This paper presents New Jersey's standards for the required professional development of teachers as follows: (1) enhances subject content knowledge; (2) improves understanding of learners' academic, social, emotional, and physical needs and ensures that educators utilize appropriate teaching skills to enable students to meet or exceed their potential; (3) reflects best available interpretations of relevant knowledge, including empirical research and consensus of professional opinion in teaching, learning, and leadership; (4) encourages educators to develop various classroom- based assessment skills; (5) provides for integrating new learning into the curriculum and classroom; (6) is based on knowledge of adult learning and development; (7) is periodically assessed to show its impact on teaching and/or learning; (8) results from coherent strategic planning that is supported by the district's governing body and all levels of the school system; (9) develops a school culture that fosters continuous improvement and challenges traditional roles and relationships among educators; (10) is supported by intellectual and financial commitment which enables the achievement of professional development plans; (11) is supported by sufficient time during working hours to encourage collegial consultation and learning and support professional development; and (12) empowers educators to work effectively with parent and community partners. These rules affect all active teaching staff members employed as of September 2000 whose positions require possession of the instructional or educational services licensed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6:11-6.10 and 11. (SM)