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Bill > A5087

NJ A5087

NJ A5087
Establishes New Jersey Tuition Reimbursement Program for Special Education Teachers.

summary

Introduced
12/12/2024
In Committee
12/12/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes in the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority the New Jersey Tuition Reimbursement Program for Special Education Teachers. The program is to provide reimbursement to program participants for a portion of the eligible tuition expenses incurred by the participant. Under the bill, a program participant is to enter into a contract with the authority for a specified four-year period of service in which the participant agrees to teach students classified with a disability in a public school in the State following the participant's completion of a master's degree in special education or receipt of the teacher of students with disabilities endorsement to the instructional certificate. The agreement is to specify the program participant's dates of required service and the total amount of reimbursement of eligible tuition expenses to be received by the participant in return for service. The bill directs the executive director of the authority to determine the maximum annual amount of tuition reimbursement that may be provided to a program participant. The total tuition reimbursement amount for a program participant may not exceed 100 percent of the participant's eligible tuition expenses. The bill requires an applicant to: · be a resident of New Jersey;· hold a valid instructional certificate issued by the State Board of Examiners; · be enrolled in, or plan to enroll in, a master's degree program in special education or graduate-level coursework that leads to New Jersey Department of Education certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities within an elementary or secondary school setting; and· agree to be employed as a special education teacher at a public school in New Jersey for four full school years in return for the tuition reimbursement provided under the program. Under the bill, a program participant, as a condition of participation, is required to adhere to performance standards established by the authority.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the New Jersey Tuition Reimbursement Program for Special Education Teachers through the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, designed to address the shortage of special education teachers by offering financial incentives. The program provides tuition reimbursement to New Jersey residents who are currently or will be certified teachers pursuing a master's degree in special education or certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities. Participants must commit to teaching students with disabilities in New Jersey public schools for four full school years after completing their degree, with the authority offering up to 100 percent reimbursement of eligible tuition expenses that are not already covered by grants or scholarships. To remain eligible, participants must maintain New Jersey residency, keep a valid teaching certificate, stay current on student loans, perform satisfactorily as a special education teacher, and report their service to the authority. If a participant fails to complete the four-year teaching commitment or meet established performance standards, they will be required to repay the full amount of tuition reimbursement as a debt to the state. The bill aims to incentivize and support teachers in pursuing specialized training to better serve students with disabilities while addressing workforce needs in special education.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 12/12/2024)

bill text

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5087
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5087_I1.HTM
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