Dear AFT NM Members:
It seems much longer than a week since we learned Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced her decision to suspend the remainder of the academic year and move to a remote learning format.
Through this unprecedented period, we have been in constant contact with the Governor’s staff, NM PED, NM HED, and other appropriate agencies to ensure you are being supported as you continue to deliver educational services to our students, their families, and our communities.
Additionally, we have seen that our members across the state have stepped up to this challenge by finding innovative ways to deliver care, food, and learning opportunities, all while maintaining the highest protocols for safety for themselves and our students. Throughout this pandemic, we will continue to make sure community safety is always kept at the forefront.
We are PROUD of the work each of you are doing to exemplify our shared values as educators and New Mexicans. THANK YOU.
Included in this e-mail are a variety of up-to-the-minute documents, resources, links, and suggestions, especially as we transition to remote learning over the remaining academic year. Also included are a series of one-page background documents from AFT which will be helpful as we dig through the provisions of the recently passed federal CARES Act.
Please continue to monitor your inbox, as we will continue to share information and resources as they become available.
In Solidarity,
Stephanie Ly Kathy Chavez
President, AFT NM Executive VP, AFT NM
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PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR NEW INFORMATION AND RESOURCES:
Resources for Supporting Paraprofessionals
Education Minnesota – Involving ESPs in Distant Learning
Illinois State Board of Education Remote Learning Recommendations
Special Education Resources
Council For Exceptional Children
Center for Parent Information and Resources
PACER Center Champions for Students with Disabilities
Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs
Supporting Vulnerable Students
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
American Occupational Therapy Association
National Association of Social Workers
American School Counselor Association
Latest resources on mental health and coping with COVID-19 https://sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/covid-19-mental-health
Share My Lesson coronavirus/COVID-19 resources https://sharemylesson.com/coronavirus/remote
Resources on the recently passed/enacted CARES Act (Separated by topic area):
Healthcare
Nutrition
K-12 Education
Resources Previously Shared; Some Resources Updated:
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding School Closure (NM PED: March 27, 2020)
AFT President Randi Weingarten’s Push for Capstone Projects as a Demonstration of Competency
More on this Proposal from AFT President Weingarten
Supporting Students with Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic aims to provide some implementation advice for educators and staff supporting special needs students. While IDEA ensures the availability of a free and appropriate public education, delivering these services to more than 6.5 million eligible recipients today brings unprecedented challenges.
Distance Learning Tips offers some practical guidance for teachers and others embarking on an often unexpected journey into distance learning. This resource was initially developed by and is adapted from the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals.
Both new resources can be found here:
Navigating Student Debt Issues During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Guidelines for Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic in Higher Education Settings
COVID-19 and Transportation Safety (from Share My Lesson/AFT)
AFT COVID-19 Information and Resources: CLICK HERE
AFT Tips on Self-Care and Mental Wellness: CLICK HERE
AFT Share My Lesson on COVID-19 (Resources in English and Spanish): CLICK HERE
NM Department of Health COVID-19 Facts and FAQs: CLICK HERE
NM PED COVID-19 Resources: CLICK HERE
NM HED Website: CLICK HERE
NM Workforce Solutions: CLICK HERE
Each of these pages are being updated on a daily or near daily basis based on available and factual information. We encourage you to check them frequently.