FAQs
What can this organization do for me?
Why should I volunteer in the schools before making the decision to teach?
What if I’m not sure I want to teach?
How do I become certified to teach?
How long does it take to become certified and begin teaching?
What can this organization do for me?
The Center for Career Changers to the Classroom will help you in two ways: first, it will provide you with experiences in today's schools to assist you in deciding if teaching is the profession for you. Second, it will provide information about certification programs and requirements as well as assist you through the process of certification into your first teaching position. (Back to Top)
Why should I be in the schools before making the decision to teach?
Before you make the decision to teach and put time and money into attaining Maryland teaching certification, you need to know what schools are like today. Volunteering in the schools will provide you with a view of the twenty-first century school. It will provide an opportunity to work with a mentor teacher for approximately one week, spread out over the period of a school year, to get a first-hand view of classrooms and students today. (Back to Top)
What if I'm not sure I want to teach?
Entering the program does not mean that you are making a commitment to teach. It indicates only that you are interested in finding out about teaching. The Center will provide you with the information and the experiences to help you make that decision. Additionally, if you do decide to pursue teaching certification, the Center’s personnel will continue to support and advise you through that process. (Back to Top)
What can teaching offer me?
Some individuals teach because they love their subject and want to share it; others enjoy working with students. Teaching provides the opportunity to shape the future and to work in an environment that is both challenging and energetic. Working with students keeps one aware of the world today. It forces one to grow and explore not only the subject but also one’s self. Plus, you gain personal fulfillment while sharing life-changing experiences. (Back to Top)
How do I become certified to teach?
See the information under Teaching Certification in this web site. (Back to Top)
How long does it take to become certified and begin teaching?
The timeframe for becoming certified to teach varies with the program. A master’s program may require one to two years to become certified while a Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Program will have you placed into a classroom usually after a summer of coursework. The Center for Career Changers to the Classroom can help you find the appropriate pathway to teaching. (Back to Top)
You can find answers to the following questions at the Maryland State Department of Education FAQ site.:
What is certification?
Who must hold a Maryland certificate?
How do I qualify for a Maryland certificate?
Are there any special requirements for Maryland?
How do I apply for Maryland certification?
How long will it take to process my certification application?
How much does a certificate cost?
What Maryland certificates are available?
How do I add another certification area to my certificate?
Will service as a substitute count toward experience?
What types of teaching will not count toward certification?
Are quarter-hours equivalent to semester credit hours?
Are correspondence video and/or telecommunication courses acceptable?
How can I obtain a duplicate certificate?
To view the Maryland State Department of Education MAAPP brochure, click on this site: Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Programs