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Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Jan. 8 to establish the VETeach Pilot Program – a four-year initiative within the Department of Education aimed at facilitating the teacher certification of veterans, while also addressing the state’s educator shortage and ensuring a high-quality workforce.

Under Senate Bill 2764/Assembly Bill 4361, up to four public universities will be selected to enroll United States Armed Forces veterans who served on or after Sept. 11, 2001, in a new 36-month teacher preparation program.

The measure was sponsored by Sens. Troy Singleton, D-7th District, and James Beach, D-6th District, as well as former Assemblyman Dan Benson, D-14th District, and Assemblymembers Shama Haider, D-37th District, and Raj Mukherji, D-33rd District.

“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 in a press release. “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 veteran’s community.”

Acting Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan said that the pilot recognizes the unique contributions of veterans, in addition to harnessing their skills to address the ongoing need for passionate and dedicated educators.

“Our veterans bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and resilience acquired through military service,” Allen-McMillan said. “This program underscores the commitment to supporting our veterans while simultaneously strengthening our education system with the diverse talents they bring to the classroom.”

Commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Adjunct General of New Jersey Brig. Gen. Lisa Hou described the VETeach’s establishment  as 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 Hou. “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.”

“It’s a positive step toward addressing critical needs in education and supporting those who have served our country,” said Luddie Austin, legislative director at the Department of New Jersey VFW. “Once again, the Garden State leads the way in welcoming home veterans, as we not only plant the seed but ensure continued growth for veterans.”

Honoring our vets

In November 2023, NJBIZ honored the recipients of the inaugural Veterans in Business awards. Click here to read more about the honorees.