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Maryland launches 'Feds to Eds' recruitment push; local districts expand teacher pipeline pilots
Summary
In response to federal layoffs and persistent teacher shortages, Maryland unveiled a 'Feds to Eds' initiative to recruit former federal employees and told the State Board that districts are also expanding local grow-your-own and apprenticeship pathways.
Maryland education officials briefed the State Board on April 30 about a new recruitment initiative, Feds to Eds, designed to attract recently separated federal employees into classroom roles and to expand local grow-your-own teacher pathways.
What the state announced: MSDE is working with the Department of Labor and the Maryland Higher Education Commission to market teaching as a mission-driven second career and to make licensure pathways easier to navigate. The department updated its teachmaryland.gov materials, intends to publish a searchable index of teacher preparation programs and is producing short video explainers for prospective career changers.
Why former federal employees: department staff said federal termination filings show a sizable pool of potential applicants concentrated in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Officials flagged compensation and relocation as hurdles — many federal workers would face a pay cut to enter teaching — and promoted available state scholarship and stipend programs run by MHEC as one part of the solution.
Local pipeline activity: St. Mary's County Superintendent Scott Smith described local efforts to expand the Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM), dual-enrollment '2+2' pathways linking high school, community college and university degrees, and an AMP registered apprenticeship that pays paraeducators while they finish certification coursework.
Licensure flexibility and supports: MSDE said the Professional Standards and Teacher Education Board has charged a subcommittee to recommend alternative licensure models for midcareer professionals with content expertise, with a goal to bring recommendations to the full board in June. The department emphasized retention supports — stronger mentors, co-teaching and on-the-job coaching — alongside recruitment to keep career changers in classrooms.
Next steps: MSDE will keep coordinating with MHEC and local districts, expand outreach at job fairs with the Department of Labor and pursue changes to induction and mentorship regulations to support retention if the board and public comment processes approve them.
