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.
From the Office of Special Education: Spring Special Education Spring Law Conference, Spring Special Education Academy, OSE Mentorship Conference, State of New Mexico Summer Reading Program, Data and Finance Information, LEA Managed Booklet, and the Disability Rights Corner
Educator Opportunities such as Special Education Teacher Training (SETT), NMCASE, and the Social Work Statewide Conference in 2027
And more
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 Catherine Quick, Education Administrator - Monitor Lead Catherine Quick is a native New Mexican with roots tracing back to the 1500s. She was born in Albuquerque and raised in San Jon. She grew up riding horses, caring for farm animals, camping, fishing, and playing basketball and volleyball.
She received a bachelor’s in K-8 Elementary Education and PreK-12 Special Education and a master’s in PreK-12 Special Education from Eastern New Mexico University. With 27 years in public education, Catherine has served at the PED as a Preschool Coordinator for eight years and now works as an Education Administrator/Program Monitor Lead for the Office of Special Education (OSE). She supports district administrators, educators, families, and students through technical assistance, monitoring, program development, and professional development.
Her previous experience includes roles as a general and special education teacher, instructional coach, special education coordinator, a building team lead for special education, a team member of a building leadership team, and advocate for children with diverse abilities. She also holds endorsements in Language Arts, TESOL, and Business Education. As both an educator and a parent, she offers a well-rounded perspective to educational teams and finds joy in collaboration and technical support for district administrators and staff. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys gardening, reading, spending time in nature, and being with her family.
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
Jessica Dinsmore, Assistant Deputy of Program and Supports
Ria Gill, Assistant Deputy of Operations
Randy Rapanut, Assistant Deputy Director of Finance
Natalie Campbell, 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.
FROM THE OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION (OSE)
OSE and Region 9 Statewide Mentorship for PRAXIS
Why Preparing for the Teacher Licensure Exam Is a Smart Choice? Passage Preparation offers a well-rounded approach to test preparation, ensuring a clear understanding of the exam content. The courses are specifically aligned with the actual licensure assessments and are designed to be self-paced and online for flexibility. Engaging and informative, these courses provide both comprehensive and in-depth learning experiences, helping candidates fully prepare for success.
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. and facilitated by High Plains Regional Educational Cooperative #3.
The target audience for the Spring Law Conference are for administrators, teachers, RSPs, and public state agency staff. 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.
Spring Special Education Academy Date: Monday, April 28 through Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday, April 28 and Tuesday, April 29); 7:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. (Wednesday, April 30) Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque, 1000 Woodward Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Workshop Summary: The Spring 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.
The OSE Mentorship Conference Date: Thursday, May 15, and Friday, May 16, 2025 Time: TBD Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque, 1000 Woodward Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Workshop Summary: We’re thrilled to announce the OSE Mentorship Conference. All participants from the 2024-2025 school year are invited to attend. This year, we’ve lined up an exciting series of presentations designed for both mentees and mentors.
Mentors:
Mentors will participate in a two-day session led by Amy McMaster, who will guide them through a transformative journey of self-leadership.
Mentees:
Mentees will spend Day 1 with Dr. Marcia Tate, learning 20 powerful teaching techniques from her book Engaging the Brain. On Day 2, Dr. Frank Smith will join the group to explore additional teaching strategies from his book Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching.
April 17, 2025, is the deadline for booking your room. We look forward to an enriching experience for everyone involved!
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.
This month's focus is on Disability Rights in Education: A Guide for LEAs. This platform contributes to our efforts to enhance support for individuals with disabilities within educational settings and beyond. Please feel free to share your thoughts, questions, and experiences with Kaity at kaitlin.ellis@ped.nm.gov or (505) 709-7690. Your feedback is invaluable.
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.
Megan Jiminez, a special education teacher at Las Cruces Public Schools, has been recognized as a University Startups Changemaker. She was awarded a certificate of recognition for her outstanding efforts in creating a positive impact on her students through the University Startups platform. Congratulations to Megan for her dedication to engaging her learners and for this well-deserved accomplishment!
If you have positive news to share about your local education agency (LEA), consider submitting your stories to special.ednews@ped.nm.gov. Remember, submissions are due by either the second Monday or Friday, depending upon the month.
CURRENT TRAININGS
DirectSTEP® e-Learning The New Mexico Public Education Department has partnered with LRP Publications to bring you DirectSTEP eCourses at no charge.
With each eCourse you will:
Receive the highest quality training developed by respected special education experts.
Learn at your own pace for the greatest possible comprehension and retention.
Take eCourses based on individual training needs and interests.
Engage in learning through quizzes and activities.
Learn how to make decisions that are educationally and legally sound.
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, April 16, 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 Spring Workshops for Parents Dates: Six workshops from Friday, March 21, through Friday, June 13, 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 Spring 2025 Workshops Flyer contains further information about upcoming workshops. Each workshop requires separate registration. Links for workshops are sent after event registration.
PRO Grupo Virtual de Apoyo para Familias Date: Friday, April 15, 2025 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: Virtual, Zoom Registration at: Grupo Virtual de Apoyo para Familias
Description: 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 11 Considerations for Students with Autism Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2025 Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Location: Virtual, Zoom Registration at: 11 Considerations for Students with Autism
Workshop Summary
Learn about the 11 IEP Considerations for Autism to develop a quality Individualized Education Program (IEP) to best support your child. Learn about the 11 IEP Considerations for Autism to develop a quality Individualized Education Program (IEP) to best support your child. Guest speaker: Zoe Miguel, Bright Futures Autism and Early Intervention.
PRO Communication, Advocacy and Relationships Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Location: Virtual, Zoom Registration at: 11 Considerations for Students with Autism
Workshop Summary
Learn about the 11 IEP Considerations for Autism to develop a quality Individualized Education Program (IEP) to best support your child. Learn about the 11 IEP Considerations for Autism to develop a quality Individualized Education Program (IEP) to best support your child. Guest speaker: Zoe Miguel, Bright Futures Autism and Early Intervention.
EDUCATOR OPPORTUNITIES
NMCASE Wants YOU to Join an 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.
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.
For more information and to register, see this this flyer.
Social Work Education to Enhance Training in Special Education Workshop Summary:
The SWEET-SPED Project, led by Drs. Kimberly Knox and Stacy Gherardi, aims to improve training for School Social Workers in New Mexico. Funded by the Office of Special Education Programs, the initiative will launch a graduate certificate in School Social Work-Related Services in 2027, focusing on culturally competent practices and family engagement. Additionally, a statewide conference will be held to enhance the skills of current professionals. The project seeks feedback from stakeholders to better prepare future practitioners and strengthen support for students with disabilities across the state.
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
National Deaf History Month Date: Tuesday, April 1 - Wednesday, April 30, 2025
National Deaf History Month (NDHM) began in 1997. To learn more about advocacy for the deaf and hearing impaired, visit the National Association of the Deaf website.
IDEA Panel Virtual Meeting Dates: Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2, 2025 Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: In Person (New Mexico Public Education Department, Jerry Apodaca Education Building - Mabry Hall, 300 Don Gaspar Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501 / Virtual(IDEA Panel)
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.
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!
AspyreSelect: Streamlining Medicaid Billing and Service Management
AspyreSelect simplifies Medicaid billing for schools, outpatient clinics, and childcare centers by automating processes to save time and reduce human error. Our comprehensive solutions include prescription management, service tracking, and billing management, all accessible on any device.
Key Features:
IEP Accountability & Compliance Support
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We focus on enhancing operational efficiency with tailored solutions that streamline workflows.
Request a Demo Today. Visit aspyreselect.com or email sales@aspyreselect.com.
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.
Catherine Quick is a native New Mexican with roots tracing back to the 1500s. She was born in Albuquerque and raised in San Jon. She grew up riding horses, caring for farm animals, camping, fishing, and playing basketball and volleyball.
