Living & Expenses 2011
Salary
Salary
$43,000
$43,000
Cost of Living
Housing Costs (single)
$650–$1,000
$650–$1,000
Housing Costs (shared)
$550
$550
Health Insurance
$25
$25
Utilities
$60–$120
$60–$120
Daycare
$225–$1,000
$225–$1,000
Monthly Transit Pass
$64
$64
Car Required
Yes
Yes
Car Insurance
$145
$145
Start-Up
Costs
Testing Costs
$400–$500
$400–$500
Up Front Certification Costs
How Do You Pay Start-Up Costs
Out of Pocket
Out of Pocket
Ongoing Costs Through the Two-Year Commitment
Ongoing Certification Costs
$4,635–$6,750
$4,635–$6,750
Use Americorps award for testing/certification
Yes
Yes
How is teaching certification structured in this state/region?
Two year – through university
Two year – through university
Is it possible to complete a master's degree at the end of the two years?
Yes
Yes
Is a master's degree required?
No
No
Partner Universities
Johns Hopkins University, College of Notre Dame, Maryland Practitioner Teacher Program
Johns Hopkins University, College of Notre Dame, Maryland Practitioner Teacher Program
Teacher Certification Information
In order to enroll in a certification program, corps members must pass exams call The Praxis Series: Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers. All Baltimore corps members have the opportunity to become certified within two years and about 70 percent also earn a master’s degree during this time through partnerships with The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and College of Notre Dame (SPED).
Notes and Clarifications
- Beginning teacher salary: If you have a master's degree, you may receive additional compensation.
- Avg. health insurance: In some placement districts, health insurance premiums are pre-tax deductions.
- Total tax rate: Federal + state + city
- Up-front certification: Approximately $400 - $500. This will cover the cost of your Praxis exams and if you need to order any additional score reports.
- Paying start-up costs: Corps members are expected to pay for their Praxis exams and score reports out of pocket. This must be done prior to the middle of May.
- Ongoing certification: $100 - $4,000; depends on which university partner is used for certification coursework.
- AmeriCorps award for certification: You may use your AmeriCorps award for certification expenses through Johns Hopkins University or College of Notre Dame. You are not able to use your AmeriCorps award toward Maryland Practitioner Teacher Program.
- Master's in two years: It is possible to complete the Master’s degree in two years.
- Master's required: Completing a Master’s degree is not required.
- Extra master's degree costs: $5,000 - $10,000; does not include AmeriCorps award.
- Partner university(ies): Johns Hopkins University and College of Notre Dame partner with Teach For America for ongoing certification requirements and offer optional masters degrees.
Teach For America was named one of Fortune magazine's top 100 employers to work for.
Teach For America was named one of America's top 100 Ideal Employers in Universum's 2011 American Student Survey.