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How to become a teacher in New Jersey
Steps drawn from the state's data
- Earn a bachelor's degree. At least one initial credential requires one.
- Complete a teacher preparation program. New Jersey has 29 Title II providers.
- Complete clinical experience such as student teaching.
- Pass the tests the state requires (Title II reports that tests are required, not which ones).
- Apply to DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, STATE OF NEWJERSEY for an initial credential, such as Certificate of Eligibility (CE); Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS).
- Career changers can use one of 5 alternative routes instead of a traditional program.
Teacher preparation providers in New Jersey
| Provider | Program types | Enrollment | Completers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomfield College | Traditional | 8 | 4 |
| Brookdale Community College | Alternative, IHE-based | 648 | 112 |
| Caldwell University | Traditional | 74 | 17 |
| Centenary University | Traditional | 84 | 33 |
| College of St. Elizabeth | Traditional | 17 | 8 |
| Drew University | Traditional | 18 | 9 |
| Essex Co. Prov. Teacher Prog. (Title 2 only) | Alternative, not IHE-based | 26 | 18 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University Teaneck | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 161 | 49 |
| Felician University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 111 | 16 |
| Georgian Court University | Traditional | 90 | 38 |
| Idioma Consulting | Alternative, not IHE-based | 0 | 0 |
| Kean University of New Jersey | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 1,322 | 272 |
| Monmouth University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 293 | 134 |
| Montclair State University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 949 | 365 |
| New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning | Alternative, IHE-based | 12 | 2 |
| New Jersey City University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 477 | 201 |
| Princeton University | Traditional | 31 | 5 |
| Ramapo College New Jersey | Traditional | 303 | 126 |
| Relay Graduate School of Education-Newark | Alternative, IHE-based | 93 | 55 |
| Rider University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 376 | 102 |
| Rowan University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 1,778 | 363 |
| Rutgers University New Brunswick | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 1,114 | 428 |
| Rutgers University-Camden | Traditional | 56 | 27 |
| Rutgers University-Newark | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 30 | 6 |
| Seton Hall University | Traditional | 197 | 58 |
| St. Peters University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 238 | 93 |
| Stockton University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 447 | 166 |
| The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) | Traditional | 1,279 | 271 |
| William Paterson University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 481 | 170 |
About teacher preparation in New Jersey
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) supports schools, educators and districts to ensure all of New Jersey's 1.4 million students have equitable access to high quality education and achieve academic excellence. The NJDOE is responsible for overseeing and implementing Pre-K -12 education policies, accountability measures, and regulatory requirements to ensure that every student, school, and district has access to highly trained and effective teachers. This approach includes addressing teacher quality through policy development, collaborating with local education agencies (LEAs) and educator preparation program (EPP) providers, and identifying and collecting data on teacher effectiveness a critical lever to achieving equitable access.
Recently, the NJDOE adopted code amendments to the following programs:
• Preschool through Grade 3
• Reading Specialist
• Early Literacy Specialist
All educator preparation programs (EPP) with the above-mentioned programs, have made program revisions to meet the new requirements.
Additionally, all EPP providers have included 6 credits, or the equivalent, of special education coursework and/or clinical experience, and a course or training in culturally responsive teaching.