How to become a substitute teacher in Maryland

In Maryland, substitute teachers do not have to meet the state's teacher certification standards. A Maryland General Assembly policy note says each local board of education sets its own qualifications and pay for subs. The Maryland State Department of Education does not issue a sub license. Ask the county school system you want to work for about its schooling, training and fingerprint rules.

Checked October 30, 2026 on the Maryland State Department of Education's own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.

At a glance

Least schooling	Set by each school system
Credential	No state substitute license; local school systems hire directly
Background check	Ask the hiring district
Who issues it	Maryland State Department of Education

How to get it

Pick the county school system you want to sub for.
Read its substitute page for the schooling it asks for.
Apply to that school system.
Finish its background check and any orientation it asks for.

Ready for the first day

Sources

Maryland General Assembly: Fiscal and Policy Note, HB 895 (2011), current law on substitute qualifications (opened October 30, 2026)

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