With little fanfare and in the face of strong educator opposition, the New Mexico Public Education Department has repealed a rule designed to foster leadership opportunities for teachers while keeping them in the classroom, a program widely praised for its impact on professional development and teacher retention.
The written repeal of Rule 6.65.4, dated Sept. 9, came during a brief period when the state had no secretary of education. Arsenio Romero resigned on Aug. 28, and Mariana Padilla was named as his successor on Sept. 10.
The repeal order was signed by Candice Castillo, deputy cabinet secretary.
“The department notes that the program is still supported by PED guidance, and PED remains committed to maintaining the Teacher Leader Network and Advisory Committee and the Teacher Liaison programs,” a PED document announcing the decision says.
The rule was introduced by PED in 2018.
A public hearing on the proposed repeal held on August 20 at the Jerry Apodaca Education Building in Santa Fe, attracted significant attention, with more than 200 educators voicing their opposition to the repeal.
Rachael Sewards, Founder and Head of School at Solare Collegiate Charter School, described the potential repeal as a “strong negative message” to the education sector. “Removing teacher leadership from rule communicates that PED doesn’t believe there’s a seat for teacher leaders at decision-making tables, nor does it see value in building up our field with young and aspiring leaders.” Sewards wrote.
Sewards, along with many other educators, credited the Teacher Leader Development Framework with having a profound impact on her career. Her journey from participating in the inaugural Teacher Leader Network to founding her own school is a testament to the program’s influence, she said.
During the public comment period leading up to the hearing, the NMPED received a flood of responses, totaling 80 pages of complaints, from educators who said they have benefited from the program.
Joe Lovato, a teacher involved in PED’s past leadership initiatives, expressed his concerns: “The repeal of these programs will be viewed by us as educators as the devaluing of our input and leadership potential,” Lovato stated in his written comments.
Kelly Pearce, a former teacher ambassador, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the personal and professional growth she experienced thanks to the program. Now working in a national education role, Pearce said she is concerned about the message the repeal sends to future educators.
Some educators went beyond opposing the repeal, offering suggestions to modernize the framework to better align with current educational goals. These suggestions include focusing on literacy, supporting students impacted by the Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit, and ensuring consistent and relevant data collection.
As of now, the PED has not provided detailed reasons for the repeal. However, officials have hinted that certain elements of the Teacher Leader Development Framework may continue in some form on the department’s website, though they will no longer be codified in state rules.
With the hearing concluded, the decision now lies with the Public Education Department, which is now without a Secretary. Educators across New Mexico are left in suspense, hoping their voices have been heard and that the state will reconsider the repeal.
