This bill amends New Jersey's unemployment benefits law to protect individuals who leave their jobs voluntarily to participate in a required student teaching experience as part of state-approved educator preparation programs. It introduces a provision that ensures these individuals will not be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits for any week they leave work for this purpose, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. The bill clarifies that such individuals will not be considered to have left work voluntarily and without good cause, thereby safeguarding their eligibility for benefits during their student teaching period.

To qualify for these benefits, individuals must provide documentation from their institution of higher education or educator preparation program. This documentation must confirm their enrollment, verify that student teaching is a necessary component of the program, and specify the duration of the experience. The intent of this legislative change is to support aspiring teachers by allowing them to pursue essential training without the financial burden of losing unemployment benefits. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.