How To Become a High School Teacher in New Jersey 2025

If you're wondering how to become a high school teacher, New Jersey offers several pathways to get certified and start teaching in the classroom. Whether you're pursuing a traditional education degree or considering the alternate route, you'll need to meet high school teacher educational requirements set by the New Jersey Department of Education. This includes earning a bachelor's degree, passing exams, and completing mentoring or student teaching.

The sections below explain each step of the certification process, along with helpful information about salaries, job prospects, and financial aid for future high school teacher candidates.

What Does a High School Teacher Do?

A high school teacher is responsible for educating students in grades nine through 12 and preparing them for college, careers, or other post-graduation paths. These teachers often specialize in specific subject areas, such as math, history, or science, and must tailor instruction to meet curriculum standards and student needs.

In addition to teaching, high school educators serve as mentors, enforce classroom rules, and support student development both academically and socially. They may also participate in extracurricular activities, collaborate with colleagues, and communicate with families. Expectations vary by district but typically include:

• prepare lessons
• assess and grade student work
• manage classroom behavior
• attend faculty meetings and trainings
• differentiate instruction based on student ability
• supervise students during school hours or activities
• use technology and data to improve learning outcomes
• communicate regularly with parents and guardians

How To Become a High School Teacher in New Jersey

To become a high school teacher in New Jersey, you must meet several state certification requirements, including education, testing, and background checks. These steps ensure you're qualified to support student learning across a range of subjects to teach in high school.

New Jersey offers multiple pathways, including traditional routes for college graduates and alternate routes for career changers. The following steps walk you through the process to earn your teaching certificate and start your classroom career.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree and Complete a Teacher Preparation Program

To qualify for teacher certification in New Jersey, you must first complete a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Your degree should include a state-approved teacher preparation program that aligns with the subject you want to teach at the high school level.

If your college program did not include teacher training, you may still qualify through alternate route certification. However, traditional certification routes require that you complete coursework in adolescent development, instructional strategies, and supervised student teaching.

Step 2: Pass the Praxis Exam

Next, you'll need to demonstrate subject-area knowledge by passing the Praxis exam or another required state-approved test. For high school teachers, this typically includes the Praxis Subject Assessments for your chosen content area.

Testing requirements can vary by endorsement area, so it's important to check which exams apply to your intended certification. Official score reports must be sent to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) to verify your qualifications.

Step 3: Apply for an Eligibility Certificate

Once you meet the education and testing requirements, apply for either a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS). The CE is for those entering through the alternate route, while the CEAS is for traditionally prepared candidates.

These certificates allow you to begin working in a classroom setting. You must also complete a criminal background check and obtain a clearance letter from the Office of Student Protection before you can begin teaching.

Step 4: Complete Mentoring and Provisional Teaching

After securing a teaching position, you'll enter a provisional teaching period under mentorship. This stage lasts one year and is designed to support your transition into the classroom through feedback and professional development.

Mentoring requirements differ based on your certificate type. CE holders must participate in a two-phase program aligned with the state's Provisional Teacher Process, while CEAS holders typically complete a one-year mentorship alongside their first teaching job.

Step 5: Apply for a Standard Certificate

The final step is to apply for your Standard Certificate, which is the permanent teaching license in New Jersey. To be eligible, you must successfully complete your mentorship and receive a positive evaluation from your school district.

You'll submit your application through the NJEdCert portal and pay the required fee. Once granted, your Standard Certificate allows you to teach in New Jersey public schools without renewal, provided you meet professional development obligations.

Education Degree Programs in New Jersey

New Jersey offers a wide range of affordable education degree programs that prepare you to meet state teaching requirements and succeed in the classroom. These colleges provide the coursework, field experiences, and licensure support needed to become a certified high school teacher in New Jersey.

William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson University of New Jersey offers a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education that prepares students to teach subjects such as English, math, biology, and social studies. The program includes coursework in classroom management, adolescent development, and instructional methods, paired with field experiences in local schools.

Students receive guidance on meeting licensure requirements, including support with Praxis exams and student teaching placements. The College of Education also offers graduate programs for those interested in pursuing advanced credentials. The curriculum is aligned with New Jersey certification standards to help students transition into teaching careers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,748 (in-state); $26,458 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Kean University

Kean University has a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education that includes a dual major in a content area like English, history, math, or science. Students complete a sequence of education courses, clinical placements, and a full semester of student teaching to meet state certification requirements.

The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on teaching practice. Kean University also offers advising for alternate route certification, Praxis exam preparation, and graduate study options. Its College of Education is known for its strong partnerships with New Jersey schools and emphasis on real-world classroom experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $15,300 (in-state); $24,020 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAEP and MSCHE

Rowan University

Rowan University's Bachelor of Arts in education with certification for secondary-level teaching has concentrations in subjects like biology, math, or English. Students complete professional education courses alongside major-specific coursework in their chosen teaching area.

The program includes early fieldwork experiences and culminates in a full-time student teaching assignment. Rowan's College of Education also offers Praxis exam support and graduate-level options for continued study. The program focuses on developing culturally responsive teachers who can serve diverse student populations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $17,428 (in-state); $28,252 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAEP and MSCHE

Rutgers University�Newark

Rutgers University�Newark offers a Bachelor of Arts in urban education with a certification track in secondary education. The program is designed for students who want to teach in diverse, high-need schools and includes specialization options in English, science, and social studies.

Students gain classroom experience through local school partnerships and take courses focused on urban education, cultural responsiveness, and pedagogy. Rutgers�Newark also provides graduate pathways for students who want to advance into leadership or policy roles.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,222 (in-state); $33,734 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAEP and MSCHE

Stockton University

Stockton University has a bachelor's degree that includes certification in secondary education, allowing students to qualify to teach high school-level subjects such as math, English, and science. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through field placements and student teaching in New Jersey schools.

Students may also add endorsements in special education or English as a second language. For those entering through the alternate route, Stockton provides coursework and support to help meet certification requirements. The School of Education focuses on equity, reflection, and real-world teaching experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,606 (in-state); $21,864 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAEP and MSCHE

How Much Does a High School Teacher Make in New Jersey?

The average high school teacher salary in New Jersey is $84,800 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure is well above the national average of $64,580, reflecting the state's relatively high cost of living and competitive education funding.

Salaries can vary based on district, years of experience, and advanced degrees. For example, teachers in northern New Jersey often earn more than those in rural districts. Additionally, earning a master's degree or taking on leadership roles like department chair can lead to salary increases. Public school teachers also typically receive pensions and health benefits.

Job Outlook for High School Teachers in New Jersey

The job outlook for high school teachers in New Jersey is steady. The BLS, using data from Projections Central states that employment for secondary school teachers in New Jersey will grow by about 4% in the next 10 years, which translates to around 2,410 openings per year due to retirements and turnover.

In New Jersey, demand may be stronger in subject areas with teacher shortages, such as science, math, special education, and world languages. Districts in urban and underserved areas may also have more frequent openings. Candidates with flexible endorsements or dual certifications may have better job prospects overall.

Financial Aid for High School Teacher Programs

If you're pursuing a teaching degree in New Jersey, several financial aid options can help reduce the cost of tuition and teacher certification.

Start by submitting the FAFSA to qualify for federal grants, loans, and work-study. New Jersey residents can also apply for state aid through the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), which offers the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) and NJ STARS Program.

Future teachers may also qualify for targeted scholarships like the New Jersey Teacher Loan Redemption Program, which offers loan forgiveness for teaching in high-need schools or subject areas. Some universities, like The College of New Jersey and Montclair State University, offer school-specific scholarships for education majors.

FAQs About Becoming a High School Teacher in New Jersey

If you're thinking about becoming a high school teacher in New Jersey, you likely have questions about the timeline, requirements, and career expectations. Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective teachers ask as they prepare for licensure and classroom success.

How Long Does It Take To Become a High School Teacher in New Jersey?

For most people, it takes four to five years to become a high school teacher in New Jersey. This includes completing a bachelor's degree with a teacher preparation program. If you enter through the alternate route, you may begin teaching sooner but will complete certification requirements while working.

Can You Become a High School Teacher Without a Degree in Education?

Yes, you can become a high school teacher in New Jersey without a degree in education by earning a CE and entering the alternate route. You'll still need a bachelor's degree and must complete teacher training while employed.

Do You Need to Student Teach in New Jersey?

Yes, student teaching is required if you're completing a traditional teacher preparation program. Alternate route candidates must complete a mentorship and additional coursework while teaching full-time instead of traditional student teaching.

What Tests Do You Need To Pass for New Jersey Teacher Licensure?

You'll need to pass Praxis Subject Assessments for your content area. Some candidates may also be required to pass the edTPA performance assessment, depending on when they began their preparation program.

Is It Hard To Get a High School Teaching Job in New Jersey?

Getting hired depends on your subject area and district. High-need areas like math, science, special education, and bilingual education tend to have more job openings. Urban and underserved communities may also have more frequent hiring needs.

Explore Teaching Degrees in New Jersey

If you're ready to take the next step, browse accredited teaching degrees at colleges across New Jersey to find the right program for your goals at Learn.org.