Q&A Becoming a Teacher in Frederick County

Q: What are the qualifications for teaching in Frederick County Public Schools?

A: All teachers must be eligible for a MD teaching certificate. You can find specific information regarding certification at the following link: http://www.mdcert.org/

Q: When do you hire conditional teachers?

A: Applicants who have completed an approved teacher preparation program and are eligible for Standard or Advanced Professional certification are considered first for any vacancy. The goal in any hiring season is to hire only teachers who are eligible for Standard or Advanced Professional certification.

Q: What do I have to do to become a teacher in Frederick County?

A: First, read through this document and then complete the application. Make sure that you carefully read and follow the directions for each section of the application. The link to the application is at the end of these instructions.

Q: Is there a vacancy for each position posted?

A: Not necessarily. FCPS accepts applications throughout the year for all potential vacancies. To be considered for any vacancy, one must have a completed application online.

Q: What should I put in the certification section?

A: Enter information ONLY if you hold a teaching certificate. Do not enter any information if you do not hold a teaching certificate.

* If you hold a MD teaching certificate, enter that information in the “Certification Information/Professional Certificate” section.

* If you hold a teaching certificate from ANOTHER STATE, enter that information in the “Out of State Certification Information” section.

Q: Can I send you paper copies or email attachments instead of uploading the documents and emails into my application online?

A: No, our application process is paperless. All application information must be uploaded into your application.

Q: I do not have a scanner. What can I do?

A: Most public libraries have scanners. Office supply stores can also scan documents for a fee. Sometimes, universities provide unofficial, online versions of transcripts at no cost. You may use these for your application. The file size limit is 10MB.

Q: There are only three upload sections for resume, cover letter, and transcripts. How can I upload more than one transcript as well as my teaching certificate and Praxis results?

A: You can combine the cover letter as the first page of your resume and upload as one document into the Resume section. You can then scan your teaching certificate and teaching test results into one document to upload into the Cover Letter section. Scan all transcripts into one document and upload into the Transcripts section. Remember the file size limit is 10MB.

Q: There is no section for teaching test results. Do I have to upload these test results?

A: Yes. Teaching results are critical for a full evaluation of one's application.

Q: Can I save my incomplete application and return to complete it at a later time?

A: Yes. You may logout of your application at any time and return later to continue your application if the job posting is still open.

Q: How can I re-access my application?

A: You will need to enter the online application for teaching and log in using your username and password. Make sure that you record this information in a safe place for future reference.

Q: I have completed the online application for teaching in Frederick County Public Schools available at fcps.org under “Jobs”. What happens now?

A: First, we check to see if your application is complete. You must answer all the questions. Make sure you include email addresses for your references. We contact your references by email using the email addresses you have uploaded and wait for responses from them. Your application must also contain your resume and an unofficial or official transcript uploaded into your file. When all references and documents are complete, your application is evaluated.

Q: When will I hear from FCPS?

A: We make every effort to review applications in a timely manner. You will receive email notification when the status of your application changes. Please check your application status online by logging onto your account. You will be notified via email should you be selected for a curricular screening interview and/or subsequent position interviews.

Q: Whom should I contact if I have additional questions?

A: You can check the following link to additional Frequently Asked Questions published by our online application support team: https://frederick.schoolrecruiter.net/candidateFAQ.aspx

If you still cannot find the answer to your question, contact the following individuals:

* Elementary/Special Education/Elementary ELL

· marsha.wise@fcps.org OR robin.kelley@fcps.org

* Secondary Content/ Speech Pathologists/Secondary ELL

· kathryn.crawford@fcps.org OR christine.newman@fcps.org

* Electives/Specials

· nancy.dietz@fcps.org OR george.jones@fcps.org