Commentary: American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Stephanie Ly and Albuquerque Teachers Federation President Ellen Bernstein released the following statements:
“Yesterday’s Legislative Education Study Committee report on New Mexico’s lagging educator pay is a reminder of the work that needs to be done to help curb the persistent educator shortage in our state,” said Ly.
“New Mexico’s average educator salary is 43rd in the nation -- this is not acceptable when it comes to our ability to maintain the number of qualified educators needed to serve our students. Testimony underscored this issue when it was reported an individual could earn more income in almost any other profession, especially when most new job seekers are focusing on the need to repay high levels of student loans. This is troubling news, considering there are hundreds of teaching vacancies across New Mexico,” said Bernstein.
“Also critical in yesterday’s testimony was the correlation between a state’s investment in education and its attractiveness to business growth. Coming on the heels of a separate national report, stating under Governor Martinez’s watch, New Mexico is falling behind in our ability to attract businesses. Now is the time to make a serious and significant investment in our educational system, which will benefit not only our students, but also our economic outlook,” said Ly.