HOUSE BILL 209

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

Mimi Stewart

FOR THE LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE

AN ACT

RELATING TO SCHOOL PERSONNEL; REPEALING AND REENACTING A SECTION OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE; REQUIRING DEMONSTRATION OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCIENCE OF TEACHING READING FOR ELEMENTARY AND SPECIAL EDUCATION LICENSURE FOR A TEACHER LICENSED IN ANOTHER STATE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 22-10A-12 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 2003, Chapter 153, Section 43) is repealed and a new Section 22-10A-12 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "22-10A-12. [NEW MATERIAL] LIMITED RECIPROCITY--TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS.--

          A. A teacher licensed in another state may be granted a level two or level three-A license if the teacher has teaching experience, demonstrates the required competencies and meets other requirements and qualifications for the license for which the teacher applies, including clearance of the required background check; provided that a teacher applying for an elementary license or a special education license shall have passed an assessment examination that includes a rigorous assessment of the candidate's knowledge of the science of teaching reading comparable to the New Mexico assessment.

          B. A school principal licensed in another state may be granted a level three-B license if the principal has teaching experience, demonstrates the required competencies and meets other requirements and qualifications for the license, including clearance of the required background check.

          C. A local superintendent may require a mentorship period for a licensee if the superintendent deems it necessary."

- 2 -