TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) have responded to the recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force on Public School Shortages by announcing a significant allocation of $5 million in the budget for an Educator Certification Fee Holiday. This initiative, effective immediately, aims to alleviate financial burdens and simplify the certification process for aspiring educators throughout the state of New Jersey.
The Teacher Certification Fee Holiday allows individuals pursuing certification to waive the customary fees associated with educator certification applications, renewals, and related services from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.
According to Governor Murphy, this fee holiday demonstrates New Jersey’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for educators, removing barriers to entry, and encouraging talented individuals to pursue careers in teaching. By eliminating financial obstacles, the state aims to attract a diverse pool of qualified, passionate, and dedicated individuals to the teaching profession, ensuring that New Jersey students receive a high-quality education.
Governor Murphy emphasized the importance of educators in shaping future generations, stating, “This initiative represents one component of my Administration’s broader efforts to grow our educational workforce.” In addition to the fee holiday, the state’s budget includes millions of dollars for student teacher living stipends, grants to improve educator quality of life, additional funding for the Teachers Loan Redemption Program, and other initiatives that aim to show appreciation for those who choose to dedicate their lives to nurturing New Jersey students. By waiving certification fees for the next year, the state aims to break down barriers and encourage aspiring educators to join the esteemed profession.
Acting Commissioner of Education, Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, expressed the NJDOE’s commitment to supporting educators and growing the profession. She acknowledged the financial challenges that aspiring educators may face and highlighted that eliminating certification fees sends a clear message about valuing their dedication and making the certification process more accessible. This initiative not only benefits individuals pursuing teaching careers but also creates opportunities for existing educators to seek additional endorsements, ultimately strengthening the state’s education system and attracting talented and committed educators to classrooms.
The Certification Fee Holiday is a limited-time opportunity available to all individuals seeking educator certification in the state of New Jersey. The holiday period begins on July 1, 2023, and extends through June 30, 2024. During this time, aspiring educators will be exempt from paying the typical fees associated with educator certification services, including application fees, renewal fees, and other related costs.
This initiative marks an important step in supporting and expanding the education workforce in New Jersey, making the teaching profession more accessible and attractive to individuals who are passionate about shaping the lives of students. By investing in educators, the state is investing in the future of its communities and ensuring that every student has access to high-quality education.