Bill
Bill > A2564
NJ A2564
NJ A2564Requires certain candidates for teaching certifications to complete youth mental health education course or online module.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill stipulates that beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, all candidates for teaching certification who have completed an educator preparation program at a Commissioner of Education approved educator preparation program provider are to have satisfactorily completed a course or training on youth mental health education. The bill requires all commissioner-approved educator preparation programs to review and update their educator preparation programs to implement the requirements of the bill and submit the revisions to the Department of Education for approval. The bill also requires the department to develop an online module on issues in youth mental health education. The module is to include practical components such as case studies and simulations. The module is also to include information on: (1) the dangers of youth mental health challenges; (2) methods to create safe haven classrooms; and (3) cultural competence and diversity considerations in youth mental health education. Additionally, the bill requires the State Board of Education to require a candidate holding a valid teaching certificate issued by another state, or a candidate that possesses a certificate of eligibility, to complete the online module on youth mental health education developed by the department within one year of the effective date of this act. Finally, the bill stipulates that a candidate that has completed a comparable mental health education course or training within the last five years preceding the effective date of the bill may request an exemption on a form and in a manner determined by the commissioner.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that starting in the 2027-2028 school year, all individuals seeking a teaching certification who have completed an approved educator preparation program must also complete a course or training on youth mental health education. These approved programs will need to update their curricula to meet this requirement and submit the changes for approval by the Department of Education. The department will also create an online module covering youth mental health issues, including practical elements like case studies and simulations, and information on the risks of mental health challenges in young people, creating safe classroom environments, and considering cultural diversity. Additionally, candidates with teaching certificates from other states or those holding a "certificate of eligibility" (a lifetime teaching certificate for those meeting degree and academic requirements) will be required to complete this online module within one year of the bill's enactment. However, individuals who have completed a similar mental health education course or training within the past five years may apply for an exemption.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A2564 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2564_I1.HTM |
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