Santa Fe, NM - Today, Rep. Conrad James pre-filed legislation, HB 145, which would allow professionals with at least a bachelor's degree to teach part-time in New Mexico without having to go back to school and receive their teaching degree.
The proposal would make it easier for knowledgeable industry professionals to teach and invest in New Mexico students. It would also help with recruitment of qualified instructors for seventh through twelfth grades.
"This bill would help us recruit more teachers who are qualified and already have the experience they need to give our children the education they deserve," James said.
In order to qualify as an adjunct instructor, professionals would need a bachelor's degree, three years of work experience in their field, a passing score on the appropriate teacher license assessment, and successful completion of a pedagogy class. The terms of the adjunct instructor contract and any renewal of that contract cannot exceed one year and may be terminated at any time without cause.
Last session, James sponsored similar legislation that passed the House, but was killed in the Senate.
