New Mexico Teachers to Get Pay Raise

Governor Susana Martinez to Sign Legislation to Increase Teacher Salaries

Santa Fe, NM – Today, Governor Susana Martinez announced that she will sign legislation to increase the minimum salaries paid to teachers at each level of licensure. Senate Bill 119 increases the minimum salary for a level one teacher from $30,000 to $36,000; for a level two teacher from $40,000 to $44,000; and for a level three “A” teacher from $50,000 to $54,000. This is the first permanent compensation increase in state statute for teachers at every level since 2003.

“Improving support for our teachers, students and schools continues to be a cornerstone of our efforts to reform education in New Mexico – so that every child, no matter their background, has a chance to learn and succeed.” Governor Martinez said. “As we continue raising standards for our students and teachers, they continue to rise to the occasion – with yet another year of record-breaking high school graduation rates. While there’s still more work to be done, this legislation is an important step in continuing to give our students, teachers and schools the resources they need to succeed.”

The Governor expressed her disappointment in lawmakers who failed to pass House Bill 310 out of the House Education Committee.  HB310 would have increased starting salaries to $38,000 for level one teachers, guaranteed a permanent across-the-board compensation increase for all teachers, and created a $5 million appropriation for innovative teacher recruitment and mentoring activities, which are often cited as a key element in teacher performance and retention, and in our students’ academic success.