Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) announced today the launch of a new TESOL and bilingual endorsement tuition reimbursement pilot program that will provide teachers with specialized training in bilingual education and English language development to meet the educational needs of English learners. The pilot is being funded with $90,000 from the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) through June 30, 2024.
“The new tuition reimbursement pilot will prepare more teachers to meet the needs of our culturally and linguistically diverse student population. Our commitment is to ensure English language development and bilingual education for English Learners who represent 30% of our district,” said Superintendent Hilario “Larry” Chavez. “The goal of this program is to build capacity within Santa Fe Public Schools to fulfill our mission of providing students with a high-quality and engaging education,” he said.
Under the program, SFPS’ Language and Culture Department will reimburse currently certified SFPS PreK-to-12th-grade teachers for up to 14 post-graduate credit hours towards their endorsements each school year, including the costs for tuition, books and materials, exam fees and the endorsement application to the New Mexico Public Education Department.
College credits can be earned at New Mexico Highlands University, Santa Fe Community College, Northern New Mexico College, Eastern New Mexico University, the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, New Mexico State University, San Juan College, Western New Mexico University and Fort Lewis College in Colorado.