Committee backs bill allowing middle and high school teachers to count up to 60 professional work hours as instructional time

The Senate Education Committee on Oct. 12 advanced House Bill 238, which would allow middle and high school teachers to count up to 60 instructional hours per school year as professional work hours—bringing secondary teachers into parity with elementary educators.

Sponsor and expert testimony: Representative Collin presented the bill and invited Dr. V. C. Cleveland, superintendent of Rio Rancho Public Schools, to testify. Dr. Cleveland argued that high‑quality instruction depends on well‑prepared teachers and that equalizing professional work time would support teacher training, collaboration and planning. “There’s nothing … more impactful than providing our students with a highly prepared and qualified teacher,” Dr. Cleveland told the committee.

Public comment: Teachers’ unions, charter school representatives and school board associations supported the change. Carrie Robin Brunder (Public Charter Schools of New Mexico), Whitney Holland (AFT New Mexico), Lillian May Ortiz (New Mexico School Board Association) and Edward Webster (NEA New Mexico) spoke in favor, citing teacher recruitment, retention and the importance of embedded professional development.

Key questions: Committee members asked about potential effects on instructional time, four‑day school weeks, and how districts would maintain the statutory minimum of 1,140 instructional hours. Sponsor representatives said the bill is permissive—districts “may” adopt the expanded allowance—and would not lengthen contract days; local boards would choose whether to adjust calendars or embed professional work within existing time.

Outcome: Following discussion and public testimony, the committee approved a do‑pass recommendation on HB 238.