New Jersey legislation · 2026-2027 Regular Session
New Jersey S4865: Teacher Certification Reform Act of 2025-establish
Status: In committee, October 22, 2026
Establishes "Teacher Certification Reform Act of 2025."
What the bill says
An Act concerning teacher certification and supplementing chapter 26 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
From the introduced text, October 22, 2026:
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. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Teacher Certification Reform Act of 2025. 2. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. It is necessary to revise the States teacher certification requirements in a manner that streamlines the certification process and creates more accessible pathways towards employment as a teacher, thereby easing the States teacher shortage, particularly in high-need areas such as special education, STEM, and bilingual education. b. Teacher certification requirements have undergone various changes throughout the past 20 years, in part, as a result of evolving federal requirements. c. The federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, 20 U.S.C. s.6319, established rigorous teacher certification requirements, including that teachers be highly qualified. These changes, while well intentioned, have created barriers that are contributing to a growing teacher shortage. d. In 2015, Congressional action culminating in the Every Student Succeeds Act, 20 U.S.C. s.6301, provided states with more flexibility in setting teacher certification standards. e. New Jerseys current certification process, which includes extensive coursework and standardized testing requirements, has been criticized for its complexity and financial burden, deterring potential educators from entering the …
Sponsors
- M. Teresa Ruiz (D, 29) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : INT 1RS REF SED
Subjects: EDUCATION - TEACHERS AND SCHOOL EMPLOYEES
Common questions
- What is S4865?
- S4865 is a bill in the New Jersey Legislature (2026-2027 Regular Session): Teacher Certification Reform Act of 2025-establish.
- What does S4865 do?
- In its own words: An Act concerning teacher certification and supplementing chapter 26 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
- What is the status of S4865?
- In committee as of October 22, 2026. Latest action: INT 1RS REF SED (October 22, 2026).
- Who sponsored S4865?
- M. Teresa Ruiz (D, 29).
- Where is the official record for S4865?
- On the New Jersey Legislature website: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S4865
Source: official New Jersey record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.