Highly Qualified Teacher Information
Dear Parent/Guardian:
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act is our country’s most important federal education law. In 2001
this law was reauthorized and is now called the No Child Left Behind (NCLB). NCLB was designed to make
changes in teaching and learning that will help increase academic achievement in our schools.
The law requires that all schools receiving Title I funds must inform parents of their right to ask schools about
the qualifications of their child’s teachers. Our school receives Title I funding and we are happy to share this
information with you at your request.
We believe that nothing is more important to your child’s education at school than having a well-prepared and
“highly qualified” teacher. The law requires that all teachers must meet a specific legal definition of “highly
qualified’ in order to teach in schools that receive Title I funding. The legal definition of a “highly qualified”
teacher has three parts. It states that the teacher must have the following:
1. A four-year college degree
2. A regular teaching certificate/license
3. Proof of his/her knowledge in the subject he/she teaches.
New Jersey has some of the most qualified teachers in the country, and we are extremely proud of the quality of
the teaching staff in the Monroe Township School District. All of our regular teachers have college degrees and
many have advanced degrees. The state of New Jersey has always required a teaching certificate/license for all
teachers. In addition, every teacher continues learning through professional development activities and our
teachers are evaluated each year to make sure that their teaching skills remain at the highest possible level.
Most teachers already meet this legal definition of “highly qualified.” Teachers in the state of New Jersey are
required to meet this definition.
To ensure that every child in every classroom has a “highly qualified” teacher, the state of New Jersey and our
school district are working together to help teachers meet the requirements of the federal law by providing
several options. Teachers may take a content Praxis test, or they can demonstrate their expertise through a
college major in the content.
A highly qualified teacher knows what to teach, how to teach, and has a full understanding of the subject matter
being taught. We believe that every teacher in our school is fully qualified and dedicated to teaching your child,
and we do everything possible to help our teachers who may not yet meet the legal definition required by the
federal government.
I encourage you to support your child’s education and communicate with your child’s teacher(s) on a regular
basis. For more information on NCLB and the role of parents, please visit the United States Department of
Education Web site at www.ed.gov/nclb
By partnering, families and educators can provide your child with the best education.
Sincerely,
Charles M. Earling
Superintendent of Schools
