Education

SB 29 increases mathematics requirements for teachers seeking New Mexico teaching licenses or math endorsements. It mandates nine semester hours of college-level math (up from six) for all teaching licenses and requires six hours of specialized math teaching courses for those seeking a math endorsement, effective July 2027. The bill also establishes a Mathematics and Science Bureau to implement new frameworks, including mandatory math screening assessments for students and district-level math professional learning plans. These changes directly affect educators pursuing initial licensure or math endorsements, aiming to strengthen math instruction through standardized teacher preparation and school-level support systems.

SB 37, the High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act, requires New Mexico public schools to use research-backed reading methods for students in kindergarten through third grade. It mandates annual literacy assessments for these students and provides interventions for those struggling with reading, while requiring schools to use approved instructional materials that align with evidence-based practices. The bill also sets new standards for teacher preparation programs, including 100+ hours of supervised field experience in structured literacy methods and training to identify reading difficulties. These changes directly affect K-3 students, public schools, literacy coaches, and teacher training programs across New Mexico.

HB 34 updates New Mexico's school nurse licensure rules to clarify that charter schools must follow the same requirements as public school districts. It establishes three license levels: Level One (a 3-year provisional license requiring mentorship and annual evaluations for new nurses without 3+ years of experience), Level Two (a 9-year license for nurses who complete Level One or have 3+ years of experience), and Level Three (a 9-year license requiring advanced education and leadership skills). The bill sets minimum salaries for each level equal to corresponding teacher salary grades and mandates annual competency reviews by school districts or charter schools. These changes apply to all school nurses employed in New Mexico public and charter schools starting July 1, 2026.