How to Renew Your Teaching Certificate in Maryland (2026 Guide)

Last updated March 2026

Renewing your Maryland teaching certificate doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you hold a Professional Educator Certificate or an Advanced Professional Certificate, the renewal process is straightforward once you understand the requirements. The key is knowing what Maryland expects and staying ahead of the timeline.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to renew your teaching certificate in Maryland in 2026: how many Professional Development Points (PDPs) you need, what counts, what's new with the scientific reading instruction requirement, and how to submit through the TEACH Dashboard.

The Basics: Maryland Teaching Certificate Renewal at a Glance

• Renewal cycle: Every 5 years
• Hours required: 90 Professional Development Points (PDPs)
• Governing body: Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
• Where to renew: TEACH Dashboard at marylandpublicschools.org
• Renewal fee: $10 per certificate ($1.50 additional for online payment)

Your renewal date is tied to your certificate's expiration. If you're unsure when yours expires, log in to the TEACH Dashboard to check your status.

Understanding the 90-PDP Requirement

Maryland requires 90 Professional Development Points (PDPs) per 5-year renewal cycle. That averages out to 18 PDPs per year — a very reasonable pace if you plan ahead, but easy to fall behind on if you wait.

All PDPs must be logged in your Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP). Your IPDP is your personal record of what professional learning you've completed and how it connects to your growth as an educator. Think of it as both a tracking tool and a planning document.

What Counts as PDPs in Maryland?

Maryland accepts a range of professional development activities toward your 90 PDPs:

• Workshops, courses, or conferences that award PDPs
• College or university coursework (graduate or undergraduate)
• National Board Certification activities
• Peer assistance and review activities
• Curriculum development and instructional coaching recognized by your employer

Required Focus Areas

This is where Maryland differs from many other states. Your 90 PDPs can't all be in one topic. Maryland requires that your professional learning spans four specific focus areas:

1. Content or pedagogy in your licensed area — Deepening your knowledge in the subjects you teach
2. ESL/Sheltered English/Bilingual Education — Strategies for working with English learners
3. Strategies for teaching students with disabilities or differentiated instruction — Supporting diverse learners in your classroom
4. Culturally responsive teaching or diverse student identities — Building inclusive learning environments

You don't need to split your 90 PDPs evenly across these four areas, but you do need to show activity in each one. Plan your PD intentionally so you hit all four — don't wait until the last year of your cycle to realize you're missing one.

New for 2025-2026: Scientific Reading Instruction Requirement

Beginning July 1, 2025, Maryland added a significant new requirement. Educators licensed in the following areas must demonstrate proficiency in scientific reading instruction at renewal:

• Elementary Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Generic Special Education (all grade bands)
• ESOL

To satisfy this requirement, you must either pass an approved reading assessment or complete an equivalent approved pathway. If you hold one of these licenses, do not wait until the last minute — check the MSDE website for the list of approved assessments and preparation options. This is a pass/fail requirement, not just a PD hour count.

The 5-Year Renewal Cycle Explained

Maryland teaching certificates are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. Your personal expiration date determines your renewal deadline.

Example: If your Professional Educator Certificate was issued on September 1, 2021, it expires on September 1, 2026. You need all 90 PDPs logged and your renewal submitted before that date.

Pro tip: Don't rely on MSDE to remind you. Set your own calendar alert at least 12 months before your expiration date so you have time to fill any gaps in your PDPs.

Professional Educator Certificate vs. Advanced Professional Certificate

Maryland offers two main certificate levels for classroom teachers. The renewal requirements are very similar, but there are a few differences worth noting:

Feature	Professional Educator Certificate	Advanced Professional Certificate
Renewal cycle	5 years	5 years
PDPs required	90	90
Required focus areas	Same 4 areas	Same 4 areas
Education requirement	Bachelor's degree	Master's degree or equivalent graduate credits
Renewal fee	$10	$10

The Advanced Professional Certificate requires a master's degree or equivalent graduate credits to obtain, but the renewal process and PDP requirements are the same as the Professional Educator Certificate.

How to Submit Your Renewal: The TEACH Dashboard

Maryland uses the TEACH Dashboard for all certification actions, including renewal. Here's how the process works:

1. Log in to the TEACH Dashboard at marylandpublicschools.org. If you don't have an account yet, you'll need to create one.
2. Review your Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP). Confirm that your completed professional learning activities are logged and assigned to the correct focus areas.
3. Verify you have 90 PDPs spread across all four required focus areas.
4. If applicable, confirm your scientific reading instruction proficiency. Educators in Elementary Education, Early Childhood, Special Education, or ESOL need to show proof of meeting this requirement.
5. Submit your renewal application and pay the $10 fee (plus $1.50 for online payment).
6. Receive your renewed certificate. Processing times vary — submit well before your expiration date to avoid any gaps in your certification status.

What Happens If You Miss Your Renewal Deadline?

If your Maryland teaching certificate expires, you cannot legally teach in a Maryland public school. Your school system will be notified, and your position could be affected.

Maryland does allow expired certificates to be reinstated, but you'll need to meet all current renewal requirements — including any new mandates like the scientific reading instruction proficiency that may have taken effect since your last renewal. The longer you wait, the more complicated reinstatement becomes.

The good news: Maryland does not charge a separate late fee. But the disruption to your employment and the hassle of reinstatement are reason enough to stay on top of your timeline.

Fees at a Glance

Action	Fee
Standard renewal (per certificate)	$10
Online payment processing fee	$1.50
Late fee	None

Maryland has some of the lowest renewal fees in the country. If you hold multiple certificates, each one costs $10 to renew separately.

Your Renewal Checklist

1. Log in to the TEACH Dashboard and find your certificate expiration date
2. Set a calendar reminder 12 months before your expiration
3. Review your IPDP and count your current PDPs
4. Plan professional learning to reach 90 PDPs across all four required focus areas
5. If you teach Elementary Ed, Early Childhood, Special Ed, or ESOL: prepare for the scientific reading instruction proficiency requirement
6. Log all completed PD activities in your IPDP
7. Submit your renewal through the TEACH Dashboard before your expiration date
8. Pay the $10 fee and save your confirmation

Stay on Top of Your Renewal

Maryland's renewal requirements have gotten more complex in recent years, especially with the new scientific reading instruction mandate. Staying informed about changes is just as important as logging your hours.

For a full breakdown of Maryland teaching certificate types, fees, and accepted PD activities, visit the ChalkReady Maryland page.