This bill amends Section 14 of P.L.1995, c.426 to clarify that all classroom teachers and professional support staff employed in charter schools must hold the same certification as those employed in traditional public school districts. The new legal language specifies that the certification requirements for these educators in charter schools will be identical to those in school districts, thereby ensuring that all teachers in public education are held to the same rigorous standards. Additionally, the bill removes a provision that allowed the commissioner to make adjustments in the alternate route program to expedite certification for qualified individuals.

The bill also addresses employment conditions for public school employees who take a leave of absence to work in a charter school, ensuring they retain their tenure and seniority rights upon returning to their original positions. It stipulates that charter school employees will not accrue tenure in the same manner as public school employees but will follow a streamlined tenure process as outlined by the commissioner. Furthermore, it grants public school employees the right to return to their former positions if they leave or are dismissed from a charter school within three years. This legislation aims to create consistency in certification standards and protect the employment rights of educators transitioning between public schools and charter schools.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:36A-14