Initial Teaching Certification Requirements Aligned to COMAR 13.A.12.02.03
- Effective Fall 2023, all initial certification teacher candidates (including teachers of record) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore are required to complete the edTPA in their content area (Art, Biology/Chemistry, English, Family Consumer Sciences, Social Studies, Special Education, Technology Education).
- Effective July 1, 2025, the Maryland State Department of Education (COMAR 13.A.12.02.03) will require all candidates seeking certification to pass the edTPA as part of the new licensure requirements.
- Effective Fall 2025, UMES will require all initial certification teacher candidates to achieve a scoreable report. Currently, a scoreable portfolio is required for graduation from UMES’s Teacher Education program. Additionally, all candidates will be required to fully and successfully complete the edTPA training courses provided on pre-selected days during the semester.
- Every student must have a completely scored portfolio BEFORE they can graduate.
Master of Arts in Teaching
The Masters of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) is a 39 semester-hour (13, 3-credit courses) professional degree program designed to prepare students for initial teacher certification. It is an alternative collaborative degree program offered by Salisbury University (SU) and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).
Who is the MAT intended for?
The MAT is intended for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education in an appropriate content area. Such students who wish to become teachers in a secondary school may prepare for teacher certification in the following state approved and nationally accredited programs:
Programs offered by UMES
Art
Biology
Chemistry
English
Family and Consumer Sciences
Social Studies
Programs offered by SU
Biology
Chemistry
English
Earth Science
French
History
Mathematics
Music (Vocal and Instrumental)
Physics
Spanish
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Charles G. Baldwin
Director, MAT Program
Department of Education
2007 Hazel Hall
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Princess Anne, MD 21853
410-651-6222
410-651-7962 (FAX)
CGBaldwin@umes.edu
