Dive Brief:

• New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez hopes to raise student achievement through an $11.5 million package of proposals that includes new teacher raises.  
• Martinez hopes that by raising new teacher pay by $34,000 (a raise of $2,000), the field will become more attractive.   
• Last year the legislature raised new teacher pay to $32,000, and in order to make this second increase, the state would have to shell out an additional $6.7 million.  

Dive Insight:

Martinez's plan also asks to expand a principal mentorship program so that teachers could benefit from professional development and to set aside $2.3 million so they can buy supplies.  

Currently, New Mexico has one of the worst school systems in the country, so any additional resources — including pay — will only help make a career in education more competitive and desirable.