This bill amends New Jersey law to allow certain noncitizen teachers to be eligible for tenure, a status that protects teachers from dismissal or pay reduction except for specific reasons. Currently, noncitizen teachers can obtain a teaching certificate if they declare an intention to become U.S. citizens, but they are ineligible for tenure unless they are U.S. citizens. The bill repeals existing laws that prevent noncitizens from acquiring tenure and introduces new provisions that allow holders of noncitizen teaching certificates to be eligible for tenure if they meet the necessary qualifications.

Specifically, the bill states that the State Board of Examiners can issue a teaching certificate to noncitizens who intend to become U.S. citizens, and this certificate can be revoked if the holder abandons their citizenship efforts. Additionally, it stipulates that noncitizen teachers employed in a school district at the time the bill takes effect will have their prior teaching service counted towards meeting tenure requirements. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the teaching workforce by recognizing the contributions of noncitizen educators.