Teaching In New Brunswick: A Good Choice?

New Brunswick, New Jersey, also known as Hub City and The Healthcare City, is situated on the banks of the Raritan River in Middlesex County. It is home to Rutgers University, Johnson & Johnson's international headquarters, and several world-class hospitals. The city offers a vibrant nightlife scene, particularly on George Street, and a diverse range of culinary options, including hidden Mexican gems. New Brunswick has a strong education system, with public and private primary and secondary schools, as well as post-secondary institutions. The city's proximity to New York City, Philadelphia, and Atlantic City makes it an attractive location for young professionals seeking cultural experiences and entertainment. However, the cost of living in New Brunswick is relatively high compared to other areas, and the quality of schools may vary across different districts. Overall, New Brunswick presents a mix of advantages and challenges for those considering a teaching career in the area.

Pros and cons of teaching in New Brunswick, New Jersey

Pros of teaching in New Brunswick, New Jersey:

• New Brunswick is home to Rutgers University, the state's largest university. This means there are likely to be plenty of teaching opportunities in the area.
• The city has a diverse population, with a notable Hungarian community and growing Asian and Hispanic communities. This diversity could provide interesting and enriching experiences for teachers.
• New Brunswick has a strong focus on education and is home to several medical teaching and research institutions, including Rutgers University and Johnson & Johnson, which could provide resources and support for teachers.
• The city has a rich cultural history and is known for its arts and cultural activities, which could provide opportunities for engaging students in creative ways.

Cons of teaching in New Brunswick, New Jersey:

• New Brunswick has a high population density, with over 55,000 residents as of the 2020 census. This could mean that teachers may have larger class sizes and deal with more students overall.
• The cost of living in New Brunswick may be high due to its proximity to New York City and its status as a regional commercial hub. This could make it difficult for teachers to find affordable housing.
• The city has a history of racial tension and slavery, with records showing that African American children, women, and men were bought and sold in the city in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This could indicate a need for teachers to address racial issues and promote inclusivity in their classrooms.

Certification requirements to teach in New Brunswick, Canada

To teach in New Brunswick, Canada, you must obtain a teaching certificate. The Office of Teacher Certification, administered by the Department of Early Childhood and Education, is the body responsible for granting teaching certificates.

The requirements for obtaining a teaching certificate in New Brunswick vary depending on the level of certification and whether the applicant has completed their teacher education in New Brunswick, another province or territory of Canada, or internationally.

For applicants who have completed their teacher education in New Brunswick, the following are the requirements for the different levels of certification:

Certificate 4

• An approved bachelor's degree in education from a New Brunswick university.
• A minimum of 138 university credit hours, including:
• 30 credits in pedagogical training.
• 18 credits (or 18 weeks) of approved practice teaching.
• A major (30 credits) in a teachable subject or a combination of a major (24 credits) and a minor (18 credits) in two teachable subjects.

Certificate 5

• An approved bachelor's degree in education from a New Brunswick university.
• A minimum of 168 university credit hours, including:
• 45 credits in pedagogical training.
• 15 credits (or 15 weeks) of approved practice teaching.
• A major (30 credits) in a teachable subject or a combination of a major (24 credits) and a minor (18 credits) in two teachable subjects.

Certificate 6

• Meets the requirements for a teacher's certificate 5.
• Completed an approved Master of Education degree or a Master's degree in a teachable subject with 30 credit hours at the 6000 level.
• Or completed a non-degree program with 30 credit hours at the 6000 level that leads to an additional major or two additional minors.

For applicants who have completed their teacher education in another province or territory of Canada, the requirements for the different levels of certification are as follows:

Certificate 4

• An approved bachelor's degree in education.
• A minimum of 120 university credit hours, including:
• 30 credits in pedagogical training.
• 18 credits (or 18 weeks) of approved practice teaching.
• A major (30 credits) in a teachable subject or a combination of a major (24 credits) and a minor (18 credits) in two teachable subjects.

Certificate 5

• An approved bachelor's degree in education.
• A minimum of 168 university credit hours, including:
• 45 credits in pedagogical training.
• 15 credits (or 15 weeks) of approved practice teaching.
• A major (30 credits) in a teachable subject or a combination of a major (24 credits) and a minor (18 credits) in two teachable subjects.

Certificate 6

• Meets the requirements for a teacher's certificate 5.
• Completed an approved Master of Education degree or a Master's degree in a teachable subject with 30 credit hours at the 6000 level.
• Or completed a non-degree program with 30 credit hours at the 6000 level that leads to an additional major or two additional minors.

For applicants who have completed their teacher education internationally, the requirements for the different levels of certification are as follows:

Interim Certificate 4

• A minimum of 138 university credit hours from an education program at a recognised university, including:
• 30 credits in pedagogical training.
• 18 credits (or 18 weeks) of approved practice teaching.
• A major (30 credits) in a teachable subject or a combination of a major (24 credits) and a minor (18 credits) in two teachable subjects.

Interim Certificate 5

• A minimum of 168 university credit hours from an education program at a recognised university, including:
• 45 credits in pedagogical training.
• 15 credits (or 15 weeks) of approved practice teaching.
• A major (30 credits) in a teachable subject or a combination of a major (24 credits) and a minor (18 credits) in two teachable subjects.

Interim Certificate 6

• Meets the requirements for an interim certificate 5.
• Completed a Master's in Education or a Master's degree in a teachable subject consisting of 30 credit hours at the 6000 level.
• Or completed a non-degree program consisting of 30 credit hours at the 6000 level leading to an additional major or two additional minors in teachable subjects.

The cost of living in New Brunswick, New Jersey

The average cost of living in New Brunswick is $2848, which is in the top 2% of the most expensive cities globally. The median after-tax salary is $5101, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.8 months.

• Dinner for two in a restaurant: $
• Fast-food meal: $
• 0.5L of beer in a pub: $
• 0.5L of Pepsi/Coke: $
• One-bedroom apartment in the city centre (40m2): $
• Cheap one-bedroom apartment (40m2): $
• Utility bill for one person: $
• Internet plan (50Mbps, unlimited): $
• Gym membership for one month: $
• Cinema ticket for one person: $
• Doctor's visit: $

The nightlife in New Brunswick, New Jersey

New Brunswick, New Jersey, has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, pubs, restaurants, and lounges to choose from. Here is an overview of some of the top spots to check out:

Bars and Pubs

Blackthorn Restaurant & Irish Pub: This popular spot features live music on Saturday nights and karaoke nights. It's a great place to enjoy traditional Irish drinks and a fun atmosphere.

Olde Queens Tavern: With a DJ spinning hits on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, this tavern offers an opportunity to meet like-minded people and dance the night away.

Christopher's Lounge & Bar: Located within The Heldrich Hotel, Christopher's offers a great ambiance, a huge selection of beer, live music, and friendly staff.

Evelyn's Bar and Restaurant: Known for its well-presented entrees and classic sandwiches, Evelyn's also features a full bar and a beautiful courtyard hidden behind the restaurant.

Scarlet Pub: A college student favourite, Scarlet Pub is a safe space for a fun night out, featuring DJs and table service.

Corner Tavern: A great neighbourhood bar with pool tables and affordable prices.

Lounges and Clubs

Glo Ultra Lounge: A popular spot for birthday celebrations, featuring DJs, table service, and a lively atmosphere.

Stress Factory Comedy Club: A comedy club where you can enjoy food, drinks, and some of the best comedians in New Jersey.

Breweries and Taverns

Hub City Brewhouse: This music venue features live music, board games, and a wide variety of beer and liquor options. It's a great place to watch sports, as they have multiple screens.

Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe: With multiple locations in New Brunswick, Harvest Moon offers trivia nights, live entertainment, and a range of dining and drinking options.

Other Nighttime Entertainment

In addition to the vibrant bar and club scene, New Brunswick also offers:

• Bowling at Shelton Lanes, open late on Thursdays through Saturdays.
• Historic Dunellen Theatre, a single-screen movie theatre that provides a nostalgic experience.
• Rutgers University, which offers various activities and sites to explore, including sporting events and campus tours.

The history of education in New Brunswick, Canada

• 1784: New Brunswick is founded, separating from Nova Scotia. There is no law regarding government-funded education until 1802.
• 1802: The Assembly passes an Act to enable Parish Schools to be funded publicly.
• 1805: Grammar Schools are enabled, but only county shire towns seem to have access to them.
• 1816: Another Act is passed regarding Grammar Schools, which are now responsible for both elementary and secondary education.
• 1833: School boards are required to divide their territory into districts.
• 1847: The syllabus at one Grammar School includes: Science, History, Geography, Arithmetic, Bookkeeping, Grammar, and Latin.
• 1848: The first Teacher Training School in the province is established.
• 1858: The Parish School Act is passed, which includes provisions for the establishment of School Libraries.
• 1861: Grammar Schools are placed under the supervision of the provincial Chief Superintendent of Schools.
• 1871: The Free Schools Act is passed, making schools non-sectarian. The Common Schools Act is also passed, establishing a new system in the province.
• 1893: New Brunswick Supreme Court Justice John James Fraser is commissioned to investigate complaints related to the "School Law or Regulations" in Gloucester County.
• 1940: The Compulsory Attendance Act is passed, making school attendance mandatory for children.
• 1960s: The government of Louis Robichaud turns its attention to group educational rights, focusing on linguistic variety.
• 1981: An Act Recognizing the Equality of the Two Official Linguistic Communities in New Brunswick is passed, providing independent school boards for both linguistic groups.
• 1993: Section 16.1 is inserted into the Constitution of Canada, further expanding on the rights of the English and French linguistic communities in New Brunswick.
• 2012: The Government of New Brunswick merges and renames all the school districts, reducing their number from fourteen to seven.
• 2013: The Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, sponsors a test called the Pan-Canadian Assessment Program, which is administered to over 32,000 Grade 8 students across the country.
• 2014: New Brunswick ranks 22nd among 26 comparator jurisdictions in the Conference Board of Canada's How Canada Performs study.

Frequently asked questions