The Maryland Professional Standards & Teacher Education Board convened on December 7, 2023, to discuss critical issues affecting educators and the certification process in the state. The meeting, which lasted from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., featured a range of topics, with a significant focus on the proposed regulation regarding the National Board certification for educators in English Language Arts (ELA).

The session began with a public comment from the president of the Maryland State Education Association, who represents over 75,000 educators. She expressed concerns about COMAR 13 A 1 0 7 0 8 0 3 A, which mandates that ELA educators must pass a test or demonstrate knowledge in the science of reading to qualify for National Board certification. While acknowledging the importance of the science of reading, she argued that this requirement could create unnecessary barriers for educators seeking to advance their careers.

She illustrated her point by comparing the certification process to a race, where ELA educators would be forced to remain at the starting line while their peers in other subjects could advance. This delay could hinder their career progression and financial opportunities, as National Board certification often leads to salary enhancements. The speaker urged the board to reconsider this regulation and suggested that the science of reading should be integrated into the certification prerequisites rather than as an additional hurdle.

The discussion also touched on the need for a comprehensive review of certification requirements to identify potential biases and barriers, particularly for special subject areas. The speaker emphasized the importance of balancing high standards with accessibility in the teaching profession.

Following the public comment, the board moved on to its agenda, which included updates from the state board. The chair encouraged members to submit any questions regarding the public comment for further discussion, ensuring that robust dialogue would continue in future meetings.

Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing concerns about educator certification processes in Maryland, particularly regarding the implications of new regulations on teacher advancement and equity within the profession. The board's next steps will likely involve further examination of the proposed regulation and its impact on educators statewide.