Educator Quality
Online Portfolio for Alternative Licensure
The Online Portfolio for Alternative Licensure (OPAL) is a focused, compact collection of documentation compiled by the teacher seeking initial licensure. The OPAL documentation is a collection of data (e.g., lesson descriptions, handouts, student work, video and audio recordings, photos) with explanations of that data written by the teacher. No one part of the portfolio fully represents a teacher’s work, but the entire portfolio is intended to provide evidence to determine whether a teacher is qualified to attain a Level 1 license through the alternative route. Please visit our OPAL page for additional information.
Elevate New Mexico
Elevate NM is the state of New Mexico’s teacher evaluation system. Elevate New Mexico based on the premise that if we support our teachers with timely and actionable feedback, then they will continue to grow and improve their craft. Our state’s evaluation system is all about elevating education in our state by empowering teachers to take ownership of their evaluation. Visit NMPED's Educator Evaluation page for important information and updates about Elevate NM.
NM National Board Scholarship
NMPED National Board Scholarships are available to teachers. Through funding appropriated annually by the NM Legislature, the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) is able to award up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in grants to eligible teachers who are seeking certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Scholarships are awarded annually; awards for the 2021–2022 school year will be reimbursed for components paid for and completed prior to June 17, 2022. Be sure to visit the NMPED website for more information.
Educators Fellows Program
The Educator Fellows Program is creating opportunities for those interested in becoming educators in New Mexico. The program will assist school districts with funding for the recruitment and retention of teaching assistant positions. The Educator Fellows Program will increase the number of adults in the classrooms for more one-on-one learning for the students. The goal is to create a strong workforce of highly qualified and trained educators throughout New Mexico.