How To Become a Teacher in New Jersey 2025

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than four million people are employed as teachers across the U.S. Teaching is an essential profession, one that establishes fundamental skills for children and young adults alike.

In this article, we'll explore the requirements to become a teacher in New Jersey; we'll also answer frequently asked questions about certification exams, private versus public school teacher requirements, and more. If you're curious about how to become a teacher, read on.

Steps To Become a Teacher in New Jersey

To become a teacher in New Jersey with the traditional route, you must complete the following steps: earn your bachelor's degree, complete 175 hours of student teaching, and complete testing requirements to receive your teacher certification.

For those interested in finding the quickest way to become a teacher, New Jersey offers a limited certificate of eligibility (CE). This alternative program allows candidates who have not completed a teacher preparation program to pursue a teaching career; it takes an average of three years to complete (compared to five years for the traditional route). Candidates may get paid to teach while taking online classes.

Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach

Before enrolling in a degree program, it's helpful to decide which grade level and subject you would like to teach. Having a clear plan will help keep your education program on track. Note that in addition to completing the degree and testing requirements, all certified teachers in New Jersey must complete a background check.

Becoming an Elementary School Teacher

Elementary school teachers must earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A bachelor's degree in elementary education focuses on teaching children in kindergarten through sixth grade. A degree in early childhood education features coursework geared towards children up to first grade.

Becoming a Middle School Teacher

Middle school is traditionally considered grades six through eight. Most middle school teachers focus on a subject matter, from math to physical education. Middle school teacher educational requirements require candidates to pass both a basic educational skills test and a test specific to their subject matter focus.

Becoming a High School Teacher

High school is made up of grades nine through 12; like middle school teachers, high school teachers specialize in certain subject areas. As such, the high school teacher educational requirements are similiar to those for middle school teachers, in that candidates must pass a subject matter test in addition to a fundamental skills test.

Step 2: Choose Your Major

Choosing the right major will enable you to more easily gain teaching certification in your desired area. For example, majoring in early childhood education ensures a smooth process to become a kindergarten teacher. Middle and high school teachers often have a subject matter specialization; so if you're interested in teaching social studies, you may major in subject areas like history, geography, or political science.

Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree

Prospective teachers in New Jersey must earn a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) for degrees earned in 2016 and beyond. (Those who graduated before September 1, 2016, must have earned at least a 2.75 GPA.) Bachelor's degrees must come from a regionally accredited college or university.

Student teaching is an essential step in becoming a certified teacher, as it provides real-life practice and teaching experience in the classroom. Bachelor's degrees with a teacher preparation program include student teaching as part of the higher education process. Aspiring teachers in New Jersey must complete at least 175 hours of student teaching.

Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree

While a master's degree is not required to become a teacher, earning this degree can open the door to numerous professional benefits. These include higher salaries, leadership opportunities, professional development, and increased value in the job market.

Popular master's degree programs for teachers include educational leadership, school counseling, and special education.

Step 5: Pass New Jersey Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure

Once your bachelor's degree and student teaching hours are complete, you must pass certain tests to gain your licensure. Testing requirements vary according to what grade level and/or subject area you will teach; however, all new teachers in New Jersey must take the Praxis II test and pass a basic skills assessment. You must then submit your results to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) for approval.

Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs

Once you have your teaching license, your next step is to apply for teaching positions. Many school districts identify their staffing needs at the beginning of January and begin posting open positions later in the school year. Peak hiring season for new teachers is generally March through October, though many school districts hire year-round.

How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program

Understanding your career goals is key to choosing the right teaching degree program. If you prefer working with younger children, a bachelor's degree in elementary education or early childhood education will serve you well. If you have a passion for supporting students with disabilities, a degree in special education will give you the skills to develop curricula in a positive learning environment.

FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in New Jersey

The following are commonly asked questions about how to become a teacher in New Jersey.

What Qualifications Do You Need To Become a Teacher in New Jersey?

For those following the traditional route, you will need to earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in a teaching degree program, complete 175 student teaching hours, and pass a few tests to complete your certification.

Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?

Yes, requirements differ at private schools and public schools in New Jersey. Public schools tend to have stricter requirements. Private schools do not necessarily require teachers to be certified or pass specific exams.

That being said, private schools typically look for teachers with at least a bachelor's degree � master's degrees are highly valued.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Teaching Certificate in New Jersey?

If you are following the traditional route to your teaching certificate (a four-year undergraduate degree with a focus on teaching), the certificate process takes an average of five years. If you follow the alternative route, the process typically takes about three years.

How Do I Apply To a Teaching Program?

To apply for a teaching program, look for an accredited college or university offering the degree focus you are most passionate about. Each school will have its own requirements for the application process, though generally speaking, most will require a high school transcript, an essay, and a letter of recommendation as part of the application process.

Start Your Teaching Career Today

Whether you're just starting the traditional path to earning your bachelor's degree or you're ready to go the alternative route, there are many opportunities to grow. Connect with the featured institutions on Learn.org to find out which is the best starting point for your teaching career.