New Mexico’s 2026 legislative session wrapped up with significant policy wins for students, educators and families that represent a forward-looking investment in instructional quality, educator preparation and student success across the state.
Together, these newly-adopted policies create greater opportunity for New Mexico students and build durable capacity within the state’s education system.
New Mexico Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart’s and Reps. Joy Garratt and Catherine Cullen’s High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act built on previous legislation addressing literacy. The Act (SB 37) is an important step to strengthen early literacy and improve long-term student success.
The law’s focus areas include:
By setting clear expectations for evidence-based instruction and timely support that helps students build strong foundational reading skills, young students statewide will benefit from a more coherent system that supports reading achievement in every classroom.
Championed by Sen. Bill Soules, Rep. Debra Sariñana and Rep. Catherine Cullen, the Math Requirements for Teaching License Act (SB 29) strengthens math education.
The law includes provisions that:
With the improvements in sustainable professional learning for educators and student-centered support, the Act creates a coherent framework for educators focused on improving math outcomes and long-term readiness for college and career, and support student learning with proactive, research-based approaches that provide earlier support and high-quality instruction.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at SB 29 in season 3, episode 3 of Statehouse Spotlights, where ExcelinEd in Action National Legislative Director Ashley Mullins sits down with bill sponsor Sen. Soules to discuss New Mexico’s comprehensive early numeracy initiative and why early math became a legislative priority.
Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart, House Education Chair Rep. G. Andrés Romero, Sen. Natalie Figueroa, Rep. Debra Sariñana, Rep. Joy Garratt and Rep. Brian Baca’s Teacher Residency Act (HB 30) strengthens the educator pipeline by expanding and supporting teacher residency pathways that provide meaningful, classroom-based preparation.
By promoting fair compensation and flexibility for teacher residents, this new educator-focused law reduces barriers to entry into the teaching profession and helps prepare and support new teachers from day one.
This bill strengthens teacher recruitment and the sustainability of the residency model by tying teaching resident stipends to the statutory minimum salary for entry level teachers rather than a fixed dollar amount. This approach helps ensure the program remains competitive over time.
HB 30 also increases program flexibility by allowing teaching residents to fulfill their service commitment at any public school in the state rather than only within the sponsoring district, expanding opportunity while directing well-prepared residents to schools and communities with the greatest need.
With these policies enacted, New Mexico is advancing a student-centered education agenda grounded in strong academic foundations. Investments in early literacy, numeracy and educator quality position the state to increase academic achievement and prepare students for success in college, careers and life.
As we look ahead to the 2027 legislative session in New Mexico, we can expect a focus on guaranteeing access to advanced math courses for qualified students, exploring paid parental leave policies for educators and advancing distraction-free learning environments.
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