Public Affairs

NMCSA is an active participant in the state’s legislative and educational policy development process. NMCSA develops and promotes public policy proposals that address the concerns of school administrators in New Mexico on behalf of our children. NMCSA supports our legislators and public officials who have demonstrated an understanding of education issues from a management perspective and have shown an active interest in legislation that promotes effective schools and effective school administration.

Professional Development

NMCSA promotes professional development for all levels of school administrators. The annual summer conference features national keynote speakers and breakout sessions conducted by New Mexico practitioners. Seminars and workshops are presented to focus on specific needs. Examples are: managing the violent student, leadership assessment and development, strategic planning, site- based decision making, collective bargaining, and technology training. NMCSA collaborates with other educational entities and its affiliates to provide valuable professional development experiences.

Peer Support and Networking

NMCSA activities and services bring school administrators together to share ideas, discuss strategies and promote educational excellence for all school districts. NMCSA members generate enthusiasm for their profession from this interaction and encourage colleagues to maintain a personal commitment to leadership. Our affiliate members will mentor others in their organization upon request and help is available for specific problems. STAMP (new superintendent mentoring) is available through our affiliate NMSSA, as while as an Aspriing Superintendent Academy. Our affiliates NMAESP and NMASSP offer a New and Aspiring Principals Workshop annually in conjunction with the NMCSA Annual Conference every summer. NMCSA is working with the NM Leadership Institutue to develop leadership skills with Principals statewide.

Communication

NMCSA publishes a monthly electronic newsletter, THE RECORDER, for its members and partners, which is designed to keep administrators informed regarding current issues. Email messages go regularly to members focusing on key issues. A daily legislative recap goes to superintendents, the NMCSA board and the NMCSA listserve during the legislative session, to be shared with their administrative staff. Brochures are available informing members of services and the NMCSA website is updated on a regular basis with current trends and news.

Recognition Programs

NMCSA sponsors a recognition program honoring outstanding educators in each of the affiliate organizations. Public and private leaders who have made differences in public education are also recognized. The NMCSA Hall of Fame Award, recognizes outstanding retired administrators for service to the state and is decided by the NMCSA Board and award at the Annual Conference in July. Formal presentations are made during the annual summer conference awards luncheon. In addition, NMCSA recognizes two outstanding high school students each year with a scholarship awarded at the the annual conference.

Job Placement

NMCSA assists its members in job placement. The membership is kept informed of job openings throughout the state via the website. Upon request, information regarding job openings outside New Mexico will be furnished. A link to the CES REAP job placement site is on the NMCSA website homepage.

Memorial Scholarship

Candidates must be an NMCSA member and currently employed in an administrative position. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide a professional growth experience to a practicing administrator. One person is selected each year and is awarded a $1000 scholarship at the Annual Conference. The NMCSA Board will select the winner. The recipient will report his/her professional growth experience at the succeeding summer conference.

Note: Applications for all awards and scholarships are published in the RECORDER at the appropriate time and also posted on the NMCSA Website.