The Migration Information website displays the state’s history of immigrant arrivals, noting that newcomers to Maryland have increased by 56.6 percent from 2000 to 2011. In 2011, census data showed that 811,701 state residents were immigrants. Data gathered by the National Clearinghouse for English Acquisition corroborate this information, indicating that over 40,000 ELLs are in K-12 classrooms in Maryland. These children primarily speak Spanish, Korean, French, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
Career Prospects in Maryland TESOL
The U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education compiles a Teacher Shortage Areas Nationwide Listing. The listing shows that English as a Second Language and English to Speakers of Other Languages have been critical teacher shortage areas every year since 1994, and for every grade level. Maryland classrooms are in great need of qualified ESL instructors.
Finding a Teaching Job in Maryland
- Consult the MSDE webpage dedicated to Local School System Human Resources Directors to browse through district sites and locate employment openings. MSDE also has an interactive map linking to all of the state’s Local Education Agencies.
- Baltimore County Public Schools, one of the country’s largest districts, operates its own recruitment office. Candidates can browse job openings, review the latest incentives for new teachers, and read about teacher certification policies and alternative licensure. There is also a page promoting Job Fairs/Open Houses.
- Maryland TESOL maintains a Career Opportunities webpage with job openings and announcements about K-12 teaching, higher education, adult education, international posts, and opportunities in advocacy.
Maryland’s Professional Resources for TESOL Educators
- Maryland TESOL, or MD-TESOL, represents professionals and pre-professionals in ESOL and bilingual education. It is the state division of the international TESOL organization.
- MSDE administers the Teach Maryland Incentives website, summarizing financial incentives for would-be educators and experienced teachers, including stipends, scholarships, awards, recruitment plans, and tuition tax credits.