New Jersey Teachers’ Experience Soars: 12.6 Years on Average

URGENT UPDATE: New Jersey public school teachers are more experienced than ever, with an average of 12.6 years of teaching experience for the 2023-24 school year, according to data just released by the New Jersey Department of Education. This marks a slight increase from previous years and highlights the growing expertise within the state’s educational system.

Among the schools leading the charge in teacher experience is the Central Park School in Morris County, boasting an impressive average of over 26 years of experience among its six full-time teachers. In the realm of general education, J. Garfield Jackson Sr. Academy in East Orange stands out, where the school’s 21 teachers collectively average 25.2 years of experience.

However, not all districts are keeping pace. Data reveals that 244 districts currently employ teachers with an average experience level of less than 5 years, a statistic that has increased over the past several years. This disparity raises concerns about the overall quality of education in less experienced environments.

The implications of teacher experience are significant.

“Research suggests that as teachers gain experience, their students tend to show improvement in multiple ways,”

states Tabitha Dell’Angelo, a professor and Interim Dean of Urban Education at The College of New Jersey’s School of Education. She emphasizes the importance of not only having experienced educators but also fostering collaborative environments where experienced and newer teachers can exchange ideas and mentorship.

Dell’Angelo further notes that a mix of teachers at various stages in their careers can enhance student outcomes. “This collaboration inevitably happens when new teachers coming out of high-quality teacher education programs bring a lot of innovative ideas and enthusiasm,” she explains.

The data is available for parents looking to assess their local school districts. View the complete chart for specific insights into teacher experience levels in your area.

As the school year progresses, the focus will be on how these experienced educators impact student performance and whether districts with less experienced teachers can bridge the gap. Stay tuned for updates on how these trends evolve in New Jersey’s educational landscape.