New Mexico Students Earn National Honors at Educators Rising Conference

SANTA FE – More than 300 New Mexico students gained hands-on classroom experience during the 2025-26 school year, with many going on to earn national recognition at the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference in Portland, Oregon, according to the New Mexico Public Education Department.

Competing against more than 3,000 students from across the country, New Mexico participants earned national honors across a variety of competitive events, highlighting the state’s growing investment in preparing the next generation of educators.

The Public Education Department said students participating in Educators Rising New Mexico complete internships in classrooms ranging from early childhood through upper elementary grades, allowing them to explore careers in education while gaining practical teaching experience. During the past school year, more than 300 students participated in classroom internships statewide.

The program also encourages students to complete the ParaPro Assessment, which measures the knowledge and skills needed for instructional support positions in public schools. State education officials said New Mexico continues to maintain a high pass rate on the assessment, helping create pathways to careers in education.

The Public Education Department congratulated all New Mexico students who competed at the national conference, including national champions, finalists, ribbon recipients and collegiate participants, for representing the state on the national stage.