Teaching Math in New Jersey

You can experience almost anything you want in the “Garden State” of New Jersey; from beaches to pinelands, to the hustle and bustle of Atlantic City. As a math teacher, you’ll enjoy one of the highest salaries in the nation, with an average annual salary of $67,078. Not only is New Jersey generous when it comes to compensating teachers, but the state spends well above the national average when it comes to per-pupil expenditures. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, New Jersey also boasts a lower-than-average student-to-teacher ratio at 12.8 to 1.

New Jersey means business when it comes to education. The state offers special grants to help students offset tuition costs and participates in federal loan forgiveness programs. The Garden State offers multiple routes to obtaining certification – making it easy for beginning teachers, experienced teachers, out-of-state teachers or those looking to make a career change to be employed as an educator in New Jersey. All of these advantages make New Jersey a top-notch choice for aspiring and seasoned math teachers alike.

Math Teacher Certification in New Jersey

Math Teaching Qualifications

New Jersey requires teachers to complete all specified undergraduate coursework, pass the mandated standardized examinations (where/when necessary) and graduate from a teacher preparation program.

Credentials & Exams

• Testing Requirements: New Jersey does not use a basic skills test, but does require prospective teachers to pass the PRAXIS II Subject Assessment/Specialty Area test(s) appropriate for the area and/or subject.
• Standard Certificate: This certificate is issued to individuals who have successfully completed the Provisional Teacher Program, hold a previously-issued NJ instructional certificate or a valid out-of-state instructional certificate with one year of full-time certified teaching experience.
• CEAS (Traditional Route): The Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) is a credential issued to individuals who have completed a teacher preparation program and have met the basic requirements for certification, including academic study and applicable test requirements. The CEAS is issued to individuals who do NOT hold a NJ Standard certificate or have NOT yet completed one year of full-time teaching under a valid out-of-state instructional certificate.
• Non-Citizen Standard: A five-year certificate issued to individuals who have met all requirements for state certification, but are not US citizens. This certificate can be renewed by showing progress toward US citizenship.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

New Jersey also offers an alternative pathway to certification:

• Certificate of Eligibility (Alternate Route): The Certificate of Eligibility (CE) is a credential with lifetime validity issued to individuals who have NOT completed a teacher preparation program, but who have met the basic requirements for certification, including academic study and applicable test requirements. Participants complete 24 hours of formal instruction, are issued a Certificate of Eligibility and then undergo a minimum of 200 hours of formal instruction under the guidance of more experienced teachers.