In Maryland, the requirements for continuing education for teachers include the completion of a professional development plan and a minimum of 6 credits earned within the 5 years preceding the date of issuance for certificate renewal. Additionally, to renew an Advanced Professional Certificate (APC), educators must complete 6 semester hours of acceptable credit, alongside 3 years of satisfactory experience.

In Maryland, teachers are not required to possess a master's degree to obtain initial certification. The primary pathway to initial certification includes holding at least a bachelor’s degree. However, further professional development and additional qualifications, such as a master's degree, could be pursued voluntarily or could be required for certain advanced certifications or positions within the education system.

It's important to note that while a master's degree is not an absolute requirement for initial certification, ongoing professional development is essential for certificate renewal and career advancement. Teachers may choose to pursue a master's degree to meet some of these advanced qualifications or for personal and professional growth.

To obtain a copy of your teaching certificate in Maryland, you can use the Educator Information System (EIS) which is accessible through the Maryland State Department of Education's certification portal, known as the Educator Application and Certification Hub or TEACH. You will need to create a login, and once you are in the system, you can view and print a copy of your certificate.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Visit the certification portal at TEACH Maryland.
2. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to register for one.
3. If you already have an account, simply log in.
4. Once logged in, navigate to the appropriate area to request a copy of your certificate.

If you encounter any issues or if you don't yet have an account, you can contact the Educator Licensure office at [email protected], as they can assist you with the registration or login process, and guide you on how to obtain a copy of your teaching certificate.

Remember, you can take these steps to ensure your credentials are up to date and accessible when you need them.