Report Finds Stability and Shifts in New Jersey’s Teacher Workforce

New Jersey experienced rising teacher exits following the pandemic and faces shortages in subjects such as multilingual learning and computer science, according to Rutgers study

New Jersey continues to face teacher shortages in critical subjects while overall workforce levels remain steady, according to a report released by the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 

The report, New Jersey’s Teacher Workforce: 2025 Legislative Report, offers a decade-long perspective on teacher supply, exits and workforce challenges, drawing on data from the New Jersey Statewide Data System.

“New Jersey’s overall teacher workforce looks steady on the surface, but rising exits and shortages in key subjects signal potential challenges when we look at the more granular level,” said Stephanie Walsh, director of the data system and assistant director of the Heldrich Center.

Using data from 2013-2014 to 2023-2024, the report, required by the legislature, examines the state of the teacher workforce in New Jersey, including teacher exits and workforce projections as well as teacher supply and demand. The report also examines supplemental employment held by teachers outside of the education sector.

Key findings include:

• Supplemental employment. About 16% to 18% of teachers take on outside work, often short-term and low-paying. These teachers earn about 6% less in teaching salaries than their peers, though outside earnings typically offset the gap.
• Teacher workforce stability. The teacher workforce has remained stable at about 117,500 teachers statewide, with year-over-year changes of roughly 1%.
• Subject area shifts. Math and science teachers decreased by 9%, while resource program teachers increased by nearly 20%.
• Workforce composition. The teaching workforce remains between 76% and 77% female and 82% and 84% white.
• Rising exits. Teacher exits have increased, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, led by retirements and resignations.
• Certification trends. The ratio of newly certified teachers to those permanently exiting has declined over time.
• Critical shortages. Multilingual learning and computer science show high or rising student-to-teacher ratios.

“The data show that without action, critical areas like multilingual learning and computer science may face widening gaps,” said Walsh.

Explore more of the ways Rutgers research is shaping the future.