Maryland Board discusses new licensure pathways for federal workers transitioning to teaching

The Professional Standards & Teacher Education Board convened on March 6, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. EST, to discuss various agenda items, including the approval of previous meeting minutes and updates on communications and initiatives aimed at enhancing teacher recruitment in Maryland.

The meeting commenced with a review of the minutes from the February meeting. A correction was noted regarding references to the December meeting, which was acknowledged and subsequently approved after a motion by Dr. Taylor and a second by Dionne Kirby.

Following the approval of the minutes, the board moved to a communications update. A significant topic of discussion was a recent initiative from the governor's office aimed at attracting federal workers to the teaching profession. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has created a dedicated landing page on the Teach Maryland website to provide information on licensure options for these individuals. The board expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, recognizing teaching as a viable second career for federal employees.

Kelly, a board member, proposed forming a subcommittee to explore potential licensure pathways for individuals with advanced degrees or relevant occupational experience who may lack formal pedagogical training. The urgency of this task was emphasized, with a recommendation for the subcommittee to convene soon. Several board members, including Dr. Shockley, Dr. Taylor, and Dr. Woodward, volunteered to participate in this effort.

The discussion also touched on the adjunct licensure option, which allows individuals to teach part-time but has limitations that may deter potential applicants. The board agreed to consider expanding this pathway as part of the subcommittee's work.

In addition to these discussions, the board shared announcements about upcoming events, including a webinar on supporting conditionally certified teachers scheduled for April 3 and a Pi Day event at the University of Maryland on March 14.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to address public comments received in previous meetings regarding the need for additional training for special education teachers and the potential for post-secondary faculty to transition into education. The board plans to further explore these topics in future meetings.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's proactive approach to enhancing teacher recruitment and addressing the evolving needs of the education workforce in Maryland. The formation of the subcommittee and the focus on federal workers as a new talent pool reflect a strategic effort to adapt to current educational demands.