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Public Education Department

Public Education Department

About the Department

The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities, and families to ensure that ALL students are healthy, secure in their identity, and holistically prepared for college, career, and life. Our mission is to ensure students in New Mexico are engaged in a culturally and linguistically responsive educational system that meets the social, emotional, and academic needs of ALL students.

Latest News

NEWS RELEASE: PED offers financial literacy training for educators

Dec 4, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: New Mexico Public Education Department Janelle Taylor García, Ph.D., janelle.garcia@ped.nm.gov , 505-709-5543 December 4, 2024 PED offers financial literacy training for educators Personal financial literacy to be required for high school…

NEWS RELEASE: PED Releases 2023-2024 School Designations

Nov 13, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: New Mexico Public Education Department Janelle Taylor García, Ph.D., janelle.garcia@ped.nm.gov , 505-709-5543 November 12, 2024 PED Releases 2023-2024 School Designations SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) today…

NEWS RELEASE: Office of Special Education releases 2024-27 State Plan

Nov 13, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: New Mexico Public Education Department Janelle Taylor García, Ph.D., janelle.garcia@ped.nm.gov , 505-709-5543 November 12, 2024 Office of Special Education releases 2024-27 State Plan SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Public Education Department’s…

Most Popular Services

Licensure (PED)

Education • Public Education Department

The new Online Licensure Portal for the New Mexico Public Education Department is now available. You can apply, pay and track your application status online.

College and Career Readiness Bureau

Education • Public Education Department

The College and Career Readiness Bureau (CCRB) of the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) is dedicated to providing the students of our state with an educational foundation that takes them from primary school through secondary and postsecondary studies. This foundation encourages exploration and achievement in academic, career and technical education.

Community Schools

Education • Public Education Department

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham put together a plan for education in New Mexico. "A New Direction for New Mexico Schools" includes eleven (11) focus areas needed in order for New Mexico's students to achieve their very best, including engaging families, communities and students as substantive partners. One way in which to engage families, communities, and students as essential partners in our public schools is through the implementation of the community schools model.

Assessments

Education • Public Education Department

Our mission is to positively impact student learning by ensuring the development and administration of valid and reliable assessments that: - Measure the effectiveness of curriculum and instruction - Include data systems and structures that provide students, teachers, administrators and stakeholders with the information needed to make informed decisions - Produce a measure indicating progress towards readiness for college and career - Uphold the belief that all students can learn and achieve at high levels - Hold schools and the PED accountable to create equitable opportunities for students

Options for Families (Charter Schools)

Education • Public Education Department

The Options for Parents & Families Division strives to ensure New Mexico parents and families have access to the information they need to make informed decisions for the education of their students.

Leadership: Mariana Padilla

Mariana Padilla was named Cabinet Secretary designee for the New Mexico Public Education Department in September 2024. Padilla has served as the Director of the New Mexico Children's Cabinet since the start of the administration, leading the Governor's child and family well-being agenda. She also serves as the Governor's senior education policy advisor, overseeing early childhood, K-12, and higher education. In this role, Padilla has shaped program, policy, and budget priorities and worked across state agencies to implement key initiatives and system-wide improvements. Her accomplishments include establishing the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department, launching a statewide literacy initiative, and driving the Governor's Cradle to Career education agenda, which supports students from birth through college and career readiness. An Albuquerque native, Padilla attended Albuquerque Public Schools with her three siblings. After graduating from the University of New Mexico, Padilla followed in her parents' footsteps and taught elementary education. She has since dedicated her career to education and public service, serving the communities and families of our state. As a parent of grade school students, Padilla understands the urgency of delivering for our kids.

Contact Information

Visit the Public Education Department website for school guidance, educator licensure, family resources, district information, and statewide education programs.

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