House Memorial 18 proposes to declare January 28, 2026, as "New Mexico National Board-Certified Teachers Recognition Day" in the House of Representatives. The memorial highlights the significant contributions of national board-certified teachers in New Mexico, emphasizing their role in promoting accomplished teaching and leadership opportunities within the education system. It notes that these teachers are recognized for their high retention rates in the profession and their positive impact on student learning, particularly among minority and low-income students.
The memorial acknowledges the rigorous process of achieving national board certification, which requires demonstrating competency across various performance-based domains and passing a content knowledge test. As of 2024, New Mexico has 1,612 national board-certified teachers, with a notable representation of teachers of color and those in STEM fields. The resolution aims to honor the achievements of these educators and their contributions to the growth and learning of students in New Mexico.