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Home > Employment > Teacher Recruitment

Teacher Recruitment

Recruitment Schedule

May 2008

July 2008

  • Jul 7-12 -- League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) - Chicago

Maryland MapSchool Locations and Maps

Why teach in Howard County?

  • Competitive salaries, signing bonuses
  • Ongoing professional development
  • State-of-the-art schools
  • Motivated and talented students
  • A community that values and supports education

What new teachers are saying...

I was attracted to Howard County because of the...

...attitude of the staff concerning the value of education and teaching.
...County's reputation for excellence.

Having moved here from another area I like...

...the convenience of Columbia.
...progressive education system that is close to major cities and colleges.
...that there isn't a lot of crime.
...the diversity of backgrounds involved in education.

During the recruitment period, my personal contact with the Howard County staff...

...was very individualized and personal.
...gave the impression that Howard County valued their employees.
...was helpful and friendly.

In my opinion, the one best thing Howard County has to offer new teachers...

...the four-day New Teacher Orientation.
...many sources of support.
...support for new teachers during a generally difficult time in their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know the status of my application?

When an application for employment is received, a permanent file is created in our database. A postcard acknowledging receipt of the application is sent. The application is then considered to be active. The application will remain active until the fall of the year. Applicants who are not hired are automatically sent a Reactivation Post Card during the winter months. Applicants should send updated references on a yearly basis and submit a brief letter indicating their continued interest in employment with HCPSS. Inactive applications are retained for three years and then destroyed if no further interest is shown.

What can I use as references?

Beginning teachers should submit student teaching evaluations or a college placement file that contains student teaching evaluations. Experienced teachers should submit copies of evaluations as references. We would prefer the last three years of experience. Letters of reference are also acceptable.

If you do not have teaching experience, you may use evaluations from other work experiences. References from volunteer or work experiences involving working with children or teaching would be appropriate.

I don't have a teaching degree. What opportunities are there for me?

Howard County usually does not consider for teaching positions those who do not have a degree in education. Occasionally we will hire a person who is close to be fully certified as a teacher. In that case, a provisional contract would be given and a provisional Maryland teacher certificate would be issued. For example, a provisional contract could be offered to someone who has completed a college education program in education but needs 6 hours of recent credit or must submit qualifying scores for the PRAXIS tests requirement. All teaching candidates must have a minimum of a Bachelors Degree.

If you wish further information about teacher certification requirements, you may contact a local four-year college that offers a program leading towards teacher certification or write or call the Maryland State Department of Education, 410-767-0412.

What do I have to do to get a Maryland teacher certificate?

You should write to:

Maryland State Department of Education
Office of Certification
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

In addition to the cover letter, you must include official transcripts from all colleges attended and copies of applicable test scores. MSDE takes about 12 weeks to respond to your request. You may also wish to try the MSDE web site.

When does Howard County begin hiring?

Human Resources begins sending candidates to Howard County schools for interviews for vacant positions in late June. All candidates must have a complete file and have had a interview in order to be referred. All candidates must be referred by the Office of Human Resources. Principals will not consider applicants who have not been referred by Human Resources.

How do I get an interview?

Applicants with a complete teacher application file may call to schedule an interview. Interviews will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis until the allotted interview slots are filled. After that point, applicants will be scheduled on an individual basis based upon anticipated vacancies.

If you are a student just completing a teacher certification program, you should check with your career planning office to find out if Howard County will be visiting your college or a local job fair to interview student teachers. Howard County visits most colleges in Maryland and job fairs in Mid-Atlantic Region.

Please contact us if you are unable to obtain the information you need. We will happy to assist you in locating a college that we will be visiting.

How do I become teacher if I did not major in education?

See information on Alternative Teacher Preparation (ATP) Program.

Howard County Public School Syst

Howard County Public School System © 2008 -- Howard County, Maryland