On Oct. 11, 2023, the New Jersey Department of Education issued a broadcast memo regarding substitute requirements and service limits. The department noted that recently adopted regulations allow individuals to qualify for a substitute credential with 30 credits from an accredited college or university, rather than the previous 60-credit requirement.
The service limit rules apply to vacant positions or positions of teachers who are absent for extended leaves. Such positions may not be filled by one or more individuals beyond the time limits. Therefore, districts may not assign a series of different individuals to avoid exceeding the time limits.
In accordance with Title 18A and/or regulations at NJAC 6A:9B, the substitute service limits for various categories of certificate holders are as follows:
| Credentials | Initial Limit | Extended Limit, if applicable |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Substitute | 20 instructional days | 20 additional days upon approval by the executive county superintendent of a school district application demonstrating inability to hire an appropriately certified teacher |
| 2. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Substitute Credential | 20 instructional days | 20 additional days upon notification to the executive county superintendent |
| 3. Certificate of Eligibility (CE), Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) or Standard certification not in subject area of classroom where substitute is assigned | 20 instructional days | 20 additional days upon notification to the executive county superintendent |
| 4. *CE or CEAS certification in subject area of classroom where substitute is assigned | Notification to executive county superintendent if teacher exceeds 60 days in the same classroom. With an extension beyond 60 days, up to one academic year, the CE and CEAS substitute must: – Hold a provisional certificate; – Be enrolled in or have completed a mentoring program; and – CE holders must be enrolled in or have completed a CE educator preparation program. – The district must demonstrate that they were unable to hire an appropriately certified teacher for the vacant position and that they are seeking to fill the position in compliance with the local contract and in compliance with regulations. | |
| 5. *Standard certification in subject area where substitute is assigned | 60 instructional days | Notification to executive county superintendent if teacher exceeds 60 days in the same classroom. With an extension beyond 60 days, up to one academic year, the district must demonstrate that they were unable to hire an appropriately certified teacher for the vacant position and that they are seeking to fill the position in compliance with the local contract and in compliance with regulations. |
| 6. Administrative or Educational Services Certificates | 20 instructional days | N/A |
*An individual in a substitute assignment within the scope of their credentials who extends beyond 60 days shall be compensated consistent with the salary provided to a teacher with similar credentials in the employing district.
Keep in mind that CE and CEAS holders have a limited amount of time to complete the requirements for a standard certificate. Typically, the rules allow for a maximum of four years to complete mentoring, evaluation requirements, and coursework (for CE holders only). There are limited exceptions for just a few areas of certification which allow for six years. Time served in a substitute role may be used to meet these requirements.
The substitute rules and service limits also apply to paraprofessionals who are reassigned to a substitute role.
Local associations should consider the following actions to ensure that rules are followed:
- Monitor how long substitutes serve in the same classroom.
- If possible, find out what certificates substitute teachers hold.
- Remind district of their responsibility to enroll CE and CEAS substitutes described in Row 4 of the chart in the Provisional Teacher Process.
- Identify potential members.
- Engage with the community around these requirements to ensure compliance and delivery of high-quality instruction to students.
If you have questions about the rules and/or a district’s application of them, please reach out to your local association leadership who may access additional assistance from NJEA staff.