Signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases the minimum salaries for each tier of teachers by $ 5,000 in New Mexico.

Highlights:

• Increases the minimum salaries for licensed school personnel by July 1, 2025 (Secs. 2–4): 

• Level 1 teachers' salaries must be at least $55,000 annually;

• Level 2 teachers' salaries must be at least $65,000 annually;

• Level 3-A teachers’ salary must be at least $75,000 annually; and

• School counselors must receive the minimum salary corresponding to their own license level.

• Defines the "science of reading" as an interdisciplinary body of scientifically based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing (Sec. 1(A)).

• Requires educator preparation programs to include instruction in the science of reading and structured literacy from evidence-based practices to teach literacy skills (Sec. 1(B)).

• Authorizes elementary school teacher candidates seeking licensure to complete at least 100 hours of supervised and structured literacy instruction in public classrooms (Sec. 1(C)).

• Requires the Public Education Department to monitor the program’s compliance, enforce plans, and potentially revoke program approval if not complying with the provisions of this section (Sec. 1(E)).

• Requires annual reporting on program outcomes and the effectiveness of reading instruction training (Sec. 1(J)).

Full Bill Text