Governor Wes Moore announced Friday that 13 Maryland school systems will receive $19 million in expanded Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program awards to create pathways for non-licensed school staff to become full-time teachers. The funding supports local systems in recruiting and preparing community employees for licensure while they continue working.
The announcement highlights the administration’s progress in reducing teacher vacancies by nearly 50 percent since Moore took office. The grants will support more than 620 educators across all regions of the state.
“The Grow Your Own program is the vital mechanism for addressing our teacher shortage by recognizing and licensing the professionals already within our school system,” Moore said. “This strategic pipeline investment is the foundation for a diverse and world-class educator workforce, ensuring our students benefit from the mentorship and quality support they deserve.”
Largest awards go to Montgomery County Public Schools at $6 million and a consortium of seven Eastern Shore districts at $4.6 million. Montgomery plans to provide licensure pathways for more than 160 paraprofessionals, conditionally licensed teachers and apprentices. Other recipients include Prince George’s County at $3 million, Charles County at $2 million, Washington County at $1.8 million, Worcester County at $985,540 and Frederick County at $855,646.
State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright said the grants invest in dedicated professionals already in classrooms. “We aren’t just filling seats. We are building a diverse, highly qualified workforce that reflects our students and ensures every child has access to a world-class education.”
Awarded districts will prioritize recruiting and retaining male educators to support mentorship and social-emotional development. Carmel Martin, special secretary of the Governor’s Office for Children, noted that diverse teachers address multiple needs. “More diverse teachers help us meet three urgent needs: More positive role models for young people, more Marylanders in stable, rewarding careers, and a smaller teacher shortage gap.”
In Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools receives $2 million. The College of Southern Maryland is among higher education partners collaborating on the programs. These efforts directly benefit students and families in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties by strengthening local teacher pipelines in communities that rely on strong public schools.
Highlights include the Eastern Shore of Maryland Education Consortium pooling resources across Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset and Talbot counties. Washington County partners with Hagerstown Community College and Frostburg State University for a three-year bachelor’s degree program with full transfer credits. Prince George’s County will feature male representation in materials and outreach through its Men Make a Difference Conference.
Participating institutions of higher education include Bowie State University, Chesapeake College, College of Southern Maryland, Frostburg State University, Hagerstown Community College, McDaniel College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Prince George’s Community College, Salisbury University, Towson University, University of Maryland College Park and University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Maryland State Education Association President Paul Lemle said the programs recognize teaching as a profession requiring investment. “These programs meet the needs of our students, and our future, by providing great teachers to schools across the state.”
The Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program expanded through the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act signed by Moore last year. That law advances debt-free pathways to licensure and recruitment campaigns.
The Moore-Miller administration maintains recruiting and retaining educators as a top priority. Other initiatives include the Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant program offering $1 million, Maryland’s first state-sponsored registered apprenticeship for teaching, and a partnership with teach.org for national recruitment.
These combined efforts aim to sustain the nearly 50 percent drop in vacancies while building a stable, diverse workforce rooted in Maryland communities. Southern Maryland school systems stand to gain from stronger local pipelines that reduce reliance on out-of-area hires and support long-term educational quality in the region.
The grants represent a direct investment in current school employees seeking to advance their careers without debt. Officials expect the programs to produce fully licensed teachers who understand local student needs and remain in their communities.
