Being a Resident
Certification

Earning a Maryland Teaching Certificate

All candidates who are accepted into the Baltimore City Teaching Residency by meeting all of the eligibility requirements and successfully completing the Institute Training will be granted a Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC) by the Maryland State Department of Education.

The RTC was created to allow outstanding individuals with no previous education coursework the opportunity to teach while working to achieve a Standard Professional Teaching Certificate (SPC I). Assuming that all coursework is completed on time, all members of the Residency will receive a Standard Professional Teaching Certificate within 1-2 years.

Certification Requirements

All Resident Teachers will enroll in Content Seminars through the Baltimore City Teaching Residency and literacy coursework at a partner university (College of Notre Dame and Johns Hopkins University). The specific requirements are listed below:

• Successful completion of a Content Seminar series aligned with Residents' certification area through the BCTR.
  
  
• Grade of B or better in state required literacy coursework at the College of Notre Dame or Johns Hopkins University.
  
  
• Successful year of teaching in assigned content area.
  
  
• Passing scores on the Praxis II Pedagogy exam.

BCTR Tuition Benefits

One of the benefits of becoming a Resident is enrollment in a subsidized teacher certification program. The Baltimore City Public School System covers between 50-100% of the costs of tuition and certification services at a participating university (excluding books and materials).

Resident Teachers who will be earning certification in a high need subject area will be eligible to recieve 100% of tuition costs remitted. Currently, the BCPSS defines high need subject areas as early childhood education, foreign language, math, sciences, and special education. This list may be updated as subject area needs change.

Resident Teachers earning certification in other subject areas are eligible for 75% of their tuition remitted if they hold a Bachelor's degree; Residents with a Master's degree or higher will recieve 50% of remittance.

The certification program is tailored to accommodate Residents' schedules, with classes during the evenings and/or on weekends. Residents proceed through the program in groups, taking classes together and meeting regularly.

By accepting tuition support from the school system, Residents agree to teach for three years after the final semester during which they receive financial support from Baltimore City. If the Resident fails to do so, BCPSS has the right to recover all tuition support paid on behalf of the teacher.

Earning a Master’s Degree

Residents will also have the possible option to earn their Master’s degree along with their teaching certification. Currently, the BCTR partners with The Johns Hopkins University and The College of Notre Dame for its graduate coursework and master's degree programs.

Once accepted into the Baltimore City Teaching Residency program, Residents may choose between a certification track or Master’s Degree track. All individuals earning their Master’s degree will first earn their Maryland certification. This program is designed for individuals who did not prepare for teaching as undergraduates. More information regarding the graduate partnerships will be provided at BCTR information sessions, interview and orientation events.