In Maryland, educators must renew their professional licenses every five years. The renewal process involves the following steps:

Professional Development:

• Complete 90 Professional Development Points (PDPs): These points can be earned through various activities, including:
• College courses.
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits approved by MSDE.
• Workshops, conferences, or other relevant professional learning experiences.
• The PDPs must cover the following areas:
• Content or teaching methods related to your licensure area.
• English as a Second Language (ESL), Sheltered English, or Bilingual Education. Check out our ELL Strategies for English Language Learners and ELL Tech Tools.
• Strategies for teaching students with disabilities or methods for diverse learners. Check out our ABC’s of 504’s and IEP’s course and Differentiated Instruction.
• Culturally responsive teaching or understanding diverse student identities. Check out Trauma-Informed Education, Advancing Equity, Restorative Practices in Education and Social-Emotional Learning.

1. Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP)
2. Additional Requirements for Specific Licenses:

• School Counselors: Must complete training that addresses topics such as depression, trauma, violence, youth suicide, substance abuse, and strategies for assisting students in crisis. Check out Suicide Prevention for Educators, Trauma-Informed Education, Advancing Equity, Stress Management, and Social-Emotional Learning.
• Administrators (Administrator I/II): If serving in an administrative role, you are required to engage in professional development focusing on teacher retention strategies and the development of teacher leadership. Check out our Teacher Leadership and Professional Development Leader course.
• Educators in Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education, or ESOL: Beginning July 1, 2025, you must demonstrate proficiency in the science of reading instruction. This can be achieved by passing an approved reading assessment or completing MSDE-approved coursework or professional learning. 

Happy Teacher can help Maryland educators meet these requirements.

• Happy Teacher works with HLC-accredited universities to help Maryland educators earn the six semester hours of college credit.
• Check out our ELL Strategies course or ELL Tech Tools course to satisfy the ESL area. 
• Happy Teacher partners with Upper Iowa University to help Maryland educators earn a Master’s in Education degree for only $10,000!

Certificate Hours by Semester Credit

Wondering how many hours are listed on your Certificate of Completion? Here's the breakdown:

• 1 semester credit = 15 hours
• 2 semester credits = 30 hours
• 3 semester credits = 45 hours

Important: Renewal requirements are subject to change. We recommend consulting the Maryland Department of Education’s website to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Here are courses popular with Maryland educators:

• English Language Learners: Practical Strategies for Educators
• ABC’s of 504’s and IEP’s
• Teacher Leadership
• Stress Management