Maryland Special Education Teacher Guide
Everything you need to know about becoming a special education teacher in Maryland: licensing requirements, continuing education, salary data, and key resources. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your license, this is your complete Maryland guide.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Maryland
Board certified special education advocates are in high demand across Maryland, where approximately 12% of all public school students are identified as having a disability and receive active special education services. There’s tens of thousands of children counting on qualified educators every day.
To earn your Maryland educator license in special education, you must meet requirements set by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE):
- Earn a bachelor’s degree through an accredited, MSDE-approved preparation program
- Pass a basic skills assessment covering reading, writing, and math
- Pass the Praxis Special Education subject area exam and the Praxis Science of Reading (TRE #5205)
- Complete a portfolio-based performance assessment (edTPA or PPAT, required as of July 2025)
- Complete required reading coursework: 12 semester hours for early childhood/elementary, or 6 for secondary
- Apply through the MSDE TEACH credentialing portal
Maryland issues the Standard Professional Certificate I (SPC I) for classroom-employed teachers, and the Professional Eligibility Certificate (PEC) for those not yet placed.
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Continuing Education & License Renewal in Maryland
Maryland teachers renew their professional license every five years by earning 90 Professional Development Points (PDPs) — equivalent to 90 clock hours — across four required areas: content/pedagogy, ESL/bilingual strategies, teaching students with disabilities, and culturally responsive instruction.
NASET has received Maryland state CPD approval for select certifications, including the Board Certification in Special Education (BCSE), Board Certification in Assessment of Special Education (BCASE), and Board Certification in IEP Development (BCIEP), as of May 20, 2026. Use AUN# 300003228 or CPE# 910014 when submitting for credit. Every board certified special education advocate working in Maryland should confirm their specific course approval before enrolling.
Not all NASET coursework is yet approved in Maryland. Email contactus@naset.org to confirm approval status for your specific course before enrolling.
If you’re already a board certified special education advocate, then 
Become a NASET Member today save 15% on your Board Certification in Special Education, the gold standard credential for special ed teachers nationwide!
Special Education Teacher Salary in Maryland
- Average statewide salary: ~$66,732/year
- Typical range: $54,550–$81,915
- Top earners (90th percentile): up to $98,355
- Baltimore area average: ~$65,481/year
Earning potential grows with advanced credentials, experience, and board certifications. Being a board certified special education advocate positions you for leadership roles and career advancement across Maryland’s 24 school districts.
Explore the State-by-State Special Education Teacher Guide to compare Maryland with other states.
IEPs in Maryland
- IEPs must be developed and reviewed annually
- Maryland uses the Maryland Online IEP (MD Online IEP) system for statewide documentation
- Transition planning begins at age 14 — earlier than the federal standard — covering post-secondary education, employment, and independent living
- Parents hold robust due process rights under Maryland Code, Education Title 8, and COMAR Title 13A
Strong IEP writing is one of the most essential skills for any board certified special education advocate working in Maryland. NASET’s IEPs from Around the Country provides real-world examples that help teachers see what high-quality, compliant IEPs look like across different settings.
Become a NASET Member today and earn the certifications that your earnings. Trusted by special educators across the country!
Key Resources for Maryland Special Education Teachers
State Resources:
Advance Your Career With NASET!
The National Association of Special Education Teachers is the leading professional organization for special educators nationwide, and Maryland teachers are increasingly active members of the NASET community.
NASET Membership gives you access to professional development, publications, job boards, and CPD-eligible courses, everything a board certified special education advocate in Maryland needs in one place.
The BCSE and BCASE are state-CPD-approved in Maryland (AUN# 300003228 or CPE# 910014, as of May 20, 2026), counting directly toward your 90-PDP renewal requirement. For Maryland educators, earning the title of board certified special education advocate through NASET is one of the most strategic investments you can make in your career.
Whether you’re renewing your license, mastering IEP development, or building credentials that set you apart, NASET is your partner at every stage.
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