The Office of Special Education Monthly Newsletter serves as a source of information for teachers, superintendents, school leaders, school board members, and directors of special education. We will also provide information on upcoming events and how to access resources.
Alternate Standards Professional Development Sessions
Spring Special Education Law Conference and Spring Special Education Academy
State of New Mexico Summer Reading Program, Data and Finance Information, IDEA B Advisory Panel, LEA Managed Booklet, Special Education Pay Differentials, and the Disability Rights Corner
Current Training(s), including DirectSTEP® e-Learning
March Upcoming Events
Upcoming Professional Development
Educator Opportunities
Current and Past Updates
Ongoing Events
WHO WE ARE
Our Mission All students with disabilities are engaged in high-quality curriculum and instruction within an inclusive educational environment with opportunities which are culturally and linguistically responsive, leading to deep learning and preparation for college, career, and community readiness.
Meet Lorie Pacheco, Education Administrator, Low Incidence Coordinator, ECLIPSE Project Director Lorie A. Pacheco is a seasoned educational administrator within the Office of Special Education (OSE) at the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED). As Project Director for the State Personnel Development Grant ECLIPSE Program and Low Incidence Coordinator for OSE, she plays a pivotal role in shaping initiatives aimed at supporting students with disabilities across the state. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in the field, Lorie has developed an extensive expertise in advocating for and working with individuals with disabilities.
Lorie holds a degree in communication disorders from the University of New Mexico, with a minor in special education and a certification in assistive technology. Throughout her distinguished career, she has been deeply committed to the management of a wide range of federal grants that empower individuals with disabilities in various critical areas. These include vocational rehabilitation, employment, independent living, assistive technology, self-directed Medicaid, the reutilization of durable medical equipment, transportation, and special education.
Her career reflects a steadfast dedication to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, with a focus on fostering inclusion and providing access to essential resources and opportunities.
The OSE Leadership Team
The Office of Special Education is here to provide information and support to directors and superintendents throughout the state of New Mexico regarding special education, IDEA, and students with disabilities.
Margaret Cage, Ed.D., Deputy Secretary of the Office of Special Education
Tyre’ Jenkins, Ed.D., Deputy Director of the Office of Special Education
Ria Gill, Assistant Deputy Director of the Office of Special Education
Randy Rapanut, Assistant Deputy Director of Data and Finance
Natalie Campbell, Assistant Chief Counsel for the Office of Special Education (Office of General Counsel)
Attention Readers: To access emails and hotlinks, right click to open in a new tab or window.
GOOD NEWS FROM LEAs IN NEW MEXICO
2025 DADD Teacher of the Year
Bhawna Sharma, a dedicated teacher in the Cuba Independent School District, has been named the 2025 Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD) Teacher of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional educators who make a significant impact on students with autism, intellectual disabilities, and other developmental disabilities. Bhawna’s unwavering commitment, innovative teaching strategies, and deep compassion for her students have earned her this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, Bhawna, for your remarkable contributions to the field of special education! Read the DADD Teacher of the Year press release here.
If you have positive news to share about your local education agency, consider submitting your stories to special.ednews@ped.nm.gov. Remember, submissions are due by the third Monday of each month!
FROM THE OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
Why Is It Important to Support Senate Bill 38?
Senate Bill 38, also known as the Special Education Act, should be supported not only for its benefits to students with disabilities but also for its support of parents. The bill includes provisions that help empower families by increasing access to resources, guidance, and support networks. Parents will have greater access to information about educational services and programs available to their children, enabling them to be more involved in their child’s educational journey. Additionally, SB 38 proposes moving the Special Education Ombud to the Office of Special Education (OSE), which will streamline communication and support efforts for families. This shift ensures that parents have a dedicated resource within the OSE to address concerns, navigate the system, and ensure that their children’s educational needs are met. By fostering a collaborative approach between parents, schools, and the OSE, SB 38 strengthens the overall support system for students with disabilities, allowing for better outcomes and a more inclusive educational environment.
Disability Rights Awareness Day at the Roundhouse
Disability Rights Awareness Day took place at the Roundhouse on Thursday, February 13, 2025. The event brought together individuals with disabilities, their families, advocates, and policymakers to raise awareness and promote inclusivity. Held at the New Mexico State Capitol, it provided an opportunity for participants to meet with lawmakers, share personal experiences, and discuss important issues affecting the disability community. Attendees engaged in discussions about policies focused on improving accessibility, independence, and equality. The event also featured organizations that support individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and collaboration in creating a more inclusive society.
TAESE Two-Day Virtual and In-Person Workshop
On Tuesday, February 18, and Wednesday, February 19, more than 180 educators throughout the state of New Mexico attended monitoring professional development sponsored by the Office of Special Education (OSE) and presented by the Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE). This two-day virtual and in-person workshop focused on essential compliance criteria, best practices, and document reviews for IEPs and IDEA compliance. Participants collaborated with other LEAs to gain practical strategies to prepare for upcoming monitoring and implement effective self-monitoring processes. LEAs were encouraged to send a team, including superintendents, directors, building administrators, special educators, general educators, and related service providers.
Alternate Standards Professional Development Sessions Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Topic: Classroom Setup for Students with Extensive Support Needs Audience: Special Educators, Special Education Coordinators, Special Education Directors. and School Administrators Location: Virtual, link sent after completed registration via the Alternate Standards Professional Development Sessions Flyer.
Workshop Summary: Join the New Mexico Public Education Department’s Office of Special Education and Public Consulting Group (PCG) for a series of engaging professional development sessions. These sessions are designed to equip special educators with practical strategies, tools, and insights to better support students with significant cognitive disabilities and other complex needs.
Parent University Virtual Learning Sessions Next Session: Thursday, March 25, 2025 Topic: Know Your Rights: Special Education Laws and Safeguards Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Location: Virtual
Workshop Summary: Join the New Mexico Public Education Department’s Office of Special Education and Public Consulting Group (PCG) for a series of engaging 90-minute virtual sessions designed to equip families with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully navigate the special education process.
This session will focus on understanding your rights under special education laws and the safeguards in place to support your child’s education. Other topics in the series include:
High-Quality IEPs: How to Navigate IEP Meetings and Understand Documentation
Effective Communication and Collaboration: Working in Partnership with Your Child’s School
Transition Planning: Preparing Your Child for Key Life Changes, from Early Childhood to Post-High School
If notified in advance, Spanish materials and real-time translation are available.
Save the Date! Spring Special Education Law Conference Date: Tuesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 16, 2025 Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque, 1000 Woodward Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Workshop Summary: Make plans to attend the 2025 Special Education Conference as presented by the New Mexico Public Education Department's Office of Special Education and Walsh Gallegos, Kyle Robinson & Roalson, P.C., facilitated by High Plains Regional Educational Cooperative #3.
The target audience for the Spring Law Conference is administrators, teachers, RSPs, and public state agencies who were unable to attend the Fall Law Conference in September 2024. Topics are similar to those which were offered at the fall conference, though no finance training will be given. To register or for more information view the Spring 2025 Law Conference flyer.
Save the Date! Spring Special Education Academy Tentative Dates: Monday, April 28 through Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Time: TBD Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque, 1000 Woodward Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Workshop Summary: The Special Education Academy is a three-day school leadership workshop which covers a broad range of educational issues. The conference aims to equip school leaders with the tools and insights to support all students, particularly those with diverse learning needs, in creating equitable and effective learning environments. Conference registration is free! Travel and hotel accommodations are the responsibility of attendees. Further details will be provided soon.
The State of New Mexico Presents the 2025 Free Summer Reading Program
The Office of Special Education (OSE) invites special education teachers to participate as literacy instructors to support this initiative. To register as a program site, literacy instructor, or to assist families with registration, please follow the Summer Reading Program - The New Mexico Summer Reading Program link.
Launched in 2024, the Summer Reading Program is a literacy instruction and intervention initiative aimed at supporting 10,000 students in New Mexico, from incoming kindergarteners to outgoing eighth graders.
The program will feature small group instruction, with each group consisting of four students. It is designed as a four-week program, with four hours of instruction each day. The program will take place from Monday, June 2 to Friday, June 27, 2025.
This is a free program for New Mexico students, funded by the State of New Mexico.
You can register as a program site, as a literacy instructor, or to enroll a student or child in the program.
Attention Superintendents and Special Education Directors: LEA Managed Booklet
To ensure effective communication and support, we kindly ask you to take a moment to update your contact information. Your accurate details are essential for us to provide you with the most relevant resources and information.
Please use the following link to submit your updated contact information: LEA Managed Booklet.
For more information or further questions, please email: sed.support@ped.nm.gov and reference the LEA Managed Information Booklet.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your collaboration!
Data and Finance Information
OSE Deputy Director of Data and Finance Charlene Marcotte has provided detailed information regarding 40-Day Manual Collection, End of Year Validation, Excess Cost Base, IDEA B Application - Phase 1, and IDEA B Application - Phase 2 Release, here in this OSE Data and Finance link.
Data and Finance Calendar
The OSE has released its Data and Finance Calendar from October 2024 through September 2025. This calendar has pertinent information such as Annual Determination, Excess Cost EOY Reporting, 40-, 80-, 120-Day, IDEA B Application, and MOE Eligibility trainings. The calendar also provides a time-frame for when items are due.
Disability Rights Corner
Each month, our Social & Community Coordinator of the Office of Special Education (OSE), Kaity Ellis, LMSW, ADAC, will share tips and insights on various aspects of disability—from accessibility considerations to etiquette and advocacy. Kaity will provide practical advice that promotes inclusivity and empowers the disability community to create more accessible environments.
Puente Para Los Niños (High Cost Fund)
The High Cost Fund aims to support local education agencies (LEAs) in meeting the needs of high-need children with disabilities, excluding those who are gifted-only. The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) has established the Puente para los Niños Fund in accordance with 34 C.F.R. § 300.704(c) and 6.31.2.9(B)(5) NMAC.
To qualify for funding from the Puente para los Niños Fund, an LEA must satisfy two criteria: (1) meet the definition of a high-need child with a disability (see Section B); and (2) fulfill the eligibility criteria (see Section C).
Funds from this initiative may only be utilized for the costs associated with providing special education programming and related services directly to high-need students, as outlined in their individualized education program. They cannot be used for services the LEA is not currently offering, nor for expenses like legal fees, court costs, or other litigation-related expenses. With the exception of necessary costs incurred or services provided through out-of-state residential treatment facilities, educational and related services must be delivered by individuals properly licensed by the PED or the New Mexico Department of Regulation and Licensing, as stipulated in 6.31.2.9(B)(9) NMAC.
For any questions, please contact Implementation and Support Coordinator Josh Pedrow at jpedrow@lrp.com.
ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Office of Special Education Office Hours Date: Every third Tuesday of each month (next meeting is on Tuesday, March 18, 2025) Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: Virtual, Microsoft Teams
The OSE will have virtual office hours every third Tuesday of each month. The first 15 to 20 minutes will focus on current events and professional development. The last 40 minutes of office hours is for addressing questions. Any questions prior to OSE office hours should be sent to ose.support@ped.nm.gov.
New Mexico Autism Project
The New Mexico Autism Project is a statewide program designed for educators who work with children who have autism. Coaching, individual and large group professional development, current evidence-based training, and technical assistance are provided. Free statewide Autism Universal Design for Learning (UDL) support to educators and teachers is also offered.
University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability: Autism Portal
The UNM Autism Portal provides resources, online training, and podcasts specific to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
EPICS - Winter Workshops for Parents Dates: Five workshops from Friday, January 10, through Friday, March 7, 2025 Time: 10:00 a.m. (Bi-weekly) Location: Virtual, Zoom
Workshop Summary:
Education for Parents of Indigenous Children with Special Needs (EPICS) has operated since 2009. It was created to support Native American parents who wanted to ensure that their children with disabilities' needs were met, while recognizing their cultural heritage and improving advocacy. This advocacy effort includes conferences, trainings, and workshops.
Throughout the year, EPICS has bi-weekly Zoom workshops for parents and professionals. The Winter Workshops flyer contains further information about upcoming workshops. Each workshop requires separate registration. Links for workshops are sent after event registration.
PRO Family Leadership Conference Date: Friday, March 14, 2025 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Location: 1000 Woodward Pl NE, Albuquerque, NM, NM 87106. Go here to learn more and register for the 20th Annual Family Leadership Conference
Workshop Summary: Parents Reaching Out has served New Mexico's communities for 44 years. The Family Leadership Conference has been and continues to be a gathering place for parents, families, self-advocates, and professionals, to come together and share information with the goal of helping us all to become our own best advocates. Join us in celebrating 20 years of creating connections and many more to come.
PRO Grupo Virtual de Apoyo para Familias Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: Virtual, Zoom Registration at: Grupo Virtual de Apoyo para Familias
Workshop Summary: El grupo de apoyo le proporcionará un lugar seguro para compartir sus experiencias y conectarse con otros padres. Le proporcionará un espacio para hablar sobre los éxitos, las frustraciones y las preocupaciones que enfrenta como padre de un niño con una discapacidad.
PRO Section 504 Date: Monday, March 24, 2025 Time: 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. Location: Virtual, Zoom Registration at: PRO Section 504
Workshop Summary
Learn about what is covered in a 504 plan, the differences between 504 plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEP), and how to best support your student.
EDUCATOR OPPORTUNITIES
NMCASE Wants YOU to Join and Incredible Organization! What is CASE?
CASE is a global non-profit membership association dedicated to providing leadership and support to over 90,000 educational advancement professionals. These professionals work in areas such as alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services, united by a common goal: championing education to transform lives and society.
Why Should You Join?
NMCASE is an active voice in New Mexico for special education policies. It offers a supportive community where you can get your questions answered and receive guidance. With seasoned directors available to offer support and insight, NMCASE ensures you’re never alone in navigating challenges.
What Does NMCASE Do?
NMCASE plays a crucial role in supporting the Office of Special Education through training sessions, conferences, and by providing refreshments and resources. Your membership helps make these contributions possible. Additionally, NMCASE serves as a powerful advocate in legislative discussions and state policy-making.
Join Now!
You can use IDEA funds to pay for your membership. If you need assistance, please reach out to Daelena Potter, Membership Chair (dpotter@pecosca.us), or Roger Hein, Current President (rogerhein@lovingtonschools.net).
Special Education Teacher Training (SETT) Program Best Consideration Deadline: Friday, January 10, 2025 Early Admission: Thursday, February 20, 2025 Final Deadline: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Classes Begin: August 2025
Workshop Summary:
The Special Education Teacher Training Program (SETT), is a dynamic post-baccalaureate teacher preparation pathway developed in partnership with APS. The SETT program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring educators to earn a Special Education teaching license and a TESOL endorsement in just 16 months.
Participants benefit from a competitive salary of $54,000 (Level I APS) while receiving hands-on training and mentorship through an immersive residency model. The program is designed to ensure participants gain the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to succeed in the classroom, with tailored support from expert educators throughout their journey.
With only 20 spots available, this workshop emphasized the importance of applying soon to take advantage of this transformative opportunity. Participants were encouraged to consider how the SETT program could help them advance their careers while making a significant impact on the lives of students in need.
For more information and to register, see this this flyer.
Social Work Education to Enhance Training in Special Education Workshop Summary:
School Social Workers play a crucial role in providing mental health, social-emotional, and other support services to students with disabilities across New Mexico. As related service providers, they assist students with disabilities and their families in communities statewide. This dedicated group of professionals serves some of our most vulnerable students and families, yet they often face challenges due to insufficient support.
With a grant from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), Drs. Kimberly Knox and Stacy Gherardi from the New Mexico State School of Social Work are working to enhance the special education-specific training for School Social Workers in New Mexico and beyond. The Social Work Education to Enhance Training in Special Education (SWEET-SPED) project aims to establish a graduate certificate in School Social Work-Related Services, set to launch in 2027. This certificate program will focus on culturally and linguistically competent practices and family engagement, preparing Master of Social Work students to deliver high-quality, evidence-based services as providers of special education-related support in schools across New Mexico.
In addition, the SWEET-SPED project will facilitate a statewide conference in 2027 to support and enhance training for current school social workers. This initiative aims to strengthen the network of professionals providing vital services to students with disabilities.
You can contribute to this important work by helping Drs. Knox and Gherardi identify the best ways to prepare future practitioners for service in this field. We are currently mapping all related services and special education social workers in the state. We also invite feedback from practitioners, families, and other stakeholders about the critical areas of need in special education social work in New Mexico.
If you have any questions reach out via email at kimknox@nmsu.edu with the subject line "SWEET-SPED." If you are involved in New Mexico school social work, we look forward to hearing from you as we collaborate on this vital initiative.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Women's History Month Date: Sunday, March 1 – Monday, March 31, 2025
The Shepherd Center, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a renowned facility that specializes in spinal cord injury and brain injury rehabilitation. As part of their ongoing mission to support the disability community, they’ve highlighted Six Women in the Disability Community. These women come from various backgrounds, showcasing diversity in experiences, professions, and contributions to the disability community. All of these women have advocated for better policies, accessibility, healthcare, and awareness for individuals with disabilities. Their work ranges from public policy reform to providing leadership in organizations dedicated to disability rights or creating innovations in healthcare and rehabilitation practices.
World Down Syndrome Day: Rock Your Socks! Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
In December 2011, the UN General Assembly declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) with the aim of raising awareness and advocating for the rights and well-being of people with Down syndrome. The choice of March 21 is significant because Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, which is reflected in the date (21/3).
Since 2012, the day has been observed annually, and the UN encourages everyone—from governments and organizations to individuals—to participate in activities that promote inclusion, understanding, and the rights of people with Down syndrome.
To learn more about Down Syndrome, visit the National Down Syndrome Society website. This website provides in-depth information and opportunities to support.
Just Right Reader Winter Pilot Program Summary: Just Right Reader is donating five million Science of Reading books to students over the winter break. The pilot program aims to strengthen phonics skills at home, foster family engagement in the joy of reading, and accelerate literacy achievement. Participating
+schools and districts will receive up to 3,000 personalized decodable books. Interested districts may apply here. See this Just Right Winter Pilot flyer for further information.
IDEA B Panel Virtual Meeting Dates: Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2, 2025 Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: TBD(IDEA)
Workshop Summary:
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the State of New Mexico must establish and maintain an advisory panel to provide policy guidance for special education and related services for children with disabilities in the state. The IDEA Advisory Panel’s role is to advise the New Mexico Public Education Department with regard to serving students with disabilities through Part B of IDEA.
PAST UPDATES
Office of Special Education Fall 2024–25 Special Education Pay Differentials Application Window Now Closed
Below is information regarding the pay differential allocations for hard to staff special education positions for the school year 2024–2025, as provided through HB2.
Application Timeline: The application and rubric were released on August 15, 2024, and open through September 30, 2024.
Criteria: The application rubric prioritized LEAs with special education teacher positions that have been vacant for two or more school years.
Retention Stipends: Pending funding availability, teacher retention stipends will also be addressed. Stipends will be paid directly to teachers due to maintenance of effort (MOE) requirements for LEAs.
Furthermore, LEAs are relieved of the need to budget for hard to staff stipends, as all funding will be provided through the PED. Upon approval of an application, additional information will be requested from the LEAs to ensure seamless payment to participating special education teachers and support staff.
Indicator 14 Information for Special Education Directors
This notice is to remind special education directors that the survey for Indicator 14 (Post School Outcomes) was due on September 30, 2024. For questions, contact Glenn Damian at Region 4 (REC4) at gdamian@nmhu.edu.
New Mexico Crisis Lifelines
There are three mental health resources, free-of-charge to New Mexican residents. These resources are 988 (call, text or chat 988 online at www.988lifeline.org/chat), New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (855-662-7474), and Agora Crisis Line (505-277-3013 or 855-505-4504). For more information about these services, read this articlewritten by Dr. Elizabeth Cassel, Education Administrator–Parent and Community Liaison for the Office of Special Education.
The Office of Special Education Ombud
If you have a disability or need help with special education, the Office of Special Education Ombud (OSEO) is here as an advocate to assist students and their families, free-of-charge. If you would like information about our intake process, family presentations, or general information about our work, please contact: Clare Gallegos (505) 841-3885, Jody Myers (682) 554-6672, Michelle Tregembo (505)274-3885.
Find both the English OSEO flyer and the Spanish OSEO flyer for additional information.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Tuesday Tip by Janae Menicucci
For this week’s Tip Tuesday, I’m excited to share a simple yet powerful activity that allows your students to engage with images in a creative way: Caption This!
By adding a speech or thought bubble to an image, you give your students the opportunity to "speak" or "think" for the subject of the photo. This activity encourages creativity, critical thinking, and fosters discussion. It’s also a great way to incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) by providing multiple avenues for students to engage with content and express their ideas. Learn more by going here: Tuesday Tip - Caption This!
Speech Therapy
CES Member Districts and Charters, as valued members of CES, you are eligible for reduced rates on Speech Language Services through our partners, Amergid Healthcare Staffing and TinyEye Therapy Services. Whether you require in-person or tele-therapy, we are committed to providing comprehensive staffing solutions for your needs.
Be sure to mention that you are a CES member, and they will be happy to assist you.
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me directly. Lianne Pierce, Director of Ancillary Services, Email: lianne@ces.org.
Empat Speech is an online platform that connects districts and schools with experienced Speech Language Pathologists to help address nationwide shortages of licensed therapists while leveraging technology to improve the quality and access to speech therapy. For more information about Empat Speech, go here.
Next OSE Newsletter
The next OSE Newsletter will be released no later than the first week of each month. If you have any questions within this newsletter, contact us at: special.ednews@ped.nm.gov.
The following form can be shared with colleagues who wish to receive the OSE Newsletter: OSE Signup Form.
Lorie A. Pacheco is a seasoned educational administrator within the Office of Special Education (OSE) at the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED). As Project Director for the State Personnel Development Grant ECLIPSE Program and Low Incidence Coordinator for OSE, she plays a pivotal role in shaping initiatives aimed at supporting students with disabilities across the state. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in the field, Lorie has developed an extensive expertise in advocating for and working with individuals with disabilities.
