Albuquerque Public Schools
SETT Teacher Supports Real-World Learning
Hands-on experiences help West Mesa students build confidence, independence and life skills.
The Special Education Teacher Training program continues to prepare future educators while creating meaningful learning experiences for students in Albuquerque Public Schools.
SETT is a year-long residency partnership between APS, Albuquerque Teachers Federation, Central New Mexico Community College and The University of New Mexico. Through the program, teacher residents work alongside experienced educators while connecting classroom learning with hands-on practice.
One of those residents is Richard Newman, a former APS educational assistant who chose to pursue becoming a licensed teacher through the CNM SETT program. Newman completed his residency placement at West Mesa High School with cooperating teacher Mary Soto and will begin the 2026–2027 school year as a teacher of record, leading his own classroom.
In addition to supporting academic growth, the IGS I program at West Mesa focuses on functional and vocational academics, practical life skills and citizenship skills. Soto and Newman help students build confidence and independence through real-world experiences and community interactions.
Students practice everyday skills such as ordering from a menu, counting money to pay for lunch, preparing food and riding the bus to reach a destination. These experiences help students strengthen communication, problem-solving and independence while learning how to navigate the world beyond the classroom.
The SETT program continues to provide valuable mentorship opportunities for future educators while helping APS students build the skills, habits and mindsets needed for success in school and life.
For more information about the SETT program:
🔗 Learn about the CNM SETT Program: CNM SETT Website
🔗 Learn about the UNM SETT Program: UNM SETT Website