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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico will see a 20 percent increase in funding aimed at providing more training for math and science teachers at schools in rural and impoverished areas, the governor announced Friday.
The state will now provide $2.4 million for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math program, also known as STEM. That marks a jump from the previous year and a move to help students compete for high-tech jobs in the future, Gov. Susana Martinez told a group of math and science teachers in Albuquerque.
"The future of our state's economy depends on having an educated workforce that can meet the needs of employers in the years to come," Martinez said.
The extra money will provide professional development for teachers in rural and low-income schools.
Existing funding provides $5,000 stipends to recruit and retain math and science teachers in rural and underserved areas.
The new funding is part of several initiatives by the state Public Education Department in what is being described as record education spending by New Mexico, where spending on early childhood programs and public schools will top $2.75 billion in the coming budget year.
Nearly all of the money goes to schools based on a formula that takes into account enrollment and special education needs. The rest of the budget is allocated for specific initiatives.
STEM education has been a key part of Martinez's plan to improve the public education system.
Public Education Secretary Hanna Skandera welcomed the new funding.
"Our teachers inspire their students to think about math and science in new ways and show what is possible for our kids in those fields," she said.
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