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Bill

A 2362

Relates to certain discriminatory practices; and to the qualification of professionals in education

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Brown and 2 co-sponsors

Creates the New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship Program to cover up to two semesters of full-time clinical practice, awarding up to $7,200 per semester for NJ residents.

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Bill Summary · A 2362

Summary: Assembly Bill A 2362 – New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship Program

Overview

A 2362 establishes the New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship Program to reduce financial barriers to teacher certification. The program is administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE). Scholarships are awarded for each semester of full-time clinical practice completed in a New Jersey school.

Key Provisions

  • Program Purpose and Administration

    • Creates the New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship Program within HESAA, in coordination with DOE.
    • The executive director of HESAA may adjust the scholarship amount for cost of living.
    • A student may receive scholarships for a maximum of two academic semesters of full-time clinical practice.

  • Scholarship Amounts

    • Scholarships are capped at $7,200 per semester of full-time clinical practice.
    • The program may include a cost-of-living adjustment to the maximum award.

  • Eligibility (Applicants)

    • Must be a resident of New Jersey.
    • Must be enrolled full-time in an approved program of study.
    • Must complete the steps required by the approved program to be eligible for clinical practice.
    • The authority, with DOE, may add eligibility criteria, including prioritizing high-demand subjects (e.g., math, science, special education, world languages, bilingual education).

  • Enrollment and Academic Standing

    • Scholarships continue only while the student remains in good academic standing and meets established eligibility and minimum qualifications.
    • Termination criteria include:
    • Dismissal for academic/disciplinary reasons.
    • Disqualification from employment due to criminal history or other eligibility issues for an advanced standing certificate.
    • Withdrawal due to illness or family emergency (scholarship funds do not need to be repaid in these cases).

  • Application Process and Timeline

    • HESAA must establish an application process within 90 days of the act’s effective date.
    • Applications must be available no later than the first day of the fourth month after enactment; approvals begin thereafter.

  • Data, Oversight, and Funding

    • HESAA, with DOE, shall annually collect data on program effectiveness (participants, participant experience, demographics disaggregated by race/ethnicity and gender).
    • The Legislature shall annually appropriate necessary General Fund amounts to fund the program.

  • Compliance and Certification

    • Nothing in the act exempts students from meeting general educator certification requirements.

  • Effective Date

    • Takes effect immediately and applies to the first full academic year following enactment.

Who Is Affected

  • Prospective New Jersey teacher candidates pursuing eligible degree programs in math, science, special education, world languages, bilingual education, and other high-demand areas.
  • Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (administrative sponsor) and the Department of Education (policy coordination).
  • Participating higher education institutions and teacher preparation programs in New Jersey.

Legislative Status and Context

  • Introduced: January 9, 2024
  • Reported favorably by Assembly Education Committee (March 4, 2024)
  • Referred to Assembly Governmental Operations (January 16, 2025)
  • Related companion bills: S 2064; others listed in related bills
  • Primary sponsor: Michaelle C. Solages; cosponsors: Keith Brown, Philip Ramos

This bill aims to expand the pipeline of qualified teachers by alleviating financial barriers during critical teacher-preparatory clinical experiences within New Jersey schools.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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