N.J. Stat. tit. 18A, ch. 26

N.J. Stat. tit. 18A, ch. 26
in effect

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-1 Citizenship requirement for teachers, exceptions

18A:26-1. Every permanent teaching staff member employed in any of the free public schools for nine months or more, in any year shall be a citizen of the United States, except that any citizen of any other country, who has declared his intention of becoming a United States citizen and to whom there has been issued a teaching certificate in accordance with law, may be employed as a teacher so long as he holds a valid teacher's certificate and a teacher of foreign languages who has been a resident of the United States for less than 10 years and who is not a citizen of the United States may be employed in such capacity. The requirement of citizenship shall not be construed to apply to a teacher from a foreign country who is enrolled with an approved international agency which operates a teacher placement program or teacher exchange program. L.1967, c.271; amended 2002,c.9,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-1.1 Residence requirements prohibited

No board of education of any school district shall require any teaching staff member to reside within the school district within which he is employed. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2 Certificates required; exception

No teaching staff member shall be employed in the public schools by any board of education unless he is the holder of a valid certificate to teach, administer, direct or supervise the teaching, instruction, or educational guidance of, or to render or administer, direct or supervise the rendering of nursing service to, pupils in such public schools and of such other certificate, if any, as may be required by law. Notwithstanding the foregoing certification requirement, boards of education shall be permitted to enter into contracts with properly licensed commercial drivers' schools for the purpose of providing behind-the-wheel instruction as a part of a regular curriculum driver education course, provided that classroom instruction in driver education is conducted by a certified teaching staff member. When classroom instruction in driver education is conducted by a certified teaching staff member, persons providing behind-the-wheel instruction need not be certified teachers but shall be properly licensed driving instructors under rules and regulations of the Division of Motor Vehicles. L.1967, c.271; amended by L.1983, c. 281, s. 4, eff. July 29, 1983.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2a Definitions relative to employment of novice teachers; registration with DOE.

1. a. As used in this section: "Certificate of eligibility" means a certificate with lifetime validity issued by the State Board of Examiners to candidates who meet degree, academic, and applicable test requirements for teacher certification; "Certificate of eligibility with advanced standing" means a certificate with lifetime validity issued by the State Board of Examiners to candidates who meet degree, academic and test requirements for teacher certification and complete a State-approved college professional education preparation program; "Novice teacher" means any teacher working under a valid certificate of eligibility, certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, or provisional certificate who has not yet been issued a standard instructional certificate; "Provisional certificate" means a certificate issued by the State Board of Examiners to candidates who hold either a certificate of eligibility or a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing and are employed as part of a State-approved district training program or residency leading to standard certification; "Provisional teacher program" means the school-based training and evaluation program provided to all novice teachers during the first year of teaching in the State; "Standard instructional certificate" means a permanent certificate issued to a person who has met all teacher certification requirements. b. A board of education may employ a person who holds a valid certificate of eligibility or certificate of eligibility with advanced standing to teach as a novice teacher in the public schools of the district. Upon the employment of a novice teacher, the board of education shall immediately register the employment with the Department of Education and request issuance of a provisional certificate. When the provisional certificate is issued by the department, its effective date for all purposes shall be the date on which the novice teacher began employment with the board of education. The board of education shall also enroll the novice teacher in the provisional teacher program and comply with all responsibilities assigned to the district by the department. L.2005,c.144,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2b Definitions relative to teacher certification.

1. As used in this act: "Limited certificate of eligibility" means a certificate issued by the State Board of Examiners to candidates who meet the criteria established pursuant to section 4 of this act. "Limited certificate of eligibility with advanced standing" means a certificate issued by the State Board of Examiners to candidates who meet the criteria established pursuant to section 3 of this act and complete a State-approved college professional educator preparation program. L.2021, c.224, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2c Limited certificate of eligibility pilot program.

2. There is established in the Department of Education a five-year pilot program under which the State Board of Education shall authorize the issuance of a limited certificate of eligibility with advanced standing pursuant to section 3 of this act and a limited certificate of eligibility pursuant to section 4 of this act. L.2021, c.224, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2d Issuance of limited certificate of eligibility, advanced standing.

3. a. For the purposes of the pilot program established pursuant to section 2 of this act, no later than three months following the date of enactment, the State Board of Education shall authorize the issuance of a limited certificate of eligibility with advanced standing to a teacher candidate who meets all other eligibility requirements for a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, except any one of the following: (1) the minimum grade point average requirement and all other alternative grade point average requirements or exceptions; or (2) the requirement to achieve a minimum passing score on an appropriate State test of subject matter knowledge and all other alternative requirements or exceptions to achieving a passing score on an appropriate State test of subject matter knowledge. b. The limited certificate of eligibility with advanced standing authorized pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall only be used for employment in a school district, charter school, or renaissance school approved to hire individuals who hold the certificate pursuant to section 5 of this act. L.2021, c.224, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2e Issuance of limited certificate of eligibility.

4. a. For the purposes of the pilot program established pursuant to section 2 of this act, no later than three months following the date of enactment, the State Board of Education shall authorize the issuance of a limited certificate of eligibility to a teacher candidate who meets all other eligibility requirements to receive a certificate of eligibility, except any one of the following: (1) the requirement to complete a minimum number of subject area course credits and all other related alternative requirements or exceptions, except that a candidate applying for a limited certificate of eligibility shall hold a bachelor's degree at a minimum; (2) the minimum grade point average requirement and all other alternative grade point average requirements or exceptions; (3) the requirement to achieve a minimum score on a Commissioner of Education-approved test of basic reading, writing, and mathematical skills and all other alternative basic skills requirements or exceptions; or (4) the requirement to achieve a minimum passing score on an appropriate State test of subject matter knowledge and all other alternative requirements or exceptions to achieving a passing score on an appropriate State test of subject matter knowledge. b. The limited certificate of eligibility authorized pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall only be used for employment in a school district, charter school, or renaissance school approved to hire individuals who hold the certificate pursuant to section 5 of this act. L.2021, c.224, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2f Approval of schools hiring individuals issued limited certificates of eligibility; qualifications.

5. a. A school district, charter school, or renaissance school seeking to hire individuals who are issued limited certificates of eligibility with advanced standing or limited certificates of eligibility under the pilot program established pursuant to section 2 of this act shall be approved by the Commissioner of Education to do so. A school district, charter school, or renaissance school shall apply to the commissioner in a manner and form to be prescribed by the commissioner. To be considered for approval to hire individuals who hold limited certificates of eligibility with advanced standing or limited certificates of eligibility, an applicant shall demonstrate a sufficient capability to provide support to new teachers and: (1) a demographic disparity between the district's or school's student population and teachers; or (2) a shortage of bilingual education teachers; or (3) a critical need to fill teacher vacancies or a hardship caused by teacher vacancies. b. During the first year of implementation of the pilot program established pursuant to section 2 of this act, the commissioner shall approve no less than 10 school districts, charter schools, or renaissance schools to hire individuals who hold limited certificates of eligibility with advanced standing or limited certificates of eligibility. c. A school district, charter school, or renaissance school approved to hire individuals who hold limited certificates of eligibility with advanced standing or limited certificates of eligibility shall only hire up to 10 percent of its total teachers pursuant to this act. d. A school district, charter school, or renaissance school approved to hire individuals who hold limited certificates of eligibility with advanced standing or limited certificates of eligibility shall, during the period of the pilot program established pursuant to section 2 of this act, annually submit a report to the commissioner evaluating the impact of hiring such individuals. The report shall contain the following information: (1) the number of teachers who were issued a limited certificate of eligibility with advanced standing or a limited certificate of eligibility; (2) the subject areas in which the individuals teach and the courses they teach; (3) how the hiring of individuals who were issued the limited certificates has impacted the district's or school's demographic disparity between its student population and teachers as well as the effect the hiring of those individuals has had on the district's or school's ability to fill teacher vacancies; (4) student achievement data for students taught by the teachers who were issued the limited certificates, as determined by the commissioner; and (5) any other information the commissioner deems necessary. e. The commissioner shall, during the period of the pilot program established pursuant to section 2 of this act, annually submit to the State Board of Education a report summarizing the information submitted by school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools pursuant to subsection d. of this section. L.2021, c.224, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2g Receipt of standard instructional certificate, requirements.

6. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule, or regulation related to the evaluation of a provisional teacher for a standard instructional certificate to the contrary, an individual who is issued a limited certificate of eligibility with advanced standing pursuant to section 3 of this act or a limited certificate of eligibility pursuant to section 4 of this act, is hired by a school district, charter school, or renaissance school approved to hire such an individual pursuant to section 5 of this act, and is teaching in the district or school under a provisional instructional certificate, shall earn a standard instructional certificate upon receipt of at least two summative evaluation ratings of effective or highly effective earned within three consecutive years of teaching. This requirement shall be in addition to all other requirements for a standard instructional certificate established pursuant to State Board of Education regulations. L.2021, c.224, s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2h Rules, regulations.

7. The State Board of Education shall adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act. L.2021, c.224, s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.1 Certification for director of athletics

To be eligible for appointment as the director of athletics in any public secondary school an applicant shall possess a supervisory certificate issued by the State Board of Examiners. L.1991,c.17,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.2 Current director of athletics, continuance of employment

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1 of this act, any individual who possesses a New Jersey teacher's certificate and who is employed as a director of athletics in a public high school prior to the effective date of this act may continue to be so employed. L.1991,c.17,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.3 Rules, regulations relative to certification of swimming teachers in public schools.

1. The State Board of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, shall promulgate rules and regulations to provide for the certification of persons employed by boards of education to teach swimming in the public schools. The regulations adopted by the State board shall include requirements to ensure that candidates for certification have the appropriate swimming and first aid skills necessary to protect the health and safety of students. L.1998,c.120,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.4 Certification required for appointment as school athletic trainer; exceptions

4. To be eligible for appointment by a board of education as a school athletic trainer in any public school, an applicant shall possess an educational services certificate issued by the State Board of Examiners. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any person who is employed as a school athletic trainer in a public school prior to the effective date of P.L.1999, c.87 (C.18A:26-2.4 et al.) may continue to be so employed pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.18A:28-4. L.1999,c.87,s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.5 Rules relative to athletic trainer licensure

5. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) setting forth the certification and endorsement requirements of a school athletic trainer which shall include, but need not be limited to, the satisfactory completion of the requirements established by the State Board of Medical Examiners for licensure as an athletic trainer pursuant to P.L.1984, c.203 (C.45:9-37.35 et seq.). L.1999,c.87,s.5; amended 2001, c.156, s.13.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.6 Instructional certificate; technology education endorsement; industrial arts endorsement

1. a. The State Board of Education shall authorize a technology education endorsement to the instructional certificate. The endorsement shall authorize the holder to teach technology education in all public schools. Technology education shall include content which is aligned to the core curriculum content standards and which reflects the standards for technology literacy published by the International Technology Education Association. b. The State board shall issue an endorsement for industrial arts after the effective date of this act. This endorsement shall authorize the holder to teach industrial arts which includes: graphic arts, drafting, woodworking, metal working, arts and power mechanics. c. Teachers holding an industrial arts endorsement prior to the effective date of this act and who are employed in a school district teaching technology education or courses as described in subsection a. of this section prior to that date or who have passed the Educational Testing Service Praxis test in technology education or any other test of subject matter knowledge designated by the State board shall, upon application to the State Board of Examiners, be issued a technology education endorsement. A teacher issued a technology education endorsement pursuant to this subsection shall have all of his service teaching technology education or courses as described in subsection a. of this section under the industrial arts endorsement credited toward tenure and seniority as if rendered under the technology education endorsement. d. Nothing in this act shall be construed to preclude an individual from holding both a technology education endorsement and an endorsement for industrial arts. L.2004,c.7,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.7 Rules

2. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act, including the development of the requirements for the technology education endorsement which shall be aligned with the core curriculum content standards. L.2004,c.7,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.8 Instruction in autism, developmental disabilities awareness, teaching methods, required for N.J. instructional certificate.

1. Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, a regionally-accredited institution of higher education offering coursework for a New Jersey instructional certificate shall incorporate the recommendations developed by the Commissioner of Education pursuant to section 2 of this act on instruction in autism and other developmental disabilities awareness and methods of teaching students with autism and other developmental disabilities into existing course curriculum. L.2007, c.171, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.9 Recommendations for autism, developmental disabilities awareness instruction, teaching methods.

2. a. The Commissioner of Education shall develop recommendations for autism and other developmental disabilities awareness instruction and methods of teaching students with autism and other developmental disabilities for teacher preparation programs in accordance with section 1 of this act and shall submit the recommendations to the State Board of Education. In developing the recommendations, the commissioner shall consult with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, representatives from entities that promote awareness about autism and other developmental disabilities and provide programs and services to people with autism and other developmental disabilities, including, but not limited to Autism Speaks, The Autism Center of New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers, The State University, and The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community, and representatives of the education community, including, but not limited to the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey School Boards Association, the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, and the New Jersey Professional Teaching Standards Board. b. The Commissioner of Education shall develop recommendations to incorporate autism and other developmental disabilities awareness instruction and methods of teaching students with autism and other developmental disabilities for teacher and paraprofessional in-service and other training programs, where appropriate, and shall submit the recommendations to the State board. In developing the recommendations, the commissioner shall consult with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, representatives from entities that promote awareness about autism and other developmental disabilities and provide programs and services to people with autism and other developmental disabilities, including, but not limited to Autism Speaks, The Autism Center of New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers, The State University, and The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community, and representatives of the education community, including, but not limited to the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey School Boards Association, the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, and the New Jersey Professional Teaching Standards Board. c. The recommendations developed by the commissioner pursuant to subsections a. and b. of this section shall address the following: (1) characteristics of students with autism and other developmental disabilities; (2) curriculum planning, curricular and instructional modifications, adaptations, and specialized strategies and techniques; (3) assistive technology; and (4) inclusive educational practices, including collaborative partnerships. L.2007, c.171, s.2; amended 2012, c.45, s.70.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.10 Regulations.

3. The State Board of Education, based upon the recommendations developed by the Commissioner of Education pursuant to section 2 of this act, shall promulgate regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), necessary to implement the provisions of this act. L.2007, c.171, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.11 Findings, declarations relative to shortages of mathematics, science teachers.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Economic development focused on twenty-first century skills in areas related to mathematics and the sciences is critically important to the future of the State; and b. Documented shortages of mathematics and science teachers exist in New Jersey and this shortage will negatively impact the State's efforts to provide a workforce well prepared in such fields as engineering, research, and computer technology. L.2012, c.11, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.12 Program to issue subject area endorsements in certain areas.

2. a. In accordance with the provisions of subsection b. of this section, the Commissioner of Education shall establish a program to issue subject area endorsements in mathematics, in the sciences, or in any subject area in which there is a shortage of teachers in the State as determined by the United States Department of Education, to certificated teaching staff members authorized to work in New Jersey public schools who do not currently have a subject area endorsement in those fields. The purpose of the program shall be to reduce the shortage of teachers in mathematics, science, and other identified subject areas. b. Under the program, and notwithstanding any provision of law or regulation to the contrary, the State Board of Examiners shall issue a subject area endorsement in mathematics, in the sciences, or in any subject area in which there is a teacher shortage in the State as determined by the United States Department of Education, as appropriate, upon successful completion of the program to a teaching staff member who: (1) passes the appropriate State test of subject matter knowledge; and (2) meets such other criteria as the commissioner shall set forth in regulation. The commissioner shall have the authority under the program to establish different criteria for completion of the program based on factors such as the subject area in which the individual intends to teach. c. The program shall be subject to oversight by the commissioner, including routine reviews and the elimination of subject areas for which endorsements are available under the program. The elimination of a subject area shall be based on the classroom performance of the teachers who have received endorsements in the subject area under the program or the fact that the subject area no longer has a shortage of teachers. L.2012, c.11, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.13 Rules, regulations.

3. Notwithstanding any provision of P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) or any other law to the contrary, the commissioner may adopt, immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law, such rules and regulations as the commissioner deems necessary to implement the provisions of this act which shall be effective for a period not to exceed 12 months following the effective date of P.L.2012, c.11 (C.18A:26-2.11 et seq.). The regulations shall thereafter be amended, adopted, or readopted by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). L.2012, c.11, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.14 Teaching certification for certain military spouses.

1. a. As used in this section, "nonresident military spouse" means a person (1) whose spouse is an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is the subject of a military transfer to New Jersey, and (2) who has left employment in another state to accompany such spouse to New Jersey. b. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the State Board of Education shall establish a procedure for the issuance of a temporary instructional certificate to a nonresident military spouse that authorizes a board of education to employ the nonresident military spouse as a teacher if, at the time of application, the nonresident military spouse: (1) Holds a valid and current license or certificate to teach issued by another state for which there is an equivalent and currently-issued New Jersey grade level or subject endorsement; (2) Demonstrates competency in teaching in a manner determined by the State Board of Examiners, such as having taught successfully under the out-of-State license or certificate for at least three years, as documented by a letter of experience from a past supervisor or authorized district representative; having met the New Jersey grade point average requirement for an instructional certificate under State Board of Education regulations; or having completed continuing education units; and (3) Pays any applicable fees required by the State Board of Examiners. c. A temporary instructional certificate issued under this section shall be valid for 180 days and may be extended at the discretion of the State Board of Examiners for another 180 days on application of the holder of the temporary instructional certificate. The temporary instructional certificate shall authorize the nonresident military spouse to be employed as a teacher by a board of education on a temporary basis while completing any specific additional requirements for an instructional certificate in New Jersey that were not required in the other state in which the nonresident military spouse holds a license or certificate to teach. d. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a nonresident military spouse from obtaining a New Jersey certificate of eligibility, certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, or standard certificate under State Board of Education regulations, including the regulation for interstate reciprocity. e. The State Board of Education shall promulgate regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), necessary to effectuate the provisions of this section. L.2013, c.68, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.15 Programming to improve student career readiness.

1. a. Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, a regionally-accredited institution of higher education offering a teacher preparation program for a New Jersey instructional certificate shall incorporate programming, which is curricula encompassing coursework or practical and clinical studies, or a combination thereof, to improve student career readiness. The programming shall include, but need not be limited to, employability skills, career awareness, and understanding career and technical education. b. Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, the preparation program for any person seeking an instructional certificate through the State's alternate route program shall include programming to improve student career readiness. The programming shall include, but need not be limited to, employability skills, career awareness, and understanding career and technical education. L.2014, c.72, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.16 Eligibility for standard educational services certificate with school counselor endorsement.

2. Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, in order to be eligible for the standard educational services certificate with a school counselor endorsement, a candidate shall satisfactorily complete programming to improve student career readiness. The programming shall include, but need not be limited to, employability skills, career awareness, and understanding career and technical education. L.2014, c.72, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.17 Rules, regulations.

3. The State Board of Education shall promulgate regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act. L.2014, c.72, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.17a School counseling program, standard educational services certificate requirements.

5. In addition to any other requirements adopted by the State Board of Education for school counseling programs, the State board shall require that a school counseling program at an accredited college or university leading to a standard educational services certificate with a school counselor endorsement incorporate the following: a. the American School Counselor Association’s national model for comprehensive school counseling programs or a State-approved model; and b. training in the delivery of social and emotional learning programming as well as postsecondary and career planning. L.2025, c.133, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.18 Teacher leader endorsement.

1. The State Board of Education shall authorize a teacher leader endorsement to the instructional certificate. To be eligible for the teacher leader endorsement an applicant shall complete a program of study with an approved provider for the teacher leader endorsement. L.2015, c.111, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.19 Teacher Leader Endorsement Advisory Board.

2. a. There shall be established an 11-member Teacher Leader Endorsement Advisory Board in the Department of Education. The members of the advisory board shall be appointed by the Commissioner of Education as follows: one officer or employee of the department; four members upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Education Association; one member upon the recommendation of the American Federation of Teachers-New Jersey; two members upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association; one member upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators; one member upon the recommendation of the New Jersey School Boards Association; and one member upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. b. Members of the advisory board, other than the member who is an officer or employee of the department, shall serve for a three-year term; except that of the initial appointees, the member appointed upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, one of the members appointed upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, and one of the members appointed upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Education Association shall serve for a term of three years; the members appointed upon the recommendation of the American Federation of Teachers-New Jersey and the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, and one of the members appointed upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Education Association shall serve for a term of two years; and the member appointed upon the recommendation of the New Jersey School Boards Association, one of the members appointed upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, and two of the members appointed upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Education Association shall serve for a term of one year. c. The advisory board shall organize no later than two months following the effective date of P.L.2015, c.111 (C.18A:26-2.18 et seq.), and shall elect a chair and a vice-chair from among its members. d. The advisory board shall, no later than six months following its organization, or as it deems necessary, make recommendations to the Commissioner of Education and the State Board of Education regarding the requirements to be eligible to receive the teacher leader endorsement and the program of study for the teacher leader endorsement. The recommendations shall be aligned with the teacher leader model standards set forth in subsection f. of this section. The recommendations regarding the program of study may include, but need not be limited to, field experiences and additional coursework acquired beyond the standards. e. The advisory board shall meet at least monthly until it makes its initial recommendations to the commissioner and the State board regarding the requirements to be eligible to receive the teacher leader endorsement and the program of study for the teacher leader endorsement. The advisory board shall continue to meet as necessary to make recommendations regarding necessary adjustments to the program of study for the teacher leader endorsement, assess outcomes associated with the various providers of the programs of study for the teacher leader endorsement, and consider emergent research and best practices in teacher leadership. f. Pursuant to the teacher leader model standards, a teacher with the teacher leader endorsement shall be prepared to: (1) Foster a collaborative culture to support educator development and student learning, which shall include understanding the principles of adult learning and how to develop a collaborative culture of collective responsibility; (2) Support collaborative team structures, including professional learning communities, and promote an environment of trust, respect, and collegiality to advance continuous improvement in instruction and student learning; (3) Access and use research to improve practices and student learning, which shall include understanding how to use research, and how to model and facilitate with colleagues systematic inquiry and research use as a critical component of teachers' ongoing learning and development in improving teaching and learning; (4) Promote professional learning for continuous improvement, which shall include understanding the evolving nature of teaching and learning, understanding established and emerging technologies and the school community, and sharing this knowledge with colleagues to promote, design, and facilitate job-embedded professional learning aligned with school improvement goals; (5) Facilitate improvements in instruction and student learning, which shall include demonstrating and using a thorough understanding of the teaching and learning processes to advance the professional skills of colleagues by being a continuous learner, modeling reflective practice based on student needs, and coaching or working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure that instructional practices are aligned to a shared mission, vision, and goals; (6) Promote the use of assessments and data for school and district improvement, which shall include being knowledgeable about research on current classroom- and school-based design and selection of appropriate formative and summative assessment methods, sharing that knowledge, and collaborating with colleagues in using assessments and other data to make informed decisions regarding student learning and in influencing school improvement practices, district improvement practices, or both; (7) Improve outreach and collaboration with families and community, which shall include understanding the significant impact that families, cultures, and communities have on educational processes and student learning and working with colleagues to promote ongoing systematic collaboration with families, community members, business and community leaders, and other stakeholders to improve the educational system and expand student learning opportunities to support cultures of student success; and (8) Advocate for student learning and the teaching and education profession. g. No later than five years following the effective date of P.L.2015, c.111 (C.18A:26-2.18 et seq.), the advisory board shall evaluate programmatic and other data collected from the approved providers pursuant to subsection c. of section 3 of P.L.2015, c.111 (C.18A:26-2.20), and make recommendations to the State board regarding non-supervisory roles and responsibilities for which a teacher leader endorsement should be required. L.2015, c.111, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.20 Application to offer program of study for the teacher leader endorsement.

3. a. An institution of higher education, an educational organization, or other non-profit entity, or a combination thereof, may apply to the Department of Education to offer a program of study for the teacher leader endorsement. b. The Commissioner of Education shall approve programs of study that meet the standards adopted by the State Board of Education pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2015, c.111 (C.18A:26-2.22). The commissioner shall consider the recommendations of the Teacher Leader Endorsement Advisory Board. c. Any data collected from the approved providers of the program of study shall be provided to the Teacher Leader Endorsement Advisory Board to support the board's work. The data collection shall protect individuals' privacy, and notwithstanding the provisions of P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.), the data shall not be accessible to the public. L.2015, c.111, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.21 Construction of act.

4. Nothing in this act shall be construed to limit the right to determine any additional compensation and release time for the responsibilities of a teacher with a teacher leader endorsement, in addition to any other terms and conditions of employment related to these teachers, through collective negotiations. L.2015, c.111, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.22 Rules, regulations.

5. The State Board of Education shall promulgate regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B -1 et seq.), to: a. Set standards for the program of study for the teacher leader endorsement; and b. Set standards for the approval of providers of programs of study for the teacher leader endorsement. L.2015, c.111, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.23 Special education requirements for instructional certificate.

1. In addition to any other requirements adopted by the State Board of Education for teacher preparation programs, the State board shall require that the preparation program for an instructional certificate include a minimum of the equivalent of 6 semester credit hours of classroom instruction, clinical experience, including student internships, or a combination thereof, in special education. L.2017, c.6, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.24 Credit hours in autism spectrum disorder required.

2. In addition to any other requirements adopted by the State Board of Education for teacher preparation programs, the State Board of Education shall require that the preparation program for an instructional certificate with a teacher of students with disabilities endorsement shall include credit hours in autism spectrum disorder and comprehensive evidence-based instructional practices to address the educational strengths and needs of students with autism. L.2017, c.6, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.25 Rules, regulations.

3. The State Board of Education shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), the rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this act. L.2017, c.6, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.26 Computer science education endorsement to the instructional certificate.

1. a. The State Board of Education shall authorize a computer science education endorsement to the instructional certificate. The endorsement shall authorize the holder to teach computer science in all public schools, and shall be required to teach computer science in grades 9 through 12 beginning at such time as the State board determines that there is a sufficient number of teachers holding the computer science education endorsement to make the requirement feasible. b. The standards established by the State board shall require a candidate for the endorsement to hold an instructional certificate with at least one other teaching endorsement and provide documentation that the candidate has completed the computer science related coursework requirements determined by the State board up to a maximum of 15 credits. c. A candidate who can document proficient experience teaching computer science for the equivalent of two school years within the last four years prior to such time as the State board determines to require a computer science education endorsement to teach computer science in grades 9 through 12, as defined by the State board, may be granted the endorsement described in subsection a. of this section upon payment of the required fee. L.2018, c.81, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.27 Rules, regulations.

2. The State Board of Education shall adopt pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), the rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this act. L.2018, c.81, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.28 Health and physical education endorsement.

1. a. In addition to any other eligibility requirements prescribed by the State Board of Education, in order to be appointed by a board of education to teach health and physical education in grades kindergarten through six, a person shall possess a health and physical education endorsement to the instructional certificate. b. In addition to any other eligibility requirements prescribed by the State Board of Education, in order to be appointed by a board of education to teach physical education in grades kindergarten through six, a person shall possess a physical education endorsement to the instructional certificate. c. In addition to any other eligibility requirements prescribed by the State Board of Education, in order to be appointed by a board of education to teach health in grades kindergarten through six, a person shall possess a health endorsement to the instructional certificate or a school nurse endorsement to the educational services certificate. d. The provisions of subsections a., b., and c. of this section shall not be applicable to a person who teaches SDA district kindergarten students pursuant to a contract between the SDA district and a licensed child care center or other provider. As used in this subsection, "SDA district" means an SDA district as defined in section 3 of P.L.2000, c.72 (C.18A:7G-3). e. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section to the contrary, a person who holds an elementary school endorsement to the instructional certificate prior to the effective date of this act, may be appointed by a board of education to teach health and physical education, physical education, or health in grades kindergarten through six, in accordance with any other requirements established by the State board. L.2019, c.171, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.29 Criteria for employment of substitute teacher.

1. a. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, a candidate for a substitute teacher credential who is enrolled in a regionally accredited institution of higher education and who is applying between the effective date of this act and June 30, 2023 shall present a minimum of 30 semester-hour credits completed at the institution at the time of applying for the substitute credential. A candidate applying for a substitute teacher credential under this section shall be at least 20 years of age. Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict school districts from establishing additional criteria for the employment of substitute teachers under this section. b. It shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Education to examine issues and develop recommendations as to whether the timeline established pursuant to subsection a. of this section should be extended to continue allowing candidates for substitute teaching credentials to present a minimum of 30 semester-hour credits completed at the time of applying for the substitute credential. The commissioner shall issue a final report of findings and recommendations to the Governor, to the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), and to the State Board of Education no later than one year after the application period expires on June 30, 2023. L.2021, c.87, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.30 Alternate route program and certification for grades 7 to 12 at early college high school program.

1. a. The State Board of Education shall authorize an alternate route to expedite the certification of persons who are qualified by education and experience to teach grades seven through 12 at an early college high school program and shall exempt the candidate from the requirements governing a Certificate of Eligibility set forth in State Board of Education regulations. The alternate route shall consist of a three-tiered certificate program. The standards established by the State board shall include at a minimum: (1) for receipt of an early college high school certificate of eligibility, the candidate shall: (a) Hold an advanced degree from a regionally accredited college or university in a field related to the subject area to be taught, as determined by the State board; (b) Have experience teaching students at any grade level, including postsecondary students; and (c) Pass the appropriate State test of subject-matter knowledge. (2) for receipt of an early college high school provisional certificate, the candidate shall provide proof that an early college high school intends to employ the candidate in a teaching position. (3) for receipt of an early college high school standard certificate, the candidate shall successfully complete at least four school years of teaching at the early college high school. b. The certification provided pursuant to this section may be used only for employment at an early college high school and shall not satisfy the requirements for employment in any other public school. c. Nothing herein shall be construed to preclude a teacher with an instructional certificate with an appropriate instructional endorsement issued by the State Board of Examiners from teaching at an early college high school program. d. As used in this section, "early college high school program" means a partnership between a school district and an institution of higher education that allows participants to simultaneously complete requirements toward earning a State-endorsed high school diploma and have the opportunity to earn credits that are transferable to the institution of higher education in the partnership as part of an organized course of study toward a postsecondary degree at no cost to the participant or participant's family. L. 2021, c.279.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.31 Mandatory culturally responsive teaching training for certification.

1. a. Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, all candidates for teaching certification who have completed an educator preparation program at a commissioner-approved educator preparation program provider shall have satisfactorily completed a course or training on culturally responsive teaching. b. All commissioner-approved educator preparation program providers shall review and update their educator preparation programs to implement the requirements of this section and submit the revisions to the Department of Education for approval. c. As used in this section, "culturally responsive teaching" means a pedagogy that recognizes the importance of including students' cultural references in all aspects of learning, and which uses research-based teaching strategies that make meaningful connections between what students learn in school and their cultures, languages, and experiences. 2021, c.311.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-2.32 Paraprofessional educator preparation pathway.

1. a. The State Board of Education shall authorize a paraprofessional educator preparation pathway to expedite the teacher certification of persons who are employed to work in a school district as a paraprofessional or an instructional assistant pursuing a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing in a specific endorsement area. b. The Commissioner of Education shall develop recommendations for the paraprofessional educator preparation pathway authorized pursuant to subsection a. of this section and shall submit the recommendations to the State Board of Education. In developing the recommendations, the commissioner shall consult with representatives of the education community including, but not limited to, the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey School Boards Association, the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association, the American Federation of Teachers New Jersey, the New Jersey Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped (ASAH), and the State Professional Learning Committee. c. In addition to any other requirements established by the State Board of Education, the pathway authorized pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall include the following: (1) a candidate's direct classroom service while employed in a school district as a paraprofessional or instructional assistant, which shall meet the clinical practice requirements for the certificate of eligibility with advanced standing in the endorsement area they are pursuing, provided that the candidate is currently employed to work in a school district as a paraprofessional or instructional assistant and is providing direct classroom service, including tutoring, under the supervision of a mentor cooperating teacher who is teaching in the endorsement area being sought by the paraprofessional. Under these conditions, the direct classroom service shall earn the candidate full credit, if appropriate towards the clinical practice requirements found in N.J.A.C. 6A:9A et seq.; (2) a requirement that the school district in which the candidate is currently authorized to work as a paraprofessional or instructional assistant make every reasonable effort to place the candidate in a classroom setting in the endorsement area the paraprofessional is seeking and with a certified educator who meets the requirements for a cooperating teacher at N.J.A.C. 6A:9A-4.4, so the paraprofessional may perform any required student teaching in the school district while, if possible, continuing employment as a paraprofessional or an instructional assistant; and (3) allow educator preparation program providers to submit for approval by the Department of Education, preparation programs specifically for the paraprofessional educator preparation pathway. L.2023, c.327.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-3 City school district examiners

In each city school district there may be established by the board of education a district board of examiners consisting of the commissioner, ex officio, the superintendent of schools of the district, if there be one, and such persons having the necessary qualifications as the board of education shall appoint. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-4 Qualifications of city district examiners

No person shall be appointed to a district board of examiners unless he holds a state certificate or the highest grade certificate issued in the district or is a graduate of a college or university. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-5 Certificates granted by city district examiners

A district board of examiners shall, under such rules as the state board shall prescribe, and under such additional rules as may be prescribed by the board of education of the district, issue certificates to teach, which shall be valid for all schools of the district. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-6 Certificates required for employment of teaching staff members in districts having city district examiners

No teaching staff member shall be employed in any of the schools of a district having a district board of examiners unless he shall be issued a certificate by said board and holds an appropriate certificate issued by the state board of examiners or the county superintendent of schools of the county. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-7 Certificate fee

A fee of such sum as shall be fixed by the state board, but not less than $5.00, shall be paid for the issuance of each certificate. L.1967, c.271

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-8.1 Issuance of teacher's certificate to noncitizen

18A:26-8.1. a. The State Board of Examiners may, with the approval of the commissioner, issue a teacher's certificate to teach in the public schools to any citizen of any other country who has declared his intention of becoming a United States citizen and who is otherwise qualified, but any such certificate may be revoked by the State Board of Examiners if the board is satisfied that the holder thereof has abandoned his efforts to become a United States citizen, or has become disqualified for citizenship, or shall not have become a United States citizen, within five years of the date of its issuance. b. A declaration of intention to become a United States citizen shall not be required of a teacher from a foreign country who is enrolled with an approved international agency which operates a teacher placement program or teacher exchange program in order for the teacher to obtain any necessary certification to teach in the public schools. L.1967, c.271; amended 2002,c.9,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-8.2 "School leader" defined; training as part of professional development.

13. a. As used in this section, "school leader" means a school district staff member who holds a position that requires the possession of a chief school administrator, principal, or supervisor endorsement. b. A school leader shall complete training on issues of school ethics, school law, and school governance as part of the professional development for school leaders required pursuant to State Board of Education regulations. Information on the prevention of harassment, intimidation, and bullying shall also be included in the training. The training shall be offered through a collaborative training model as identified by the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the State Advisory Committee on Professional Development for School Leaders. L.2007, c.53, s.13; 2007, c.53, s.13; amended 2010, c.122, s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-9 Oath of allegiance and office; executed, etc., prerequisite to issuance of certificate

No certificate to teach or supervise in any of the public schools of this state, and no renewal of any such certificate, shall be issued to any applicant unless such applicant shall have first subscribed in duplicate to the oath of allegiance and office prescribed in section 41:1-3 of the Revised Statutes before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths or before a county superintendent or the president or secretary of a board of education of this state and until one copy thereof shall have been filed with the county superintendent and by him transmitted to the commissioner. The other copy of such oath shall be delivered to the applicant and by him to the board, body or person employing such applicant within this state. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-10 Suspension of certificate for wrongful cessation of performance of duties; "approved private school for the disabled" defined.

18A:26-10. Any teaching staff member employed by a board of education or an approved private school for the disabled, who shall, without the consent of the board or, in the case of an approved private school for the disabled, the board of directors of the school, cease to perform his duties before the expiration of the term of his employment, shall be deemed guilty of unprofessional conduct, and the commissioner may, upon receiving notice thereof, suspend his certificate for a period not exceeding one year. As used in this section, "approved private school for the disabled" means a private entity approved by the Department of Education to provide special education and related services to students with disabilities who have been placed by the district board of education or charter school responsible for providing their education. L.1967, c.271; amended 2005, c.74.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-11 Interstate agreement on qualification of educational personnel; enactment

The interstate agreement on qualification of educational personnel contained herein is hereby enacted into law and entered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining therein in substantially the same form, to apply to all teaching staff members who must meet requirements of certification pursuant to section 1 of chapter 1 and sections 1 and 2 of chapter 26 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. L.1969, c. 114, s. 1, eff. June 26, 1969.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-12 Declaration of policy; purpose of agreement; findings

1. The States party to this agreement, desiring by common action to improve their respective school systems by utilizing the teacher or other professional educational person wherever educated, declare that it is the policy of each of them, on the basis of co-operation with one another, to take advantage of the preparation and experience of such persons wherever gained, thereby serving the best interests of society, of education, and of the teaching profession. It is the purpose of this agreement to provide for the development and execution of such programs of co-operation as will facilitate the movement of teachers and other professional educational personnel among the States party to it, and to authorize specific interstate educational personnel contracts to achieve that end. 2. The party States find that included in the large movement of population among all sections of the Nation are many qualified educational personnel who move for family and other personal reasons but who are hindered in using their professional skill and experience in their new locations. Variations from State to State in requirements for qualifying educational personnel discourage such personnel from taking the steps necessary to qualify in other States. As a consequence, a significant number of professionally prepared and experienced educators is lost to our school systems. Facilitating the employment of qualified educational personnel, without reference to their States of origin, can increase the available educational resources. Participation in this compact can increase the availability of educational manpower. L.1969, c. 114, s. 1, eff. June 26, 1969.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-13 Definitions

As used in this agreement and contracts made pursuant to it, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: (a) "Educational personnel" means persons who must meet requirements pursuant to State law as condition of employment in educational programs. (b) "Designated State official" means the education official of a State selected by that State to negotiate and enter into, on behalf of his State, contracts pursuant to this agreement. (c) "Accept," or any variant thereof, means to recognize and give effect to one or more determinations of another State relating to the qualifications of educational personnel in lieu of making or requiring a like determination that would otherwise be required by or pursuant to the laws of a receiving State. (d) "State" means a State, territory, or possession of the United States; the District of Columbia; or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (e) "Originating State" means a State (and the subdivision thereof, if any) whose determination that certain educational personnel are qualified to be employed for specific duties in schools is acceptable in accordance with the terms of a contract made pursuant to Article III. (f) "Receiving State" means a State (and the subdivisions thereof) which accept educational personnel in accordance with the terms of a contract made pursuant to Article III. L.1969, c. 114, s. 1, eff. June 26, 1969.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-14 Contracts for acceptance of personnel; provisions; term; annual report

1. The designated State official of a party State may make one or more contracts on behalf of his State with one or more other party States providing for the acceptance of educational personnel. Any such contract for the period of its duration shall be applicable to and binding on the States whose designated State officials enter into it, and the subdivisions of those States, with the same force and effect as if incorporated in this agreement. A designated State official may enter into a contract pursuant to this article only with States in which he finds that there are programs of education, certification standards or other acceptable qualifications that assure preparation or qualification of educational personnel on a basis sufficiently comparable, even though not identical to that prevailing in his own State. 2. Any such contract shall provide for: (a) Its duration. (b) The criteria to be applied by an originating State in qualifying educational personnel for acceptance by a receiving State. (c) Such waiver, substitutions, and conditional acceptances as shall aid the practical effectuation of the contract without sacrifice of basic educational standards. (d) Any other necessary matters. 3. No contract made pursuant to this agreement shall be for a term longer than 5 years but any such contract may be renewed for like or lesser periods. 4. Any contract acceptance by a receiving State of educational personnel on the basis of the completion by educational personnel of a program of educational preparation shall specify the earliest date or dates on which originating State approval of the program or programs involved can have occurred. No contract made pursuant to this agreement shall require acceptance by a receiving State of any persons qualified because of successful completion of a program prior to January 1, 1954. 5. The certification or other acceptance of a person who has been accepted pursuant to the terms of a contract entered into pursuant to this agreement shall not be revoked or otherwise impaired because the contract has expired or been terminated; provided, however, that any receiving State may revoke or suspend any certificate or other qualifying document on any ground which would be sufficient for revocation or suspension of a certificate or other qualifying document initially granted or approved in the receiving State. 6. A contract committee composed of the designated State officials of the contracting States or their representatives shall keep the contract under continuous review, study means of improving its administration, and report no less frequently than once a year to the appropriate education agencies of the contracting States. L.1969, c. 114, s. 1, eff. June 26, 1969.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-15 Educational preparation programs

1. Nothing contained in this agreement shall be construed to repeal or otherwise modify any law or regulation of a party State relating to the approval of programs of educational preparation having effect solely on the qualification of educational personnel within that State. 2. To the extent that contracts made pursuant to this agreement deal with the educational requirements for the proper qualification of educational personnel, acceptance of a program of educational preparation shall be in accordance with such procedures and requirements as may be provided in the applicable contract. L.1969, c. 114, s. 1, eff. June 26, 1969.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-16 Multilateral contracts; co-operation of States

1. The party States agree that they will, so far as practicable, prefer the making of multilateral contracts pursuant to Article III of this agreement. 2. The party States agree that they will facilitate and strengthen co-operation in interstate certification and other elements of educational personnel qualification and for this purpose shall co-operate with agencies, organizations, and associations interested in certification and other factors relevant to the qualifications of educational personnel. L.1969, c. 114, s. 1, eff. June 26, 1969.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-17 Evaluation of progress; recommendations

The designated State officials of any party States may meet from time to time as a group to evaluate progress under the agreement, and to formulate recommendations for changes. L.1969, c. 114, s. 1, eff. June 26, 1969.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-18 Other arrangements or practices

Nothing contained in this agreement shall be construed to prevent or inhibit other arrangements or practices of any party State or States to facilitate the interchange of educational personnel. L.1969, c. 114, s. 1, eff. June 26, 1969.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-19 Effective date; withdrawal

1. This agreement shall become effective when enacted into law by 2 States. Thereafter it shall become effective as to any State upon its enactment of this agreement. 2. Any party State may withdraw from this agreement by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until 1 year after the Governor of the withdrawing State has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the Governors of all other party States. 3. No withdrawal shall relieve the withdrawing State of any obligation imposed upon it by a contract to which it is a party. The duration of contracts and the methods and conditions of withdrawal therefrom shall be those specified in their terms. L.1969, c. 114, s. 1, eff. June 26, 1969.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-20 Liberal construction; severability of provisions

This agreement shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this agreement shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this agreement is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any State or of the United States, or the application thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this agreement and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this agreement or any provision thereof shall be held contrary to the constitution of any State participating therein, the agreement shall remain in full force and effect with respect to the State affected as to all severable matters. L.1969, c. 114, s. 1, eff. June 26, 1969.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-21 Designated state official

The "designated State official" for this State shall be the Secretary of the State Board of Examiners. The designated State official shall enter into contracts pursuant to Article III of the agreement only with the approval of the specific text thereof by the State Board of Education upon recommendation by the State Board of Examiners and the Commissioner of Education. L.1969, c. 114, s. 2, eff. June 26, 1969.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-22 Copies of contracts; filing; publication

True copies of all contracts made on behalf of this State pursuant to the agreement shall be kept on file in the office of the Secretary of the State Board of Examiners and in the office of the Secretary of State. The State Department of Education shall publicize all such contracts in the New Jersey Register. L.1969, c. 114, s. 3, eff. June 26, 1969.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-23 Short title

This act shall be known and may be cited as the Interstate Transfer of Teacher Credentials Act. L.1969, c. 114, s. 4, eff. June 26, 1969.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-24 Course or training for prospective teachers relative to child abuse.

1. a. Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, all candidates for teaching certification who have completed an educator preparation program at a commissioner-approved educator preparation program provider shall have satisfactorily completed a course or training that includes the recognition of, and the requirement to report, child abuse including sexual abuse. b. All commissioner-approved educator preparation program providers shall review and update their educator preparation programs to implement the requirements of this section and submit the revisions to the Department of Education for approval. L.2019, c.109, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-25 Alternate Route Interstate Reciprocity Pilot Program.

1. The Department of Education shall establish a five-year Alternate Route Interstate Reciprocity Pilot Program. The department shall: a. following two complete years of program implementation, publish a progress report on the success of the program up to that point in time; and b. establish criteria for participating New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility educator preparation programs. The selected educator preparation programs shall: (1) accept an out-of-state candidate who meets the requirements of section 3 of this act; (2) accept a candidate's earned credits from a prior educator preparation program for any participating out-of-state candidate who has not yet completed their educator preparation program; and (3) provide the department with ongoing data regarding the progress and success of all participating candidates and any candidate data necessary for a comparative progress report. L.2021, c.57, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-26 Issuance of instructional certificate of eligibility.

2. For the purposes of the Alternate Route Interstate Reciprocity Pilot Program established pursuant to section 1 of this act, the State Board of Examiners shall issue an instructional certificate of eligibility to an out-of-State candidate who: a. holds the equivalent of a valid certificate of eligibility or a valid provisional certificate issued by another state in a subject or grade level also offered in New Jersey; b. has passed a subject-matter test to receive the candidate's out-of-State endorsement or passed the appropriate New Jersey subject-matter test; c. has passed a performance assessment that is approved by the state in which the certificate was issued, or, if the out-of-State candidate did not take or pass a state-approved performance assessment, the candidate shall be issued an instructional certificate of eligibility but shall pass a New Jersey approved performance assessment prior to the issuance of a standard instructional certificate; d. has at least one year of effective teaching experience as documented by a letter from the candidate's former supervisor, principal, or employing school district's human resource officer; and e. has been in good standing during the candidate's teaching experience under the out-of-State certificate as documented in such manner as determined by the State Board of Education. L.2021, c.57, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-27 Requirements for out-of-State candidate.

3. If the out-of-State candidate has not completed an approved educator preparation program the candidate shall enroll in a New Jersey approved educator preparation program and complete any remaining college credits or coursework prior to the issuance of a standard instructional certificate. L.2021, c.57, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-28 Eligibility for standard certificate.

4. A certificate of eligibility for an out-of-State candidate who is enrolled in the pilot program and who meets all other requirements for issuance of a standard certificate pursuant to State Board of Education regulations shall be eligible for a standard certificate. A certificate of eligibility candidate who successfully completes the pilot program may apply for up to one year of effective teaching experience earned out-of-State, as documented by a letter from the candidate's former supervisor, principal, or employing school district's human resource officer, to satisfy the requirement that the candidate earn at least two summative evaluation ratings within three consecutive years of teaching. L.2021, c.57, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-29 Report at conclusion of pilot program.

5. At the conclusion of the five-year pilot program, the Department of Education shall submit a report evaluating the effectiveness of the pilot program to the Governor, the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), and the State Board of Education. The report shall include an analysis of the impact of the pilot program and shall include the department's recommendation on the feasibility of continuing the program. L.2021, c.57, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-30 Report to the Department of Education, first-time, overall test pass rates, instructional certificate.

1. a. Each educator preparation program shall annually report to the Department of Education on the first-time and overall test pass rates of candidates for an instructional certificate, for each test required for instructional certification. b. Each educator preparation program shall annually publish the first-time and overall test pass rates of its students on its website. c. Each educator preparation program shall annually disseminate information to its students on the availability of fee waivers for tests required for instructional certification. d. Each educator preparation program shall include in its tuition and fees bill an optional lab fee that a student may opt to pay and which shall be applied towards the cost of the student completing the tests required for instructional certification. e. As used in this act, a "test required for instructional certification" means Praxis Core tests, or their successor tests, and Praxis Subject Assessments, or their successor tests. L.2021, c.393, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-31 Annual compilation of test pass rates.

2. The department shall annually compile the test pass rates of candidates for an instructional certificate submitted pursuant to subsection a. of section 1 of this act into a comparative profile of all educator preparation programs. The profile shall be made available for public inspection on the department's website. L.2021, c.393, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-32 Test pass rates required for educator preparation program review.

3. The test pass rates submitted to the department pursuant to subsection a. of section 1 of this act shall be included within the documentation required for the Commissioner of Education's periodic review of educator preparation programs. L.2021, c.393, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-33 Test fee waivers for low-income students.

4. Any policy or contract entered into after the effective date of P.L.2021, c.393 (C.18A:26-30 et seq.) by the State, or any political subdivision thereof, regarding a test required for instructional certification shall provide for the dissemination of fee waivers to low-income students. As used in this section: "Annual adjusted gross income" means: (1) for a dependent student, the annual adjusted gross income of the student's parent or legal guardian, as reported on the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid or other financial aid form; and (2) for an independent student, the annual adjusted gross income of the student and, if applicable, the spouse of the student, as reported on the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid or other financial aid form, and "Low-income student" means a student with an annual adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less. L.2021, c.393, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-34 Exemption from basic reading, writing, mathematics test; definitions.

1. a. (1) Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, the State Board of Education shall not require a candidate for or the holder of a certificate of eligibility in a career and technical education endorsement or a certificate of eligibility with advance standing in a career and technical education endorsement to complete a Commissioner-approved test of basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills in order to obtain a standard certificate, including, but not limited to, the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test, if the candidate can demonstrate proficiency in the use of English language and mathematics through an alternate measure. (2) Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, the State Board of Education shall not require a candidate for a certificate of eligibility in a career and technical education endorsement to complete an educator preparation program which exceeds 200 hours of instruction or one academic year. b. As used in this section: "Alternate measure" means any demonstration of basic skills proficiency, other than a test, that is approved by the Department of Education, including, but not limited to: a portfolio of work products as approved by the superintendent of a candidate's employing school district, obtainment of an occupational license or certification, or an industry certificate or registration. "Certificate of eligibility" means a certificate with lifetime validity issued by the State Board of Examiners to candidates who meet degree, academic, and applicable test requirements for teacher certification. "Certificate of eligibility with advanced standing" means a certificate with lifetime validity issued by the State Board of Examiners to candidates who meet degree, academic, and test requirements for teacher certification and complete an educator preparation program. L.2021, c.420; amended 2025, c.246.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-34.4 Commissioner of Education-approved test, basic skills, requirement, instructional certificate, admission, prohibited; exceptions.

1. a. Notwithstanding P.L.2021, c.420 (C.18A:26-34), or any other law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, the State Board of Education shall not require a candidate seeking any instructional certificate, except in the case of a limited certificate of eligibility or a limited certificate of eligibility with advanced standing established pursuant to P.L. 2021, c. 224 (C.18A:26-2b et seq.), to complete a Commissioner of Education-approved test of basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills including, but not limited to, the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test, in order to obtain an instructional certificate. b. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, the State Board of Education shall be prohibited from requiring a commissioner-approved educator preparation program to require the completion of a commissioner-approved test of basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills including, but not limited to, the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test, as a condition for admission. L.2024, c.26, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-35 Performance-based assessment, condition of eligibility, certificate of eligibility, prohibited.

1. a. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, the State Board of Education shall not require a candidate for a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing or a certificate of eligibility to complete a Commissioner of Education approved performance-based assessment, including, but not limited to, the edTPA, as a condition of eligibility for a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, a certificate of eligibility, or a standard certificate. An educator preparation program shall require candidates to complete a performance-based assessment approved by the educator preparation program, embedded within the educator preparation program, beginning with candidates who will complete their educator preparation program in the Spring of 2024. b. Notwithstanding any provision of this section or of any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, a person who earned a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing or a certificate of eligibility during the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school years, and who was unable to complete a Commissioner of Education approved performance-based assessment due to abrupt changes in teaching placements or modalities, asynchronous virtual learning environments, school district policies, or other restrictions or disruptions caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency, shall be exempt from the requirement to complete a performance-based assessment as a condition of earning a standard certificate, verified in a manner determined by the commissioner. c. As used in this section: "Certificate of eligibility" means an instructional certificate with lifetime validity issued by the State Board of Examiners to candidates who meet degree, academic, and applicable test requirements for teacher certification. "Certificate of eligibility with advanced standing" means an instructional certificate with lifetime validity issued by the State Board of Examiners to candidates who meet degree, academic, and test requirements for teacher certification and complete an educator preparation program. "Performance-based assessment" means a multi-measure assessment process where candidates demonstrate the pedagogical knowledge and skills identified in the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers and their content knowledge and skill in teaching to the New Jersey Learning Standards in the grade band and subject area of a certificate sought. "Standard certificate" means a permanent instructional certificate issued by the State Board of Examiners to persons who meet all instructional certificate requirements. d. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act. L.2022, c.129.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-36 Restriction, semester-hour credits, educator preparation program, accredited county college, meeting teacher certification requirements, prohibited; definition.

1. a. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a Commissioner-approved educator preparation program shall not restrict the number of semester-hour credits of professional education coursework completed at an accredited county college that may be accepted toward meeting the requirements for teacher certification, except as may be otherwise required by the program's accrediting organization. b. As used in this section, "professional education coursework" means coursework required to obtain teacher certification, including courses in child development, language development, curriculum development, and methods of instruction. L.2023, c.251, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:26-37 State Board of Education, regulation, policy restricting semester-hour credits, accredited county college, meeting teacher certification requirements, prohibited; definition.

2. a. The State Board of Education shall not adopt any regulation or policy which restricts the number of semester-hour credits of professional education coursework completed at an accredited county college that may be accepted toward meeting the requirements for teacher certification, provided that the credits are accepted by a Commissioner-approved educator preparation program. b. As used in this section, "professional education coursework" means coursework required to obtain teacher certification, including courses in child development, language development, curriculum development, and methods of instruction. L.2023, c.251, s.2.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026

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