NMPED News:
…The Public Education Department has received 988 substitute teacher license applications since Jan. 19 compared to 89 substitute in 2021.
SANTA FE — New Mexico has experienced a dramatic increase in substitute teacher applications since launching an initiative to encourage National Guard members and state employees to fill in as substitute teachers and temporarily waiving licensure fees.
The innovative Supporting Teachers and Families (STAF) initiative announced Jan. 19 provides critical support for New Mexico’s schools and childcare facilities, keeping students in class in the face of staffing challenges caused by the pandemic. In addition, the Public Education Department waived all fees for educator licenses and background-checks through March to make it easier for any New Mexican to serve as a substitute teacher.
As a result, the Public Education Department has received 988 substitute teacher license applications and issued 473 new licenses since Jan. 19. By comparison, the department received 89 substitute applications in about the same period of 2021.
“I am so grateful to the many New Mexicans who have joined me in stepping up to assist our kids, families and educators during this difficult time,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “That said, we are clear that this is a temporary situation, and we are working with the Legislature to bolster our educators and school staff through increased pay and resources.”
The governor joined New Mexicans from around the state in volunteering as a substitute teacher last month, completing the licensing process and required training before serving in a Santa Fe elementary school classroom in January. She will return to the classroom later this month.
Public Education Secretary Kurt Steinhaus estimated Jan. 19 that New Mexico schools had an immediate need for 1,000 substitute teachers.
“When word got out about the tremendous need for substitute teachers to keep schools open for in-person learning, New Mexicans stepped up in droves,” Steinhaus said. “We are so proud of our state and so grateful for this support.”
Through the governor’s STAF initiative, state employees are granted administrative leave to serve as substitute teachers, and Guard members are placed on active duty. Neither group receives additional pay from districts or schools.
The Public Education Department has issued 207 substitute licenses to state employees and National Guard members in the last 20 days and 266 to other New Mexicans who also applied and who will be paid as substitute teachers. Hundreds more are being processed.
In mid-January, when Gov. Lujan Grisham implemented the STAF initiative, many schools were being forced to shift to online learning due to COVID infections and exposures among staff members – both of which require five days of isolation or quarantine. Shifts to remote learning disrupt both students and families, who often must miss work or arrange childcare on short notice.
All substitute teachers – including volunteers through the STAF program – must obtain a license, which includes undergoing a background check and completing an online substitute teaching workshop. The Public Education Department has waived licensure fees through March.
Anyone with a high school diploma can apply to be a substitute teacher. More information and details on the application process are available here.
