18A:26-2.12 Program to issue subject area endorsements in certain areas.

2. a. In accordance with the provisions of subsection b. of this section, the Commissioner of Education shall establish a program to issue subject area endorsements in mathematics, in the sciences, or in any subject area in which there is a shortage of teachers in the State as determined by the United States Department of Education, to certificated teaching staff members authorized to work in New Jersey public schools who do not currently have a subject area endorsement in those fields. The purpose of the program shall be to reduce the shortage of teachers in mathematics, science, and other identified subject areas.

b. Under the program, and notwithstanding any provision of law or regulation to the contrary, the State Board of Examiners shall issue a subject area endorsement in mathematics, in the sciences, or in any subject area in which there is a teacher shortage in the State as determined by the United States Department of Education, as appropriate, upon successful completion of the program to a teaching staff member who:

(1) passes the appropriate State test of subject matter knowledge; and

(2) meets such other criteria as the commissioner shall set forth in regulation. The commissioner shall have the authority under the program to establish different criteria for completion of the program based on factors such as the subject area in which the individual intends to teach.

c. The program shall be subject to oversight by the commissioner, including routine reviews and the elimination of subject areas for which endorsements are available under the program. The elimination of a subject area shall be based on the classroom performance of the teachers who have received endorsements in the subject area under the program or the fact that the subject area no longer has a shortage of teachers.

L.2012, c.11, s.2.