"The teachers who carry on this integral piece of the culture and history of so many in our state deserve to be paid as the educational professionals they are.”

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, regarding the state’s decision to offer equal pay to educators who are certified in the Indigenous languages taught in public schools. Prior to the bill’s signing, Indigenous language certificate holders were paid as “teaching assistants” and earned as little as $14,000. (Associated Press — March 4, 2022)