SENATE BILL 345

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

Natalie Figueroa

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO SCHOOL PERSONNEL; ALLOWING THE USE OF A TEACHER PORTFOLIO FOR LEVEL ONE LICENSURE; ALLOWING RECIPROCITY FOR LEVELS TWO AND THREE NEW MEXICO LICENSURE FOR INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDERS WHO ARE LICENSED IN OTHER STATES.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 22-10A-7 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2003, Chapter 153, Section 38, as amended) is amended to read:

     "22-10A-7. LEVEL ONE LICENSURE.--

          A. A level one license is a provisional five-year license for beginning teachers that requires as a condition of licensure that the licensee undergo a formal mentorship program for at least one full school year and an annual intensive performance evaluation by a school administrator for at least three full school years before applying for a level two license.

          B. Each school district, in accordance with department rules, shall provide for the mentorship and evaluation of level one teachers. At the end of each year and at the end of the license period, the level one teacher shall be evaluated for competency. If the teacher fails to demonstrate satisfactory progress and competence annually, the teacher may be terminated as provided in Section 22-10A-24 NMSA 1978. If the teacher has not demonstrated satisfactory progress and competence by the end of the five-year period, the teacher shall not be granted a level two license.

          C. Except in exigent circumstances defined by department rule, a level one license shall not be extended beyond the initial period.

          D. The department shall issue a standard level one license to an applicant who is at least eighteen years of age who:

                (1) holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution;

                (2) has successfully completed a department-approved teacher preparation program from a nationally accredited or state-approved educational institution;

                (3) has passed the New Mexico teacher assessments [examination] or the New Mexico teacher portfolio, including for elementary licensure beginning January 1, 2013, a rigorous assessment of the candidate's knowledge of the science of teaching reading; and

                (4) meets other qualifications for level one licensure, including clearance of the required background check.

          E. The department shall issue a standard level one vocational license to an applicant who meets the requirements of Subsection D of this section or to an applicant who is at least twenty-three years of age and who:

                (1) has five or more years of professional experience in the vocational field in which the applicant will teach; and

                (2) meets other qualifications for level one licensure, including clearance of a background check pursuant to Section 22-10A-5 NMSA 1978.

          F. The department shall issue an alternative level one license to an applicant who meets the requirements of Section 22-10A-8 NMSA 1978.

          G. The department shall establish competencies and qualifications for specific grade levels, types and subject areas of level one licensure, including early childhood, elementary, middle school, secondary, special and vocational education.

          H. The minimum salary for a level one teacher, except for a teacher licensed pursuant to Subsection E of this section, is fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for a standard nine and one-half month contract; provided that teachers in an extended learning time program or K-5 plus program shall receive additional salary at the same rate as their base salary for that teaching time.

          I. After the issuance of a license, a license holder shall not be required to meet changed requirements to maintain the license until such time as the license expires and the license holder seeks renewal of the license."

     SECTION 2. Section 22-10A-12 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2003, Chapter 153, Section 43, as amended) is amended to read:

     "22-10A-12. LIMITED RECIPROCITY.--

          A. A teacher or school principal licensed in another state may be granted a level two or level three license if the teacher or school principal has teaching experience, demonstrates the required competencies and meets other requirements and qualifications for the license for which the teacher or school principal applies, including clearance of the required background check. The local superintendent may require a mentorship period for the licensee if the superintendent deems it necessary. A teacher or school principal who holds an out-of-state license may apply for a lower level license if the teacher or school principal does not meet the requirements for the higher level.

          B. The department may grant a level three-B license to a candidate who does not meet the other requirements and qualifications of that license if the candidate has a school administrator license issued in another state and has worked as a school administrator in good standing for at least six years.

          C. An instructional support provider licensed in another state may be granted a level two or level three license if the instructional support provider has professional experience, holds a professional license in addition to a school license, if applicable, and demonstrates the required competencies and meets other requirements and qualifications for the license sought, including clearance of the required background check. A local superintendent may require a mentorship period for the licensee if the local superintendent deems it necessary. An instructional support provider who holds an out-of-state school license may apply for a lower level license if the instructional support provider does not meet the requirements and qualifications for the higher level."

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