HOUSE MEMORIAL 18

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2026

INTRODUCED BY

Debra M. Sariñana

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING JANUARY 28, 2026 "NEW MEXICO NATIONAL BOARD-CERTIFIED TEACHERS RECOGNITION DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

 

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico national board certified teacher network was first established twenty-five years ago, in 2001, in order to promote national board certification for New Mexico teachers and promote accomplished teaching throughout New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico national board certified teacher network advocates for leadership opportunities for national board-certified teachers; educates teachers about the national board's body of knowledge teaching practices; supports candidates through the national board for professional teaching standards certification process; celebrates achievement; offers opportunities to all constituent groups; and supports and recognizes all national board-certified teachers in all school districts in the state and in the state legislature; and

     WHEREAS, national board-certified teachers are recognized as being among the best teachers in the profession, and studies show that these teachers remain in the profession at much higher rates than those who are not national board certified; and

     WHEREAS, studies also show that students of national board-certified teachers learn more than students taught by other teachers and learn the equivalent of several additional weeks or months of instruction in math and language arts and that national board-certified teachers have an even greater impact on minority and low-income students; and

     WHEREAS, national board certification is a rigorous process that can take three to five years to achieve, and applicants must demonstrate competency across three different performance-based domains along with a written test of content and pedagogical knowledge; and

     WHEREAS, as of 2024, New Mexico had one thousand six hundred twelve national board-certified teachers who have been certified since 1995 across school districts, bureau of Indian education schools and charter schools, with many national board-certified teachers serving in Title I schools, and has four hundred fifty-one national board-certified teachers of color and five hundred ninety-six national board-certified teachers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics areas; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has seen a continued interest and growth in national board certification, and as of January 2025, New Mexico is ranked eighth in the nation for the percentage of educators who are national board-certified teachers with active certifications;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the achievements and contributions of all national board-certified teachers in the learning and growth of New Mexico students be recognized by proclaiming January 28, 2026 "New Mexico National Board-Certified Teachers Recognition Day" in the house of representatives.

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