Want to become a teacher in the great state of New Jersey? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in New Jersey.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of New Jersey also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences. Curriculum typically includes instruction on teaching foundational skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and preparing students to research, create, and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Field experiences often include field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three. The NJDE publishes a list of approved teacher education programs in New Jersey.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

All teacher education candidates for a CE or CEAS are required to complete the foundational skills requirement by completing the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam. For CEAS candidates, the foundational skills requirement must be met before acceptance into a teacher education program. Also, you must pass the PRAXIS II Subject Assessment/Specialty Area test(s) for the grade or subject in which you plan to teach.

CEAS holders pass through the Provisional Teacher Program, which includes a period of mentoring and assessment, before being given a Standard Certificate. Find out more via the State of New Jersey Department of Education Office of Certification & Induction.

Step 3: Submit a New Jersey Teaching Credential Application

Once you have successfully finished all of your educational obligations, completed your student teaching requirements, and passed all of the required assessments, you may apply online for New Jersey teacher certification. You must pay all application fees online by credit card. Send your application 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.