NM SCHOOLS: Behavior Issues, Teacher Burnout, and Alternative Options
- Sarah Smith
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
Dear New Mexicans,
Our working group of concerned teachers and school personnel gives us many insights into the problems in our schools. NM is ranked last in the Nation for education and we are advocating towards better outcomes.
Recently, our NM Schools working group met to discuss behavior issues and teacher burnout in schools. We had attendees representing Albuquerque, Deming, Farmington, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe.
Scroll below for info about:
"inclusion" and violence in the classroom
too much focus on academics in lower grades
teachers being stretched too thinly
teacher burnout
big-picture view of Federal guidance that likely contributed to the lack of discipline in schools
charter schools and homeschooling options
Teachers reported issues with "inclusion" of kids with serious behavioral issues, autism, etc. in the general ed classes. Kids are not being properly assessed for conditions such as autism until 3rd grade; in the meantime the kids are just labeled as "developmentally delayed" which prevents them from being moved into classes where they could receive more individualized attention. This is disrupting education for all.
Violent kids are harming others, yet teachers are not allowed to impose any real discipline to teach better behavior and protect the other students.
There has been a decline in language skills and increase in speech issues since COVID. The continued high use of electronics/screen time is contributing as well. There is a shortage of speech therapists such that speech therapy is being performed via Zoom with personnel from across the country.
There is too much focus on forcing academics in elementary grades, even in Kindergarten and 1st grade. Early emphasis on academics is not developmentally appropriate and leads to poor outcomes. https://www.npr.org/2022/02/10/1079406041/researcher-says-rethink-prek-preschool-prekindergarten
Too much focus on academics in the lower grades also contributes to behavior issues, as the children act out more when they are not allowed time for more developmentally appropriate activities, recess, etc.
There are too many other subjects being imposed on teachers. This is leading to them not being able to cover the basic academic subjects very well. Parents are upset that their kids aren't being educated.
In later grades, autistic kids are being placed in the same class with kids who have behavior issues. This is inappropriate and the autistic kids, especially, cannot handle it.
There is a shortage of teachers and educational assistants in some districts.
In some districts, admins are being required to do double-duty, such as working at multiple schools. Teacher positions are being cut, especially for teachers working less than full time.
Behavior issues and "inclusion" are leading to teacher burnout and are a main reason why many teachers are leaving the profession.
Overall, NM school personnel reported many struggles with being able to continue on given the way schools are being managed and how teachers' hands are being tied with regards to classroom management.
From a big-picture viewpoint, it looks like the lack of classroom management tools over the last decade may be related to Federal guidance issued in 2014 under the Obama administration.
That 2014 guidance threatened schools with losing Federal funding if minorities were suspended, expelled, or referred to law enforcement at higher rates than others.
The Trump administration recently issued an Executive Order that rolls back that earlier Federal guidance.
You can see the new Executive Order here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/reinstating-common-sense-school-discipline-policies/
Louisiana (who used to be alongside NM as one of the worst states for education) is implementing a path forward that is working well: https://washingtonstand.com/news/louisianas-education-comeback-rising-to-the-top-amid-national-decline
In New Mexico, charter schools and homeschooling are alternatives to traditional public schools.
Charter schools are free to attend and some charter schools in NM are doing much better overall.
Homeschooling is another option. The homeschool community in NM is growing and thriving.
We have information about how to homeschool in NM, local homeschool groups in various cities, and curriculum options on our website here: https://www.nmfa.us/post/concerned-about-kids-schooling-info-about-alternatives
We'd love to hear your own thoughts and whether you are seeing the same issues in your local school districts. Feel free to share this with your friends and family who are concerned about education in NM.
Standing with you for the health and well-being of NM's children,
Sarah, Melanie, and Karen
New Mexico Freedoms Alliance
National Coalition for Health Integrity
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