Department reports early positive retention and diversity gains from limited certificate pilot

Assistant Commissioner Ambrose Duckett and Executive Director Paula Bloom presented an informational report on Feb. 25 summarizing the limited Certificate of Eligibility (CE) and Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) pilot program.

The five-year pilot, enacted with a July 1, 2022 start date, allows eligible candidates to obtain a limited CE or CEAS by waiving a single certification requirement in specified circumstances. Presenters said top endorsement areas among limited-certificate holders include elementary (K–6), preschool–grade 3, students with disabilities, English as a second language and Spanish. They reported that limited-certificate holders are, overall, more racially diverse than the current New Jersey teacher workforce and that many are teaching in shortage areas.

Survey data from 2022–23 (80 responding districts) were presented: 84% indicated they would hire more limited-certificate holders, 78% of those hired stayed in position through 2022–23, and districts indicated an 88% intended return for 2023–24. Presenters cautioned that student achievement data tied to limited-certificate teachers are currently suppressed because the number of such teachers is small and could identify students; the department said it expects to report outcomes once sample sizes permit aggregation.

Presenters also noted that a 2024 statutory change eliminating the Praxis Core as a certification requirement changed the pilot’s mechanics: with Praxis Core removed, some candidates no longer need the limited-waiver route to initial certification, though other waiver options remain relevant.

Board members praised the retention figures and asked for follow-up data; the department said it will supply more detailed certificate-issuance breakdowns on request and continue monitoring outcomes.