by Camy Kobylinski
Navigating New Jersey’s educator certification system can be challenging, especially with common myths that cloud the process and lead to costly missteps for educators and schools alike. These misconceptions often result in educators being incorrectly assigned to positions outside their certification area, overlooking important requirements and even misunderstanding the pathway to permanent certification.
Without clear guidance, both prospective and current educators may find themselves entangled in compliance issues that could have been avoided. This article will unpack several myths about New Jersey educator certification and provide accurate insights to help educators ensure alignment with state requirements.
Separating fact from fiction
Myth: Most New Jersey instructional endorsements are valid in grades kindergarten through grade 12.
Fact: With a few exceptions, such as for certificates covering preschool through Grade 3, kindergarten through Grade 6 and middle school specializations for grades 5 through 8, most teaching endorsements are valid in preschool through Grade 12.
Myth: Teachers can take the Praxis assessment for a subject outside of their certification area and then be eligible to teach that additional content.
Fact: All teachers must hold the endorsement for the content they are assigned to teach. A Praxis assessment is only one part of the eligibility for additional endorsements.
Myth: Any certified teacher can teach financial literacy courses.
Fact: Financial literacy courses may be taught by teachers holding certificates in Social Studies; Business Finance, Economics, and Law; Comprehensive Business; Comprehensive Family and Consumer Sciences; General Business or Math. Additionally, elementary certificate holders may teach financial literacy in the grades in which they are certified to teach for no more than one-half of the daily instructional assignment.
Myth: Novice teachers who have been hired for part of the school year do not need to have a mentor.
Fact: Teachers who have not completed the 30-week mentoring requirement must be mentored if their employment will last beyond 60 days. Novice teachers may complete mentoring through short term employment across more than one district. However, each district must be diligent in documenting the weeks of completed mentoring in the New Jersey online certification system called NJEdCert.
Myth: School districts take care of applications for provisional certificates.
Fact: While school districts must initiate the process to enter a teacher in the provisional teacher process, candidates should ensure that this step has been taken by checking their certification records in NJEdCert. Once a provisional certificate has been initiated or recommended for renewal, the teacher receives notification to complete the application and pay any fees.
Myth: Standard certificates are automatically generated by the New Jersey certification system.
Fact: Districts should be submitting proof of mentoring completion and evaluation results throughout the first years of employment. If applicable, the candidate obtains verification of completion of the alternate route program. Once all requirements are completed and reported to the New Jersey Department of Education, the district must recommend the teacher for a standard certificate. The teacher will be prompted to respond and pay any fees before a standard certificate will be issued.
Understanding the certification system is essential
Understanding the intricacies of New Jersey’s teacher certification system is essential for both new and seasoned educators seeking to avoid costly and time-consuming errors. With proper guidance and a clear understanding of certification steps, educators can focus on their roles without the stress of unexpected compliance issues.
Through informed decisions and proactive steps, educators can secure the appropriate certifications and build successful teaching careers in New Jersey’s education system.
More information about New Jersey’s certification process may be found at the New Jersey Department of Education website, nj.gov/education/certification.
NJEA members may access additional clarification
Camy Kobylinski is an associate director in the NJEA Professional Development and Instructional Issues Division. She can be reached at ckobylinski@njea.org.