New Jersey Schools Ranked by Teacher Experience for 2023-24

URGENT UPDATE: New data from the New Jersey Department of Education reveals that the average public school teacher in New Jersey boasts 12.6 years of experience for the 2023-24 school year, marking a slight increase from previous years. Parents eager to understand the qualifications of their child’s teachers can now look up their district’s experience levels.

Among the findings, the Central Park School in Morris County stands out with the highest teacher experience, where six educators average an impressive 26 years each. Meanwhile, the J. Garfield Jackson Sr. Academy in East Orange leads general education schools with its teachers averaging 25.2 years of experience.

However, the report also highlights a concerning trend: 244 districts now report an average teacher experience of less than 5 years. This shift raises questions about the potential impact on student learning and development.

Tabitha Dell’Angelo, a professor and Interim Dean of Urban Education at The College of New Jersey’s School of Education, emphasizes the importance of experienced teachers in the classroom. “Research suggests that as teachers gain experience, their students tend to show improvement in multiple ways,” Dell’Angelo stated.

She also pointed out that the effectiveness of teachers is enhanced in supportive environments where both experienced and novice teachers collaborate. “This collaboration inevitably happens when new teachers, fresh from high-quality education programs, bring innovative ideas and enthusiasm, which can be combined with the wisdom of seasoned educators,” she added.

Parents and students are encouraged to consider these insights as they evaluate schools in their districts. While experienced teachers can significantly benefit educational outcomes, Dell’Angelo advises against making school selection solely based on teacher experience.

For those interested, detailed charts showing experience levels by district are available online. The new data has sparked conversations about educational quality and teacher support systems, urging communities to engage in discussions about how to foster effective teaching environments.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.