This bill amends New Jersey's unemployment benefits law to ensure that individuals who voluntarily leave their jobs to participate in a student teaching experience, a requirement for state-approved educator preparation programs, are not disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits. The new language specifies that no otherwise eligible individual shall be denied benefits for any week in which they left work for this purpose, provided they meet the necessary criteria. This change aims to protect aspiring educators during their training period.

To qualify for these benefits, individuals must submit documentation from an institution of higher education or a state-approved educator preparation program. This documentation must verify their enrollment, confirm that student teaching is a required component of their certification, and specify the duration of the student teaching experience. The legislation is designed to support aspiring educators by allowing them to gain essential teaching experience without the risk of losing their unemployment benefits, and it is set to take effect immediately upon passage.