MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL PROFESSIONAL WORK HOURS

HB 238 allows New Mexico middle and high school teachers to use up to 60 instructional hours per school year for professional development and collaboration during the regular school day. It specifically authorizes time for activities like educator training, parent-teacher conferences, and mentorship between staff, all aligned with academic standards. The bill amends existing school year requirements to explicitly permit this dedicated professional time without reducing core instructional hours. It directly affects teachers and school staff in public middle and high schools, not students. The bill was postponed indefinitely in the Senate on June 3, 2025.