Latest news with #MarianaD.Padilla
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Applications open June 1 for New Mexico's ‘Teacher Loan Repayment Program'
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) — New Mexico teachers will be able to apply for up to $6,000 in student loan help starting on June 1. Last year, the 'Teacher Loan Repayment Program' helped over 800 teachers. This year, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham backed a $5 million funding increase for the program. Story continues below Crime: Albuquerque business owner faces murder charge for shooting fleeing shoplifter News: Las Vegas deputy charged with aggravated battery and robbery Business: A downtown Albuquerque shoe shine parlor is still serving patrons after nearly a century Events: What's happening around New Mexico May 30-June 5? Kirtland Air Fiesta and more 'The Teacher Loan Repayment Program is a vital investment in our educators and their future. By alleviating the burden of student loan debt, we are showing our teachers that we value their dedication to New Mexico's students and communities,' said Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla. 'Since 2020, the program has provided debt relief to over 2,500 individuals, reflecting the state's commitment to attracting and retaining quality educators.' To be eligible, the teacher must be a US citizen, a New Mexico resident for 12 or more consecutive months, have a New Mexico teaching license, and have taught at least three years in the state. Priority is given to teachers in high-need positions, including those with endorsements and actively teaching in these areas: Bilingual education Early childhood education Special education Science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) Career technical education (CTE) In a low-performing school serving economically disadvantaged populations Awards from the program can be renewed for additional two-year cycles if the recipient continues fulfilling their teaching commitment. Teachers benefiting from the federal program can simultaneously benefit from this one as well. Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez had this to say about the program. 'The state's Teacher Loan Repayment Program works to alleviate the financial burden of student loan debt, allowing teachers to focus on what is most important – educating our children,' said Rodriguez. 'New Mexico is committed to helping educators by providing them with the support and respect they deserve as they teach the next generation of New Mexicans.' Program applications are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1. They can be completed electronically through the New Mexico Higher Education Department's website. Interested teachers can also email or call 1-800-279-9777. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Registration opens for summer reading program
Registration is open now for New Mexico's state-sponsored 2025 summer reading program. The free initiative — a joint effort by the New Mexico Public Education, Early Childhood Education and Care and Higher Education departments — will serve 15,000 students from incoming kindergartners to incoming ninth graders, sharpening their reading skills through small-group instruction in June and July. 'The state's Summer Reading Program is essential for equipping students with vital literacy skills over the summer, ensuring they continue to advance their knowledge,' Higher Education Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez said in a statement. She added, 'We invite New Mexican families to take advantage of this program to develop literacy and comprehension skills that will enhance their children's academic success and future.' This is the second year New Mexico will provide free summer literacy programming to students. In 2024, the state served nearly 10,000 students through a similar program as part of a statewide push to bolster students' reading progress using structured literacy, a teaching model based in explicit and systemic instruction of elements essential to reading. Plus, keeping kids' noses in books during the summer will combat summertime learning loss, said Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla. 'When students lose reading skills over the summer, it can make the start of the school year more challenging," Padilla said. "The 2025 Summer Reading Program helps students return to school confident and prepared to succeed in the classroom."
