Teacher Education Overview

Program Approval and Assessment is one of three branches in the Division of Certification and Accreditation. Its purpose is to enhance teacher quality and provide assurance that Maryland's PreK-12 students are being taught by qualified, competent teachers. This branch implements The Redesign of Teacher Education and Title II federal reporting through program approval. Through sponsorship of the statewide professional development school network, the Branch promotes integrated school and teacher education reform. The Program Approval and Assessment Branch works closely with the Certification Branch, which awards state certification/licensure to qualified applicants.

Maryland Program Approval of College/University-Based Preparation Programs 

Responsible for state approval and national accreditation for all professional educator certification programs in Maryland's colleges and universities.  

Teacher and Principal Certification Assessment

Coordinates the standards and guidelines for teacher and principal assessments.

Maryland Teacher Staffing Report

Prepares biennial report for the State Board of Education.

Professional Development Schools

Facilitates the development of Professional Development Schools in Maryland colleges and universities with their local school system partners.  

Higher Education Act - Title II- Teacher Quality 

Oversees the Maryland annual report to the U.S. Department of Education that details required data for all teacher preparation institutions.

Continuing Professional Development

Coordinates the approval of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit courses for local school systems. 

Featured Reports

Quality Teacher Work Group Final Report

Branch Directory 

This directory includes contact information for Branch staff.