-Jennie Lamon, Assistant Director of Government Relations
The New Jersey State Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 8th. The session began on a celebratory note as Gillian Ober, an ESL teacher from Freehold Borough, was named the 2025–26 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year. This marks the 56th year the state has honored an educator with this distinction. Former State Teachers of the Year, dating back to 1999, were in the audience for the presentation, adding to the excitement and pride of the occasion.
The chapter on Standards and Assessments, originally scheduled to expire on May 3, 2025, was extended by 180 days to October 30, 2025. As part of the readoption process, the New Jersey Department of Education proposed amendments to streamline and clarify rules, procedures, and operations. These updates also modernize terminology and align the code with provisions across Title 6A of the New Jersey Administrative Code and Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
During their presentation to the State Board, the Department proposed amendments to:
- Align the code with federal and state laws and regulations;
- Modernize and simplify terminology;
- Ensure instruction meets student needs;
- Prepare students for the modern workplace; and
- Support continuous improvement.
Public comment on the proposal was predominantly supportive. Many commenters expressed appreciation for the Department’s efforts to make high-quality curriculum more accessible for all learners—particularly through improving access to advanced coursework, expanding postsecondary preparation opportunities, promoting information literacy and media education, and preserving multiple graduation pathways (such as portfolios and substitute competency assessments).
Between second discussion and formal proposal, the Department removed certain provisions based on public feedback—for example, proposed changes to graduation credits available for ESL coursework taught by specific instructors.
Some public comments prompted non-substantive clarifications, such as:
- Requests for additional guidance and outreach—especially regarding certification exceptions for independent student learning opportunities;
- Grammar and syntax revisions to improve clarity; and
- Updates to include references to recently adopted laws.
While the NJDOE is not proposing any substantive changes at adoption, the following clarifying revisions have been made:
- Exceptions to certification rules for individualized student learning opportunities;
- Clarification of certification rules applying to individualized, CTE, work-based, and dual-enrollment programs;
- Standardization of grammar, syntax, and typographical errors; and
- Capitalization of formal course titles such as “Advanced Placement.”
Certification of School Districts
The Board also approved certifications under the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC).
- Forty-four districts achieved scores of 80% or higher in all five NJQSAC areas and were approved for certification for a three-year period.
- Forty-one districts scored below 80% in one or more areas and will develop or continue implementing a District Improvement Plan (DIP) to address identified indicators. Following implementation of each approved DIP, the executive county superintendent will conduct an interim progress review six months after the approval date.
For further information about the 85 districts that underwent QSAC review, view Appendix A.
State Board of Examiners and Certification
A petition for rulemaking was submitted on May 5, 2025, by Rosemary Catton, R.N., Executive Director of the New Jersey State School Nurses Association. The petition requested amendments to N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-7.5 and 14.3 to allow holders of a multistate registered professional nurse license, issued by a participating state under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), to qualify for a New Jersey substitute school nurse/non-instructional credential or an educational services certificate with a school nurse endorsement.
New Jersey joined the NLC on November 15, 2021, allowing nurses licensed in other participating states to practice in New Jersey without obtaining an additional license.
After consultation with the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA)—which oversees the New Jersey Board of Nursing—the State Board of Examiners granted the petition in September 2025. The adopted amendments include both the petitioner’s requested changes and related updates to N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-14.4, clarifying requirements for school nurse certification.
The Department of Education presented to the State Board, explaining their rationale for granting the petition.
No public testimony was held following the October meeting, as Board members participated in professional training. The next “Open Topic” public testimony session is scheduled for January 7th, at which time members of the public may provide testimony to the State Board on any educational topic of their choice.
For additional details and resources, visit the NJDOE website.