This bill aims to streamline the certification process for career and technical education (CTE) teachers in New Jersey by limiting certain requirements imposed by the State Board of Education. Specifically, it prohibits the Board from requiring candidates for a certificate of eligibility in a CTE endorsement to complete a Commissioner-approved test of basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills if they can demonstrate proficiency through an alternate measure. Additionally, the bill restricts the duration of educator preparation programs for these candidates to a maximum of 200 hours of instruction or one academic year, thereby addressing concerns about the current lengthy and costly certification process.

The legislation responds to a pressing shortage of qualified CTE educators by making the certification pathway more accessible. Currently, candidates must complete a two-year, 350-hour educator preparation program, which has been criticized for being burdensome and not providing sufficient practical experience. By allowing for alternative measures of proficiency and reducing the required instructional hours, the bill seeks to encourage more individuals to enter the teaching profession in the CTE field, ultimately enhancing the availability of qualified educators in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:26-34