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Prerequisite Coursework in New Jersey
All states require at least a bachelor’s degree to teach. New Jersey has the following additional coursework requirements: All prospective teachers must complete a “coherent sequence” of education coursework. In addition, each field or subject area has specific requirements, for example:
- Elementary Education (Grades K–6): A major in the liberal arts or sciences, or at least 60 liberal arts credits are required. In this sense, “liberal arts” means any course of study designed to provide general knowledge rather than vocational skills. An additional endorsement in a subject area on top of the Elementary Education certificate is required to teach Grades 7–8.
- English (Grades K–12): A minimum of 30 credits in a coherent sequence in the subject field of English, including at least 12 credits at the advanced level of study.
- Mathematics (Grades K–12): A minimum of 30 credits in mathematics, including at least 12 credits at the advanced level.
- Physical Science (Grades K–12): A minimum of 30 credits in the subject field of Physics or Chemistry, including at least 12 credits at the advanced level. An additional 15 credits at any level must be completed in the ancillary subject matter. Examples of courses accepted for Physical Science include physics, mechanics, electrical engineering majors, analytic physics, statics, thermodynamics, circuit designs, heat transfers, and mechanical designs, as well as chemistry courses and biochemistry. This endorsement entitles the holder to teach Physical Science, environmental science, and general science in all public schools.
Candidates seeking initial certification must pass a Commissioner-approved performance-based assessment of teaching if they graduated on or after September 1, 2017. New Jersey also requires a period of student teaching. For more specific requirements for each teaching certificate, please consult the State of New Jersey Department of Education’s list of Certificate Subject Areas.
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New Jersey Teacher Certification Programs
Teacher certification programs can be taken online or on-site. They typically include an educational theory and classroom skills seminar and a fieldwork component of student teaching in the area. The State of New Jersey Department of Education provides a list of approved teacher preparation programs in New Jersey.
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Required Tests for New Jersey
Most states require tests to show competency in basic skills as well as in the desired subject area. All candidates for a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or Certificate of Eligibility Advanced Standing (CEAS) (except those seeking a CE with a career and technical education endorsement) are required to fulfill a basic skills requirement by taking the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam. An SAT, ACT, or GRE score in the top third percentile for the year in which it was taken also meets this requirement. For CEAS candidates, the basic skills requirement must be met before acceptance into a teacher preparation program. In addition, you must pass the PRAXIS II Subject Assessment/Specialty Area test(s) appropriate for the area and/or subject you plan to teach.
You can learn more about the Praxis exams by visiting Teach.coms’ Ultimate Guide to the Praxis Exams and read more about teacher certification tests on Teach.com.
Initial Teaching Certifications
To earn your New Jersey teaching credential you will have to complete the appropriate amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as an accredited certification program. New Jersey issues a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) to graduates of teacher preparation programs who meet all basic New Jersey licensing requirements. CEAS holders go through the Provisional Teacher Program, which involves a period of mentoring and assessment, before being issued a permanent Standard Certificate. Learn more through the State of New Jersey Department of Education Office of Certification & Induction about earning your New Jersey teaching credential.
Learn more about getting your teaching credential on Teach.com.
