New Jersey ESL Teacher Job Description and ESOL Certification Requirements

New Jersey’s immigrant community, nearly 25% of the population, fuels a vibrant economy, with immigrants comprising half of STEM and production workers (American Immigration Council, 2023). This diversity drives a growing English Language Learner (ELL) population, with 93,824 ELLs in public schools (PreK-12) in 2021, up from 83,560 in 2018, and projected to reach 100,000 by 2025 (NCES, Digest 2023, Table 204.20). With ESL teacher shortages reported through 2024 (U.S. Department of Education), earning ESL certification in NJ is a high-demand career. Start your TESOL journey today.

Follow these steps to earn ESL certification in NJ and become a TESOL teacher in 2025:

	Earn a Degree for ESL Certification in NJ
	Pass Tests for NJ ESL Certification
	Apply for Your NJ Teaching Certificate
	Upgrade with a Master’s
	ESL Teacher Salary and Jobs in NJ

Step 1. Earn a Degree for ESL Certification in NJ

ESL certification in NJ is an endorsement added to an elementary, secondary, or special education license. You’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s degree or graduate certificate with ESL coursework. Options include:

• Certificate of Eligibility (CE): Requires a bachelor’s (3.0 GPA), a physiology/hygiene course (e.g., nutrition), 24 hours of pre-service training, and enrollment in a 15–21 credit ESL program after employment.
• Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS): Requires a bachelor’s, 3.0 GPA, physiology/hygiene, and a state-approved ESL program with student teaching.

Programs like Caldwell University’s 21-credit graduate certificate cover linguistics, language acquisition, and multicultural curricula. Online options, such as Rutgers’ 15-credit ESL endorsement or Kean’s hybrid MA in Urban Education, suit professionals seeking esl certification nj online. Non-education bachelor’s holders can pursue master’s programs for initial licensure plus ESL endorsement.

Already have a bachelor’s degree in another field?

With a bachelor’s degree in another field, you may qualify for a master’s degree leading to an initial teaching license. Many schools that offer bachelor’s level teaching certificate programs also offer master’s options that include all of the coursework and practical experiences necessary to become certified as a New Jersey teacher with the additional coursework required to teach English as a second language.

Step 2. Pass Tests for NJ ESL Certification

As of April 2025, New Jersey’s Act 1669 (effective January 2025) eliminates the Praxis Core basic skills test for teacher certification, including ESL, to address shortages (NJ Monitor). ESL candidates are also exempt from Praxis II ESL exams and ACTFL oral/writing proficiency tests (ETS). Some programs (e.g., Rutgers, Rowan) may still require tests like SAT/ACT/GRE or ACTFL for internal benchmarks. Verify with the NJDOE and your program for specific needs.

Step 3. Apply for Your NJ Teaching Certificate

Apply via the NJDOE. Submit official transcripts, application fees, and, if required by your program, test scores (e.g., SAT/ACT/GRE). Mail to: Office of Certification, P.O. Box 500, Trenton, NJ 08625-0500. With Act 1669 (2025), basic skills tests like Praxis Core are no longer mandatory, but ensure your degree meets the 3.0 GPA requirement.

Step 4. Consider Earning a Master’s to Maintain and Upgrade Your New Jersey Teaching Certificate

If you have received a CE or CEAS in ESL, it is valid for your lifetime, and you may seek ESL teaching positions in New Jersey under this certificate. Most certified teachers, however, go on to seek Provisional Certification and Standard Certification.

• Provisional Certification occurs when you have a CE or CEAS and are employed in a New Jersey public school, where you complete an induction program. You must complete 30 weeks of mentoring under the direction of a teaching holding a Standard Certificate, and your performance will be evaluated three times. You do not apply for this certificate – rather, your school district will apply for it when you meet the requirements. The Provisional Certificate is valid for two years, and is renewable up to two times

• Standard Certification occurs when you have completed the two-year induction program under your Provisional Certificate. and have also met the following requirements (again, your school district will apply when you meet the requirements):
  • If you hold an out-of-state teaching certificate, have a letter of teaching experience from a school official, on school letterhead, that documents you have taught for one year full time
  • If you hold a NJ teaching certificate, you need not send in a letter of teaching experience
  • Send in a copy of your out-of-state teaching certificate if applicable (if you hold a NJ teaching certificate, you need not send a copy in)

Your Standard Certificate never expires. However, you are expected to meet professional standards, listed here. Because each district has its own special requirements, your school district will help you develop a Professional Development Plan individualized to your needs and specifications. There is no centralized registration through the New Jersey Department of Education for professional development.

Graduate Degrees

This might be the perfect time to pursue a graduate degree in ESL. This type of degree can help you to advance within your school district, seek ESL teaching positions in other New Jersey schools, and possibly to earn a higher salary. These programs are also designed for New Jersey teachers who are certified in another area but seek ESL certification. New Jersey graduate degrees in ESL that are possible include:

• EdM with Certification in English as a Second Language
• Master of Arts in Urban Education – ESL Specialization
• MEd Teacher of ESL

Step 5. ESL Teacher Salary and Jobs in NJ

With 100,000 English Language Learners (ELLs) projected in NJ public schools by 2025 and teacher shortages reported through 2024, ESL jobs are in high demand (NCES, 2023). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2023, adjusted for 2025) reports the following salary ranges for NJ teachers, applicable to ESL with esl certification nj:

• Elementary School: $62,500–$73,800–$104,800
• Middle School: $63,100–$76,100–$106,000
• High School: $66,000–$80,900–$111,500

Salaries in key NJ metro areas (2025 estimates):

• Atlantic City: $64,000–$79,800–$106,400
• Ocean City: $60,200–$74,200–$106,300
• Newark: $72,300–$93,200–$137,900

Find opportunities through NJ Public School Jobs or connect with NJTESOL/NJBE for professional support.

May 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market trends for elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, and secondary school teachers represent state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed March 2025.

National Center for Education Statistics, English language learner (ELL) students enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools, by state: Selected years, fall 2021 Data accessed April 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get ESL certification in NJ?
1–2 years via a master’s degree or 6–12 months through alternative routes, plus teaching experience. Demand is high, with 93,824 ELLs in 2021 (NCES).

What are NJ ESL certification requirements?
Bachelor’s degree (3.0 GPA), physiology/hygiene course, and either pre-service training (CE) or an approved ESL program (CEAS). Act 1669 (2025) eliminates Praxis Core and ESL-specific tests.

Can I get ESL certification in NJ online?
Yes, many programs offer online or hybrid ESL certification courses, including graduate certificates and master’s degrees, designed for working professionals. Check NJDOE-approved providers.

How much do ESL teachers earn in NJ?
Salaries range from $62,500 to $111,500 (BLS, 2025 est.), depending on school level and location, with Newark offering up to $137,900 for experienced teachers.

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