Interested in becoming a Substitute Teacher in New Jersey? Being a Substitute Teacher is a flexible, rewarding career path. As a Sub, you will be filling in for an absent teacher and taking the lead of the classroom for the day. This career path offers many opportunities such as setting your own schedule, acquiring impressive transferable skills, higher chances of landing a full-time role as a teacher, and the ability to make a change in children’s lives.
What do Substitute Teachers do?
Subs take the place of a teacher when they are absent from school. Substitute teachers can be issued different assignments such as long-term or day-to-day substitute jobs. Day-to-day substitute teachers can be compared to a per diem position. This type of assignment typically is when a teacher is sick, has an emergency, or is going on a short vacation. During a day-to-day assignment, typically the sub will work off lesson plans that the teacher prepared beforehand. You can expect to be covering a class anywhere from one day to a few days before the teacher returns.
Long term substitute assignments are extended periods of coverage in the same classroom. Long term assignments have a bigger workload than the day-to-day assignments. As a long term sub, it often requires the sub to take on the main teacher’s duties such as creating lesson plans, grading homework, holding parent-teacher meetings, etc. Regardless of the length of the assignment, a substitute teacher’s primary duty is to facilitate student learning.
How to Become a Substitute Teacher in NJ
- The first step to becoming a Substitute Teacher in New Jersey is earning college credits. To acquire a Substitute Teacher Credential in NJ, the applicant must have a minimum of 30 college credits completed from a nationally accredited college or university. If the individual is applying for the 30-credit credential, they must also send proof of enrollment in a college or university.
- Next, the individual should seek and obtain a sponsor school district or organization for criminal history record clearance. The applicant should seek a sponsorship from the aspiring school district or vendor organization that they wish to serve.
- Once a sponsor is obtained, the next step is to complete the background check and get fingerprinted by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). In order to get finger printed, the applicant must get an appointment with IdentoGO.
- The next step would be to apply for the correct substitute teacher credential. Head to the online portal from the NJDOE and follow the instructions.
What are the Different Substitute Credentials in NJ?
New Jersey has a few different Substitute Credentials with different requirements to obtain them. Substitute credentials are valid for five years. To renew your substitute credential, it will have to be renewed between 6 months before your expiration date and 6 months after the expiration date. Below is the list of the Substitute Credentials New Jersey offers, their requirements, and limitations.
- 60-Credit Instructional Substitute Credential
- Requirements: Individual must have completed 60 semester hours of credits at a nationally accredited college and university. The applicant must complete a background check dated within five months of the application date
- Limitations: The credential lasts for up to 20 instructional days in the same classroom and subject area. Under extenuating circumstances, the credential can be extended to 40 days with approval from the Executive County Superintendent and the school district.
- 30-Credit Instructional Substitute Credential
- Requirements: Applicant must have completed at least 30 semester hours of credits with proof of being in the process of earning an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. The semester credits must be from a school that is a nationally accredited college or university. The individual must be at least 20 years of age and complete a background check dated within five months of the application date.
- Limitations: Just as the 60-credit substitute credential, the 30-credit substitute credential lasts for 20 instructional days in the same classroom and subject area. The credential can be extended to 40 days if it is approved by the school district and Executive County Superintendent.
- Career and Technical Education Substitute Credential
- Requirements: Applicant must have proof of at least two years of full-time work experience within the past five years in a career related to the subject they want to teach. Just as the other credentials, the individual must complete a background check within five months of the application date.
- Limitations: This credential lasts for up to 40 instructional days in the same classroom and subject area.
Finding Substitute Teacher Jobs in NJ
Once you have completed all the requirements and receive your Substitute Teacher Credential, you are now eligible to start applying for jobs! If you’re unsure of where to start, consider working with a NJ staffing company. When working with a staffing company, your recruiter can help find the perfect Substitute Teaching job opportunities and be an advocate for you. We are always posting new job openings on our Hot Jobs page. Becoming a substitute teacher gives you the opportunity to change children’s lives and make a lasting impact.
