New Career Pathway in Education for NJ Veterans

On Jan 9, 2024

Gov. Phil Murphy yesterday signed S2764/A4361 to establish a four-year “VETeach Pilot Program” within the Department of Education which aims to facilitate the teacher certification of veterans to address the high rate of unemployment amongst veterans while ensuring a high-quality teacher workforce. Under the bill, up to four public universities will be selected to enroll veterans of the United States Armed Forces who served on or after Sept. 11, 2001 in a 36-month teacher preparation program.

“The legislation I am signing today will not only create a new avenue to gainful employment for the men and women who have made great sacrifices in service to our country and our state, but it will also promote the recruitment of teachers into New Jersey’s public schools,” said Murphy. “By encouraging veterans to enter the teacher workforce and supporting them through the certification process, we can enhance the learning experience of our students by staffing our classrooms with qualified educators from our state’s veterans community.”

“Our veterans bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and resilience acquired through military service,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education. “The VETeach Pilot Program not only recognizes the unique contributions of veterans, but also harnesses their skills to address the ongoing need for passionate and dedicated educators. This program underscores the commitment to supporting our veterans while simultaneously strengthening our education system with the diverse talents they bring to the classroom.”

“The establishment of the VETeach Pilot Program is a win for all of New Jersey. This initiative provides an incentive for our Veterans to answer the call by giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents and produce a positive impact in the lives of our youth,” said Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., Commissioner of The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and The Adjutant General of New Jersey. “By providing education, certification, and employment opportunities for our Veterans, this program helps them contribute from their previous experiences and virtues of service, honor, teamwork and dedication to all the communities in need of educators and the State of New Jersey.”

“As a proud veteran and former educator, I celebrate the VETeach pilot program which will empower veterans to embark on teaching careers across New Jersey. This initiative not only honors our service members but enriches our education system and helps our students. I thank Governor Murphy and our tremendous legislative team of Senator Nellie Pou and Assemblymembers Benjie Wimberly and Shavonda Sumter for helping make this program possible. It’s a great day for our students, our veterans, and our state,” said U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr.

“A major priority for me on the federal level is creating new economic opportunities for New Jersey families, and for our nation’s veterans. The transition from active duty to civilian life can be difficult. But expanding access to job training programs for service members can make a real difference in their lives long-term. It is wonderful to see New Jersey taking action on the state level to not only help our veterans but also strengthen our education workforce and improve our already leading public school system,” said Navy veteran and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill.

The legislation was sponsored by Senators Troy Singleton and James Beach, former Assemblyman Dan Benson, and Assemblymembers Shama Haider and Raj Mukherji.

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