Maryland's alternative preparation programs are tailored to meet the staffing needs of Maryland school districts, while providing the convenience necessary to attract experienced, diverse individuals to the classroom.  Many school districts offer alternative preparation, some in partnership with two-year or four-year colleges or other private providers.

Alternative preparation programs differ from traditional programs in that alternative preparation leads to teacher certification, but not necessarily to a degree.  Alternative preparation programs allow you to begin teaching and receiving a salary much earlier in your program, and they usually cost much less than traditional routes.  Because of the modified timeframe, alternative preparation programs are considered intensive and very challenging.