs award a master’s degree at the end.
- Pass Required Exams. Those on the alternative pathway must pass Maryland’s various teaching exams for their subject area and grade level.
- Obtain Teaching Experience. Those on the alternative pathway must obtain in-classroom experience. However, some programs offer candidates the opportunity to work for pay instead of traditional student teaching.
- Undergo a Background Check. Maryland alternative pathway candidates must have a background check done through the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
- Apply for a Teaching License: Maryland’s alternative pathway candidates must use The Educator Application and Credentialing Hub (TEACH) to apply for the relevant teaching certifications. Read through the TEACH Guide for Applicants and Certificate Holders before signing up.
What is the Highest and Lowest Paying High School Teaching Job?
Certified Maryland high school teachers can be employed by various types of schools, but some pay better than others.
- Public schools: Maryland public schools provide the highest-paying teaching salaries. The state salaries are also considered above average in the nation.
- Online teaching: Remote teaching is still in demand. Many of these positions are through charter schools.
- Charter schools: Maryland charter schools receive less funding than public schools; consequently, their salaries are a bit less.
- International schools: International schools generally pay less than public and charter schools. However, those fluent in two or more languages and teaching a subject in high demand will see higher salaries.
- Private schools: Private school teaching salaries are heavily dependent on tuition fees. Those with the highest fees generally pay the best, whereas those with more affordable fees pay the least.
Teachers of Tomorrow strives to help motivated individuals achieve their dream of becoming top high school educators. Act now. Start making a difference in Maryland’s next generation today.
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