Maryland teacher vacancies drop 73% in 4 years, education officials say

Maryland education officials said the statewide teacher vacancy rate has fallen sharply over the past four years. It peaked at 2,145 vacancies in the 2022-2023 school year, then dropped to 572 in the current school year, according to a State Board of Education release. The officials credited “a broad range of initiatives,” including salary adjustments and efforts to improve teacher recruitment and retention. State Superintendent Dr. Carey M. Wright said targeted investments and partnerships are making measurable progress for students and schools. Governor Wes Moore called it “historic progress,” but added the state won’t stop until every vacancy is filled. More than 64,000 educators work in Maryland public schools, and a Grow Your-Own Educators program supported with $33.7 million has reached at least 16 districts.