[Second Reprint]

SENATE, No. 3883

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

220th LEGISLATURE

INTRODUCED MAY 22, 2023

Sponsored by:

Senator  LINDA R. GREENSTEIN

District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)

Senator  SHIRLEY K. TURNER

District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)

Co-Sponsored by:

Senators Diegnan, Stanfield, Gopal, Pou and Ruiz

SYNOPSIS

     Requires State Board of Education to authorize alternate route to expedite teacher certification of persons employed as paraprofessionals in school districts.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As amended by the Senate on December 11, 2023.

An Act concerning teacher certification and supplementing chapter 26 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

      1.  a. The State Board of Education shall authorize an alternate route to expedite the teacher certification of persons who are employed or have been employed by a school district as a paraprofessional or an instructional assistant.

      b.   The Commissioner of Education shall develop recommendations for the alternate route program authorized pursuant to subsection a. of this section and shall submit the recommendations to the State Board of Education.  In developing the recommendations, the commissioner shall consult with representatives of the education community including, but not limited to, the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey School Boards Association, the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, ¹the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association,^{1 2}the American Federation of Teachers New Jersey,² and the State Professional Learning Committee.

      c.  In addition to any other requirements established by the State Board of Education, the alternate route program authorized pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall include the following:

      (1)  a formula for applying a candidate’s direct classroom service to any student teaching requirements, provided that the candidate is currently employed by a school district and is providing direct classroom service, including tutoring.  Under the formula, the direct classroom service shall earn the candidate full credit, if appropriate;

      (2)  a requirement that the school district in which the candidate is currently employed ¹make every reasonable effort to¹ permit the candidate to perform any required student teaching in the school district while, if possible, continuing employment as a paraprofessional or an instructional assistant; and

      (3)  a formula to allow a grade point average waiver for candidates who otherwise demonstrate qualification for the expedited teacher certification.

     2.  This act shall take effect immediately.