b'to showcase their talents and produce a positive impactGiven the criticality of our teacher shortage, which is in the lives of our youth, said Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O.,projected to intensify in the coming years, this bill presents Commissioner of The Department of Military and Veteransan opportunity to leverage the skills and experience of our Affairs and The Adjutant General of New Jersey. By providingqualified veteran workforce by expediting their transition into education, certification, and employment opportunities forteaching roles, said Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, a former our Veterans, this program helps them contribute from theirSergeant in the U.S. Marines. This legislation will streamline previous experiences and virtues of service, honor, teamworkthe path to teacher preparation, certification, and employment, and dedication to all the communities in need of educatorsenabling our veterans to extend their service commitment and the State of New Jersey. and continue to shape our future by educating the children As a proud veteran and former educator, I celebrate thethey once risked their lives to protect.VETeach pilot program which will empower veterans toThank you, Governor Murphy, for your continued commitment embark on teaching careers across New Jersey. This initiativeto our nations heroes. By signing S2764 into law, you not not only honors our service members but enriches ouronly support veterans in obtaining higher education and education system and helps our students. I thank Governoremployment but also have the potential to enhance diversityMurphy and our tremendous legislative team of Senatorin the teaching profession. Its a positive step towards Nellie Pou and Assemblymembers Benjie Wimberly andaddressing critical needs in education and supporting those Shavonda Sumter for helping make this program possible.who have served our country. Once again, the Garden State Its a great day for our students, our veterans, and our state,leads the way in welcoming home veterans, as we not only said U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. plant the seed but ensure continued growth for veterans, A major priority for me on the federal level is creating newsaid Luddie H. Austin, Legislative Director at the Department economic opportunities for New Jersey families, and for ourof NJ VFW. Jnations veterans. The transition from active duty to civilian life can be difficult. But expanding access to job trainingGovernor Philip D. Murphyprograms for service members can make a real difference inGovernor of New Jersey since 2018,their lives long-term. It is wonderful to see New Jersey takingPhilip D. Murphy, took the oath of officeaction on the state level to not only help our veterans butfor a second term as New Jerseysalso strengthen our education workforce and improve ourContract # 6189C Sacared Heartalready leading public school system, said Navy veteran and56th governor on January 18, 2022. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. 2024 Military Appreciation Resource Magazine - JBMLThe legislation was sponsored by Senators Troy Singleton and James Beach, former Assemblyman Dan Benson, and Assemblymembers Shama Haider and Raj Mukherji.As New Jersey and the rest of the country continue to face educator shortages, we must look for innovative ways to broaden our alternative route options, said Senator Troy Singleton. Many veterans can bring a unique perspective to the classroom. This legislation will not only address the teacher shortage, but will benefit students and the veteran community alike.Veterans often struggle to find their footing when they return from service and this program will provide them with a concrete pathway to a meaningful career, said Senator James Beach. I look forward to seeing the impact it has on both our veterans and our students who have the privilege of learning from them.This bill not only helps our schools fill vacancies with quality talent but ensures a smooth transition for our veterans into civilian life, said former Assemblyman Dan Benson. Encouraging veterans to enroll helps us ensure that our students get even more opportunities to learn about diverse experiences and backgrounds present in our society.The pilot program and competitive bidding process demonstrates our commitment to helping veterans receive the best education possible so they can excel in their role as teachers, said Assemblywoman Shama Haider. These are men and women who have already dedicated their time to better the future of our country and now they are bringing that dedication to our children, helping shape a better future for them.Thank You For Your Service Military Appreciation Resource Magazine 19'