Middle school teachers are highly motivated professionals that help students transition out of elementary school and prepare them for high school. It is an emotional and dynamic phase of a child’s growth, and their ability to think critically and deeply about a subject greatly expands. It’s perfect for people looking for varied and energetic career with young people.
The average middle school teacher salary in New Jersey as of May 2023 was $687,930. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Teachers of Tomorrow will explore New Jersey middle school teacher salaries in this guide. We’ll also share the steps the state requires to become a middle school teacher and available alternative teacher certification options.
What is a Middle School Teacher?
A middle school teacher in New Jersey generally teaches grades 6-8 with learners ages 11-14. Teachers who teach lower middle school are often required to teach a broader subject range than teachers in the higher middle school grades. This is because middle school is a time of transition where students gradually shift from a single classroom setup to regularly changing classrooms throughout the day.
New Jersey middle school teachers are renowned for their excellence. In early 2024, six New Jersey middle schools made the national “Schools to Watch” list highlighting exceptional schools in the United States.
Middle school teachers in the state align their curriculum with the New Jersey Learning Standards. The main subjects offered include math, science, social studies, English, writing, physical education, and health. Many schools also provide visual and performing arts, technology, and additional languages.
Successful middle school teachers are not all the same. However, they do share some qualities and skills, such as the following:
- Empathy: Middle school is a time of profound transition emotionally and physically. Teachers of this age group must be able to hear and support students as they navigate this confusing and challenging period of growth.
- Critical Thinking: Middle school students need leaders in the classroom that can guide them on thinking beyond the correct answer. From media literacy to understanding the theories behind science, students need teachers who can equip them with critical thinking skills.
- Adaptability: The temperature of a middle school classroom is constantly swimming between extremes. Excellent teachers can read the room and switch up lessons, tone, and approaches to achieve engagement and productivity.
Middle school teachers also have many responsibilities, including the following:
- Ensure students meet state and national guidelines.
- Create a learning environment that is safe, productive, and meets the diverse needs of their students.
- Help students develop the necessary skills, tools, and maturity that will be needed to successfully navigate high school.
How Much Do Middle School Teachers in New Jersey Make?
The average annual salaries for middle school teachers in New Jersey as of May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Highest salary – $112,760
- Average salary – $87,930
- Lowest salary – $57,830
New Jersey middle school salaries are based on a teacher’s education level, years of experience, additional skills and qualifications, location, and type of school.
How to Become a Middle School Teacher in New Jersey
Becoming a middle school teacher in New Jersey begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree, as it does throughout the United States. However, requirements vary across the nation as each state has its own rules and regulations.
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has outlined the following steps to becoming a middle school teacher in their state:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree: New Jersey candidates need a 3.0 GPA out of 4. However, if they graduated before 2016, a 2.75 GPA would suffice. Those wishing to teach middle school generally obtain a degree in secondary education.
- Complete a teacher preparation program: Candidates must select an NJDOE-approved provider and complete a minimum of 13 semester-hour credits.
- Complete student teaching: Candidates must have a minimum of 175 field hours.
- Pass state-required tests: State rules, including New Jersey testing requirements, are constantly changing. For instance, on June 29, 2024, the governor signed a bill eliminating the Basic Skills testing requirement. However, the new law does not eliminate the requirement for candidates to pass the relevant subject-based tests.
- Apply for certification: New Jersey candidates must apply for their certificate through the NJEDCert Portal. Candidates are advised to consult the NJEDCert Application 10-Point Checklist before submitting their application.
- Submit to a state and federal background check: All adult persons applying for a position at a New Jersey school, including public and private, must pass a criminal background check. NJDOE provides full instructions on how to make a New Applicant Request. Further information can be found on the department’s FAQ page.
Alternative Route to Certification for Middle School Teachers
New Jersey has alternative pathways for candidates with bachelor’s degrees are higher. A 3.0 GPA is required, as with the traditional pathway.
New Jersey alternative candidates must meet the CE certificate requirements for their desired grade and subject area to qualify for an alternative pathway. Generally, a 13-semester hour minimum is needed in the subject area or specialty to meet the CE demands.
Candidates must also meet the Praxis testing requirements to proceed on the alternative pathway.
Lastly, candidates must complete a NJDOE CE program provider program. The program’s cost, length, and flexibility depend on the provider’s curriculum and requirements. Some programs award an advanced degree upon completion, but not all.
What is the Highest and Lowest Paying Middle School Teaching Job?
As a certified middle school teacher in New Jersey, you can work in various settings:
- Public schools: New Jersey’s public school system typically pays the highest salaries. However, the district’s local tax base will also impact how much a teacher earns.
- Charter schools: New Jersey’s charter schools do not have as much funding as public schools; thus, their salaries are generally slightly lower.
- International schools: International schools in New Jersey often require a teacher to be fluent in at least two languages. Thus, many international schools pay well to attract teachers with extra language skills.
- Online teaching: Online teaching for middle school teachers has been pretty competitive, especially in STEM subjects.
- Private schools: Salaries in New Jersey’s private schools vary. Some schools pay pretty poorly, while others offer the highest pay.
At Teachers of Tomorrow, we look forward to helping you reach your goal of becoming one of New Jersey’s best middle school teachers. Don’t wait! Start your journey towards making a difference today.
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