So You Want to Teach? Pathways to the Arts Classroom
For independent artists and teaching artists who are looking for opportunities to share their love of art, dance, theatre, and music with students in the PK-12 public school space, this session walks through vital information to become licensed to teach, including the new fine arts transcript analysis pathway that went into effect in March 2026. This session is presented by Sophia Fitzpatrick, Director of Licensure at the Maryland State Department of Education.
Participants will gain an understanding of the variety of opportunities available to them for entering into the space of arts education in Maryland’s public schools and have a working familiarity with the processes involved in engaging with those opportunities.
For independent artists and teaching artists who are looking for opportunities to share their love of art, dance, theatre, and music with students in the PK-12 public school space, this session walks through vital information to become licensed to teach, including the new fine arts transcript analysis pathway that went into effect in March 2026. This session is presented by Sophia Fitzpatrick, Director of Licensure at the Maryland State Department of Education.
Sophia Fitzpatrick
Sophia Fitzpatrick is the Director of Licensure at the Maryland State Department of Education, where she manages the implementation of educator licensure regulations and policies. Sophia focuses on delivering high-quality service through strategic planning and professional development, previously holding roles in teaching, K-12 administration, and in ed-tech & higher education operations. She earned her Master’s from Johns Hopkins University and her Bachelor’s from the College of Charleston. A Baltimore native and lover of gothic & fantasy literature, Sophia is a proud mother whose daughter is following her “Blue Jay” footsteps at the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins.