r/NJTeachers

Hi all!

I am here to ask for advice on becoming a public school teacher in NJ (specifically arts education). I go to a small school out of state, and the guidance counsellors/career services were very unhelpful (couldn't really answer my questions + were looking them up on AI)

I am about to complete my BA. I go to a very artsy fartsy school and there were no majors or teaching prep programs. I sometimes regret my decision to go there but it's too late now. I am torn between going back to school for education or getting a CE. Obviously, I would rather not spend more money/go into more debt getting a masters in education (or something along those lines.) However, I'm a bit confused on how a CE works and worry that it would be more beneficial for my career long term to have a degree in education.

I have had people in my life (non-educators) advise me to teach at a private school and maybe I will for a while. I went to public schools my whole life and ideally want to work in the public school system. Plus, public school teachers get paid more and the health insurance would be much better which is significant to me (I am diabetic and my medication is insanely expensive).

If any of you have any pointers/places to look into/advice I would really appreciate it!

Thank you!

I have seen this frequently in the past 2 years in public schools - hiring long term subs (sub cert only, 60 credits, not in teacher ed program) instead of hiring real teachers, under the guide the school couldn't find qualified teachers. The schools hired unqualified substitute teachers (60 credit associates degree) for long term assignments via a temp agency (like ESS) while qualified teachers applicants (CE/CEAS) were passed up. One school did this for their art department - 5 jobs. All hires were substitute teachers with zero art background and no teaching certification.

One unqualified LTS was hired for a teacher's 3 month leave of absence - until the teachers' union found out about it and had her removed after 20 days. Another sub I worked with didn't even have proper credentials to work in the US - not even a green card.

It's only going to get worse.

Good morning!

I’m 31 years old and the father of a two year old little girl. My wife has a steady 9-5 job for our county and I bartend at nights, so I’m home with her throughout the day. We also live in South Jersey, specifically Cape May county. Becoming a father has been an indescribable experience. I’m thankful for all this time I get with her and it’s given me a chance to reflect and look forward to the future.

To give some background info, I did attend RCBC but not for long, about half a year. I was going on a grant and I wasn’t sure what I really wanted to do, so I dropped out. I was also living on my own so bills were my priority. I’ve been bartending ever since and I think I’m ready to do something more with my life. I’ve made plenty of friends and great memories, but I can’t help this feeling inside of me that says I was meant for more than just slinging drinks.

Before my daughter was born, I spent a few years as a personal trainer and that led to a part time job training and coaching the local high school football team. Those two jobs were both fulfilling, but didn’t pay and weren’t exactly stable. They did, however, open my eyes to how much I enjoy teaching and the way I was able to connect with my players made me feel like I had a purpose.

I know these are athletes who want to be coached, and it’s far more difficult to teach disinterested kids. Looking back on my life, I didn’t have a stable home life and the adults who made the biggest influence on my development were my teachers. Even if it’s just a handful of kids, I think if I had a similar impact, I’d find that fulfillment I’ve been looking for.

Given my age, I believe the time for me to make a move is now but I want to make sure I do it right. Ideally, this could line up well with when my daughter starts school and it would allow me to be home with her during summer days and maybe I can return to training too. This would also allow me to return to coaching as well which I’ve missed. On paper, it makes a good deal of sense but I want to be as fully informed as I can possibly be before I finally make the leap.

I suppose my questions are:

Has anybody else been in a similar situation and want to share their experiences?

Is it too late or unwise for me to follow this path?

If I do, what are the smartest choices I can make?

And, if you are currently or were a teacher, would you go back and do something else instead? Any regrets?

Thank you so much for your time and answers, it’s very much appreciated! Enjoy your summer!

Hi I am an alternate-route teacher who will be completing the 350-hour certification program while teaching full-time. I have 7 years of teaching experience and have taught economics for 5 years in a different country and have a degree in business administration. As I think about future applications, I’m trying to understand the differences between two types of positions.

One type is an AP Economics role in a highly rigorous, academically focused high school with strong expectations around AP performance. The other is a Business Computer Applications and Financial Literacy role in a diverse urban school serving students with a wide range of academic abilities.

I am interested in hearing which environment you think is more manageable for someone who is new to a district and simultaneously completing an alternate-route certification program. Looking back, would you choose the AP-focused path or the Business/Financial Literacy path early in your career and why?