After developing, adopting and implementing standards-based reform in New Jersey, we still have a challenge facing all of us – how do we make sure that every student in every public school achieves our Core Curriculum Content Standards. If we can accomplish this goal, every student will be equipped to go on to college or a career with the skills and knowledge he or she needs for a successful transition into adulthood.

Implementation of the more rigorous standards adopted in 1996 and revised in 2004, not only places increased demands on students to work at more advanced levels in every subject, but there are also greater demands on teachers to increase their skills and knowledge so that they can help all students achieve. In addition to the state’s requirements, there are federal mandates under NCLB for every teacher to be highly qualified by the year 2014. The department has a federally approved plan to assist all school districts that are having difficulty meeting the 100 percent goal.

Research has confirmed that the skill of the classroom teacher is a critical component in student achievement. If standards-based reform is to reach all students, we must provide teachers with many opportunities to upgrade their skills, along with strategies for helping students achieve the standards. In order to assist teachers with the goal of having high-quality professional development activities available to them, the Department of Education, in collaboration with the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), has established the Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB). There are also county and local professional development committees that work in conjunction with the PTSB. They consist of teachers, administrators, school board members and the public.  The department, working with the PTSB, developed teaching standards that are aligned with national standards so that there are uniform expectations for teacher preparation programs, mentoring, and professional development.  The state board adopted standards for both teachers and administrators in December 2003.

So that New Jersey will remain competitive in providing the best teachers for your children, the department conducts a teacher recruitment program to attract qualified individuals to the teaching profession in order to improve the quantity and quality of New Jersey's teaching force. The NJ HIRE Web site is the cornerstone of the teacher recruitment initiative. It is a one-stop information and referral recruitment center for individuals who may be interested in a teaching career. We also know how much support it takes to help new teachers make the transition into the classroom, so New Jersey requires that new teachers have the guidance of a teacher mentor for at least a one-year period.

These are a few of the teacher support initiatives offered by the state to assure that every classroom has knowledgeable, effective teachers to help your children reach the standards. There are many others that have been established through grant programs. Parents may want to inquire of their school districts whether they have utilized the many professional development resources available through the state.

Find more information under Professional Development, Licensing, NJPEP, and Technology.