Maryland Board adopts educator licensure amendments including military reciprocity regulation

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is set to streamline the certification process for educational administrators, following a significant discussion during the Professional Standards & Teacher Education Board meeting on December 5, 2024. The board proposed collapsing the Administrator 1 and Administrator 2 certifications, effectively removing barriers to licensure assessments for aspiring educational leaders. This change aims to simplify the pathway into administrative roles, making it more accessible for candidates.

Joy, a board member, emphasized the importance of considering multilingual learners as the state adapts to its diverse population. She highlighted the need for educational leaders to be equipped with culturally responsive training, particularly through initiatives like the school improvement leadership academy, which focuses on equity in education.

The board also reviewed updates to the educator licensure regulations, specifically COMAR 13 a 12, which includes a new military reciprocity regulation. This aligns Maryland's policies with federal law, allowing military service members to obtain licensure without the usual degree requirements. The board received public comments supporting changes to renewal requirements for school counselors, indicating a positive reception to the proposed adjustments.

Looking ahead, the board plans to revisit these discussions in January, where they will seek permission to publish the updated regulations and continue the promulgation process. This meeting marks a crucial step in enhancing the educational landscape in Maryland, ensuring that regulations reflect the evolving needs of both educators and students.