STATE News:

SANTA FE – House Bill 145, a bill that would allow adjunct teachers, passed the House with bipartisan support on a 37-25 vote.

The bill would allow New Mexicans with at least a bachelor degree to teach part-time without having to go back to school and get a teaching degree. The proposal would help bring much-needed expertise back to the classroom and make it easier for dedicated professionals to invest in New Mexico students.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Conrad James.

“I’m encouraged that this bill passed with bipartisan support in the House,” James said. “I urge the Senate to pass this bill quickly and help us address the critical lack of qualified teachers we face here in the state and give our students the education they deserve.”

The bill would require adjunct teachers to pass a teacher license assessment test and successfully complete a pedagogy class. Prospective adjunct teachers must also have a bachelor’s degree and three years of work experience in their field. Adjunct teachers would operate on a yearly contract, and may be terminated at any time without cause. School districts would be allowed to choose whether or not they allow adjunct teachers.

James introduced similar legislation in the 2015 session, but after passing the House, it was killed in the Senate.