The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) outlines a clear path to certification for teachers at all levels of the credentialing process. Aspiring New Jersey teachers must earn a bachelor's degree, meet professional experience requirements, and pass certification exams in their teaching subject and grade level.
The NJDOE awards different types of teaching certifications depending on whether a student has met the necessary requirements or is still completing a teacher-training program. Certification is also required of educational services personnel, school administrators, and career and technical educators in public schools in New Jersey.
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New Jersey is among the highest-paying states for teachers in the United States. As part of the tri-state area, New Jersey also employs one of the largest concentrations of kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school teachers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Learn more below about how to become a teacher in New Jersey.
How Do I Become a Teacher in New Jersey?
The NJDOE offers a variety of paths toward teaching certification in New Jersey. Teachers who meet all requirements for certification, including completing an NJDOE-approved teacher training program and passing Praxis exams, may qualify for a provisional certificate through the school that extends an offer of employment.
Students must then complete two years of teaching experience at that school within a consecutive three-year period, after which the school can recommend the candidate to the NJDOE for a standard teaching certificate.
Teachers must apply for a certificate of eligibility (CE) or certificate of eligibility with advanced standing (CEAS) to qualify for the provisional teaching process. The NJDOE also offers reciprocity to out-of-state educators who meet its certification requirements.
Meet Minimum Education Requirements
Candidates for teaching certification in New Jersey must first earn a bachelor's degree. Middle school, high school, and career/technical education teachers should pursue a degree, or specialization, in their desired teaching subject.
Aspiring classroom teachers must also complete a NJDOE-approved educator preparation program, including field experience. This combination of academic and career training prepares candidates to meet the core and subject-specific teaching requirements of the Praxis exams.
The minimum education requirements for certification include:
- A minimum of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school, including coursework in a student's desired certification subject
- A minimum 3.0 GPA
- Completion of a professional teacher preparation program, culminating in a practicum
Gain Student Teaching Experience
NJDOE-approved teacher training programs emphasize student teaching experience, which is a key certification requirement. Students can complete some or all of their required clinical practicum hours while earning a bachelor's degree; however, those still in the process of satisfying clinical hours may only qualify for CE certification.
Teaching certification in New Jersey requires at least 175 total field hours, including clinical experience and full-time clinical practice. Students must complete a minimum of 100 hours of clinical experience immediately preceding the remaining full-time clinical practice hours.
Pass Required Certification Tests
Aspiring teachers in New Jersey must pass Praxis exams, offered through ETS, in basic skills and subject assessments. They must also submit to a performance assessment through edTPA.
Students must register for the Praxis in their teaching subject and grade level. Praxis offers separate certification exams for some specializations including ESL and world languages.
Students may qualify to waive the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test requirement if they can provide a commissioner-approved alternative test of basic skills, or score in the top one-third percentile on the ACT, SAT, or GRE in the year the test was taken.
Apply for Certification
Candidates must apply through the Teacher Certification Information System - Online (TCIS). The application process requires students to submit certification test scores, transcripts, verification of program completion, and verification of professional experience. Teachers requesting foreign or out-of-state credentials, or a name change on their certificate, should also submit supporting documents via TCIS.
The cost to apply for initial CE or CEAS status toward provisional or standard certification in New Jersey is $170. The NJDOE takes roughly two weeks to process new certification applications.
How Do I Maintain Teaching Certification in New Jersey?
A standard teaching certificate in New Jersey is considered permanent and does not need to be renewed; however, the NJDOE requires teachers to undergo 20 hours of professional development (PD) each year to maintain certification. As long as teachers maintain these ongoing PD requirements while employed at a public school in New Jersey, they hold both active (working in the classroom) and valid (meeting NJDOE criteria) certification status.
Career Outlook for Teachers in New Jersey
New Jersey teachers enjoy lucrative job opportunities, especially in the state's teacher shortage areas. According to the U.S. Department of Education (ED), New Jersey experienced a critical shortage of teachers in subjects including math, science, and world languages, and in specializations like special education and career and technical education, going into the 2021-2022 academic year.
Already in a high-paying geographical area, New Jersey teachers can earn more for committing to work in a high-need district, subject, or specialization. ED incentivizes these opportunities through federal TEACH grants. The NJDOE also offers similar state-funded teaching grants. Students with a master's degree in education may qualify for advanced certification and higher salaries.
New Jersey teachers earned a higher wage than the national average of $67,521 in 2020, as reported by the U.S. Census. Secondary teachers in New Jersey earned an especially high annual mean wage of nearly $79,000 in 2020, the fourth-highest-paid secondary teachers in the U.S., according to the BLS. New Jersey special educators earned more than $78,000 in 2020.
In-Demand Teaching Careers in New Jersey
Secondary Teacher
Teaching in New Jersey is especially lucrative for secondary educators. These high school teachers must earn certification in a particular subject to teach grades 9-12. Subject certifications include math, science, and career and technical education, all of which are teaching shortage areas and can draw an even higher salary for teachers in New Jersey.
Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $62,870
Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers work with students who have learning, physical, or intellectual disabilities. Teaching in New Jersey in this shortage area requires co-certification in teaching students with disabilities and an endorsement in a grade level from Pre-K-12. Special education teachers in New Jersey earn salaries higher than the national average at all grade levels; although secondary teachers out earn other grade levels in this specialty in this state.
Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $61,500
Math Teacher
Math teachers must master concepts including algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics, and most often teach to middle or high school students. Middle school teachers must pass the certification subject test for math in grades 5-8, while high school teachers may take the general mathematics certification exam. New Jersey teachers may earn more than the national average salary (reported below) to work in this shortage area.
Average Annual Salary (March 2022): $51,500
Science Teacher
New Jersey science teachers must pass a certification exam in a specific subject area, such as biology, earth sciences, physical science, or middle school science, for grades 5-8. Aspiring teachers may also choose to pursue certification in a related branch of science, such as chemistry or physics. While the figure below is the national average, New Jersey teachers may earn more, as science is a critical teaching shortage area in the state.
Average Annual Salary (March 2022): $47,450
Career and Technical Educator
Another critical shortage area for teaching in New Jersey, career and technical education teachers need certification in technology education, which includes training in subject areas like agricultural, energy, manufacturing, and transportation industries. Like most teachers in New Jersey, secondary educators tend to earn the highest salaries compared to other grade levels in this specialization.
Median Average Annual Salary (May 2020): $62,460
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Certification in New Jersey
How do I get a teaching certification in New Jersey?
Candidates must earn a bachelor's degree, complete an educator preparation program, pass certification exams, and satisfy student-teaching requirements to earn teaching certification in New Jersey. Teachers can pursue a variety of paths to certification, depending on where they are in the education/training process.
The first step for aspiring teachers in New Jersey is to apply for CE if they are still in the process of completing an educator training program, or CEAS if they meet other requirements, but have not yet completed two years of classroom experience. Teachers who meet all requirements are recommended for a permanent standard teaching certificate, though alternative provisional, non-citizen, and substitute certificates also exist.
Can I teach in New Jersey without certification?
All public school teachers, administrators, and education personnel in New Jersey require certification; however, private schools do not maintain the same universal certification requirements. New Jersey teachers without certification may occasionally find employment in an alternative education facility but will not enjoy the perks of working as a certified teacher in New Jersey's public education system. Only certified teachers qualify for lucrative programs like the TEACH grant and other incentives to work in teaching shortage areas.
How long does it take to become a teacher in New Jersey?
Though certification depends on education and experience, candidates can technically start teaching professionally in 4-5 years. Graduates of a four-year bachelor's degree program and an NJDOE-approved educator training program lasting approximately 12 months qualify for a provisional certificate to start accumulating classroom teaching experience at a public school. Teachers with provisional certification need two years of experience at that school to earn a recommendation for a permanent standard certificate.
What can I do with teaching certification in New Jersey?
Candidates who hold certification can teach in public schools in New Jersey. The NJDOE awards teaching certifications to educators in a variety of subjects and specializations for grades K-12. Certified teachers can choose to provide a generalist curriculum, focus on a particular subject such as high school math, or specialize in a field like special education, technology, or ESL. Though the certification process differs, aspiring non-teaching education professionals including principals, school counselors, and administrators can also pursue certification through the NJDOE.
How do I become a substitute teacher in New Jersey?
The NJDOE awards temporary substitute certification to students with standard, partial, or unmatching teaching credentials. Substitute teaching candidates must obtain a sponsorship through their hiring school or district and apply online, verifying their certification with the NJDOE or submitting college transcripts, and passing a criminal background check. Uncertified teachers with some college experience can earn a substitute teaching certificate for up to 20 instructional days in the same classroom per school year.
In extenuating circumstances, this certificate may be extended up to 40 days. Career and technical education substitutes, and teachers with CE, CEAS, or standard certification not in their substitute teaching subject, can work for 40 days in the same classroom per school year. Teachers with certification in the subject for which they are substitutes can serve 60 days in the same classroom per year.
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FAQs
How do I become a teacher without a teaching degree in NJ? ›
Answer: To qualify for a substitute teacher certificate in New Jersey, you must have at least 60 college credits. Candidates must have a sponsor district or organization to apply, but the certificate may be used statewide, not just in the school district with which they apply.
Is it hard to get a teaching job in NJ? ›Landing a teaching job in New Jersey today can be quite tough but not impossible. At present, New Jersey is among the states with the highest unemployment rate, and the government typically cuts school budgets at an alarming rate.
How much do teachers get paid in NJ? ›As of Oct 18, 2022, the average annual pay for a Public School Teacher in New Jersey is $37,933 a year.
How do I become a teacher in NJ 2022? ›- Step 1: Complete Preparation Program. Approved CEAS programs.
- Step 2: Start Employment. Employment requirements.
- Step 3: Maintain Employment. Mentoring. Evaluation.
- Step 4: Apply for Standard License. Apply.
- Step 4: Apply for Standard License. Apply. Resources. Educator Mentoring and Induction Support. FAQs for Regulations.
Graduates of a four-year bachelor's degree program and an NJDOE-approved educator training program lasting approximately 12 months qualify for a provisional certificate to start accumulating classroom teaching experience at a public school.
Is there a NJ teacher shortage? ›Declining enrollments in teacher education programs were an ongoing problem in New Jersey before the pandemic and have continued. The federal government allocated $600 million in new funds in June toward addressing the teacher shortage nationally and recruiting a diverse teacher workforce.
Where do teachers make the most money? ›...
Here's a quick snapshot of the top ten states for teacher salaries:
- California (Jobs)
- Alaska (Jobs)
- Connecticut (Jobs)
- Massachusetts (Jobs)
- Washington (Jobs)
- Virginia (Jobs)
- New Jersey (Jobs)
No, technically, teachers do not get paid in the summer if they are not actively teaching. However, most teachers have the option to spread their pay for ten months of work over an entire 12 month period.
How long is student teaching in NJ? ›Student teaching takes place in the final semester for both undergraduate and graduate students. It is a full semester experience (15-16 weeks). It is on the job training – a full day, every day! Student teaching is the final 9 credits of academic preparation.
Do NJ teachers get benefits for life? ›The lawmakers of New Jersey understand the appeal of a comprehensive system of benefits, and attract qualified teachers to the state with affordable health coverage and retirement planning services. By offering teachers lifetime pensions and health benefits, New Jersey hopes to retain a high-quality teaching force.
What's the starting salary for teachers in NJ? ›
The average Entry Level Teacher salary in New Jersey is $46,262 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $38,637 and $56,406.
What school district in NJ pays teachers the most? ›- Millburn Township School District, $87,061.
- Livingston Board of Education School District, $86,615.
- West Essex Regional School District, $83,593.
- North Valley Regional High School District, $91,517.
If you're looking for a fresh challenge, it's never too late to switch to a career in education. So, can you become a teacher without a degree in education? Yes. Good news – you don't have to go back to school and get another bachelor's degree in education to teach thanks to alternative teacher certification programs.
How much do sub teachers make in NJ? ›How much does a Substitute Teacher make in New Jersey? As of Oct 16, 2022, the average annual pay for a Substitute Teacher in New Jersey is $27,590 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $13.26 an hour. This is the equivalent of $530/week or $2,299/month.
How long does it take to get a teaching certificate? ›How many years do you have to study to be a teacher? The minimum number of years to become a qualified school teacher is four years.
What is required to become a teacher? ›You may follow one of two routes in becoming a teacher, namely: a four-year Bachelor of Education degree (B. Ed.); a three-or four-year Bachelor's degree, followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Once completed, both routes lead to classification as a professionally qualified teacher.
How do you become a licensed teacher? ›- Complete your bachelor's degree.
- Complete student teaching (usually as your last semester of college)
- Pass the exam(s) required by your state.
- Obtain any required clearances, such as fingerprints or child abuse clearance.
- Apply for your certificate in the state you wish to teach.
If you have a bachelor's degree, you can complete a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program to earn a certificate or master's degree. Educators with a CE must complete coursework and clinical practice in a CE teacher preparation program to qualify for a Standard license.
Is the edTPA still required in NJ? ›To obtain a certification to teach in New Jersey, educators must pass a Board of Education-approved performance-based assessment known as “edTPA.”
Is there a teacher shortage in NYC? ›New York's teacher shortage blamed on a variety of factors, including lack of respect, fewer benefits. School starts this week in New York and many districts have open teaching positions.
What is NJEdCert? ›
New Jersey Educator Certification (NJEdCert) System.
Which state has the lowest teacher salary? ›...
Teacher Pay by State 2022.
| State | Teacher Salary |
|---|---|
| South Dakota | $49,761 |
| Mississippi | $47,162 |
If your really love helping young learners grow and play, preschool, kindergarten, or grades 1 through 3 are great. If you're more interested in helping children develop good thinking skills as they mature, grade 4 is a good place to start.
What is the best state to be a teacher? ›| Rank | State | Overall score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | 3.80 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 4.20 |
| 3 | Connecticut | 4.33 |
| 4 | New Jersey | 4.77 |
April/May: This is one of the best times to apply for teaching jobs, as many openings are posted during the spring. Job fairs are often held during this time, which are a great opportunity to network and learn more about schools you might like to teach at.
How much do teachers make an hour in NJ? ›How much does a Teacher make in New Jersey? As of Oct 17, 2022, the average annual pay for a Teacher in New Jersey is $28,795 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $13.84 an hour. This is the equivalent of $553/week or $2,399/month.
How much do teachers make an hour? ›The average hourly wage for a Public School Teacher in the United States is $27 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $22 and $33.
Do you have to live in NJ to teach in NJ? ›If you begin your office, position, or employment on September 1, 2011, or later, you must live in New Jersey unless otherwise exempted. If you do not live in New Jersey, you have one year after the date you start your job to relocate your residence to New Jersey.
How many credits do you need to be a substitute teacher in NJ? ›60-Credit Instructional Substitute Credential:
Completion of 60 semester-hour credits at a nationally accredited college or university. Criminal History Record Check: approval date must be within 5 months of the application date with “Substitute Teacher” as the job position.
An ESL teacher must have at least a bachelor's degree, a standard certificate as an ESL teacher and must demonstrate content-area expertise in ESL.
At what age can a NJ teacher retire? ›
| Plan Attributes | |
|---|---|
| Plan type: | Final average salary defined benefit. |
| Normal retirement eligibility (Age/YOS): | 60/10; 55/25 |
| Early retirement eligibility (Age/YOS): | Any/25 |
| Penalty for early retirement: | Reduced 3% for each year retiring before age 55 |
In most states teachers are eligible for retirement without penalty once they turn 60 even with less than 30 years of service.
What is NJ retirement age? ›Retirement is mandatory at age 65* for all Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) members. If you do not file for retirement before age 65, you are automatically retired on the first of the month follow- ing your 65th birthday. Retirement benefits, however, are not payable until the application is filed.
How much do teachers make in New Jersey with a master's degree? ›How much does a Master Teacher make in New Jersey? As of Sep 30, 2022, the average annual pay for a Master Teacher in New Jersey is $30,255 a year.
How do teachers get paid? ›How do teachers get paid? Teachers receive an annual salary typically based on their level of experience. Most public school districts adopt a step program that establishes a pay scale based on the number of years a teacher works within the district.
What is the average salary in NJ? ›$43,291 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $77,252 is the 75th percentile.
Is New Jersey a good place to be a teacher? ›With an overall score of 54.03, New Jersey is the third-best state for teachers in the nation. New Jersey ranks fourth for Academic & Work Environment. New Jersey has the fourth-lowest pupil-to-teacher ratio at 12:1 and the second-highest public school spending per student, spending about $21,866 per student.
What state has the highest starting teacher salary? ›| Rank | State | Average teacher salary for 2020-2021 |
|---|---|---|
| – | United States | $65,090 |
| 1 | Pennsylvania | $71,281 |
| 2 | California | $85,892 |
| 3 | New York | $87,738 |
...
| Teacher penalty | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pay measure | Weekly | Hourly |
| Wage | -16.8%*** | -13.7%*** |
| (Standard error) | (0.0073) | (0.0073) |
| Total compensation | -12.5%*** | -9.4%*** |
You can work as an unqualified teacher in a secondary school/further education while training part-time or you can complete a University or College course such as the Professional Certificate in Education (PCE) or the Certificate of Education (CertEd), which both meet the requirements of Level 5 DET.
How long is teacher training? ›
Full-time courses usually take three to four years, while part-time courses take four to six years. If you have undergraduate credits from previous study, you might be able to complete a course in two years.
Can you be a primary school teacher without a degree? ›Can I become a teacher without a degree? You need qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in most state schools. You must have an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification to obtain QTS.
How many days can a substitute teacher work in NJ? ›Administrative Certificates
20 instructional days Upon extenuating circumstances, a substitute may serve up to 40 total instructional days in same classroom. School district must notify the Executive County Superintendent if teacher substitutes in same classroom beyond 20 days.
CE - The Certificate of Eligibility (CE) is a credential with lifetime validity issued to an individual who has NOT completed a teacher preparation program, but who has met the basic requirements for certification including academic study and applicable test requirements.
What is the minimum wage in New Jersey 2022? ›Effective January 1, 2022, the New Jersey minimum wage is $13.00 per hour for most workers. Learn more about the increase.
How long does it take to get NJ teaching certification? ›Graduates of a four-year bachelor's degree program and an NJDOE-approved educator training program lasting approximately 12 months qualify for a provisional certificate to start accumulating classroom teaching experience at a public school.
Can you study teaching online? ›Study Teaching Online via Distance Learning
Distance learning, like blended learning, is also done online. However, with Distance Learning there is no need to attend classes or to be location bound. You can study from anywhere in the world and still get your qualifications.
- Career guidance counselor. Choosing a career can be an overwhelming process. ...
- School administrator. ...
- Librarian. ...
- Private Tutor. ...
- Corporate trainer. ...
- Adult literacy teacher. ...
- Parenting coach/educator. ...
- Writer.
So yes you can become a teacher without a degree and hold QTLS, which the government states has parity with QTS in maintained primary and secondary schools. There is however no guarantee that the schools you apply for will consider the QTLS qualification as equal to applicants holding QTS.
Can I get a teaching certificate without a degree? ›If you're looking for a fresh challenge, it's never too late to switch to a career in education. So, can you become a teacher without a degree in education? Yes. Good news – you don't have to go back to school and get another bachelor's degree in education to teach thanks to alternative teacher certification programs.
How do I become a teacher's assistant in NJ? ›
To be a teacher's assistant you must have completed at least two years of higher education and have at least an associate's degree. In addition you must be able to pass a state or local examination demonstrating your knowledge and ability to assist in instructing students in reading, mathematics and writing.
How long does it take to get a teaching certificate? ›How many years do you have to study to be a teacher? The minimum number of years to become a qualified school teacher is four years.
Can I train to be a teacher and get paid? ›The programme is fee free. Being able to earn a salary while you train, as well as receiving a discount on travel within London. Gain more experience working in a school before you qualify, so you are more prepared for life as a newly qualified teacher.
How much do teachers get paid? ›| Years Experience | Public | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Years Experience 1 | Public $40,540 | Private $29,940 |
| Years Experience 2-4 | Public $41,480 | Private $33,540 |
| Years Experience 5-9 | Public $47,300 | Private $37,220 |
| Years Experience 10-14 | Public $54,860 | Private $40,440 |
- Express your passion. ...
- Demonstrate your transferable experience. ...
- Show that you're tech-savvy. ...
- Advance your teaching knowledge. ...
- Project a growth mindset. ...
- Decide which grade you want to teach. ...
- Practice common teaching interview discussion points. ...
- Prepare for a demo lesson.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need: 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths. 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree. a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course.
Full-time courses usually take three to four years, while part-time courses take four to six years. If you have undergraduate credits from previous study, you might be able to complete a course in two years.
What are the requirements of being a teacher? ›You may follow one of two routes in becoming a teacher, namely: a four-year Bachelor of Education degree (B. Ed.); a three-or four-year Bachelor's degree, followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Once completed, both routes lead to classification as a professionally qualified teacher.
Can you be a teaching assistant with no qualifications? ›Technically, the only qualifications you need to become a teaching assistant are GCSEs in Maths and English. There are many courses on offer for those looking to become teaching assistants, but they should not be seen as a prerequisite to entry.
How much do teachers aides make in NJ? ›How much does a Teacher Aide make in New Jersey? The average Teacher Aide salary in New Jersey is $32,162 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $27,646 and $38,178.
Do you have to live in NJ to teach in NJ? ›
If you begin your office, position, or employment on September 1, 2011, or later, you must live in New Jersey unless otherwise exempted. If you do not live in New Jersey, you have one year after the date you start your job to relocate your residence to New Jersey.
What is the maximum age to become a teacher? ›But generally, the maximum age limits in the government teachers jobs are 40 years.
How much do teachers make an hour? ›The average hourly wage for a Public School Teacher in the United States is $27 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $22 and $33.
How do I get a teaching license? ›The licence is obtained by passing two tests, one in pedagogy and the other in the specialisation of the applicant teacher. In case the applicant fails to meet the exam criteria, the system then introduces training courses that are customised based on the level shown in the exam to achieve the required outcome.