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NJ S3081

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Benjie Wimberly

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026-2027 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates a Department of Education program to help school districts develop "grow-your-own" teacher programs that train and hire current district employees (not already certified as teachers) to become teachers of students with disabilities
  • Requires districts applying for support to demonstrate their shortage of special education teachers, commit district funds toward employee certification costs (tuition, fees, educator preparation programs), and provide training, mentoring, and workplace flexibilities
  • Mandates DOE prioritize districts with the greatest shortage of teachers of students with disabilities when allocating support
  • Requires DOE to approve applications from at least one school district in each of New Jersey's northern, central, and southern regions, seeking geographic and demographic diversity across urban, suburban, and rural areas
  • Does not alter existing state certification requirements for teachers of students with disabilities

Legislative Description

Establishes program in DOE to support school districts in developing grow-your-own programs for hiring of teachers of students with disabilities.

Education

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee

1/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Education1/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available