NJ S4678

Expands New Jersey's STEM teacher grant program to include retired public school teachers receiving Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund benefits and current county college faculty members who participate in collective bargaining agreements.

Eligible retired teachers and county college faculty may teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or computer science classes at nonpublic schools and receive compensation equal to the statewide average teacher salary calculated on a per-hour basis multiplied by 1.25.

Requires the Commissioner of Education to award grants to nonprofit organizations to administer the program for retired teachers and county college faculty, with the nonprofits reviewing applications and distributing funds.

Exempts retired teachers participating in the program from pension cancellation and reenrollment provisions, provided the retirement was bona fide and not prearranged, and they wait at least 180 days after retiring from their original employer.

Takes effect July 1, 2026, with funding priority given to currently employed teachers before retired teachers and county college faculty members.