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 establishes the New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship Program in the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to reduce financial barriers to teacher certification. Under the bill, the program is to provide scholarships to students completing required clinical practice through a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing educator preparation program at an institution of higher education in the State. A student is eligible to receive a scholarship of up to $7,200 for each semester of full time clinical practice completed in a school in the State. To be eligible for a scholarship, an applicant is required to: be a resident of the State; be enrolled full-time in an approved program of study; and complete any steps required by the approved program of study to be eligible to apply for clinical practice. The bill requires the authority to establish an application process for the program. The authority, in coordination with the Department of Education, is permitted to establish additional eligibility requirements and minimum qualifications for the program. Additionally, the authority, in coordination with the department, is to annually collect data on the program.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship Program, administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (Authority), to help reduce financial burdens for individuals pursuing teacher certification. The program will provide scholarships of up to $7,200 per semester for full-time clinical practice, which is a required hands-on teaching experience, for students enrolled in approved educator preparation programs leading to a "certificate of eligibility with advanced standing," a type of teaching license. To qualify, applicants must be New Jersey residents, enrolled full-time in an approved program of study, and have completed the necessary steps to be eligible for clinical practice. The Authority, in conjunction with the Department of Education, will create an application process and may set additional eligibility criteria, potentially prioritizing students in high-demand subjects like math, science, or special education. The program aims to support aspiring teachers and will collect data annually to assess its effectiveness, with funding to be appropriated by the Legislature each year.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (9)
Mitchelle Drulis (D)*,
Chris Tully (D)*,
Linda Carter (D),
Craig Coughlin (D),
Yvonne Lopez (D),
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D),
Alex Sauickie (R),
Sterley Stanley (D),
Michael Venezia (D),
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/A3056 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3500/3056_I1.HTM |
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