NJ S2203

Bill

NJ S2203

Requires teachers to biennially complete two hours of professional development related to cultural competence.

Introduced
01/09/2024

In Committee
01/09/2024

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

State Board of Education regulations at N.J.A.C.6A:9-15.4 require all active teachers in a school district to complete a minimum of 20 hours of approved professional development each year. This bill requires the board, as part of the professional development requirement, to require each public school teacher to complete two hours of instruction in cultural competency in each two-year period. The instruction must include, but need not be limited to, a discussion of: personal and interpersonal awareness and sensitivities; acts of microaggression in the classroom; and implicit bias.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that the State Board of Education, as part of the existing professional development requirements for public school teachers, will require each teacher to complete two hours of instruction in cultural competency every two years, with the goal of helping teachers effectively educate students from diverse backgrounds. This instruction will cover topics such as personal and interpersonal awareness and sensitivities, classroom microaggressions (which are subtle, often unintentional discriminatory remarks or actions), and implicit bias (unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions).

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (1)

Teresa Ruiz (D)*,

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2203

(3 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2203
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2203_I1.HTM
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S2500/2203_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
A2466	Requires teachers to biennially complete two hours of professional development related to cultural competence.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee	Same As
A3943	Requires teachers to biennially complete two hours of professional development related to cultural competence.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee	Carry Over
S1659	Requires teachers to biennially complete two hours of professional development related to cultural competence.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee	Carry Over

Bill > S2203

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary