With little fanfare and in the face of strong educator opposition, the New Mexico Public Education Department has repealed a rule designed to foster leadership opportunities for teachers while keeping them in the classroom, a program widely praised for its impact on professional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.
Looking to refresh your workspace with a fun and inspiring teacher desk setup? Whether you’re in a classroom or teaching from home, your desk can be a creative hub that fuels productivity and positivity. From colorful organizers to cozy lighting, the right setup can transform your space into one that sparks joy.
Check out these inspiring desk ideas to give your teaching environment a fresh new vibe!
Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]
Every teacher who utilizes YouTube to show video clips for academic instruction needs to know some quick keyboard shortcuts to maximize their time and keep students engaged. Recently I posted this tweet to my Facebook page and teachers were asking to learn more shortcuts:
Therefore, I whipped up a quick reference sheet that covers 10 YouTube keyboard shortcuts every teacher needs to know. Many more exist but these 10 shortcuts are typically the most used in the classroom. I have included a mini version as well as a 8.5×11 printout. Now YOU can impress your students 😉.
“To find out what one is fitted to do, and to secure an opportunity to do it, is the key to happiness.” ― John Dewey
it is especially important this years to say… Happy 2022 Teacher Appreciation Week! The amazing work that teachers have been doing at meeting student needs has really been apparent during this past year. Keep in mind that educators have been doing this all along! As I extend my best wishes to all educators I wish to share with you one of my favorite annual postings. I hope you find this reflection, one that you will continue to enjoy and share with others! Also, please take a moment to subscribe to this blog by RSS or email and join me on twitter at mjgormans . I have some great posts coming your way involving PBL, STEM, tech integration. Most of all, thanks for being one of those over 30,000 visitors a month and over 14,000 subscribers. I would appreciate it if you pass this special post on to others through email , your blog, school newsletter, or a retweet! Help me honor all of those amazing educators!
OK, so it’s true! I have spent over 43 years in education because I cannot do anything else! Today, I travel around the country providing professional development involving all sorts of exciting educational possibilities. In those school districts I do my best to provide learning experiences for students and educators just as I have always done in the classroom. The idea of not being able to do anything else actually is something I have learned in the last ten years, something I did not know when I presented my very first classroom lesson! I actually began my undergraduate career in the College of Business with an eye on marketing. In the early stages of my teaching career, I became licensed to sell securities with the idea of becoming rich! Little did I know that because I could only teach, I would find richness beyond monetary wealth! I dedicate this list of reasons to all of those great educators who teach because they cannot do anything else! Again, please retweet and share with all of our colleagues that really can’t do anything else! I would really appreciate you taking the time to share! Most of all enjoy the week and know that you are appreciated! – Mike Gorman
“To find out what one is fitted to do, and to secure an opportunity to do it, is the key to happiness.” ― John Dewey
The List
I can’t be a banker or work in the financial business because while I might enjoy counting money and financial growth, I would rather count and measure the success of my students.
I can’t be a doctor or dentist because while I enjoy seeing people smile as they leave and are healed, I get even more satisfaction if I see a smile when they first sit down.
I can’t be a professional athlete because while I do enjoy competition, I get even more satisfaction coaching young people to play each game with honor, integrity, and respect.
I can’t be a computer programmer because while creating new digital applications is exciting, finding ways to integrate technology to inspire real learning is rewarding.
I can’t work in agriculture or landscaping because while supplying food and natural beauty is appreciated by all, I enjoy planting seeds of life-long learning knowing that it will nourish one’s life.
I can’t work as a cook or chef because while I appreciate the art in a great meal, I enjoy even more finding just the right ingredients that allow for a child’s success.
I can’t work in sales or marketing because even though I have learned from their great people skills, I would rather sell students on their abilities and possibilities.
I can’t be a pilot even though I appreciate them as I travel to new places, as I would rather facilitate young people as they climb in altitude and arrive at new destinations.
I can’t be an artist despite my appreciation for the beauty they bring, as I have found that my art is the ability to inspire and nurture children as they discover their innate abilities.
I can’t be a scientist or inventor because, while I am aware of the great advances they bring, I wish to create innovative learning experiences that always end in success.
I could go on and on! As you can see, I really do appreciate all of the other professions and realize there are so many I can’t do. After all, as teachers, we really are preparing students for what they will do best in the world. Possibly in the future, those we teach will not be able to do anything else, because we have assisted them in becoming the very best at what they do! As I continue my journey I have expanded my teaching horizon and understand that a genuine educator, whether being a teacher, administrator, or educational leader, continue to teach and inspire others because they really can’t do anything else.
Historical Look – Both Political and Educational leaders started discussions for a day to honor our teachers in 1944. Finally in 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim National Teachers’ Day. Remember this is a day to not just recognize teachers of today… but all of those teachers that made such an impact in all of our educations.
Quick Notes – Opportunities and resources you may want to be aware of for Teacher Appreciation Week.Teacher Appreciation Week is May 2 – 6, 2022… the actual day is Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Let a teacher know… or if you are a teacher… how about a colleague or past teacher you had!
PTO Teacher Appreciation Resources – Popular ideas, pintables, clip art, and planning tools to help you celebrate your teachers in May (and all throughout the year).
Waterford.org – 50 ways to help celebrate teacher appreciation week.
National PTA – During Teacher Appreciation Month, we will honor them for going beyond the call of duty to make a positive impact on our children’s learning and development.
Donors Choose – Check out these donation possibilities that will help teachers as they help students.
Booking Info – Look for contact information at the Booking Site. I have a distance learning workshop and session entitled “STEM is a Verb”. In fact… the Workshop is also a Verb! I also have a new 1 hour workshop “Preparing for PBL”. It really promotes that 4C Classroom. Perhaps you wish to investigate PBL in the eLearning and Blended Classroom. These can also be built into a 1/2 day or full day session and are very interactive! Schools have loved it! Talk with me about your winter, spring and summer… or even fall planning for 2022. You can also contact me at [email protected].
A big shout out to all educators on a very special week! Thanks for joining me on another journey dedicated to learning in the 21st Century! As always I invite you to follow me on Twitter (@mjgormans), I will return the favor and we can teach each other! I also encourage you to sign up for this blog by email or RSS. I invite you to share this posts with others through email or a retweet! Thanks for your visit and know that I will keep sharing, teaching, and facilitating all learners, after all, I can’t do anything else! – Michael Gorman (21centuryedtech)
I will be taking an extended break from the blog. My current workload and new responsibilities as a father have left me with not enough time to devote to the site. I hope things balance back out in the future, but currently, I will be on break from the site until further notice.
In the meantime, our good friends over at edCircuit will be taking over the site and sharing some excellent posts and resources each week! So even though I’ll be on break, we will still be sharing new material on a regular basis.
Genial.ly is a presentation creation platform that offers a wide range of possibilities for what teachers and students can create. From excellent templates to interactive visuals, there are some really fun and exciting ways to easily create visuals of all kinds. Plus, it’s a freemium resource, so teachers and students can get started creating completely for free. Continue reading on our Review’s Page.
When someone asks what time it is, that person wants to know the time, not the history of the clock, not how a clock works, and not what other types of clocks there are. Classroom teachers want to help their students improve their academic learning through technology. Sometimes they need help with technology so they go to a technology integration teacher. Any technology integration teacher should offer direct instruction in exactly what the teacher wants. A friend of mine just came back from a one-on-one training session on a management system. He felt lost since the technology integration person showed all the possibilities and my friend became very confused as to what to actually do. My friend felt like the technology integration teacher was boasting about all she knew about the program. My friend did not come away knowing how to use the program. He did not have what he needed for his class. He did not know the time.
How do you, technology integration teachers, instruct teachers in exactly what they need in a simple manner so that they can spend their time on helping students learn their subject area instead of their spending hours trying to figure out how to use a technology?
