Maryland education officials report decline in teacher vacancies and conditional licenses

The Professional Standards & Teacher Education Board meeting held on March 6, 2025, by the Maryland Department of Education focused on critical issues surrounding teacher vacancies, conditional licensing, and teacher preparation trends in the state.

The meeting began with discussions on the interest of high school students in teaching careers, emphasizing the need for data collection to better understand the teacher pipeline from high school to induction. This initiative aims to address the needs of the state’s educational system by capturing the lived experiences and interests of prospective educators.

Next, the board reviewed teacher vacancy statistics, noting a decrease in vacancies across public districts. As of the first day of school, there were approximately 1,600 teacher vacancies, reflecting a 17% decline from the previous year and aligning with figures from the 2021-2022 school year. The discussion highlighted the importance of conditional licenses, which serve as a measure of demand for teachers. A 6% decrease in conditional licenses was reported, attributed to the expiration of waivers granted during the pandemic that allowed conditionally licensed teachers to bypass certain renewal requirements.

The board also explored the progress of local education agencies (LEAs) in creating in-district pathways for teacher training. Notably, Arundel County Public Schools submitted a training program for review, marking a step forward in addressing teacher shortages.

Further discussions included the demographics of conditional licensed teachers, revealing that these individuals are more diverse than those prepared through traditional methods. However, concerns were raised about the retention of Black and African American teachers, who are often conditionally licensed and face higher attrition rates.

The meeting also addressed enrollment trends in teacher preparation programs, with data indicating a slight decrease in enrollment from the previous year. The board noted that alternative educator preparation programs are successfully recruiting more diverse candidates compared to traditional programs.

In terms of National Board Certification (NBC), Maryland continues to lead the nation in producing candidates. However, the demographic composition of NBC teachers remains predominantly white, prompting discussions on recruitment strategies to increase diversity among candidates.

The meeting concluded with a review of the implications of upcoming legislative changes affecting financial incentives for NBC teachers, particularly those working in low-performing schools. The board acknowledged the need for further research into the barriers faced by teachers of color in pursuing NBC and the potential impact of these changes on future certification rates.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges and opportunities within Maryland's educational landscape, particularly in addressing teacher shortages and enhancing diversity among educators. The board plans to continue monitoring these trends and implementing strategies to support teacher retention and professional development.