How To Become a Middle School Teacher in New Jersey 2025

Becoming a middle school teacher in New Jersey means earning the right credentials, choosing a subject area, and completing hands-on training in the classroom. Whether you're pursuing a traditional route or switching careers, the certification process involves several steps approved by the New Jersey Department of Education. You'll also find helpful resources on financial aid, subject-area pathways, and accredited college programs. Find out how to become a middle school teacher and take the next step toward a rewarding teaching career.

What Does a Middle School Teacher Do?

Middle school teachers in New Jersey play a vital role in shaping students during grades six through eight, a critical developmental period. These educators focus on helping students transition from elementary-level learning to more subject-specific instruction.

They are responsible for developing lesson plans, managing classrooms, and assessing student performance. Teachers must also meet specific middle school teacher educational requirements, including subject area endorsements and state certification.

Typical responsibilities of middle school teachers include:

• creating and delivering lessons aligned with New Jersey Student Learning Standards
• managing classroom behavior and fostering a respectful learning environment
• grading assignments and tracking student progress
• communicating regularly with parents and guardians
• preparing students for standardized assessments
• collaborating with colleagues and school staff
• completing required professional development

How To Become a Middle School Teacher in New Jersey

If you're planning to teach grades six through eight in New Jersey, you must follow the state's certification process for middle school instruction. These steps include earning a bachelor's degree, completing a teacher preparation program, passing required assessments, and applying for licensure through the New Jersey Department of Education. Review each stage carefully to meet all requirements to become a middle school teacher.

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

To begin your path to licensure, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Your degree must include at least 60 credits in liberal arts and sciences and be combined with a state-approved teacher preparation program.

You may complete the preparation program as part of your undergraduate studies or pursue it post-baccalaureate through an alternate route. Programs include coursework on teaching strategies, educational psychology, and adolescent development. Clinical experiences and student teaching placements are also required.

Step 2: Choose and Complete Subject Area Endorsements

Middle school teachers in New Jersey must earn one or more subject area endorsements. These endorsements qualify you to teach specific content areas such as mathematics, English language arts, science, or social studies.

To qualify for a subject endorsement, you'll need to complete 15 credits in the subject area and pass the relevant Praxis II exam. This requirement ensures that middle school teachers have a strong foundation in the content they teach.

Step 3: Pass Required Licensure Exams

New Jersey requires all teacher candidates to pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) exams, which measure basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.

In addition, you must pass the Praxis Subject Assessments for your endorsement areas. These subject-specific exams test your knowledge of the curriculum you plan to teach. Your preparation program will help you know which tests to take and when to schedule them.

Step 4: Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing

Once you've completed your degree, passed your exams, and finished your preparation program, you can apply for the Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS). This certificate allows you to seek employment as a teacher in New Jersey.

You'll apply through the NJEdCert portal and submit all required documentation, including your official transcripts, exam scores, and background check. Once issued, the CEAS is valid indefinitely until you begin working in a teaching position.

Step 5: Complete the Provisional Period and Earn Standard Certification

After securing a teaching position, you'll begin a two-year provisional period. During this time, you'll be mentored by an experienced educator and undergo evaluations by your school district.

Upon successful completion of this period and a positive recommendation from your school, you'll be eligible to apply for your Standard Certificate. This is the permanent teaching license required to teach in New Jersey long-term.

Middle School Requirements By Subject

In New Jersey, becoming a middle school teacher involves meeting content-specific endorsement requirements for the subject you plan to teach. These requirements often include completing coursework in the subject area, passing relevant Praxis exams, and meeting all general licensure criteria. Below are the steps to earn endorsements in math, science, history, and English language arts for grades 5 to 8.

How To Become a Middle School Math Teacher

To become a middle school math teacher in New Jersey, you need to complete at least 15 credits of coursework in mathematics. These credits must align with state-approved standards for middle-level instruction. You will also need to pass the Praxis Middle School Mathematics exam (5164) and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. After meeting all requirements, you can apply for the mathematics subject-matter endorsement for grades 5 to 8.

How To Become a Middle School Science Teacher

Middle school science teachers in New Jersey must complete at least 15 credits in science-related coursework, which may include biology, chemistry, earth science, or physics. You'll need to pass the Praxis Middle School Science exam (5442) and meet all general licensure and student teaching requirements. If your coursework spans multiple scientific disciplines, you may be eligible for a broader endorsement. Once these steps are complete, you can apply for your middle grades science endorsement.

How To Become a Middle School History Teacher

To earn a middle school history or social studies endorsement, you must complete at least 15 credits in the social sciences, including history, geography, economics, and civics. The required Praxis exam for this endorsement is the Middle School Social Studies (5089) test. You'll also need to meet the general teacher certification requirements in New Jersey. After completing a teacher preparation program and passing your exam, you can apply for your endorsement in social studies for grades 5 to 8.

How To Become a Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

Future English language arts teachers must take at least 15 credits in English-related courses, such as composition, literature, and grammar. Passing the Praxis Middle School English Language Arts exam (5047) is required. You must also complete a teacher preparation program approved by the New Jersey Department of Education. After meeting these academic and testing requirements, you can request the endorsement to teach English language arts in grades five to eight.

Education Degree Programs in New Jersey

Several colleges in New Jersey offer degree pathways that prepare students for middle school teaching certification. These programs combine content-specific coursework with field experiences to help future educators meet state licensure requirements.

1. Rowan University

Rowan University offers subject-matter education programs for students pursuing careers in middle school teaching. Undergraduate students can major in a content area such as English, mathematics, science, or social studies and complete teacher preparation requirements through the College of Education. The Bachelor of Arts in education includes clinical experiences in New Jersey classrooms beginning early in the program.

Graduate students can pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in subject-matter education, which is ideal for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in a teachable content area. The MAT includes coursework on instructional methods, classroom management, and learner development, culminating in student teaching and certification eligibility for grades six through 12.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,172 (in-state); $11,584 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Montclair State University

Montclair State University prepares future middle school teachers through flexible undergraduate and graduate pathways. Students can pursue teaching certification while majoring in a core content area, such as English or biology, combining academic coursework with supervised classroom experience. The program includes multiple field placements that start early and increase in responsibility throughout.

For those entering the field later, Montclair also offers a post-baccalaureate certification and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). These options support second-career educators with structured training focused on pedagogy, content-area instruction, and meeting New Jersey certification standards.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,790 (in-state); $24,900 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

3. William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson University of New Jersey offers a variety of degree pathways for students pursuing middle school teacher certification. The programs combine core content study with education theory and hands-on classroom experience. Candidates choose from subjects like English, mathematics, science, or social studies and complete extensive practicum work before student teaching.

In addition to its undergraduate programs, William Paterson supports future educators through graduate-level teacher preparation, including a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). These programs are designed to align with New Jersey licensure requirements and emphasize inclusive, evidence-based instruction.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,748 (in-state); $26,458 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Kean University

Kean University prepares aspiring middle school teachers through a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education paired with a content specialization, such as mathematics, English, or science. The curriculum emphasizes instructional planning, classroom assessment, and adolescent learning while allowing students to explore the subject areas they are passionate about teaching.

Students complete real-world field experiences beginning early in the program, culminating in a semester of student teaching in grades six through twelve. Kean also offers graduate-level certification options for career changers or those seeking advanced credentials in education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,688.80 (in-state); $21,406.36 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University offers multiple paths to middle school teaching through its Department of Teaching, Learning, and Literacy. Undergraduate students can pursue a bachelor's degree with teacher certification in subject areas like English, math, or science. Coursework is grounded in culturally responsive teaching and field-based learning in diverse urban school settings.

For those changing careers, the New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey (NPTNJ) program provides an alternate route to certification. This flexible, graduate-level option allows individuals with a bachelor's degree to begin teaching while completing education coursework online or on campus.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,267.56 (in-state); $14,267.56 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

Middle School Teacher Salary in New Jersey

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average middle school teacher salary in New Jersey is $79,750 per year. This figure places New Jersey among the highest-paying states for this profession. Teacher salaries can vary depending on your district, experience level, and additional certifications.

Educators working in larger school systems or in-demand subject areas such as math and science may have access to higher pay ranges. New Jersey's compensation reflects the state's overall cost of living and investment in public education, offering strong earning potential for licensed middle school teachers.

Job Outlook for Middle School Teachers in New Jersey

The national job outlook for middle school teachers reflects a projected 1% decline in employment from 2023 to 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, this decline does not eliminate job opportunities.

About 41,400 middle school teaching positions are expected to open each year due to retirements, career changes, or workforce exits. In New Jersey, districts may continue to seek qualified educators for core academic subjects and special programs, particularly in underserved areas. Teachers with multiple endorsements or specialized training may have a competitive edge in the job market.

Financial Aid for Middle School Teacher Programs

New Jersey residents have access to a variety of financial aid resources to support a teaching degree. Eligible students can apply for state-specific programs like the New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) or the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF). Additionally, many students use federal financial aid, such as the Pell Grant or Direct Subsidized Loans, to pay for tuition at participating schools.

If you're looking for flexible and affordable degree options, consider cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA. You may also qualify for TEACH Grants or state forgiveness programs after graduation if you teach in high-need areas.

FAQs About Becoming a Middle School Teacher in New Jersey

If you're planning to become a middle school teacher in New Jersey, you may have questions about certification timelines, alternative licensure, and education options. The FAQs below explain different paths to licensure, costs, and ways to start teaching even if you don't yet hold a full degree.

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

It typically takes four to five years to become a middle school teacher in New Jersey if you follow a traditional path. This includes earning a bachelor's degree, completing a teacher preparation program, and passing required licensure exams.

Can You Become a Teacher in New Jersey Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, you can become a teacher without holding a degree in education if you meet the state's alternative certification requirements. These usually involve earning a bachelor's in another subject, passing content-specific exams, and completing a state-approved training program.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Teacher?

The fastest route to the classroom is through New Jersey's alternate route program, which allows qualified candidates to teach while completing certification requirements. This pathway is ideal for career changers or individuals with subject matter expertise in high-demand areas.

How Can I Become a Teacher in New Jersey for Free?

You may be able to complete a teaching degree with little to no cost by combining state and federal financial aid programs. New Jersey residents can also explore scholarships, tuition assistance grants, and loan forgiveness options for educators.

Can You Start Teaching With an Associate Degree?

An associate degree alone does not qualify you for a middle school teaching license in New Jersey. However, it can be a useful starting point, allowing you to transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree and teacher preparation program.

Explore Teaching Degrees in New Jersey

Use Learn.org to compare accredited education programs across the state and find one that fits your career plans. Explore flexible, affordable teaching degrees designed to help you meet licensure requirements and start teaching grades six through eight.