The New Mexico Public Education Department gives notice that the Department will conduct a public hearing from 10:00 a.m. to noon on April 29, 2009 in the Jerry Apodaca Building, Mabry Hall, 300 Don Gaspar, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501.

The purpose of the public hearing will be to obtain input on School Personnel and Licensure Rules that are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2009.

The rules concern alternative licensure, dossier submission dates, license renewals and requirements, competency testing requirements for reciprocal licensure, reciprocity for level 3B administrators license, Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) Competencies endorsement requirements, and rules for educational diagnosticians and school counselors.

Interested individuals may testify at the public hearing or submit written comments.  Written comments should be sent to Ms. Flo Martinez, Executive Administrative Assistant, Licensure Bureau, Educator Quality Bureau, Public Education Department, 444 Galisteo, Suite A, Santa Fe, NM 87501, by email florence.martinez@state.nm.us), or by fax: 505-827-4148.  These comments must be received no later than 5:00 P.M. on April 29, 2009.  However, the submission of written comments as soon as possible is encouraged.  Written comments shall suggest specific reasons for any suggested amendments or comments and include any proposed amendatory language.

Copies of the proposed rules may be accessed on the Department's website (www.ped.state.nm.us) or obtained from Ms. Martinez as indicated in the preceding paragraph by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to Professional Licensure Bureau, 300 Don Gaspar Ave., Room 101, Santa Fe, NM 87501. 

Individuals with disabilities who require this information in an alternative format or need any form of auxiliary aid to attend or participate in the meeting are asked to contact Ms. Martinez as soon as possible.  The Department requests at least ten (10) days advance notice to provide special accommodations.  If accommodation is not requested, in advance we cannot guarantee the availability of accommodation on-site.

The proposed rules may be accessed on the Department’s website http://ped.state.nm.us/