NJ eyes cultural training for teachers in faculty diversity push
TRENTON State lawmakers are looking at a package of bills designed to enhance diversity among New Jersey’s teachers and in its classrooms, including two hours of instruction for teachers every two years on cultural competency.
Sen. Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, the purpose of the package of bills is to encourage new people to enter the teaching field and make sure all school districts can better reflect New Jersey’s demographics. She said 1 in 163,000 students in the state never have a minority teacher in their whole time in school.
“I just want people to be very clear: We are not lowering standards here. We are removing obstacles,” Ruiz said.