New Jersey Adjusts Teacher Certification Rules to Address Shortages

A new law removes a redundant basic skills test requirement for teachers but maintains other rigorous certification standards.

New Jersey has eliminated the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test as a requirement for teacher certification to tackle a statewide teacher shortage.
The law, signed by Governor Phil Murphy, aims to streamline the hiring process by removing what proponents call unnecessary barriers to entry.
Teachers in New Jersey are still required to hold a bachelor’s degree, maintain a minimum GPA, and meet other certification standards.
Critics argue that removing the test could lower the quality of educators, though specific subject area testing requirements remain in place.
The change aligns with similar measures in other states addressing teacher shortages by modifying certification requirements.