HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 37

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

Danice Picraux

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STUDY THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CAREER LADDER AND SALARY SCHEDULE FOR INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDERS.

     WHEREAS, nonteaching professional staff, also called instructional support providers, work in the public schools to provide for the physical, behavioral and emotional health of public school students; and

     WHEREAS, these instructional support providers include speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, nurses and counselors; and

     WHEREAS, these professionals can choose employment in a variety of settings other than public schools, such as hospitals, pediatric clinics, rehabilitation facilities, mental health centers and nursing homes; and

     WHEREAS, without a salary structure that recognizes the contributions that these professionals make in our public schools and to public school students, fewer of these professionals will find public school careers financially attractive;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the public education department be requested to study criteria that could be used to develop a three-tier career ladder and salary schedule like the one adopted for public school teachers; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of public education.

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