How to Become an English Teacher in New Jersey

Becoming an English teacher in New Jersey is a rewarding path that combines a love for language, literature, and education with strong career stability. However, the certification process—especially Praxis exams and NJDOE requirements—can feel overwhelming if you’re just getting started.

This guide breaks down how to become an English teacher in New Jersey step by step. You’ll learn which exams are required, how certification works, what to expect on test day, and how to prepare with confidence—whether you’re a college student, career changer, or alternate-route candidate.

Overview: Teaching English in New Jersey

To teach English at the middle school or high school level in New Jersey, educators must earn state certification through the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). This process typically involves:

• Completing a degree or teacher preparation program
• Passing the required Praxis English exams
• Meeting student teaching or alternate-route requirements
• Applying for the appropriate NJ teaching certificate

New Jersey offers multiple pathways, making it possible to become an English teacher even if you did not originally major in education.

New Jersey English Teacher Certification Pathways

CE vs. CEAS: Understanding Your Options

New Jersey offers two main initial certifications for English teachers:

Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS)

This certificate is issued to candidates who have completed both their educational requirements and a state-approved student teaching or clinical practice experience. The CEAS puts you in a stronger position when applying for teaching jobs because you’ve already demonstrated classroom competency under supervision.

• For candidates who completed a traditional teacher preparation program
• Requires supervised student teaching
• The most common path for education majors

Certificate of Eligibility (CE)

This certificate indicates you’ve completed all requirements except for the mentored teaching experience. It allows you to seek employment and begin teaching under specific conditions while completing your supervised teaching requirement. Think of it as provisional certification that demonstrates you’re qualified to enter the classroom with appropriate support.

• For career changers or non-education majors
• Does not require student teaching upfront
• Leads to employment while completing alternate-route training

Understanding CE vs. CEAS in New Jersey is critical when planning your certification timeline.

Both certificates eventually lead to the Standard Certificate once you complete additional requirements, including three years of successful teaching under the mentorship of a qualified educator.

Grade Level Endorsements

English teaching certificates in New Jersey are divided by grade levels:

• K-6 Elementary: General elementary certification with the ability to teach language arts
• P-3 Early Childhood: Includes language and literacy instruction for preschool through third grade
• 5-8 Middle School English: Specifically focused on middle school language arts and English
• K-12 English as a Second Language (ESL): Specialized certification for teaching English language learners
• English (Secondary): The most common pathway for aspiring high school English teachers, covering grades 7-12 or sometimes listed as P-12

The English subject area certificate (often called “Teacher of English” or “English Language Arts”) is what most people seek when they want to teach literature, composition, grammar, and communication skills at the secondary level.

New Jersey English Teacher Requirements (Step-by-Step)

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

To become an English teacher in New Jersey, you must hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Your undergraduate education should include substantial coursework in English and related fields. Degree may be in English, education, or a related field. Must meet NJDOE credit requirements in English content areas.

For secondary English teachers, your degree should ideally be in:

• English
• English Literature
• English Education
• Communications with significant English coursework
• A related field with at least 30 semester hours in English content

Many candidates complete an English Education major, which combines English content courses with education methodology classes, providing an integrated preparation for teaching.

2. Complete a Teacher Preparation Program

New Jersey requires completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program. These programs can be completed through several pathways:

• Traditional College/University Programs: Most four-year colleges in New Jersey offer teacher education programs approved by the state. These programs integrate content knowledge, educational theory, and supervised teaching experience. You’ll take courses in educational psychology, classroom management, assessment, curriculum design, and specific methods for teaching English language arts.
• Post-Baccalaureate Programs: If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in English or a related field but didn’t complete a teaching program, you can enroll in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program. These typically take 1-2 years and include both coursework and student teaching.
• Graduate Programs: Many candidates pursue a Master’s degree in Education (M.Ed.) or Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) that includes teacher certification. While a master’s degree isn’t required for initial certification, it’s required for the Standard Certificate after you begin teaching, so many educators choose to complete it upfront.

All approved programs must include:

• A minimum of 30 semester hours in the subject area (English)
• Pedagogical coursework covering teaching methods, assessment, learning theory, and classroom management
• Study of students with disabilities and inclusive teaching practices
• Technology integration in education
• Field experiences and observations in actual classrooms
• A supervised student teaching or clinical practice experience

3. Pass Required Praxis Exams

Passing standardized tests is a critical component of teacher certification in New Jersey. The state uses Praxis exams developed by ETS (Educational Testing Service) to assess both general teaching knowledge and subject-specific content mastery.

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators

Before you can receive any teaching certificate in New Jersey, you must demonstrate basic competency in reading, writing, and mathematics. This requirement can be met in two ways:

Option 1: Maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in your bachelor’s degree program. If your cumulative undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or higher, you’re exempt from taking the Praxis Core tests.

Option 2: Pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests if your GPA is below 3.0. These consist of three separate exams:

• Praxis Core Reading (5713): 56 selected-response questions testing reading comprehension, analysis, and evaluation skills
• Praxis Core Writing (5723): 40 selected-response questions plus two essay tasks assessing grammar, usage, and composition ability
• Praxis Core Mathematics (5733): 56 questions covering number and quantity, algebra, geometry, and statistics/probability

Each test is scored separately, and you must pass all three sections. Many candidates who need to take Praxis Core find that the reading and math sections are manageable with basic review, while the writing section—particularly the essay component—requires more focused preparation.

Praxis Subject Assessments for English Teachers

This is the most important exam for demonstrating your readiness to teach English. The specific test you’ll take depends on the grade levels you want to teach:

Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038)

This is the standard exam for secondary English teacher certification in New Jersey. The test measures your knowledge and understanding of English language arts content.

Test Structure:

• 130 selected-response questions (multiple choice)
• 2.5 hours (150 minutes) total testing time
• Computer-delivered at Praxis testing centers
• No breaks scheduled, but you can take brief unofficial breaks that count against your time

Content Coverage:

The exam is divided into three major content categories:

Reading and Understanding Text (49 Questions)

• Reading and understanding informational texts across disciplines
• Reading and understanding literature from different periods, genres, and cultures
• Analyzing the interaction of literary elements and use of language
• Understanding and applying reading strategies
• Interpreting themes, ideas, and purpose in texts
• Analyzing author’s craft, point of view, and use of rhetorical devices

Language Use and Vocabulary (33 Questions)

• Understanding grammar, syntax, and usage conventions
• Applying knowledge of language development and vocabulary acquisition
• Understanding the history and development of the English language
• Recognizing standard written English conventions
• Understanding how language varies by context, purpose, and audience
• Knowledge of morphology, semantics, and etymology

Writing, Speaking, and Listening (48 Questions)

• Understanding the writing process and writing instruction
• Knowledge of rhetorical strategies and modes of discourse
• Understanding research processes and citing sources
• Knowledge of effective speaking and listening skills
• Understanding how to teach writing across different purposes and genres
• Analyzing and evaluating written arguments

Alternative Test: Praxis Middle School English Language Arts (5047)

If you’re specifically pursuing middle school certification (grades 5-8), you might take this assessment instead:

• 120 selected-response questions
• 2 hours and 20 minutes (140 minutes) testing time
• Similar content coverage but calibrated for middle school teaching
• Includes questions specific to early adolescent literacy development

Passing Scores

New Jersey sets its own passing scores for Praxis exams. As of 2026, the required passing scores are:

• Praxis Core Reading: 156
• Praxis Core Writing: 162
• Praxis Core Mathematics: 150
• Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038): 167
• Praxis Middle School English Language Arts (5047): 156

These scores represent scaled scores, not raw scores. Scaled scoring accounts for slight variations in test difficulty between different versions of the exam. A scaled score of 167 on the secondary English test, for example, might correspond to answering approximately 75-80% of questions correctly, but this varies.

It’s important to note that passing scores can change, so always verify current requirements on the New Jersey Department of Education website and the ETS Praxis website before registering for your exam.

When to Take the Praxis Exams

• Praxis Core: If required, take these tests early in your preparation program—ideally before or during your first semester of education coursework. Many programs require passing scores as a prerequisite for admission to student teaching.
• Praxis Subject Assessment: Most candidates take the English Language Arts content test during their final year of preparation, after completing most or all of their English coursework. You should take it when you feel confident in your content knowledge but early enough to retake it if necessary before your program completion deadline.

You’ll need passing scores on all required Praxis exams before you can be recommended for certification by your preparation program or alternate route provider.

4. Meet Student Teaching or Mentorship Requirements

Student teaching represents the capstone of your preparation program. This supervised teaching experience typically lasts one full semester (usually 10-15 weeks) and takes place in an actual school setting.

During student teaching, you’ll:

• Work under the guidance of a cooperating teacher (a certified, experienced English teacher)
• Gradually assume full teaching responsibilities for multiple classes
• Plan lessons, deliver instruction, assess student work, and manage classroom dynamics
• Receive regular feedback and formal evaluations
• Complete requirements set by both your university and the school district

Student teaching is required to receive the Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS). If you pursue certain alternative routes, you might receive a CE first and complete your mentored teaching experience after beginning employment.

5. Apply for NJ Educator Certification

After completing your preparation program, passing required exams, and fulfilling all prerequisites, you need to formally apply for your teaching certificate through the New Jersey Department of Education.

New Jersey handles all educator certification applications through the NJDOE Office of Licensure and Credentials. The entire process is managed online through the state’s certification system, though some supporting documents may need to be submitted by mail or uploaded digitally.

• Apply NJDOE
• Receive initial license, followed by standard certification after requirements are met

Praxis English Exam Overview (New Jersey)

Who Needs the Praxis English Exam?

• Aspiring middle school English teachers in NJ
• Aspiring high school English teachers in NJ
• Required for both CE and CEAS pathways

When Is the Exam Required?

• Before certification application approval
• Often, before or during teacher preparation programs

Praxis English Exam Format & Structure

While the exact exam depends on endorsement level, most Praxis English exams include:

• Selected-response (multiple-choice) questions
• Constructed-response (essay) questions
• Testing time typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours

Common question formats include:

• Literary analysis passages
• Grammar and language usage scenarios
• Rhetorical analysis questions
• Writing instruction and pedagogy prompts

Praxis English Content Areas Explained

Literature

• American, British, and world literature
• Literary periods, genres, and themes
• Literary analysis and interpretation

Language & Linguistics

• Grammar, syntax, and mechanics
• Semantics, phonology, and language structure
• Language development and usage

Composition & Rhetoric

• Writing process and revision strategies
• Argumentation and persuasive writing
• Audience, purpose, and tone

Pedagogy & Instruction

• Teaching reading and writing skills
• Assessment strategies
• Classroom instruction methods

Scoring & Passing Requirements

• Praxis exams are scored on a scaled score system
• Passing scores are determined by the NJ Department of Education
• Score requirements may vary by exam and endorsement area

Always confirm current NJDOE certification requirements before scheduling your test.

How to Study for Praxis English Exams (Proven Tips)

Start With the Test Blueprint

• Review content categories and weightings
• Focus on high-impact areas first

Use Timed Practice Tests

• Simulate real exam conditions
• Build pacing and reduce test anxiety

Review Weak Areas Strategically

• Grammar and language rules
• Literary analysis frameworks
• Essay organization and clarity

Create a Study Schedule

• Short, consistent sessions (30–60 minutes)
• Increase intensity closer to test day

Explore related study guides on prepsaret.com for Praxis English prep and New Jersey teacher certification exams.

Test-Day Strategies for Success

• Arrive early with required ID
• Read questions carefully—especially literary passages
• Manage time: don’t overthink early questions
• Outline essays before writing
• Stay calm—one question will not define your score

English Teacher Jobs in New Jersey: Career Outlook

English teachers in New Jersey benefit from:

• Strong demand across public school districts
• Competitive salaries compared to national averages
• Opportunities at middle school and high school levels

How much do English teachers make in New Jersey?
Salaries vary by district, experience, and education level, but New Jersey consistently ranks among the higher-paying states for educators.

FAQs: Becoming an English Teacher in New Jersey

How long does it take to become an English teacher in New Jersey?

Typically 4–5 years through the traditional route. Alternate-route candidates may begin teaching sooner while completing certification requirements.

What exams are required to become an English teacher in New Jersey?

Most candidates must pass Praxis Core (unless waived) and a Praxis English content exam approved by NJDOE.

Can you become an English teacher in New Jersey without a teaching degree?

Yes. The alternate route teacher certification NJ allows candidates with a bachelor’s degree to teach while completing training.

Do you need a master’s degree to teach English in New Jersey?

No, but a master’s degree may be required later to maintain or advance certification, depending on your pathway.

How much do English teachers make in New Jersey?

Salaries vary, but New Jersey offers above-average compensation compared to many other states.

Final Thoughts: Your Path to Teaching English in New Jersey

Learning how to become an English teacher in New Jersey doesn’t have to be confusing. By understanding certification pathways, preparing thoroughly for Praxis exams, and following NJDOE requirements step by step, you can enter the classroom with confidence.

With the right preparation strategy and clear guidance, passing your exams—and starting your teaching career—is absolutely achievable. Stay focused, trust your preparation, and take the next step toward becoming a certified English educator in New Jersey.