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: OSE and Region 9 Statewide Mentorship for PRAXIS, PCG-NMPED Focus Group Sign Up, Special Education Directors and Superintendents - IEP Systems Quick Survey, Educator Survey for Those Who Support Students with Disabilities, OSE Mentorship Conference, State of New Mexico Summer Reading Program, Data and Finance Information, LEA Managed Booklet, and the Disability Rights Corner
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 Sharyn Perea, Dispute Resolution Coordinator Sharyn Perea is the Dispute Resolution Coordinator in the Office of General Counsel at the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED). A proud graduate of Pojoaque High School, Sharyn has spent most of her life in New Mexico and holds a deep appreciation for the people, landscapes, and culture of the Land of Enchantment. Even during a brief time living out of state, her heart remained in New Mexico, and she was drawn back to the place she calls home.
A lifelong advocate for public education, Sharyn credits New Mexico’s public schools and athletic programs with shaping her identity and values. Her passion for service led her to begin a career with the PED 23 years ago, driven by a strong desire to give back to the system that helped raise her. Over the years, she has advanced through various roles within the department—starting with constituent support and evolving into more hands-on work in schools and communities throughout the state.
Sharyn’s career has been marked by meaningful collaboration with educators, school leaders, families, and local communities. Her work has taken her across New Mexico, allowing her to build lasting relationships and understand the unique needs of students and schools in diverse regions.
In her current role, she oversees the department’s dispute resolution processes, including state complaints, due process hearings, and alternative dispute resolution. She is committed to supporting fair and responsive solutions that help students access the education they deserve.
Sharyn continues to be inspired by the mission of public education and takes great pride in her role. Her dedication, relationship-building, and student-centered support remains at the heart of everything she does.
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.
Tyre’ Jenkins, Ed.D., Interim Deputy Cabinet Secretary of the Office of Special Education
Ria Gill, Assistant Deputy of Operations
Jessica Dinsmore, Assistant Deputy of Program and Supports
Randy Rapanut, Assistant Deputy Director of Finance
Natalie Campbell, Chief Counsel for the Office of Special Education (Office of General Counsel)
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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.
PCG-NMPED Focus Group Sign Up
The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED), in collaboration with Public Consulting Group (PCG), is conducting a landscape review to inform new guidance on IEP development and school support. Educators and administrators are invited to participate in virtual focus groups from May 8–30, 2025 and can sign up using the provided PCG-NMPED Focus Group Sign Up link corresponding to their role and region.
If you have any issues accessing the survey, please contact Jacob Klett, jklett@pcgus.com.
Attention Special Education Directors or Superintendents - IEP Systems Quick Survey The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) is developing new guidance related to IEP development and aligned support for schools and districts. The PED contracted with Public Consulting Group (PCG) to create a quick survey regarding IEP System and/or Student Information System (SIS) usage throughout the state of New Mexico.
Please use this linkIEP Systems Quick Survey or the QR Code (works with both Android and Apple phones) below to access the survey.
This survey will be available until Monday, May 8, 2025. For any questions or additional information, please contact: jklett@pcgus.com.
New Mexico State Educator Survey for Those Who Support Students with Disabilities
The New Mexico Public Education Department - Office of Special Education has contracted with Public Consulting Group (PCG) to conduct a review of special education supports and systems across the state to inform current and future state-level supports to districts and schools. All staff currently leading, providing and/or supporting special education services for students with IEPs are asked to complete this brief electronic survey.
The New Mexico Staff Survey is anonymous and will take approximately 15 minutes, and must be completed by Friday, May 16, 2025.
If you have any issues accessing the survey, please contact Jacob Klett, jklett@pcgus.com.
The OSE Mentorship Conference Date: Thursday, May 15, and Friday, May 16, 2025 Time: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Day One) and 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Day Two) 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 One with Dr. Marcia Tate, learning 20 powerful teaching techniques from her book Engaging the Brain. On Day Two, Dr. Frank Smith will join the group to explore additional teaching strategies from his book Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching.
April 17, 2025, was 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 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.
Spring Special Education Law Conference Workshop Summary: On Tuesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 16, 2025, educators from across the state attended the 2025 Special Education Conference, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque. The conference was presented by the New Mexico Public Education Department's Office of Special Education, in collaboration with Walsh Gallegos, Kyle Robinson & Roalson, P.C., and facilitated by the High Plains Regional Educational Cooperative #3.
The target audience for the Spring Law Conference included administrators, teachers, RSPs, and public state agency staff. Topics mirrored those offered at the fall conference, though no finance training was provided.
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.
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 Empowering Inclusive Education: A Call to Action for School Leaders. 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.
ASLA School Building Dedication Ceremony
On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy (ASLA)—the only ASL-English dual language school in the United States—held a special dedication ceremony to celebrate the future site of its new 60,000-square-foot school building. Located at 140 Tyler Court NW, just north of Osuna Road and Edith Boulevard, the new facility will serve more than 200 students.
The event featured remarks from several distinguished speakers, including New Mexico Public Education Secretary Marianna D. Padilla, who delivered the keynote address. Other speakers included ASLA Executive Director Rafe Martinez, Senator Deborah O'Malley, County Commissioner Barbara Baca, Public Education Commissioner Alan Brauer, and Joe Guillen, Chair of the Public School Capital Outlay Council (PSCOC) and Executive Director of the New Mexico School Boards Association.
Staff from the New Mexico Public Education Department were also in attendance, including Communications Director and PIO Dr. Janelle Garcia, Deputy Director of the Office of Special Education Dr. Tyre’ Jenkins, and Assistant Deputy Directors Jessica Dinsmore and Ria Gill.
Guests were invited to walk the future school grounds and sign commemorative beams that will be used in the construction of the new building, symbolizing their support and shared vision for the school’s future.
Gadsen Down Syndrome Awareness Spirit Week
Gadsden Independent School District proudly participated in Down Syndrome Awareness Spirit Week from March 17–21, 2025. With 100% districtwide participation, students and staff celebrated inclusivity through themed dress-up days, daily announcements, awareness videos, and a special 21-minute walk.
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 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, May 20, 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.
Workshop Summary: Hear from our panel of parents on their experiences and tips in navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
IEP Clinic: Essential Components of the IEP Date: Monday, May 19, 2025 Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Location:Virtual, Zoom Registration at: IEP Clinic: Essential Components of the IEP
Workshop Summary Description: Learn about the essential components in an Individualized Education Program and ways parents can participate meaningfully in IEP meetings.
Parents Reaching Out Events Parents Reaching Out provides in-person and virtual support groups in English and Spanish. To get connected with a support group, please click here:Parents Reaching Out Events.
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).
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
Mental Health Awareness Month Date: Thursday, May 1 – Saturday, May 31, 2025
Mental Health Awareness Month began in 1949. Mental health awareness is essential for all students, but it holds particular significance for those with disabilities in kindergarten through 12th grade. These students often face additional challenges—social, emotional, academic, and physical—that can impact their overall well-being. Raising awareness helps break down stigma, encourages early identification of mental health concerns, and fosters a school environment where every child feels safe, understood, and supported. When educators, families, and peers are equipped with knowledge and empathy, they can create inclusive spaces that nurture resilience, promote positive mental health, and empower students with disabilities to thrive both in and out of the classroom. To learn more about advocacy and to access resources, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 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
Happy Tip Tuesday! This month's strategies are “Quick Draw & Share” — a simple, low-prep activity that engages students in creative thinking, discussion, and comprehension through visual expression and "Creating Thinking with Hexagonal Thinking" — a strategy that encourages students to explore relationships between ideas by physically or digitally arranging hexagons that represent key concepts.
Explore resources and downloadable templates here:👉 ditchthattextbook.com/hexagonal-thinking. Have fun connecting those ideas and seeing learning come to life!
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
Data Insights & Reporting
24/7 Assistance
Quarterly Goal Tracking
User-friendly Interface tailored to your needs
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.
Sharyn Perea is the Dispute Resolution Coordinator in the Office of General Counsel at the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED). A proud graduate of Pojoaque High School, Sharyn has spent most of her life in New Mexico and holds a deep appreciation for the people, landscapes, and culture of the Land of Enchantment. Even during a brief time living out of state, her heart remained in New Mexico, and she was drawn back to the place she calls home.
