TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey legislature is seeking to remove a basic teaching certification that will expand the number of eligible teachers in the Garden State.
A recent bill introduced has modified the prerequisites for obtaining various teacher certifications in New Jersey. The legislation eradicates the mandate for teacher candidates to pass a Commissioner of Education-approved basic skills test, including the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, to qualify for a certificate of eligibility, a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, a provisional certificate, or a standard instructional certificate.
The removal of the basic skills test is criticized by opponents who feel it is a safeguard to ensure the quality of teachers in the state which boasts one of the best educational systems in the country.
This change affects certificates with lifetime validity and is essential for educators aiming to achieve standard certification. The bill’s enactment is immediate upon signing by the governor, signaling a significant shift in the certification process for aspiring teachers, who no longer need to demonstrate basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills through standardized testing to advance their careers in education.