New Mexico is often rated dead last in terms of pre-k-12 and in terms of education overall. Example: Best States for Education | US News Best States.

Pre-election dem propaganda: The 7% pay increase that the democrat-led legislature is considering that's mentioned in the article. If they actually wanted to do it - they would have done it already.

New Mexico asks Guard to sub for sick teachers amid omicron | AP News

The governor said state workers are encouraged to participate in a spirit of public service and that no one is being drafted. The state hopes to quickly deploy 500 new substitute teachers and day care workers.

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State public education officials say volunteers from the National Guard and state agencies can qualify for substitute teaching with as little as two hours of training and a two-step background check. School districts will decide whether military personnel appear in uniform or casual dress.

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Amid longstanding teacher shortages, the Democrat-led Legislature is weighing proposals to recruit and retain teachers with a minimum 7% pay increase for all public school staff, increased minimum teacher salaries at various career stages and spending to pay off teachers' student debts.