Spotlight from our Executive Director
Rejuvenate, Reflect, and Refine
For educators, time away from the school year is more than a break, it is an opportunity to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally. Teaching and leading schools require constant energy, patience, and creativity, and stepping back for a season can help restore the passion that fuels meaningful work with students and colleagues.
Rest is important. Spending time with family, traveling, enjoying hobbies, or simply slowing down can provide the renewal needed to return with fresh perspective and renewed enthusiasm. Educators who prioritize balance are often better equipped to handle challenges, foster positive relationships, and create supportive learning environments.
At the same time, periods away from the daily demands of school can also be valuable opportunities for professional growth. Reading educational books or articles, attending workshops, exploring new technology tools, or collaborating with colleagues can help sharpen instructional and leadership skills. Even small investments in professional learning can inspire new ideas and strategies for the coming school year.
The goal is not to fill every moment with work, but rather to find a healthy balance between rejuvenation and growth. By taking time to both rest and refine our craft, educators can return energized, prepared, and ready to continue making a positive impact on students and school communities.
Enjoy your time of rest and rejuvenation.
Val
🌟 Spotlight on Instructional Excellence
Reflections on an Inspiring May
May has been an extraordinary month of celebration, reflection, and future-forward planning across our region. Here is a look back at the incredible milestones we hit together:
The SWREC Leadership Academy held its final session of the academic year, bringing together our dedicated SWREC Instructional Staff for a powerful afternoon of celebration and transition.
Participants enjoyed a wonderful catered lunch while taking the time to look back on a year of profound accomplishments. Over the course of the session, staff systematically reflected on their professional growth, mapped their achievements, and engaged in a deeply meaningful exercise: **writing a personal letter to their future selves** to be opened as they begin the next school year.
This session successfully concluded their monthly executive coaching series, leaving our instructional staff feeling inspired, supported, and ready to keep driving instructional excellence forward.
Thank you to all the educators, directors, and leaders who dedicated their time, energy, and hearts to professional growth this year. Your commitment directly shapes the bright future of our schools and students! 🌟
Spotlight on Structured Literacy
A New Chapter for Structured Literacy in NM
Transitioning to statewide support and expanding classroom coaching for 2026-27
For the past four years, the Structured Literacy Initiative has quietly transformed reading instruction across New Mexico. By competing for state-funded grants, selected schools were designated as either a Support School or a Model School—each playing a distinct, vital role in advancing evidence-based literacy practices statewide.
As the 2026–27 school year approaches, this life-changing work is entering an important, expansive new phase. The program is moving from a localized, grant-based model into a **transitional period** designed to reach more schools, support more students, and set the stage for landmark legislation.
What Model & Support Schools Do
Support Schools
These schools serve on the front lines of implementing structured literacy, utilizing robust, evidence-based methods grounded in the Science of Reading.
Model Schools
Sites further along in their implementation journey who have deepened their classroom practice and leadership capacity through state-provided LETRS training.
The 2026–27 Transitional Year: Building the Bridge
The upcoming school year marks an opt-in transitional period—a critical bridge between the original grant program and the full, statewide implementation of new state law. During this transitional year, Model and Support Schools will extend their coaching expertise to three distinct, high-priority groups:
Foundations Cohort
Schools that have participated for only one year and are actively building their structural foundation.
Leadership Cohort
Current and newly identified Model Schools deepening their local instructional leadership capacity.
Targeted Intervention Cohort (New!)
A brand-new cohort of schools identified in the bottom quartile (performing at or below the 20th percentile in state reading outcomes).
This third cohort is highly significant. For the first time, schools in the bottom quartile will have structured, immediate access to systemic coaching—acting as a direct precursor to state mandates.
🏛️ Looking Ahead: Senate Bill 37 & Future Impact
Now signed into law, Senate Bill 37 directs the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) to provide structured literacy coaches to schools performing at or below the bottom quartile. Here is the timeline:
- Fall 2026: State data release will identify the full scope of schools requiring targeted support.
- School Year 2026–27 (The Transition): Bottom-quartile schools can begin receiving support immediately on an opt-in basis.
- School Year 2027–28 (Full Mandate): SB 37 goes into full effect. Identified schools receive three years of dedicated coaching.
*Why this transition year matters: By partnering with bottom-quartile schools now, we build the coaching infrastructure, relationships, and practices before the mandate takes full effect.
A Collaborative Effort at Scale
Coordinating support for approximately 116 school sites across New Mexico is an immense undertaking. To deliver this coordinated coaching, three primary organizations are working hand-in-hand:
This powerful partnership ensures that schools in every corner of New Mexico receive the aligned, world-class literacy support their teachers and students deserve.
Upcoming Trainings
NM PED 2026 Literacy & Humanities Summer Conference
Reigniting teachers' passion and commitment to fostering student literacy development.
Featuring Renowned National Keynotes:
Timothy Shanahan, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor Emeritus, leading reading researcher, and Stanford top 2% global scientist.
Mickey Smith Jr.
Grammy Music Educator Award Winner and acclaimed educator focused on teaching with purpose.
-
Building Better Classrooms
Date: Tue, 6/16/26 - Thu, 6/18/26 | 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: SWREC Training Room
*A multiday learning experience for all educators
