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I know someone who goes to Kean university for elementary education so I was wondering, do teachers now-a-days have a master's degree? If so how many credits more do they generally need for a masters in teaching? Is NJ desperate for teachers or is it competitive?
NJ is definitely not desperate for teachers, with the exception of science and foreign language. It is very difficult to get an elementary position even if you are well-connected.
Most teachers do not start out with a Master's degree, though many earn them gradually while working full time. IMO, you are better off applying for your first job without the MA, as most districts do not want to pay the extra money (which can vary wildly depending on the district) for a first year teacher.
Previous post is correct. NJ is definitely not desperate for teachers. It is extremely difficult to get a job, particularly at the elementary level.
Rutgers offers a 5 year program where you can get your Bachelor's and your Masters. My cousin is currently in the program. The advantage is that the Master's only takes one additional year. If you do it separately the number of credits depends on the Degree and the University. Fast Track MA's in Elementary Ed take approximately 18 months to complete.
The pay is higher for a Graduate degree. I'm not sure if it's true that districts don't want to hire with a Master's because of the money...but it makes sense with how tight budgets are. Eventually you want to get your Master's because it will bump up your pay.
It depends on what districts you're looking at whether there are jobs available. If your mind is set on a nice suburban school, it's hard. If you don't mind teaching in one of the urban areas of NJ, you have a better chance (the pay may be slightly better too, depending on district)
Special ed is an area of need, as is math/science/foreign languages.
Masters degrees are not needed, but many districts require that you get them within a certain number of years. My district gives you three years after tenure to have a masters. If you don't get it, you don't get your step increase.
You can actually get a teacher job in NJ through the alternate route program too. As long as you have a degree in something BA/BS and find a district that is willing to hire you. During your first year in the classroom you have to take alternate route courses at night. You also need to have passed the Praxis prior to starting your job. Again, probably not going to happen in suburbia though.
It depends on what districts you're looking at whether there are jobs available. If your mind is set on a nice suburban school, it's hard. If you don't mind teaching in one of the urban areas of NJ, you have a better chance (the pay may be slightly better too, depending on district)
Special ed is an area of need, as is math/science/foreign languages.
Masters degrees are not needed, but many districts require that you get them within a certain number of years. My district gives you three years after tenure to have a masters. If you don't get it, you don't get your step increase.
You can actually get a teacher job in NJ through the alternate route program too. As long as you have a degree in something BA/BS and find a district that is willing to hire you. During your first year in the classroom you have to take alternate route courses at night. You also need to have passed the Praxis prior to starting your job. Again, probably not going to happen in suburbia though.
Anewly retired friend did that about 2 years ago but of course he is teaching in Newark, he loves it though
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