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SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico lawmakers are reviving a proposal to allow subject experts to work as adjunct teachers in public schools under one-year contracts without first having to go back to school and earn a teaching degree.
The proposal was unveiled Thursday by Republican Representative Conrad James of Albuquerque and is supported by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.
The plan is designed to address hard-to-fill vacancies for math and science teachers by recruiting professionals with at least a bachelor's degree who complete a classroom management course.
Unions including the Albuquerque Teachers Federation say the plan threatens the quality of public education and could undermine teacher pay.
A similar measure was approved by the House last year but not the Senate. The new bill limits adjunct teachers to upper grade levels.
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