Spanish certification in Maryland covers pre-k to grade 12. Those pursuing a Spanish teaching career in Maryland should find strong job prospects because a shortage of Spanish teachers was reported as of the 2016-2017 school year.
Maryland Spanish Teacher Requirements
| Average Salary for Teachers in Maryland (2019)* | $38,550 (Preschool); $70,240 (Kindergarten); $75,380 (Elementary School); $74,400 (Middle School); $77,050 (High School) |
| Required Degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Field | Spanish Education |
| Testing Requirements | Basic Skills test; Content and Pedagogy test |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Step 1: Complete Education Requirements
In order to become a Spanish teacher in Maryland it is necessary to earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited, approved college or university. There are currently 13 bachelor's degree programs that Maryland has approved that fulfill the academic and practical requirements to qualify for a teaching license. These programs incorporate core courses in Spanish with education courses that introduce students to topics such as educational psychology, approaches to instructing students, and working with students with special needs. All approved bachelor's degree programs include student teaching so that graduates have first-hand experience working in classrooms prior to being certified.
Step 2: Complete Certification Requirements
Basic Skills
All teachers in Maryland must demonstrate they meet basic skills requirements to teach. There are four testing options that fulfill the basic skills certification requirements: the Basic Skills test, also known as the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, ACT, SAT, and GRE.
| Options | Passing Score | Fees |
| Option 1: Basic Skills Tests | ||
| Mathematics | 150 | $90 |
| Reading | 156 | $90 |
| Writing | 162 | $90 |
| $150 for all three Basic Skills tests taken at once |
||
| Option 2: ACT | 24 | N/A** |
| Option 3: SAT | 1100 | N/A** |
| Option 4: GRE | 297 | N/A** |
**Not Available
Content and Pedagogy
Aspiring Spanish teachers must take the Spanish: World Language content exam. This test lasts 3 hours and covers core skills and knowledge. Applicants must demonstrate cultural knowledge and answer interpretive listening and reading questions. They are also required to demonstrate their writing and speaking skills. The test costs $160, and Maryland looks for a passing score of 168 on this test.
Step 3: Apply For PEC or SPC I Certificate
Fill out an application form to apply for your Professional Eligibility Certificate (PEC) or Standard Professional Certificate I (SPC I). Along with a completed application form, you must provide transcripts proving you graduated from an approved degree program. You must also provide your Basic Skills and Content and Pedagogy test scores. A cover letter with identifying information, such as your address, date of birth and final four digits of your social security number is another requirement. The cover letter must also indicate which certificate you are applying for. The PEC is given to those who meet the requirements for certification but are not employed as a teacher in Maryland. Those who meet the certification requirements and are employed as a teacher in Maryland already receive the SPC I. Both certificates are valid for five years.
Teacher Certification Resources
The practice and study guides linked here can be used to prepare to take the Basic Skills tests in mathematics, writing and reading.
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators - Mathematics: Practice & Study Guide
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators - Writing: Practice & Study Guide
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators - Reading: Practice & Study Guide
