Dozens of former federal employees are preparing for a new chapter this fall as teachers in Maryland classrooms.

The IMAGINE: A Pathway to Teaching program , hosted by Towson University, is helping career changers step into education. The initiative aims to address Maryland's teacher shortage while creating new opportunities for laid-off professionals.

The program is funded by a $1 million grant from the Maryland Higher Education Commission and is part of Gov. Wes Moore's Teacher Quality and Diversity initiative. As of March, Maryland had more than 1,600 unfilled teaching positions.

Second chance at a "new" career

John Freimuth, a former federal worker, is one of 28 new participants in the program.

"I worked at the National Cancer Institute, in an office called the Office of Advo

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