New Jersey legislators have introduced a package of bills to address the teacher shortage, which, if signed into law, could reduce costs, expand pathways, and remove outdated certification requirements, including a basic skills test, as a way to attract new teachers and motivate current ones to remain in the field, advocates and the two main teachers’ unions said.
The bills were drafted during months of collaboration with state education advocates and groups representing public schools, charter schools, district administrators, and principals. Another proposed law would expand the range of grades open to teachers who work with students with disabilities, bilingual learners, and those in special education.
New Jersey has consistently experienced shortages in six areas: career and technical education, English as a second language, bilingual education, science, math, and special education, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
