Starting January 1, 2024, aspiring teachers in New Jersey are no longer required to pass a basic skills test in reading, writing, and math. This change comes as a result of Act 1669, signed by Governor Phil Murphy in June 2024 and effective at the start of the new year. The legislation removes the need for prospective educators to take and pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test, previously a requirement for teacher certification in the state.
The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the state's teachers' union, had advocated for the removal of the test, citing it as an obstacle to teacher certification and contributing to the state's teacher shortage. This move aligns with efforts in other states to address similar shortages, with some states lowering certification requirements and even allowing individuals to teach before completing their college degrees.
While the basic skills test is no longer mandatory, candidates seeking teacher certification in New Jersey will still need to meet other criteria. These requirements include possessing a bachelor's degree, maintaining a minimum GPA, and completing the necessary coursework in their chosen field of education. Additionally, teachers may still be required to pass specialized tests related to their specific subject areas.
Image: Classroom setting (iStock)
Image: Classroom for young students (Getty Images)
