Online Teaching Programs in New Jersey
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, teachers in New Jersey earn an average of $58,680 per year, which is about $4,000 more than the average for all U.S. teachers.
Recommended Online Programs
teachers in New Jersey earn an average of $58,680 per year, which is about $4,000 more than the average for all U.S. teachers
Many teaching schools in NJ offer online programs. Earning an education degree online allows students to work full time and fulfill personal obligations. Distance learners complete coursework at their convenience and fulfil student-teaching requirements at a local school. Pursuing a teaching degree online also provides a wider selection of teaching programs, since location is not as important.
New Jersey students who enroll in out-of-state teaching programs can still obtain New Jersey teaching certification. However, prospective students should ensure that the school is regionally accredited and that the program includes two semesters of student teaching.
How to Become a Teacher in New Jersey
The New Jersey State Board of Examiners Office of Certification and Induction sets requirements for teaching licensure. Each state sets its own requirements for obtaining licensure.
Teaching licenses do not automatically transfer between states. Typically, teachers who move must complete additional requirements to earn licensure in the new state. However, most states participate in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement, which simplifies the process for educators to obtain teaching licensure in another state.
Educational Requirements
Most teaching positions in New Jersey require a bachelor’s degree or higher. However, teachers in certain areas, such as adult education or technical career education, need only an associate degree.
Individuals can earn licensure with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education. Aspiring teachers with a bachelor’s in another field must complete an approved New Jersey teacher preparation program and two consecutive semesters of student teaching, known as clinical practice. These requirements provide individuals without a bachelor’s in teaching with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective classroom educators.
Most full-time students require four years to complete a bachelor’s in teaching. A master’s degree in teaching typically takes an additional two years. To qualify for a teaching license in New Jersey, candidates with a bachelor’s in a field other than teaching spend about a year completing an approved teacher preparation program. Some online programs offer fast-track options that allow students to graduate more quickly.
New Jersey teachers can easily transfer their license to other states that participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which outlines specific credentials that each state accepts. Educators applying for licensure in a new state may need to complete additional coursework.
Common Courses for Teaching Degrees in New Jersey
Associate Degree in Teaching
| Introduction to Education | This course introduces students to the profession of teaching and the role of education in society. Students explore teacher effectiveness, testing, social justice, and equity and complete 20 hours of classroom observation. |
|---|---|
| Educational Technology | Students learn how to use technology to enhance classroom learning. The course covers the history of educational technology, new developments, and best practices. |
| Introduction to Special Education | This course introduces learners to the field of special education and covers history, legislation, and best practices. Students learn about physical and cognitive disabilities and how to create inclusive classroom environments. |
Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching
| Foundations of Teaching | Students learn the fundamentals of the teaching profession, including classroom management, educational assessment, and psychology for educators. The course explores issues including diversity, inclusion, and exceptional learners. |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Instructional Planning and Presentation | This course covers effective instructional principles. Students learn about different pedagogy styles, the history of classroom instruction, and effective learning strategies. |
| Teacher Education Diversity | Students develop cultural awareness, analyze the role of culture in society, and explore ways to develop culturally responsible practices. Students learn to appreciate diversity in the classroom and to respond to related challenges. |
Master’s Degree in Teaching
| Introduction to Curriculum Theory | Students explore curriculum theory and learn to apply it to the design and implementation of curriculum and instruction. Students develop an individual curriculum philosophy. |
|---|---|
| Assessment for Student Learning | Students learn to design and develop tools for assessing student learning in the classroom. Learners explore topics including performance-based and objective assessments. |
| Research Foundations | Students explore methods for using research in the classroom, for teaching and assessment. Learners are prepared to conduct independent research. |
How to Get a Teaching Certificate in New Jersey
Prospective New Jersey teachers must meet the state’s teacher licensing requirements. To earn the New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS), which authorizes teachers to seek employment, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, pass required exams, and submit to a criminal background check. After an individual obtains a CEAS and receives a job offer, their school district requests a two-year provisional certificate on their behalf.
Although teaching licenses do not automatically transfer between states, New Jersey participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which simplifies the process of earning licensure in another member state.
Teachers can apply for a permanent teaching license after obtaining a provisional certificate and meeting certification requirements, including completion of the provisional teacher program. The provisional and standard certificate each cost $170, and the state may require additional fees. The New Jersey State Board of Examiners Office of Certification and Induction awards licenses to teachers in the state.
Prospective teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than teaching and who have not completed a teacher preparation program can follow an alternative teacher licensing process. Teaching candidates in this category must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and complete 24 hours of pre-service coursework before applying for a certificate of eligibility (CE). After receiving the CE, prospective teachers apply for the next stage of licensure. To obtain a standard certificate, teachers must complete a 200-hour teacher preparation program.
Although teaching licenses do not automatically transfer between states, New Jersey participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which simplifies the process of earning licensure in another member state. The agreement outlines credentials that each state accepts; New Jersey teachers moving to another state may need to complete additional requirements.
Choosing a Degree Program in New Jersey
When choosing a teaching program, prospective students should consider cost, location, program length, and available specializations. For many students, affordability is a major consideration. Weigh tuition costs against your projected teaching salary, factoring in financial aid opportunities and loan forgiveness programs. Although location is less important for online programs than on-campus programs, distance learners should still consider how geographic location affects student teaching placements. Students who live far from their school generally arrange to complete student teaching locally.
Also consider program length; some online teaching programs offer a fast-track option that allows students to graduate more quickly. To shorten completion time, look for self-paced programs that offer classes year-round. Also ensure that your prospective program offers any specializations that interest you, such as special education.
Can You Earn a Teaching Degree Online in New Jersey?
An online teaching degree does qualify candidates for a New Jersey teaching license. The state treats online degrees in the same manner as degrees earned on campus. Additionally, college transcripts generally do not specify whether credits were earned online or on campus.
Online students should ensure their program includes a state-approved teacher preparation program. Also, make sure the curriculum requires the number of student-teaching hours necessary to qualify for a New Jersey teaching certificate. Learners complete student-teaching hours in-person, over the course of two consecutive semesters. Some programs help students arrange internships, while others require students to make their own arrangements.
Candidates for teaching licensure in New Jersey must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The New Jersey Department of Education provides instructions to determine whether a teaching program holds regional accreditation. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education awards regional accreditation to New Jersey institutions.
Directory of Teaching Schools in New Jersey
Paying for Your Teaching Degree in New Jersey
As the cost of higher education continues to rise, securing financial aid is crucial for most students. Financial aid options include student loans, grants, scholarships, tuition reimbursement programs, and loan forgiveness programs.
Every college student should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine their eligibility for aid. Many scholarships and grants from private companies, foundations, and other non-governmental groups also require applicants to complete the FAFSA. Federal funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so fill out the FAFSA as early as possible.
Scholarships and grants are ideal sources of funding, because these awards do not have to be repaid. Student loans typically need to be repaid, but teachers who meet certain criteria may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs.
Loan Forgiveness for New Jersey Teachers
New Jersey teachers may qualify for federal student loan forgiveness programs, which forgive all or part of a student’s debt. These programs typically require teachers to work for a certain number of years in a low-income school or high-need subject area. Loan forgiveness programs incentivize teachers to work in areas with shortages of skilled professionals and recognize that these teachers often make personal sacrifices to contribute to the public good.
The State of New Jersey Department of Education provides information about financial aid and loan forgiveness and cancellation programs available to teachers in the state. The federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program forgives up to $17,500 of student loans for qualifying teachers. Recipients must work for five consecutive academic years in a low-income school. Most full-time teachers at public and private schools qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives a teacher’s remaining student loan balance after 120 on-time payments.
Scholarships for New Jersey Teaching Students
Education students qualify for a variety of scholarships. Students should begin researching scholarships as soon as they start looking at prospective programs. Look for scholarships from government agencies, private foundations, corporations, and nonprofit groups. Many scholarships are designed specifically to support teachers in New Jersey.
TEACH Grant Program $4,000 per year
The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship $30,000
Teacher Education Scholarships Varies
Job Outlook and Salary for Teachers in New Jersey
| Location | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 307,080 | $58,680 |
| United States | 8,636,430 | $54,520 |
Teaching salaries vary widely by state. New Jersey is an excellent place to enter the field; residents value quality educators. Both job outlook and salaries for teachers in New Jersey are better than the national average. Teachers in New Jersey earn an annual mean wage of $58,680, which is about $4,000 more than average salary for all U.S. teachers.
Teaching level impacts individual salaries. Teachers who work with higher grade levels generally earn higher salaries. The average salary of New Jersey secondary school teachers is nearly double that of the state’s preschool teachers. Another factor affecting salary is geographic location. Teachers in metropolitan areas typically earn more than those in rural areas. However, teachers in low-income districts may qualify for loan forgiveness or cancellation programs.
| Source: BLS | |
| Preschool Teachers | $40,720 |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | $65,830 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $68,810 |
| Middle School Teachers | $71,000 |
| Secondary School Teachers | $75,250 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching in New Jersey
How do I get certified to teach in New Jersey?
What is the average salary for a teacher in New Jersey?
How long does it take to get a teaching certificate in New Jersey?
Do you need a master’s degree to teach in New Jersey?
Resources for Teachers in New Jersey
- New Jersey Education Association NJEA promotes an accessible, high-quality public education system and advocates for the interests of its members. The organization provides classroom tools, professional learning opportunities, and advocacy training. NJEA offers a number of grants for education professionals.
- New Jersey Science Teachers Association NJSTA consists of K–12 teachers, retired educators, science professionals, and interested members of the public. The association promotes innovation and excellence in science education. Members have access to networking opportunities, a newsletter, discounted registration fees, tools and resources, and professional development opportunities.
- The New Jersey Association for Educational Technology Founded in 1986, NJAET is a professional membership organization for educators interested in using technology to foster learning. Members receive access to special programs, publications, grant applications, and an annual conference. Membership is free.
- New Jersey Department of Education This department coordinates public education in the state. The department’s website provides information about job opportunities, licensing, education legislation, and school performance reports. The website also provides resources for teachers, including information about student learning standards, professional development opportunities, and assessment.
- New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning This nonprofit organization is devoted to improving STEM education for New Jersey students. CTL helps K–12 teachers in every academic field incorporate STEM education into their lesson plans. Teachers can enroll in online courses to learn STEM teaching methods.
