NJ May Raise Grade Requirements For Teachers

New Jersey's Education Department is considering requiring prospective teachers to achieve at least a B average in college before they can get state certification.

Stl Joseph Grade School in Toms River — St. Joseph Grade School in Toms River (WNBC TV)

The new 3.0 grade-point requirement would be higher than the current 2.75.

But those who educate educators tell the Press of Atlantic City ) that it would not make much of a practical difference.

Neighboring Pennsylvania and Delaware already require a 3.0, and experts say it's hard for an education graduate to get a job in New Jersey with marks lower than that.

Also, some teaching colleges require 3.0 averages of their students already.

Critics say the change could weed out some would-be teachers who come from other professions.