Become a Teacher in New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Education
http://www.nj.gov/education/PO Box 500 Trenton, NJ 08625
(877)900-6960
New Jersey highlights
Become a teacher in New Jersey
New Jersey Teacher Shortage areas
Earn Your New Jersey Teaching Credential
To earn your New Jersey teaching credential you will have to complete the appropriate amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as an accredited certification program.
New Jersey issues a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) to new graduates of teacher preparation programs who meet all basic New Jersey licensing requirements. CEAS holders go through the Provisional Teacher Program, which involves a period of mentoring and assessment, before being issued a Standard Certificate. Learn more here about earning your New Jersey teaching credential.
Learn more about getting your teaching credential.
Return to the topPrerequisite Coursework in New Jersey
All states require at least a Bachelor’s degree to teach. New Jersey has the following additional coursework requirements:
All prospective teachers must complete a “coherent sequence” of education coursework. In addition, each field or subject area has specific requirements.
Elementary Education (Grades K-5): A major in the liberal arts, sciences, or at least 60 liberal arts credits are required. In this sense, ‘Liberal arts’ means any course of study designed to provide general knowledge rather than vocational skills. An additional endorsement in a subject area on top of the Elementary Education certificate is required to teach Grades 5-8.
English (Grades K-12): A minimum of 30 credits in a coherent sequence in the subject field of English, including 12 credits at the advanced level of study.
Mathematics (Grades K-12): A minimum of 30 credits in mathematics, including at least 12 credits at the advanced level.
Science (Grades K-12): A minimum of 30 credits in the subject field of Physics or Chemistry, including at least 12 credits at the advanced level. An additional 15 credits must be completed in physics, mechanics, electrical engineering majors, analytic physics, statics, thermodynamics, circuit designs, heat transfers and mechanical designs as well as chemistry courses and biochemistry.
New Jersey also requires a period of student teaching.
For more specific requirements for each teaching certificate, please consult this site.
Return to the topRequired Tests for New Jersey
Most states require tests to show competency in Basic Skills as well as in the desired Subject Area. New Jersey does not use a Basic Skills test, but does require you to pass the PRAXIS II Subject Assessment/Specialty Area test(s) appropriate for the area and/or subject you plan to teach.
Read more about teacher certification tests.
Return to the topAccredited Teacher Certification Programs
Teacher Certification Programs can be taken online or on-site. They typically include an educational theory and classroom skills seminar and a fieldwork component of student teaching in the area. A list of approved teacher preparation programs in New Jersey can be found here.
Return to the topAlternate Teacher Certification in New Jersey
The New Jersey Department of Education sponsors a state-run alternate route to teacher certification. Participants complete 24 hours of formal instruction, are issued a Certificate of Eligibility and then undergo a minimum of 200 hours of formal instruction accompanied by mentoring from more experienced teachers. Additionally, alternative certification programs, such as Troops-to-Teachers are an option.
Mid-Atlantic Region Troops to Teachers program Return to the topCertification Reciprocity in New Jersey
Interstate reciprocity is a program that allows teachers certified in one state to teach in another state. To find out which other state teaching licenses can be used in New Jersey, visit the Teach.com reciprocity page . Or, for more specific questions about your situation, contact the New Jersey Department of Education. Return to the top
Benefits of a Master's in Education in New Jersey
It is no longer enough to just have years of experience for teaching. After No Child Left Behind and other academic quantification measures, the careers of teachers increasingly depend on their results in the classroom. A Master’s in Teaching will give you more educational theory and classroom skills, as well as more hands-on student teaching experience with a mentor. After a Master’s program, you will be able to achieve better results in the classroom and have more job security and higher pay. Go here to learn more about the salary impact of a Master’s degree for New Jersey teachers.
Learn more about the Benefits of a Master's in Education.
Return to the topMaster's in Education Financial Aid
New Jersey residents are eligible for the Applegate/Jackson/Parks Future Teacher Scholarship as well as the TEACH Grant, a grant which gives financial aid to students in return for an agreement to teach in a high-need school.
Learn more about how to finance your Master's degree.
Return to the topNew Jersey Teacher Salary and Incentives
The average teacher in New Jersey makes $65,000 per year, which is 122% of the state average income. New Jersey is one of the highest paying states to teach in, although it does not provide any additional pay for teaching high-demand districts or school subject. For detailed salary info can be found by using the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) provides full benefits to New Jersey public schools teachers who are at least 62 years old, although reduced benefits are available for younger members. The TPAF website provides several fact sheets on specific aspects of membership. Additionally, The Professional Standards and Learning section of the New Jersey Department of Education handles the professional development of teachers and administrators. In the 2010-11 school year, New Jersey implemented a development plan to build direct connections between what teachers learn in workshops and success in the classroom.
Learn more about teacher salaries. Return to the topNew Jersey Teacher Benefits and Retirement
The New Jersey Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) provides full benefits to New Jersey public schools teachers who are at least 62 years old, although reduced benefits are available for younger members. The TPAF website provides several fact sheets on specific aspects of membership.
Learn more about benefits for teachers.
Return to the topProfessional Development for Teachers in New Jersey
The Professional Standards and Learning section of the New Jersey Department of Education handles the professional development of teachers and administrators. In the 2010-11 school year, New Jersey implemented a development plan to build direct connections between what teachers learn in workshops and success in the classroom.
Return to the topNew Jersey Teaching Jobs
NJhire is a recruitment site sponsored by the Board of Education, which provides a number of ways for applicants to search for job openings and job events, as well as providing a host of additional resources.
Learn more about finding a teaching job.
Return to the top