Becoming a special education teacher in New Jersey is a fulfilling career that allows you to make a significant impact on the lives of students with disabilities. Though challenging at times, being able to make a lasting positive impact on your students is a reward like no other. In NJ, there are several essential requirements that must be met in order to become a special education teacher in NJ. If you’re interested in pursuing this career, here is a step-by-step guide on how to become a special education teacher in NJ.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher in NJ
- Understand the Role
A special education teacher is a teacher who supports students who have a range of disabilities, including learning, physical, and emotional challenges. It’s extremely important to create an inclusive learning environment as it ensures everyone is afforded the same learning opportunities, regardless of any disability. Not all students learn the same way. For this exact reason, special education teachers are crucial to create that equal opportunity in education. Special education teachers adapt lessons to meet individual needs, create inclusive classroom environments, help create and support IEP’s, and collaborate with parents and other educators. As a special education teacher, you should posses a heart for working with students who need help accessing the general education curriculum, be compassionate, empathetic and well organized.
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step towards becoming a special education teacher is to earn a bachelor’s degree. While a degree in special education is ideal, candidates can also pursue a degree in a related field. Programs typically include coursework in child development, psychology, and specific teaching methods for students with disabilities.
- Complete a Teacher Preparation Program
In New Jersey, candidates must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. This includes a blend of coursework and supervised student teaching experiences. You’ll learn about special education laws, curriculum development, and assessment strategies. Candidates must have a GPA of 3.0 in this program to be eligible for certification.
- Pass Required Examinations
There are two exams that candidates will need to pass in order to be eligible to become a special education teacher in NJ:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: The praxis exam tests your basic skills in reading, writing, and math. These exams are designed to prepare educators for covering the basic elements of teaching.
- edTPA assessment: The edTPA assessment is a content knowledge assessment that requires candidates to choose a specialization to study before being assessed. However, there is no assessment for special education but candidates can choose to specialize in either a subject or grade level.
- Apply for Certification
Once candidates have met the above criteria, they must apply and receive a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) from the New Jersey Department of Education. As part of the three-stage certification process, once the candidate has received the CEAS, they must find teaching positions at schools in New Jersey that require this certification. After the candidate has landed a teaching position, an officer from the employing school can apply to the NJDOE to obtain a provisional certificate for the candidate.
The provisional certificate is valid for three years and formalizes employment. With this certificate, the candidate must work for a minimum of two years and be awarded two effective or highly effective final ratings from the supervising school officials. After the candidate has successfully completed the provisional teacher program, they’ll be able to apply for the permanent standard certificate.
- Receive Special Education Endorsement
After receiving the CEAS, candidates are eligible to apply for a special education endorsement during the three-stage process mentioned earlier. To apply for a special education endorsement, the candidate must apply online for an Instructional Certificate from the NJDOE. There are multiple areas available for special education including Blind or Visually Impaired, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, and Students with Disabilities. Those with the instructional certificate allows the educator to teach and provide consultative services for students from preschool all the way through 12th grade.
- Stay Informed and Renew Certification
Special education is an ever-evolving field. Staying current with any new teaching strategies, technologies, and laws is essential to provide the best learning experience possible. New Jersey requires teachers to renew their certification every five years, which may involve additional professional development courses.
Conclusion
Becoming a special education teacher in New Jersey is a dedicated process that requires training, specific education, and a passion for helping students with diverse needs. By following our guide on how to become a special education teacher in NJ, you’ll be well on your way towards an extremely rewarding career. If you’re ready to embark on this journey, start by researching schools that align with your goals. Special education teachers are gifts to the education system and all your future students will thank you for your efforts. If you’re looking for a career in education, Horizon Staffing Resources is always looking for substitute teachers in NJ, Special Education Teachers in NJ, and Paraprofessionals in NJ. Send us your resume today!
