Career Changers or individuals with degrees in fields outside of education may consider entering the teaching profession. Individuals who do not meet professional licensure requirements may be issued a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Conditional Special Education License or Conditional License. Issuance of this license is at the discretion of a local school system. Conditional Licenses are not issued by MSDE. Career changers interested in earning MSDE professional license while assigned full-time to a BCPS classroom must obtain a teaching position and Provisional Contract.
Per the terms of the MSDE Provisional Contract, the license holder must maintain his/her license by completing a pathway to professional licensure within the prescribed timeline. License requirements and timelines for Conditional teachers vary based on individual education backgrounds and experiences. Teachers are provided guidance and support to select the appropriate pathway to licensure to ensure successful completion of requirements by regulated state timelines.
See MSDE Licensure Pathways for information regarding options to teacher certification within the state of Maryland.
To qualify for a Conditional License:
- Identify a subject area of interest
- Conferred Bachelor's degree
- BCPS offer of employment for a teaching position
Licensure in CTE areas may be an option for career changers with verification of eligible previous occupational experience and education. Career and Technical teaching areas include:
- Arts, Media, and Communication
- Business, Management and Finance
- Consumer Services, Hospitality, and Tourism
- Construction and Development
- Environmental, Agricultural, and Natural Resources Systems
- Health and Biosciences
- Human Resources Services
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology
- Transportation Technologies
Apply for a Teaching Position!
To apply for a position, please visit www.bcps.org/jobs.
MSDE Conditionally Licensed Teacher Town Hall
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is hosting two town halls this August for conditionally licensed teachers. These sessions offer teachers a direct platform to discuss their experiences with licensure, assessments, preparation programs, and available resources.
Conditional Teachers interested in attending are asked to register by August 1st.
- In-Person Town Hall (Howard County)
- When: August 5, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET
- Location: TBD (Howard County, MD)
- Registration: In-Person RSVP Link
Questions regarding the town hall can be directed to Addison Smith-Keith, Educator Data Coordinator in the Division of Educator Effectiveness, at [email protected].