Arts licensure work group recommends reinstating a transcript-analysis route for fine-arts teachers
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Summary
A work group convened by MSDE recommended reinstating a form of transcript analysis for licensing fine-arts (visual art, music, dance, theater) educators; members cited persistent vacancies in fine-arts positions and the prevalence of teaching artists whose occupational experience could demonstrate content knowledge.
A Maryland work group tasked with revising fine-arts licensure pathways recommended reinstating a transcript-analysis route to help experienced artists and teaching artists gain licensure as PK–12 fine-arts teachers.
Why it matters: The state has no approved alternative (in-district) preparation programs for PK–12 fine-arts teachers; the work group said the shortage of candidates, especially in visual arts, requires flexible pathways that recognize content expertise and occupational experience.
Ms. Fitzpatrick, lead of the Fine Arts Pathway Selection Work Group, told the board the group of 16 members — including MSDE arts staff, higher-education faculty and LEA fine-arts educators — met three times and endorsed a route similar to a former transcript-analysis pathway. “At this time, we still have around a hundred vacancies in the fine arts,” Fitzpatrick said, and the group noted that only about 7% of fine-arts educators held conditional licenses, which influenced recommendations to provide an alternate route into professional licensure.
The work group proposed requirements that applicants demonstrate content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge. Members discussed allowing occupational experience — such as a teaching artist’s professional portfolio and work with nonprofit arts organizations — to count toward content knowledge in lieu of some formal coursework.
Fitzpatrick said the recommendation will be translated into proposed regulatory language and brought back to the board at its May meeting, and that the group also considered the July 1, 2025 statewide requirement that educators complete a performance assessment (PPAD or edTPA, with PPAD retiring and other options available to meet the performance requirement).
Ending: The work group will present formal regulatory language in May; staff said the proposal would not create a direct shortcut to professional licensure but would provide an alternate evaluation route — transcript analysis and occupational evidence — for fine-arts candidates.
