As per the records of the U.S. Department of Labor from May 2013, preschool teachers in New Jersey found their way to the second position in terms of highest salaries compared to their colleagues all across the nation. The count of preschool teachers in New Jersey stood at 12,890, and they were drawing an average salary of $36,970. However, a closer look at the different regions within the state reveals an interesting pay disparity.
Salary Variations Based on Geographical Locations
New Jersey, like any other state, has a diverse range of salary offerings for preschool teachers, largely influenced by the region’s economic conditions, cost of living, and job demand. Simply put, certain zones in New Jersey displayed a higher pay scale for preschool teachers than others.
For instance, the Wayne metro area, a thriving and fast-paced region in New Jersey, compensated preschool teachers with an average income of $50,320 per year. This could be attributed to Wayne’s higher cost of living and its booming job market that drives the demand for high-quality preschool education.
Conversely, the less urbanized Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton region in New Jersey offered preschool educators an annual average salary of $45,200. Although lower than Wayne, this is still a competitive salary considering the lower living costs in these areas.
Step 1. Complete a Degree and Teacher Preparation Program in New Jersey
The journey begins with obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts or sciences and completing a teacher preparation program approved by the state. This program aims to prepare future teachers by providing a comprehensive mix of theoretical learning and practical experience.
To give you a better grasp of the subject, the coursework includes:
- 13 credits tailored to preschool through Grade 3 education;
- 60 credits from a broad spectrum of liberal arts and sciences;
- A course in biology, health or nutrition to fulfil the state’s physiology and hygiene requirement.
Ensuring a good academic track, the state also mandates GPA requirements. For those graduating before September 2016, a minimum GPA of 2.75 is required, whereas those graduating after September 2016 need to have a GPA of 3.0 or better.
Your preparation program will include a diverse range of courses that will equip you with skills and knowledge to understand and manage the preschool environment. These courses generally include:
- Emerging Literacy;
- Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children and Youth;
- Working with Families of Young Children;
- Early Childhood Classroom Management;
- Professional Dispositions in Early Childhood Education.
Building Experience
In the latter part of your teacher preparation program, you will gain practical insights into the dynamics of the classroom. During your field experience, while most of the time will be spent observing, you will get the opportunity to participate as well. This experience is further expanded through at least one semester of student teaching, where you will handle regular responsibilities of teaching, including classroom management and working directly with students. This hands-on experience will be assessed by the classroom teacher and supervisors from your teacher preparation program.
To seal your dedication towards the profession, New Jersey law necessitates that you complete 24 hours of pedagogical practice in the education levels you will be teaching in – Preschool through Grade 3. This should be documented through approved coursework and a form called the Verification of Completion: 24 Hour Early Childhood Preservice Program.
Qualifications and Regulations for Child Care Providers
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families oversees the regulations for child care outside the public school system. For preschool teachers aiming to work in private child care centers, it’s essential to fulfill the department’s regulations and licensing requirements. Besides, all personnel at licensed child care facilities in New Jersey must pass a child abuse record information background check, a criminal history record fingerprint check, a TB test, and complete a physical exam. Every staff member should also provide at least two references affirming their experience or education with children.
Step 2. Conquer the Required Examinations for New Jersey Preschool Teachers
To establish themselves as preschool teachers in the state of New Jersey, aspirants need to clear a host of critical skills and content-level assessments that align with their chosen teaching specialty. These examinations, known as the Praxis exams, are conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Conquer the Fundamentals with Basic Skills Exams
New Jersey has instituted a law mandating all aspiring teachers to clear basic skills assessments before they qualify for admission into a teacher preparation program.
Before setting foot in a teacher preparation program in New Jersey, you need to achieve the following scores in the Praxis Core tests:
- Reading – 156;
- Writing – 162;
- Math – 150.
However, high scores in other standardized examinations can exempt you from attempting the above tests. You can bypass the Praxis Core tests if you have achieved at least one of the following scores:
- GRE- A combined score of 310 in the quantitative and verbal sections, and an analytical writing score of 4.0;
- ACT- 23;
- SAT- A combined score of 1660 in critical reading, math, and writing.
Master Your Subject with Content-Level Exams
In addition to the Praxis Core tests, you need to ace the Praxis II exam that aligns with your chosen teaching field. Aspiring preschool teachers need to score 159 or above in the Early Childhood: Content Knowledge section.
For your convenience, the Praxis tests can be taken at various test centers in New Jersey, including locations such as:
- Fair Lawn;
- Clark;
- Hamilton;
- Pemberton;
- Laurel Springs.
Step 3. Master the Application Process for Your Teaching Certificate in New Jersey
The path to becoming a certified Preschool Teacher in New Jersey comprises three critical steps. Initially, you must confirm your eligibility through the completion of the educational, experiential, and examination prerequisites mentioned above. Subsequently, you must secure lawful employment within a school district and complete a provisional teaching tenure. Finally, you must earn a recommendation for permanent certification.
Having fulfilled the criteria to become a preschool teacher in New Jersey, it’s time to apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (CE). Since your teacher preparation program is complete, you’ll be applying for a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS).
Launch this process by initiating an online application. The application fee of $190 should be paid online using a credit card; checks or money orders won’t be accepted. The following documents must be sent via postal mail:
- Section A of the Program Verification Form, completed by you, if your teacher preparation program was out-of-state. This form should be mailed to the certification officer at your school for completion, addition of the college seal, and return to you. You will then submit this to the Office of Licensing and Credentials;
- Official college transcripts;
- Signed and notarized Oath of Office/Verification of Accuracy form;
- If you have teaching experience, a letter confirming this on school letterhead.
The above documents should be mailed to the State of New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Licensure & Credentials, P.O. Box 500, Trenton, NJ 08625-0500.
To stay updated on the status of your submitted certification application, you can check online anytime at this link. Your CEAS will be mailed to you once the materials have been processed.
Step 4. Successfully Complete Your Provisional Teaching Period in New Jersey
Having achieved your Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS), you’ve embarked on your teaching journey in New Jersey. Now you’re set to begin your provisional teaching period, a critical phase where you’ll apply what you’ve learned in your teacher preparation program in a real-world classroom setting.
Once you secure a full-time teaching position in a New Jersey school district, the district will help you procure a Provisional Certificate. This phase involves participating in the state’s Provisional Teacher Program during your first year of teaching. Throughout this period, you will receive guidance and mentorship from a tenured teacher for 30 weeks. Your teaching performance will undergo evaluation three times to ensure you’re progressing appropriately. The Provisional Certificate carries a validity of two years and can be renewed twice if necessary.
Transitioning from a Provisional to a Standard Certificate
After successful completion of the Provisional Teacher Program, you’re ready to upgrade your Provisional Certificate to a Standard Certificate. With the support of your school district, you can apply online to make this transition.
The Standard Certificate signifies you’ve reached a significant milestone in your teaching career in New Jersey. This certificate is viewed as permanent and doesn’t require renewal. However, as a preschool teacher in New Jersey, you’re expected to continuously meet the professional standards of your teaching profession.
To foster your ongoing growth and development as a teacher, the school district will assist you in formulating a Professional Development Plan (PDP). This plan will be customized to your needs and will guide you in taking necessary Professional Development courses.
The Journey of a Preschool Teacher in New Jersey
The landscape of preschool education is robust in New Jersey. The state’s Department of Education, through the Certification and Induction Office, plays a vital role in certifying and monitoring preschool teachers.
New Jersey has carved out a niche in the preschool education sector, thanks to their high-quality preschool standards. This standard, applauded by educators, parents, and external researchers, deserves a special mention. In 2004, the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) crowned New Jersey as the leading state in preschool standards among all US states. The Abbott District preschool initiative of New Jersey emerged as a model for fellow schools.
A contributing factor to this success is the state’s capacity to recruit the best educators by providing them with deserving salaries. Preschool teachers in Vineland and Ocean City, New Jersey, enjoy the highest salaries across the country.
Preschool Teachers’ Salaries in New Jersey
While the median annual salary for the nation’s 438,200 preschool teachers stands at $27,136 (average annual salary being $30,750), New Jersey outshines this with its 12,840 actively working preschool teachers enjoying a median annual salary of $36,970 (2012 data).
The profession forecasts a growth rate higher than many other occupations with a projected 25 percent hike between 2010 and 2020.
Employment opportunities for preschool teachers are spread across state school districts, private preschools, government-led family service programs, universities/colleges, and corporations offering preschool facilities for their workforce. However, salaries can differ based on the place of employment and geographic location. Below is a comparison of salaries across different New Jersey cities as provided by the New Jersey DOE:
| New Jersey City | Number of Teachers | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Top 25th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City | 250 | $27200 | $14.10 | $35600 |
| Ocean City | 30 | $47200 | $22.70 | $56200 |
| Trenton | 910 | $27200 | $13.10 | $37500 |
| Vineland | 180 | $44800 | $21.50 | $52500 |
Let’s dive deeper into the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) salary data for New Jersey’s preschool teachers during 2013:
| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage | Hourly median wage | Hourly 75th percentile wage | Hourly 90th percentile wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton PA-NJ | 640 | 12.63 | 26280 | 10.34 | 13.04 | 20.84 | 21510 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton NJ | 230 | 17.93 | 37290 | 13.76 | 24.26 | 32.16 | 28630 |
| Camden NJ Metropolitan Division | 1470 | 16.71 | 34770 | 13.37 | 21.49 | 29.03 | 27810 |
Conclusion
New Jersey’s commitment to preschool education sets a noble standard that integrates high-quality teaching standards, rewarding salaries, and continual professional growth. This dedication ensures that their preschool teachers are not just equipped to educate, but also to inspire, encourage, and make a substantial difference in the lives of the youngest learners. Whether you’re an established teacher or looking to start your career, New Jersey offers a fulfilling and promising journey in the field of preschool education. If you want to improve your skills as a teacher, it is also a good idea to review the Texas Preschool Teacher Requirements.