In the Garden State of New Jersey, there is nothing more important than education. New Jersey proves its commitment to providing its students a world-class education by hiring teachers of the highest quality possible. This means that anyone wishing to become a teacher in New Jersey must demonstrate their dedication to education by completing several certification requirements.
While no more stringent than other states, meeting the certification requirements in New Jersey can be difficult if you don’t understand them fully. Learn more about how to become certified as a teacher in New Jersey and get information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics report for teachers in this state.
New Jersey Teacher Certification Requirements
New Jersey Teacher Certification Types
New Jersey has a three-step certification process. First, you will need to earn either your Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or your Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS). Next, you will earn your Provisional Certificate by becoming employed in a school and enrolled in a residency. Finally, you will earn your Standard Certificate by meeting all requirements.
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New Jersey Teacher Education
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree and a teacher preparation program is required to become a teacher in New Jersey. Endorsements in certain educational disciplines will require further training. For example, for a Subject area endorsement, you need 30 credit hours dedicated to the subject area. An Elementary School endorsement requires 60 hours of liberal arts/science coursework.
New Jersey Teacher Certification Exam
New Jersey teachers must prove basic competency by passing the Praxis I exam. They must also demonstrate subject mastery by passing the Praxis II exam.
Teacher Experience
During your Bachelor’s degree work, you will be required to take part in a practicum. This will mostly be focused on observing a licensed teacher in a classroom. After your degree, you will participate in a student teaching program/residency. Completion of this residency is required to earn your Standard Certificate.
Background Check
After certification, you will have to submit to a background check by both the FBI and the New Jersey State Police before you can start teaching.
Alternative Certification and Other Requirements
- New Jersey Alternative Teacher Certification: To earn alternative certification you must apply for your CE. When this is granted, you will need to complete educational requirements for the field in which you want to teach.
- Teacher Certification Renewal: Provisional Certificates are good for two years. Provisional Certificates can be renewed two times before you will need to become eligible for Standard Certificates. Standard Certificates never expire.
- New Jersey Substitute Teaching: New Jersey only allows uncertified teachers to substitute teach in situations where a certified teacher is not available. Emergency substitute certificates are issued at the county level.
- Reciprocity: New Jersey offers certificates to teachers who have been licensed in other states, as well as foreign trained teachers in certain circumstances.
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What Does a Teacher Do in New Jersey?
There are many tasks that New Jersey teachers need to perform in order to achieve long-term success for both themselves and their students. For instance, a teacher must provide effective instruction while managing their classroom and addressing any behavioral issues. In addition to instruction, New Jersey teachers must follow directions from school administrators, work on lesson plans, document student progress and consult with other teachers.
New Jersey Teacher Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides salary information for many careers, including teachers. New Jersey teachers make some of the most competitive salaries in the country. For instance, the BLS states that the median pay for a high school teacher in New Jersey in 2015 was $75,250. New Jersey elementary school teachers made $68,810 and middle school teachers earned $71,000.
New Jersey Teacher Certification Links
Teacher Certification Programs in New Jersey
Teacher Certification Programs in New Jersey
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Becoming a teacher is an important decision that requires commitment, dedication, and passion. Teacher certification requirements vary by state. However, there are a number qualifications that every state requires to teach at the public school level. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!