Legislation to have New Mexico join the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact advanced through committee. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
A proposal for New Mexico to join the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, made up of 13 states throughout the country, passed the House Education Committee unanimously Monday.
The compact is part of a national partnership between the Council of State Governments and the U.S. Department of Defense to establish reciprocity and make licenses transferable when a teacher moves to another compact state. The idea is to help teachers who are part of military families in particular — because they move often — but all teachers moving among compact states are eligible.
Megan DeLaRosa, representing the New Mexico Military Base Planning Commission, which represents the interests of the bases and military personnel at the state level, said the commission supports HB110, “which directly benefits our military families by allowing licensed teachers to transfer credentials across state lines more easily. This bill ensures military spouses can continue teaching without unnecessary delays, keeping quality educators in our schools.”
Under House Bill 110, New Mexico would join the 13 states already part of the compact; another four states are also currently considering legislation to join, including Indiana, Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey. Teachers with applicable licenses would be granted an equivalent initial license in New Mexico, but would undergo the typical licensing processes upon renewal or to advance to the next level of licensure.
“House Bill 110 not only streamlines the hiring process, but also alleviates the critical teacher shortage many schools in New Mexico face, especially in rural areas,” Alison Riley, director of public policy for the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, said during the meeting.
According to the 2024 New Mexico Educator Vacancy Report, 1,259 educator vacancies exist in the state, including teachers, instructional assistants, administrators and counselors. Teacher vacancies accounted for 737 positions. The report notes that there were 751 teacher vacancies in 2023 and 690 in 2022.
Rep. Harlan Vincent (R-Ruidoso Downs) asked the presenters if the compact would also make it easier for teachers to leave New Mexico. Diersing said that while the answer is yes, “the ability to gain a license in another state is not necessarily a compelling reason to uproot your life and move to a new state.” The bill is largely targeting teachers who have already decided to move.
“This makes it easier for them to maintain their professional security throughout that move,” Diersing said.
The bill heads to the House Judiciary Committee next.
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.