Public Education Department
The 270 employees of the Public Education Department comprise 12 divisions spread over 6 locations, though the majority of our staff is still located in the Jerry Apodaca Education Building at 300 Don Gaspar, next to the Bataan building and across from the Secretary of State
(in the old state library).
The Public Education Department (PED) has a constitutional mandate to recommend and implement educational policy by providing leadership, technical assistance and quality assurance to improve performance for all students.
PED oversees administration of NM school districts and works with the Higher Education Department to ensure a smooth progression of education from Pre-Kindergarten through postgraduate-levels of study. The Public Education Commission (PEC) advises the Education Secretary. Other educational partners such as the Federal government, other state agencies, educational nonprofits, business entities and more also work with the Department.
Academic achievement is addressed in the Standards for Excellence, the New Mexico Student Achievement System, No Child Left Behind Act designations, and the accountability framework specified in the New Mexico Accountability Plan.
In addition, the Indian Education Act (2003) invested the Department with the responsibility to address the specific needs of American Indian students to "ensure equitable and culturally relevant learning environments, educational opportunities and culturally relevant instructional materials for American Indian students enrolled in public schools."
The PED and PEC both recommend high standards for entry into the teaching profession through a three-tiered licensure plan and professional development. Safe schools, buses and other physical operations of school activity are also monitored by the PED.
