New Jersey Solves Teacher Shortage by Allowing Educators to Skip Basic Skills Test, Including Reading and Writing

Why would teachers need basic skills when they can teach emoji's and how to beat level 75 on candy crush.

Trenton, NJ — In a bold move to address the state's growing teacher shortage, New Jersey Democratic Governor Phil Murphy passed Act 1669 as part of the 2025 state budget in June. The law, which went into effect on January 1, 2025, eliminates the need for aspiring teachers to pass the Praxis Core Test, a basic skills test covering reading, writing, and math, traditionally required for an instructional certificate.

"Sometimes you have to think outside the box—like, way outside," said Democratic Sen. Jim Beach, who sponsored the bill, in a statement following the bill's passage. "This is the best way to get teachers into classrooms, and the fact that they’ll only need to know how to, you know, be in a classroom is a bonus."

The bill sailed through the state legislature in May 2024 with a sweeping 34-2 vote, signaling bipartisan approval for a move that some are calling "visionary" and others are calling "the only way to get anyone to teach at this point."

"Look, not everyone needs to know how to spell 'supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,'” Beach added, “but they do need to be able to spell 'homework' and 'lesson plan' just enough to get by. The kids will teach themselves—probably on their phones, anyway."

Proponents of the bill argue that removing the skills test requirements is a necessary step to addressing the severe teacher shortage that has plagued the state for years. With over 1,000 vacancies in public schools as of December 2024, they say the move will quickly bring in new teachers who will now have fewer hoops to jump through.

Critics, however, are raising concerns about the future of New Jersey's education system.

"Are we sure these teachers will be able to grade a paper, let alone teach math? I mean, can they even read their own notes?" said Patricia Caldwell, a retired educator from Princeton. "What’s next—requiring candidates to pass a ‘Google it’ certification?"

In response, proponents argue that New Jersey’s new approach is forward-thinking. "This law is about creating space for those who are passionate about teaching and don’t necessarily have time for standardized testing," said Deputy Secretary of Education Linda Moore. "For instance, some people may know more about TikTok than they do about algebra, but guess what? They know how to capture the attention of a room full of teenagers. That counts for something."

Local schools are already feeling the effects of the new law. Some districts are reporting an uptick in applicants—many of whom have little to no experience in education.

"I've never taught before, but I have 17 nephews and nieces, so I figured I could probably manage," said Karen Thompson, a new teacher at a local high school in Newark. "As long as I know how to find the ‘mute’ button on Zoom, I’m good to go."

While critics continue to question the long-term consequences of the legislation, Governor Murphy remains optimistic.

"Our kids are going to be fine," Murphy said in a press conference. "They're smart, resilient, and now, thanks to Act 1669, they’ll have teachers who know how to hold a Zoom meeting and have the enthusiasm to yell, ‘No, you can’t use your phone in class!’"

In a related story, state officials are reportedly considering the creation of a new teaching certificate called "The 'Teach Me How to Teach' Certificate," which would be awarded to anyone who can demonstrate an ability to "make a PowerPoint that doesn’t put everyone to sleep."