What Are the Steps to Acquiring a Substitute Teacher License in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey state law, substitute teachers do not need a traditional teaching license or certification, provided they work no more than 20 consecutive days in the same school district during the course of one school year. The substitute teacher credential is issued at the county level rather than the statewide level, though New Jersey's counties all have the same requirements for their credentials.
Other People Are Reading
-
Education
-
The first step toward earning the substitute teacher credential in New Jersey is gaining the necessary education. New Jersey requires all prospective substitute teachers to have at least 60 semester credits of college-level coursework. A degree is not necessary, but candidates must attend schools with regional accreditation, such as community colleges and four-year, not-for-profit colleges and universities. Counties typically require prospective substitutes to provide proof of their education in the form of an official transcript mailed directly from the candidates' schools.
Application
-
After completing the necessary education, candidates must complete an application. Sources for the application forms vary from county to county. For example, in Mercer County, school districts distribute the applications for the substitute teacher credential, while in Hunterdon County, the application is available for download from the Hunterdon Executive County Superintendent of Schools Office's website. In addition to completing the application, candidates must visit a local law enforcement agency to undergo fingerprinting for a criminal background check. Qualified applicants who pass the criminal background check then receive their credentials, either directly from the county or from the school district through which they applied.
-
Regular Teaching License
-
Candidates who already have a standard teaching license in New Jersey do not need any special type of credential to work as a substitute. The standard teaching license requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college and a state-approved teacher preparation program. Candidates must also meet minimum GPA requirements and pass a series of examinations. These tests relate to the subject matter in which students wish to teach, basic skills in reading and math and physiology, hygiene and substance abuse. All candidates for standard teaching licenses must also complete an application, available from the New Jersey Department of Education's website, and pass a criminal background check.
Out-of-State Teachers
-
Individuals who already hold a standard or full teaching license from another state, and who wish to work as substitute teacher in New Jersey, can apply for a New Jersey standard license through the state's reciprocity program. Candidates must show proof of having completed similar education and testing requirements to those for New Jersey teachers. In addition, out-of-state teachers must supply the New Jersey Department of Education with verification of their licenses. Completion of an application, downloadable from the department's website, and passing a background check are also mandatory. New Jersey does not reciprocate with substitute licenses; out-of-state teachers who were working on a special substitute credential with no standard license must complete the requirements for either the county special substitute credential or the statewide standard teaching license.
-
