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 leaving work under these circumstances. To qualify for these benefits, individuals must provide documentation from an institution of higher education or a state-approved educator preparation program that verifies their enrollment and the necessity of the student teaching experience for certification.

Additionally, the bill outlines the specific documentation required, which must confirm the individual's enrollment in the program, the requirement of the student teaching experience, and the timeframe during which this experience will occur. This legislative change aims to support aspiring educators by allowing them to receive unemployment benefits while completing their necessary training, thereby facilitating their transition into the teaching profession. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.