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 can document their enrollment in the program and the necessity of the student teaching experience for certification.

To qualify for these benefits, individuals must submit documentation that includes verification from an institution of higher education or a state-approved educator preparation program. This documentation must confirm the individual's enrollment, the requirement of the student teaching experience, and the specific timeframe for the experience. The bill aims to support aspiring educators by allowing them to gain essential teaching experience without the risk of losing their unemployment benefits and is set to take effect immediately upon passage.