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How much money do New Jersey teachers make

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How much money do New Jersey teachers make

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Salary.com. (N.D).

High School Science Teacher Salary in New Jersey. Retrieved from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/high-school-science-teacher-salary/nj

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How much does a High School Science Teacher make in New Jersey? The average High School Science Teacher salary in New Jersey is $61,547 as of April 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $53,536 and $71,169. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

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High School Science Teacher Salary in New Jersey | Salary.com

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How much does a High School Science Teacher make in New Jersey? The average High School Science Teacher salary in New Jersey is $61,547 as of April 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $53,536 and $71,169.

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Teacher.org. (2022). How to Become a Teacher in New Jersey. Retrieved from https://www.teacher.org/state/new-jersey/

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Great job! You have decided to become a teacher. Teaching is a career that is meant for an exceptional set of individuals who have the calling to change lives through education.

The following steps will help you become a teacher in New Jersey.

Choose What You Want to Teach

Special education? Elementary, middle, or high school? Before you actually start studying to become a teacher in New Jersey, you need to consider which grade level or subject(s) are right for you. Depending on the area you choose, New Jersey has specific prerequisites for becoming a teacher.

New Jersey, as all states, requires a minimum of a bachelor's in education in order to become a teacher. Teachers must also complete a teacher preparation program. The degree must be from an accredited college or university. Most colleges and universities offer what is known as a blended or joint program. This means that upon completion of all required classes, fieldwork, and passing test scores, you will receive both a bachelor's degree and a teaching license. This is wonderful for those who know from the beginning that they wish to be a teacher.

Complete a Teacher Preparation Program

Public school teachers must have a teaching license in order to teach. To gain licensure, a teacher preparation program from an accredited college or university must be completed. In order for a college to be accredited, it must be certified through CAEP, formerly NCATE and TEAC. If you choose this traditional route, you will likely graduate with a certification and a bachelor's degree.

While all states require a bachelor's degree to become certified, New Jersey has specific requirements depending on the area in which you want to teach. All teachers must complete a coherent sequence of coursework in the educational field. In addition, keep in mind that the following fields have specific requirements:

Elementary Education (Kindergarten - fifth grade)

A teaching candidate must complete at least 60 liberal arts credits, be a liberal arts major, or a science major. In addition, an endorsement in a specific subject area is required if grades 5-8 are the desirable teaching areas.

English (Kindergarten - twelfth grade)

A minimum of 30 credit areas in an English program, including a minimum of 12 advanced class hours are required for this certification.

Mathematics (Kindergarten - twelfth grade)

A minimum of 30 credit areas in an Mathematics program, including a minimum of 12 advanced class hours are required for this certification.

Science (Kindergarten through twelfth grade)

In order to become a certified teacher of Science in New Jersey you must complete a minimum of 30 credit areas in the field of Chemistry or Physics with 12 of those hours being at the advanced level. In addition, 15 full hours of credits must be gained in physics, mechanics, electrical engineering, thermodynamics, mechanical design, chemistry, or biochemistry.

Alternative Teaching Certification in New Jersey

An alternative route to certification is available in New Jersey.

Teacher Certification Program

This option is for people who already have a four year Bachelor's Degree but have not completed a teacher preparation program. You will not earn a new degree with this program, just certification. To apply, one must meet all the requirements of the Office of licensure and Academic Credentials (OLC). Recent changes also require that potential candidate complete 24 hours of formal instruction prior to gaining a certificate. Completing all the steps will lead to a provisional license with a mentor and formal instruction while on the job.

Pass the Exams Required for Teacher Certification in New Jersey

The next step to becoming a teacher in New Jersey is passing the necessary tests.

Basic Skills Test

A basic skills test that is approved by the Commissioner must be taken in order to receive certification in New Jersey. The Praxis CORE Academic Skills for Educators Test can be taken to fulfill the Basic Skills Test requirement. However, a score of 1660 or higher on the SAT, 23 or higher on the ACT, or at least a 4 on the analytical writing section and a combined score of 310 on the GRE can also be used.

Subject Tests

All New Jersey teachers will need to pass the subject specific/specialty area PRAXIS II exam for the grade and/or subjects you wish to teach. There are study guides and practice tests available for each version of the test. To make sure you have signed up for the correct test(s), you can talk with your school counselor or advisor. The test is comprised of multiple choice questions along with constructed response essay questions.

Apply for your New Jersey Teacher Certification

Application Requirements

You can apply online or you can submit transcripts for evaluation. In order to submit the application for new certification, you must do the following:

Submit a $70 payment by credit card online

Gain verification of program completion

Provide copies of out-of-state certificates (if applicable)

If applicable, a letter detailing any years of full-time teaching or administrative experience. This should include specifics of the job and be on school district letterhead, signed by the appropriate officials.

Official college transcripts with a degree conferral and GPA listed. A 3.00 or in some cases a 2.75 or above with high PRAXIS scores is required.

Credentials evaluation if certification was received from another country

Signed and notarized Oath of Allegiance for US citizens

Signed and notarized Non-citizen Oath of Allegiance (if applicable)

Provide scores for required PRAXIS II area tests

Applicants must take and pass an examination on physiology and hygiene or show proof of basic military training in the study of biology, health, or nutrition.

24 hour requirements (CE certificates only)

Contact Information

NJ Department of Education
PO box 500
Trenton, NJ 08625-0500
Phone: (877)900-6960

Find a Teaching Job in New Jersey

If you have completed certification and received licensure, then you are ready to begin your career as an empowering educator in New Jersey!

Teaching Job in a Public School

Like other areas of the country, New Jersey is experiencing shortages in language, math, and sciences teachers, as well as those qualified to teach special education. In order to combat this trend, the state of New Jersey makes an active recruitment attempt for certified and passionate candidates through the Department of Education website and an auxiliary website: https://www.njschooljobs.com/.

New Jersey Teacher Unions

When hired, public school teachers can join a union such as the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) or the American Federation of Teachers New Jersey (AFL-CIO), both of which offer support and advocacy to their members.

New Jersey Teacher Benefits

Teachers in New Jersey have comprehensive benefits while working. Upon retirement, they or their surviving family members are able to draw from the Teacher's Pension and Annuity Fund - State of New Jersey.

Teaching Job in a Private School

In addition to pursuing a career in a public school, teachers may wish to apply to any of the state's 1,536 private schools. With ratios that average 11 students per teacher, teachers may find private schools to be a comfortable transition to full-time teaching. Applying for a private school usually requires the candidate to apply directly with the school.

Teacher Shortage in New Jersey by Subjects or Discipline (2021-2022)

The following list of teacher shortage areas in New Jersey has been obtained from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education, Teacher Shortage Area (TSA) report for the 2021-2022 school year:

ESOL, Bilingual Education PreK-12

World Languages PreK-12

Mathematics PreK-12

Science PreK-12

Special Education PreK-12

Career and Technical Education PreK-12

Number of Public and Private School Teachers By Grade

The following Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) table highlights the number of teachers in New Jersey in both private and public schools, by grade level, as of May 2020:

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

13,430

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

37,870

Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

25,670

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

29,860

Special Education Teachers, Preschool

790

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School

11,420

Special Education Teachers, Middle School

6,970

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

5,750

Continue Your Education and Professional Development

In the field of education, professional development opportunities occur throughout the system, including but not limited to support staff, teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators. Professional development initiatives are driven from the top down - first nationally, then state-wide, then district, then school, and finally classroom focused.

Professional Development in New Jersey

New Jersey teachers utilize a variety of platforms and formats to ensure that their professional development needs are met. Among their options are online courses/ webinars, peer-led conferences/in-services, and administrator/facilitator presentations. The state Department of Education in New Jersey has issued an updated set of guidelines to help teachers meet the state's needs for highly qualified teaching professionals.

Teachers must achieve 20 hours of professional development each year, according to New Jersey's Standards for Professional Learning. The PD offerings must be of high-quality and lead to effective teaching practices and build leadership capacity. Teachers with questions meeting New Jersey's stringent guidelines are encouraged to review their school district's copy of the New Jersey collaborative professional learning toolkit.

Consider the Benefits of a Master's in Education or Teaching: Reduced Professional Development Requirements and Increased Pay

While a master's in education or teaching is not required to teach in New Jersey, earn a master's in either instruction or a specific subject, and you'll broaden your professional opportunities, improve student outcomes, and position yourself for job stability and a higher salary. Plus, completing courses toward your master's degree may also help you satisfy the requirements of your annual Professional Development Plan.

As a new teacher, you'll apply for a two-year Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS). Then, once employed, your employer will request a two-year Provisional Certificate from the Department of Education. During this time, you'll complete the Provisional Teacher Process (PTP), which involves evaluation, support, mentoring, and supervision through your district.

Then, after two years of teaching and the successful completion of the PTP, your district will recommend you for a Standard Certificate. The Standard Certificate is considered permanent and does not need to be renewed. You'll still need to meet the requirements of your individual Professional Development Plan (PDP), which must involve at least 20 hours of annual learning.

While there are a variety of ways to earn the 20 PDP hours, pursue a master's degree and you may be able to satisfy some or all of these requirements.

Earning a Master's in Teaching or Education Can Come with a Pay Bump

You may also enjoy a higher salary with a master's degree on your resume. For example, teachers in the Newark Unified School District earned a minimum salary of $63,841 as of the 2020-2021 school year, while teachers with a master's degree earned $67,098.

May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends for elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, secondary school teachers, preschool teachers, teaching assistants, special education preschool teachers, special education elementary school teachers, special education middle school teachers, and special education secondary teachers. Figures represent national data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

Data accessed June 2021.

Request Admissions Information From Schools

Early Childhood Education Programs

Elementary Education Programs

Secondary Education Programs

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New Jersey Teacher Certification | Bachelor's and Master's in Education | Teacher.org

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Great job! You have decided to become a teacher. Teaching is a career that is meant for an exceptional set of individuals who have the calling to change lives through education. The following steps will help you become a teacher in New Jersey. Special education? Elementary, middle, or high school?

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All education schools.com. (N.D). How to Earn a Teaching License in New Jersey. Retrieved from https://www.alleducationschools.com/teacher-certification/new-jersey/.

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If you're interested in learning how to become a teacher in New Jersey you'll know that earning your teacher certification is a critical step to beginning a teaching career in public schools.

There are several different pathways available to fit a variety of situations-whether you're just applying to college, you're a teacher moving to New Jersey and are seeking reciprocity, or you're looking for alternative routes to gain teacher certification.

Read on to learn about the different ways to get teacher certification in New Jersey and check out the video below for key facts about teaching in the state.

Requirements for Teaching

New Jersey gets high marks for making education a priority. The state ranked sixth for teachers and instructional staff, according to the National Education Association (NEA) survey. With a supportive teaching environment, getting a teaching license in New Jersey offers the opportunity to work in a system where you'll have the resources you need to help your students succeed.

There are four main types of certificates important to first-time teachers in New Jersey. With the traditional path to initial certification, you can earn a lifetime Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) by completing a state-approved teacher preparation program. A CEAS allows you to seek employment as a certified teacher in New Jersey public schools.

If you have not completed a teacher preparation program, but have met the basic academic, pre-professional experience and assessment requirements, you are eligible to apply for a lifetime Certificate of Eligibility (CE). With a CE, you can accept teaching positions that require certification. When hired, you will have to enroll in a CE Educator Preparation Program, which can be completed while you work under a CE.

After you earn a CE or CEAS and secure a full-time teaching position, you are eligible for a Provisional two-year certificate. Your employing school district requests this to legalize your employment. With this certificate, you become part of your school district's Provisional Teacher Program (PTP), which includes mentoring, supervision and evaluation. Both CE and CEAS holders must serve at least two full school years in a PTP until they are eligible for a Standard Certificate.

A Standard Certificate is a permanent credential that you can receive after meeting all requirements for state certification, including a teacher preparation program, completion of the PTP program and a minimum of two effective years of within three consecutive years of the four calendar years prior to your application. To achieve a Standard Certificate, you must earn evaluation ratings of Effective or Highly Effective from your PTP building principal for two of three consecutive years.

Minimum Education Requirements for New Jersey Teachers

The minimum education requirement for New Jersey teachers is a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The only exceptions are for Career and Technical Education licenses, which can be awarded based on experience when other requirements are met.

If you are applying for a CEAS initial certification, you must complete an approved CEAS teacher preparation program in which you can earn a bachelor's degree. 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.

In New Jersey, you must achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale in a bachelor's degree program, higher degree program or a State-approved post-baccalaureate certification program with a minimum of 13 semester-hour credits. However, a passing score plus 10 percent on the required Praxis test may qualify you for GPA flexibility if your GPA is lower than 3.0 but equal or higher to 2.75.

Student Teaching

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) requires that approved CEAS teacher preparation programs provide both clinical experience and clinical practice. Clinical experience requires hand-on, practical applications and demonstrations of professional knowledge prior to clinical practice. The NJDOE requires at least 50 hours of clinical experience in at least two school settings.

Your CEAS clinical practice component occurs in two segments. The first segment lasts a minimum of 175 hours, with at least 100 hours occurring throughout the semester prior to your full-time clinical practice semester. In the second segment of your clinical practice, you must teach full-time for at least one semester.

Educators with a CE must complete 50 hours of pre-professional experience before they begin teaching. This includes 15 hours of coursework, 20 hours of clinical experience, including 10 hours of planning and delivering instruction individually or with a co-teacher, and 15 hours at the program's discretion. This requirement can be met with appropriate experience working with children and/or special coursework. You can begin a CE teacher preparation program after you start teaching.

Pass New Jersey Certification Exams

New Jersey certification exams include a basic skills requirement, which is met by passing the Praxis Core Academic Skills assessment. You also can provide an ACT, SAT or GRE score that is at or above the cut score for the year in which you took the exam. In addition, CEAS candidates must pass the appropriate edTPA prior to earning CEAS certification. CE holders must pass the edTPA before earning Standard certification.

All certification candidates must earn the minimum qualifying score on the Praxis II content area test that aligns with their certification area. An additional examination in physiology and hygiene, administered at the county offices of education, is required of all candidates. Basic military training, or college-level study in related subjects, such as health, nutrition or biology can fulfill this requirement.

Apply

You can initiate and complete some of your application at the Teacher Certification Information System (TCIS) - Online. Here, you can verify your Oath of Allegiance and pay for fees online. Your edTPA and Praxis II test scores are sent electronically to the NJDOE and attached to your online application.

A paper Verification of Program Completion form, signed by the dean or program administrator, is required for proof of a CEAS or CE preparation program. You also must submit an original Record of Professional Experience form signed by an official from the school district in which you completed your full-time clinical experience. Official college transcripts and score reports from alternative basic skills assessments and required oral proficiencies must be submitted in sealed envelopes. All required paper documents, including individual sealed envelopes, are mailed to the Office of Certification and Induction together.

How Much Do Teachers in New Jersey Make?

New Jersey teacher salaries vary based on a teacher's level of education, specific experience, type of certification and finances of the employing school district. Some average New Jersey teacher salaries are listed here.

7%

Job Growth for Teachers through 2030
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics; *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Specialty Certifications

You can earn New Jersey specialty certifications in a wide range of subject areas and grade levels whether you are pursuing a CEAS or CE. Each specialty area has specific educational and assessment requirements that align with the subject matter the license authorizes you to teach. It's important to confirm that you understand the requirements for the type of certificate you desire to ensure the quickest path to teacher certification.

Early Childhood Education

Early childhood teachers can earn a Preschool through Grade 3 certificate in New Jersey. This license requires a bachelor's degree in a liberal arts or sciences major, or completion of a minimum of 60 liberal arts credits. You also must fulfill the requirements for a minimum GPA, proof of basic skills and physiology/hygiene knowledge. Required tests include the edTPA performance assessment for Preschool through Grade 3 and the Praxis II Early Childhood Education content area assessment.

CEAS candidates must complete an early childhood teacher education program or a post-baccalaureate certification program that includes a minimum of 13 semester-hour credits. You can apply for a CE in Preschool through Grade 3, without completing a teacher preparation program. To secure Standard licensure after a CE, you must attend a state-approved Preschool through Grade 3 program consisting of at least 24 semester credit hours. If you complete these credits while working, you must enroll in a New Jersey-based college or university CE teacher preparation program.

Elementary School Teacher

You can earn Elementary School Teacher (Grades K-6) certification in New Jersey. Qualifications include a bachelor's degree that has a liberal arts or sciences major or at least 60 liberal arts credits. You also must meet the minimum GPA requirement, demonstrate basic skills by approved assessment, and prove physiology/hygiene knowledge. In addition, you must achieve cut scores in the edTPA performance assessment for Elementary School Teacher in Grades K-6 and the Praxis II Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects assessments.

CEAS candidates for Elementary School certification must complete an elementary school education program or post-baccalaureate certification program that includes at least 13 semester-hour credits. Applicants for a CE in Elementary School Teacher in Grades K-6 must meet the same assessment, basic skills and physiology/hygiene requirements, without a teacher preparation program. Standard Licensure after a CE in this certification requires completion of a CE elementary school teacher preparation program and supervised clinical practice.

Secondary School Teacher

To become a certified secondary school teacher in New Jersey, you can earn a special area endorsement that authorizes you to teach grades P-12. Qualifications include a bachelor's degree with at least 30 semester hour credits in your subject area, with a minimum of 12 advanced level credits. Additional requirements include a minimum cumulative GPA, basic skills assessment, and physiology/hygiene knowledge. You also must achieve cut scores in the edTPA performance assessment and Praxis II content area assessments that correlate with your specialty area.

You can qualify for a CEAS in a subject area if you have completed a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate teacher certification program that includes a minimum of 13 semester-hour credits. Candidates can receive a CE in a subject area without a teacher preparation program if they meet the other requirements. You must complete an approved CE teacher preparation and supervised clinical practice to transition from a CE to a Standard License.

Substitute Teacher Certification

You can earn substitute teacher certification if you hold a New Jersey educator license. A CE or CEAS qualifies you to serve as a substitute teacher for up to 40 instructional days for subject areas in which you do not have certification, and from 60 instructional days to an entire school year in subject areas in which you have certification.

If you don't have one of these licenses, you can apply for a Substitute Credential. This authorizes you to teach up to 40 instructional days per school year in the same class. You must have at least 60 semester-hour credits from a regionally accredited college or university. A CTE Substitute Credential requires two years of full-time related work experience in the five years prior to application. A criminal history background clearance is required for all Substitute Credentials.

Physical Education (PE) Certification

You can earn Physical Education (PE) certification with a Teacher of Physical Education certificate (P-12). A bachelor's degree with a minimum of 30 credits in physical education, including at least one course each in team, dual and individual sports is required. At least 12 of the 30 credits must be in advanced courses. You also must meet the minimum GPA, basic skills assessment and physiology/hygiene knowledge requirements. In addition, you must pass the edTPA Physical Education performance assessment and the Praxis II content area assessment on Physical Education: Content Knowledge.

CE licensure doesn't require a teacher preparation program, however, you have to complete an approved physical education teacher preparation program with supervised clinical practice to qualify for a Standard license from a CE. You can qualify for a CEAS in physical education if you have completed a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate physical education teacher certification program that includes a minimum of 13 semester-hour credits.

Special Education Certification

Special education certification in New Jersey is offered as a general Teacher of Students with Disabilities (Preschool to grade 12) endorsement or more specialized endorsements including Blind or Visually Impaired, Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Oral/Aural Communication, and Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Sign Language Communication.

For special education certification, the specific content area is added to an existing general education license. You must have dual certification so that you hold a CE, CEAS or Standard New Jersey teaching certificate with an endorsement appropriate to the subject or grade level you plan to teach, along with a special education endorsement.

To add a CEAS special education endorsement, you must complete a professional education program in special education that includes clinical practice. Additional qualifications include meeting requirements for a minimum GPA. An edTPA in special education is not required since your performance assessment was completed in your initial content area.

If you hold a CE in Special Education, you must attend a Special Education program consisting of 21-27 semester hour credits to earn Standard licensure. If you plan to work in special education while studying for Standard licensure, you must enroll in a CE teacher preparation program at a New Jersey college or university.

English as a Second Language Certification

You can earn English as a Second Language certification for Preschool through grade 12. Qualifications are a bachelor's degree, the minimum cumulative GPA, a basic skills assessment and the physiology/hygiene component. You also must pass the edTPA English as a Second Language performance assessment. Passing scores on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and Writing Proficiency assessments is also required.

You can earn a CE in English as a Second Language if you haven't completed a teacher preparation program but meet all other requirements. You can qualify for a CEAS in English as a Second Language if you have completed a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate teacher certification program that includes a minimum of 13 semester-hour credits.

Certifications for School Administrators

Certification for school administrators is available as either a Principal or Superintendent CE endorsement for Preschool through Grade 12. Qualifications for a Principal or School Administrator certificate include five years of successful professional educational experience and a master's degree or higher in leadership or management or other post-master's degree substitutions. You also must complete at least 30 graduate credits in the promotion of student learning, either within the master's program or in addition to it. Candidates for School Administrator endorsements have additional options that include using work experience to establish certificate eligibility.

Candidates for School Administrator endorsements must complete a one-year residency and pass the Praxis II School Superintendent Assessment. Those pursuing a Principal endorsement must complete a two-year residency and pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment.

Teaching Reciprocity Agreements in New Jersey

Reciprocity agreements allow teachers to apply out-of-state credentials toward New Jersey teacher certification. You can begin your New Jersey teaching career earlier if you understand how your out-of-state license can be used to fulfill requirements for teacher certification in this state.

NASDTEC Interstate Agreement

New Jersey participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement.

State Grants Full Reciprocity

New Jersey does not grant full reciprocity.

Coursework Requirements

Out-of-state candidates have no additional coursework requirements, though CEAS candidates must have student teaching experience.

Test-out or Exemption

New Jersey does not offer test-out or exemption.

Assessment Requirements

Out-of-state CEAS candidates must pass a state-approved performance assessment or have passed one in their home state. Teachers holding National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification or the Meritorious New Teacher Candidate designation are exempt. Those without a performance assessment can receive a provisional CE while they fulfill the requirements. An out-of-state candidate must take a New Jersey subject matter test if they did not do so previously.

Different Requirements Based on Experience

The same requirements exist for experienced and inexperienced out-of-state teachers. However, experienced teachers may qualify for a Standard certificate if they have a valid certificate and written documentation of at least two effective years of teaching within three consecutive years of the four calendar years prior to their application.

Performance Requirements

To qualify for a Standard certificate, out-of-state candidates must have NBPTS certification or a valid out-of-state license with two years of teaching within three consecutive years of the four years prior to application, with written confirmation.

Special Reciprocity for Advanced Credentials

Out-of-state candidates can qualify for a Standard certificate if they hold a valid out-of-state certification with two years of teaching within three consecutive years of the four calendar years immediately preceding their application. They must have a letter from their supervisor or a NBPTS certificate.

Information reported by the Education Commission of the States.
Alternate Teaching Certification

You can earn alternate teaching certification in New Jersey by participating in two-year Alternate Route or CE educator preparation programs. These programs offer a non-traditional option for candidates who meet education and experience requirements for teacher certification, but have not completed a traditional approved teacher preparation program. The CE authorizes you to teach in positions that require certification. You must complete an additional teacher certification program to progress to a Standard license from a CE.

Teach for America

Teach for America is a national organization that works to establish and support education equality in the United States. In New Jersey, volunteers impact low-income schools in Newark, Camden, and Passaic. Teach for America volunteers are talented college graduates who work as leaders in the classrooms and communities they serve. To participate, you must be chosen from a competitive applicant pool. Selected volunteers receive training so they can earn New Jersey teacher certifications to assume teaching positions where they are most needed.

Transition into Teaching for Career Changers

Career changers making the transition into teaching can earn teacher certification via Alternate Route teacher preparation programs. These programs are designed to fast track the certification process for candidates who did not complete a formal teacher preparation program. They offer the most affordable and efficient way to become a certified teacher in New Jersey. Minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree with at least 30 credits in the subject area that you desire to teach. After acquiring a CE, you must complete a 50-hour pre-service course before you can begin teaching. Upon employment, you can enroll in a district mentoring program and CE educator preparation program to complete the requirements for a Standard teaching license while you work.

Student Loan Forgiveness for New Jersey Teachers

Certified teachers in New Jersey may qualify for partial or complete student loan forgiveness. By accepting a full-time position in a school that teaches a high number of students from low-income families, or serving in a teacher shortage area, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness programs administered by the Federal Perkins Loan Cancellation for Teachers or Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program. The amount of time you spend in these teaching assignments typically affects the amount of loan forgiveness you receive.

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How to Earn a Teaching License in New Jersey

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If you're interested in learning how to become a teacher in New Jersey you'll know that earning your teacher certification is a critical step to beginning a teaching career in public schools.

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How to get a teaching degree in New jersey

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How to get a teaching degree in New jersey

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Teacher Certification Degree.  (N.D). Welcome to Teacher Certificate Degrees: Your Comprehensive Guide to Teaching Certification. Retrieved from https://www.teachercertificationdegrees.com/

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Teacher Certification Degrees is a comprehensive certification guide for individuals who want to learn how to become a teacher or further their teaching career by earning an advanced degree. This page covers teacher certification and licensure processes.

Table of Contents

Teacher Certification Information by State

Guide to Certification

How Certification Works

Traditional Teaching Certification

Alternative Teaching Certification

National Board Certification

Teaching without Certification

Featured Teacher Interviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Teacher Certification Information by State

Teacher certification is the process used in all 50 states to ensure that prospective teachers are adequately prepared to teach at the level(s) and in the subject(s) they wish to teach. Because education in the US is typically viewed as a state and local responsibility rather than a federal one, each state sets its own requirements for prospective teachers. In general, the process involves achieving at least a bachelor's degree or higher, completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, completing a student teaching experience, passing knowledge and skills tests such as the Praxis series of exams, and passing a background check. Click on your state below to find out more about its specific requirements. If you already have a bachelor's degree and are looking to become a certified teacher, you may be interested in reading more about alternative route teacher certification. If you are already certified and are looking for information about pursuing certification in another state, visit our guide to teaching license reciprocity.

Guide to Certification

Before you can land a job as a teacher in a public school, you must first earn certification in your state, which is known as a teaching certificate, a teaching license, or a teaching credential. The following guide provides the essential information you should know before you start your journey to pursue certification.

How Certification Works

Each state's board or department of education sets the requirements for achieving teacher certification within that state so that all educators are adequately prepared. Teaching certification programs are typically run by colleges and universities, although alternative certification programs for those who already have a bachelor's degree may be run by school districts and nonprofit organizations. All certification programs are designed to give future teachers the skills needed to write and implement effective lesson plans that deliver the content of the required curricula, to manage classroom behavior, to assess student progress, and to work within a professional framework.

Traditionally, the first step towards earning teaching certification is pursuing a bachelor's degree that includes a teacher preparation program at a college or university that has been regionally accredited and approved by that state's board of education. Regardless of the path taken, once all criteria set by the state are met, each candidate must apply to the state for a certificate.

Traditional Teaching Certification

While each state sets its own teaching certificate requirements, there are some key commonalities, which are discussed in the steps below.

1. Choose a bachelor's degree and teacher preparation program.

The traditional route to certification in any state begins with earning an undergraduate degree. The major that a teaching candidate should pursue is selected based on the grade level(s) and/or subject(s) that the candidate wishes to teach. For example, a major in Elementary Education would be appropriate for those seeking to teach kindergarten through fifth grade, while an individual who is seeking certification in the secondary grades will typically major in the subject area he or she wishes to teach, such as History or Math. Another component of traditional licensure is the completion of a teacher preparation program that is sequenced to complement the prospective teacher's major. A teaching candidate may complete this program while simultaneously earning an undergraduate degree in education or after earning a degree in a teachable subject area.

2. Complete a student teaching experience.

All certification programs include practical teaching experience as a final component. The required duration of the student teaching experience varies by state as well as by the type of teaching license the candidate wishes to pursue. However, nearly all programs will require at least one semester (15 weeks) of student teaching under the mentorship of an experienced teacher.

3. Take your state's required exam(s) for educators.

Most states require that prospective teachers pass at least one of three Praxis tests: the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core), the Praxis Subject Assessments, and the Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching Assessments, to become teachers. In addition to these exams, there is also the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT), which is required in some states and usually taken before the junior/senior student teaching experience. Only five states do not use the Praxis series: Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Michigan. These states either require their own tests or use a mix of their own content assessments and the Praxis Core or PLT. As you plan for the total cost of certification, you should expect to pay between $150 and $300 for testing requirements.

4. Apply for teacher certification.

With all requirements complete and a degree in hand, the final step in becoming a teacher is to apply to your state's department of education for a teaching certificate. The cost of teacher certification varies from state to state but typically costs between $40 and $200. In addition to receiving a passing score on the required assessments for your state, you will also need to pass a fingerprint and background check proving that you have no criminal history. The first certificate earned is usually valid for between one and five years and will need to be renewed every few years. Renewal usually requires continuing education coursework and/or the completion of graduate-level courses. Some states require specific courses to be taken for renewal, while others require general education or subject area coursework.

Alternative Teaching Certification

Many states have approved one or more alternate routes to certification in order to get more qualified educators into the classroom. Common routes are as follows:

Certification through a formal alternative teacher preparation program

Transition to Teaching

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification

Career and technical education certification

Emergency and provisional teaching certification

In-district training

Teaching equivalency and portfolio evaluations

While each alternative route may vary by state (discussed in further detail on our alternative certification page), most share the following four steps.

1. Choose an alternative route teacher preparation program.

Each state board of education has established acceptable routes to alternative certification for prospective teachers in that state. These alternative routes to teacher licensure are most commonly university-based, are designed for those who already have a bachelor's degree, and can frequently be completed in an accelerated format.

Many states also recognize master's-level alternative preparation programs that are designed for bachelor's degree holders who did not previously complete a teaching program. Master's degree teaching programs are offered in traditional, on-campus formats as well as in hybrid and online formats. You can learn more about hybrid and online graduate degrees for teachers through our Top-Ranked Online Master's in Education Programs resource.

Although most alternative certification programs are university-based, there are state-level programs approved in specific states as well as national programs that are approved in multiple states. These last two types of programs are typically experientially-based with a coursework component, such as Teach for America. You can read more about such national and in-district programs on our guide to alternative teacher certification.

2. Apply for a provisional teaching certificate.

Many states allow you to apply for a provisional teaching certificate while you are pursuing the necessary education to become a teacher, which can allow you to teach while you are completing your teacher preparation program. Check with your state's board of education to see if you are eligible for a provisional certificate. Note that in some states, you must apply for such a certificate through a participating school district.

3. Take your state's required exams for educators.

Once you have completed your teacher preparation program, you will need to take the state exams for prospective educators. If your state allows provisional licenses during teacher preparation, some of these required exams, such as the Praxis Subject Assessments, may be completed before Step 2. For information on your state's required exams, check the Praxis website or your state's department of education website. You should plan on paying a fee of between $100 and $300 per exam.

4. Apply for teacher certification.

The final step towards becoming a teacher by following an alternative route is to formally apply for your initial teaching certificate with your state's department of education, for which you should expect to pay between $40 and $200. As part of your application, you will need to pass a fingerprint and background check and show passing scores on the Praxis exams and/or on your state's required exams. With state certification, you can apply to be a teacher at any state public school. You will also need to renew your certificate every few years by completing continuing education courses and paying a renewal fee. Check with your state to verify specific requirements for certification renewal.

National Board Certification

In addition to being an alternative path to certification in some states, achieving National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification, commonly referred to as National Board Certification (NBC), is also a voluntary certification for individuals who want to go beyond the basic requirements of state licensure. Candidates undergo a rigorous peer-reviewed certification process to demonstrate the skills needed to be a teacher of excellence. By working towards this certification, educators are not only improving their teaching skills but in some states, they may be eligible for higher salary tiers based on achieving National Board Certification.

To become a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), candidates must have gained substantial teaching experience before passing a tough, peer-reviewed process, as well as extensive self-analysis. In submitting lessons, student work, video of interactions with students, documentation of achievements outside the classroom, and more, candidates must demonstrate their qualifications for National Board Certification. The submissions need to prove that the candidate has strong content knowledge, can design effective learning experiences, is proficient in creating assessments that help inform instruction, and is successful in forming helpful working partnerships with colleagues, parents, and community members. According to NBPTS, over 100,000 teachers in the US have successfully completed the process. ¹ Nearly half of these educators work in schools with the greatest need for quality teachers. ¹

Teaching without Certification

For a career in the teaching profession, getting certified either through the traditional route or through an alternative program is ideal. However, it is also possible to get teaching jobs without being certified. These teaching jobs can be a good way to gain experience in the classroom before fully committing to the certification process. Some of these jobs can even become lifelong careers. The following are some ideas about how to teach without a teaching certificate.

Get a teaching support position in a public school.

Many states hire substitute teachers without certification. There are typically some requirements for substitute teachers, such as a college degree or a certain number of college credits, but certification is typically not required. Teacher's aides, who are also known as teacher's assistants, paraprofessionals, and educational aides, may also work directly with students and under the supervision of teachers without a teaching license. Some assist in full classrooms, while others are assigned to work with individuals or small groups with special needs. In most states, teacher's aides are only required to have a high school diploma or an associate's degree and to be licensed as paraprofessionals. The majority of states have adopted the ParaPro Assessment as the licensing exam for prospective teacher's aides.

Consider a teaching position overseas.

Another option to teach without certification is to work overseas. Schools around the world recruit well-educated English speakers to teach the English language and other subjects. Most of these jobs do not require you to be certified. Working abroad for a year or two can be a great life experience and a good way to get practice teaching. Read more about teaching English abroad on our TEFL teacher career guide.

Apply to teach at a private or charter school.

Private and independent schools offer another option for those without certification to find teaching jobs. Schools that do not receive government funding do not have to meet the same requirements as public schools and therefore are not limited to hiring certified teachers only. Many of these schools do prefer certification, though, so it is important to understand a particular school's policy before applying.

Consider volunteering for teaching jobs or going an alternative route.

Finally, as discussed above, consider alternative certification and volunteer programs for teaching jobs. Volunteer-based organizations like Teach for America are dedicated to getting talented but non-credentialed educators into classrooms with the highest need, mostly in urban or low-income areas. Other regional alternative programs allow people to lead classrooms before being certified for the same reason. Working towards certification is often part of the agreement, but these programs allow time for becoming certified while working full time in a classroom setting. You can read more about alternative certification on our alternative certification guide.

Featured Teacher Interviews

"Collaborate with other veteran teachers and modify or borrow lessons you find to fit your classes and share your own successful lessons if you have the chance to share them. There is no need to reinvent the wheel or insist upon using your own wheel, so to speak. There are a vast number of great math teachers out there who are sharing and working with one another already." - Scott Keltner, Kansas Teacher of the Year Nominee

"I wish I had known that it was okay to not know some things. I worried and stressed myself out thinking everything had to be perfect and run like clockwork. I didn't know that it takes years to learn how to run a smooth classroom. I wish I had known to reach out to others and ask for advice and suggestions, instead of thinking I had to figure it out on my own." - Dana Lester, Tennessee First Grade Teacher

"Try to get exposure to what a classroom environment is like and see what age of students would be best suited for your personality type. If you feel overwhelmed, know that that is perfectly natural. While in college, it seems as though it will take forever to get your credential and your own classroom, but once you do, it will be worth all of your hard work!" - Michelle Griffo, California Kindergarten Teacher

"Making math engaging is all a matter of bringing as much clarity to the concepts and procedures as possible. Lots of that has to do with understanding what will bring students to the idea that, yes, they can get it wrong, but if they persist and keep trying, we can arrive at the correct solutions, no matter how many solutions there are." - Jose Vilson, New York Math Teacher and TED Speaker
View all 59 Teacher Career Interviews
Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is teacher certification?

Answer: In all 50 states, teacher certification is used to ensure that a common set of standards has been met before teachers begin to teach. The certification process varies by state but generally involves achieving a bachelor's degree or higher, completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, completing a student teaching experience, and passing a series of exams.

Question: What is the difference between a certified teacher and a licensed teacher?

Answer: In most cases, there is no difference between a certified teacher and a licensed teacher; certification is typically the term used for the license needed to teach in the public school system. Some states use "certificate," others use "license," and still others use the terms interchangeably. State-licensed teachers may choose to seek additional certification beyond their state license, such as National Board Certification. This type of voluntary certification is never referred to as a license, as licenses are provided by the state.

Question: How do I get a teaching certificate?

Answer: To get your teaching certificate, you must meet the guidelines set by your state's board of education. As mentioned, for traditional certification, you will need to pursue a bachelor's degree, complete a teacher preparation program with a student teaching practicum, and pass the exams required by your state. To find out more about the process for acquiring a teaching certificate in your state, read your state teacher certification page.

Question: What is National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification?

Answer: NBPTS certification (or National Board Certification) is a voluntary, advanced credential for teachers who are already state-certified and can prove that they are accomplished teachers via a rigorous certification process. Board-certified teachers may command higher salaries than their peers.
References:
1. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: https://www.nbpts.org/

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Your comprehensive guide to teacher certification, state requirements, and expert insights. Start your journey toward a brighter teaching future today.

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New Jersey City university. (2020). How to Become an Early Childhood Teacher in New Jersey. Retrieved from https://www.njcu.edu/academics/schools-colleges/deborah-cannon-partridge-wolfe-college-education/departments/early-childhood-education/how-become-early-childhood-teacher-new-jersey

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A Guide to Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher in New Jersey

There are two basic routes to certification:

The Alternate Route in NJ

The P3 Alternate Route program is designed for candidates to begin teaching right away and take their education courses during the first two years of teaching. This program is available for graduate credit only. Candidates can take additional courses for a master's degree after they are certified. All courses are online.
MORE ABOUT THE ALTERNATE ROUTE PROGRAM Steps in the Alternate Route Program

1. Apply to the NJDOE for the regular Certificate of Eligibility (CE) in P3. This allows you to obtain a teaching job. Apply for a CE here.

2. Complete a 50-hour Introduction to Teaching P3 Course. This allows your school to obtain a Provisional License for you.

3. Begin teaching in the Provisional Teacher Program.

4. Begin taking the remaining 350 hours of coursework and complete and obtain a passing score on edTPA, the state performance assessment.

5. Obtain a Standard Certificate to teach in New Jersey when courses are complete, and you have two successful year-end teaching evaluations.

Admission Requirements for the Alternate Route Programs:

Certificate of Eligibility from the NJDOE

Contract Teaching Position (or Head Teacher)

GPA of 3.0 or higher for those who graduated after 2016 or 2.75 for those who graduated before Sept. 2016

How to Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility

1. Meet the content requirements. You must have the equivalent of a major in the subject you want to teach or 64 credits in liberal arts for an elementary certificate. Check the requirements on the NJDOE website.

2. Meet the Basic Skills Requirement. The NJDOE requires a passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests or an exemption. For more information about test, refer to Test Requirements for Certification in NJ.

3. Pass the Praxis II Subject Assessment test for the area you plan to teach. For the latest test requirements please visit the Praxis test site.

4. Submit your CE application to the New Jersey State Department of Education (NJDOE). You will apply online.

5. Send an official transcript to NJDOE.

For more specific information about the CE application process, you may visit the New Jersey State Department of Education web site or email Licensing.Requests@doe.nj.gov
P-3 Alternate Route Courses
The P-3 Alternate Route Program consists of 24 graduate credits over four semesters. The 50-hour, Introduction to Teaching class and all other courses are offered online at NJCU.
Tuition
All courses are taken for credit and may be used towards the Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Special Education. Tuition is subject to change. The current tuition rates can be found here.

Apply for the P-3 Alternate Route

The Traditional Route to Becoming a Teacher in New Jersey

The Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Teaching programs at NJCU offer the opportunity to be fully certified as a teacher. This is different than the Alternate Route in the following ways:

All education courses are taken BEFORE a candidate starts full-time teaching.

Courses required certification courses, include clinical experiences.

Clinical experiences are arranged by NJCU for the candidate.

One semester of 1.5 days per week in a school with a mentor teacher

One semester of full-time internship in a school with a mentor teacher

edTPA is completed during clinical practice with mentor teacher

Courses must be taken in sequence and have prerequisite requirements

Upon completion of the courses, the candidate receives a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS)

It is more likely the candidate will get a job with the CEAS (as compared to the Alternate Route CE)

Admission Requirements:

GPA of 3.0 or higher/ transcripts.

Passing Scores on Praxis Core exams.

Application form and letters of recommendation (for MAT candidates).

Which Program is Right for Me?
Alternate Route Program - New Pathways to Teaching or P-3

I already have a job lined up.

I have the time and energy to complete graduate level coursework while learning to teach during the first two years.

I have confidence I can begin teaching right away without coursework in education.

I already have experience teaching in a private school or as a paraprofessional.

I need a low-cost way to obtain certification.

I eventually want to complete a masters degree.

Traditional Route

I want to learn more about education before I start teaching.

I want to take my education classes slowly over time.

I have no experience in teaching and would like clinical practice in a mentor teacher's classroom.

I'm not ready to begin a teaching job yet.

The NJDOE regulations are changed periodically and you should contact the Chairperson, Dr. Sai Jambunathan at sjambunathan@njcu.edu for the most up to date information.

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How to Become an Early Childhood Teacher in New Jersey

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There are two basic routes to certification: The P3 Alternate Route program is designed for candidates to begin teaching right away and take their education courses during the first two years of teaching. This program is available for graduate credit only. Candidates can take additional courses for a master's degree after they are certified.

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Teaching Certification.com. (2011-2022). New Jersey Teaching Certificate. Retrieved from https://www.teaching-certification.com/new-jersey-teaching-certification.html

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Learn how to become a teacher in New Jersey (or administrator). Choose the description of certification you are most interested in or situation that best describes you:

Investing in our future is vitally important and strangely difficult. In order to fight oppression from the greedy and power-hungry elite, to better our ways of life with advancing technology, and to increase our country's overall views toward the concept of acceptance, we need education to be a priority. Learn how you can be a spoke in this terribly important wheel. See how New Jersey measures up to the rest of the country by viewing the percentage of state revenue going toward education in each state. (see State Education Spending vs. Overall State Revenue).

Learn about your Governor's views and voting record with regard to education. (see New Jersey Governor's website).

Hold your public servants accountable. It is our duty as residents of New Jersey.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2010, the New Jersey school system offered kindergarten teachers and middle school teachers the fifth highest salary of all public school teachers in the nation. The 5,320 kindergarten teachers located in the state that year earned an average of $7,000 more than kindergarten teachers in other parts of the country. The 26,930 middle school teachers working in New Jersey as of May 2010 made an average of $9000 more than their counterparts in other states. The 38,110 secondary school teachers in New Jersey fared even better, with the fourth highest salary in the nation, which was about $12,000 higher than the national average for secondary school teachers. Find schools offering teaching certification programs in New Jersey.

Education Requirements

The State of New Jersey Department of Education's Office of Certification and Credentials (877-900-6960) expects that as a candidate for teacher certification, you hold at least a bachelor's degree earned from a teacher preparation program within a New Jersey college or university or from any regionally accredited college or university. You must also maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 or 2.5, dependent on the particular program. Certain endorsements require additional coursework, as follows:

Elementary school endorsement - you must complete a liberal arts, science, dual content or interdisciplinary academic major; or at least 60 semester hour credits in liberal arts/science

Subject area endorsement - you must complete at least 30 semester hour credits in courses in your instructional area, with at least 12 semester hour credits at the advanced/graduate level

Did you graduate from a foreign college or university? The State of New Jersey Department of Education may still accept your credits. Your credits must be evaluated by a credentials evaluation agency. The Department does not recommend a specific evaluation agency, but rather suggests you locate one independently. The findings of this evaluation must be sent to the Department once completed. More information may be found here.

Certificate Options

New Jersey has a three-step certification process for new teachers:

Establish eligibility

Certificate of Eligibility (CE) - Issued if you have completed an academic degree program and meet all examination requirements for certification. Valid for your lifetime, the CE allows you to seek and accept positions requiring certification.

Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) - Issued if you have completed a professional teacher preparation program, have a degree, and pass the necessary examinations. Valid for your lifetime, the CEAS also allows you to seek and accept positions requiring certification.

Legalizing employment/induction

Provisional Certificate - Issued if you hold a CE or CEAS and are employed in a New Jersey school in which you are also enrolled in an induction/residency program. Valid for two years.

Permanent/standard certification

Standard Certificate - Issued when you meet all certification requirements including education, examination, experience, and residency/induction period.

Click here for a listing of all teaching certification endorsements, codes and requirements.

Examinations

For a brief overview of New Jersey's teacher testing requirements, visit the Praxis website.

Before you enroll in a teacher preparation program, you may be asked to pass the Praxis I Basic Skills Exam in reading, writing and mathematics.

As a candidate for initial teacher certification in New Jersey you must also pass an examination in hygiene, physiology, and substance abuse, or to be exempt from this examination, prove that you've completed college studies in biology, health, or nutrition.

Content area assessment testing:
Prospective teachers in New Jersey must pass the Praxis II examination applicable to their intended certification area. Passing scores vary based upon your GPA. Click here for more details. Certification areas for which examinations are offered include:

Preschool-Grade 3

Elementary K-5

Elementary School with Subject Matter Preparation:

Language Arts Literacy (Grades 5-8)

Mathematics (Grades 5-8)

Science (Grades 5-8)

Social Studies (Grades 5-8)

Secondary Education:

Science, Biology

Science, Chemistry

Science, Earth Science

Science, Physical Science

Science, Physics

Social Studies

Speech Arts and Dramatics

Theatre

All Grades:

Art

English

Health & Physical Education

Mathematics

Music

Physical Education

Reading

World Languages:

Career and Technical Education:

Business Education

Family and Consumer Sciences

Industrial Technology

Marketing Education

Technology Education

Career and Technical Education

Experience Requirements

During your teacher preparation program, the practical aspects of teaching are stressed in college coursework, as much as is theory and general knowledge. You will enroll in a practicum as part of education classes, which will mainly involve the observation of teaching in practice, as well as a bit of participation on your part, as you may have the opportunity to engage the class and lead lessons under the supervision of the host teacher.

After the completion of the academic component of your teacher preparation program, you will engage in a student teaching assignment, in which you will take over teaching responsibilities in a classroom tailored to your intended area of certification and grade level. You will learn and use classroom management skills and teaching strategies, assess the behavior of students as necessary, and work with students in both group and independent activities. Your performance will be evaluated by the regular classroom teacher and by an official from your teacher preperation program.

Document and Application Requirements

Once you have met all of the above requirements, you may apply online for New Jersey teacher certification. You must pay all application fees online by credit card. Make sure to attach all of the following items to your online application, or mail them to the Department:

Program Verification Form (if you attended an out-of-state teacher preparation program)

Official college transcripts showing conferral of a degree and your GPA

Credential evaluation (if you attended school in a foreign country)

Verification of employment (if necessary)

Signed and notarized Oath of Office/Verification of Accuracy form

Have Praxis score reports sent to the Department

Mail the above supporting documentation to State of New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Licensure & Credentials, P.O. Box 500 Trenton, NJ 08625-0500.

You may check the status of your submitted application online anytime by clicking here.

Criminal History Background Check

Although you do not have to submit to a criminal history background check as part of the New Jersey teacher certification process, you will have to undergo this check before any New Jersey school will hire you. You will be given instructions on the process when you apply for a position, and then initiate the process here.

Your fingerprints will be run through both the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Results will be reported to the Department of Education, who will then notify the school district with which you are pursuing employment.

Contact Information

Request more information from New Jersey teacher preparation programs, by contacting them directly.

For more information on teacher certification in New Jersey, contact the Office of Licensure & Credentials at 609-292-2070.

* 2019 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data - Conditions in your area may vary.

**Teacher Retention Sources - U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education, Statistics Schools and Staffing Survey, 1999-2000 ("Public School Teacher Questionnaire," "Private School Teacher Questionnaire," and "Public Charter School Teacher Questionnaire"), and 2000-01 Teacher Follow-up Survey ("Questionnaire for Current Teachers" and "Questionnaire for Former Teachers," Table 1.01). Washington, DC.

State estimations based on analysis by Richard Ingersoll, Professor of Education and Sociology, University of Pennsylvania, from the National Center for Education Statistics Student and Staffing Survey, and therefore include a slight margin of error.

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New Jersey Teaching Certification | Become a teacher in NJ

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Learn how to become a teacher in New Jersey (or administrator). Choose the description of certification you are most interested in or situation that best describes you: Investing in our future is vitally important and strangely difficult.