Albuquerque Public Schools
SETT Prepares the Next Generation of Special Education Teachers
Through a unique partnership, APS is investing in residents who are learning side-by-side with veteran teachers while earning their credentials.
Albuquerque Public Schools continues to invest in its students and newest teachers through a program designed to prepare high-quality special education educators for the classroom.
The Special Education Teacher Training program—known as SETT—is a partnership between APS, the Albuquerque Teachers Federation and Central New Mexico Community College. Established in 2018, SETT provides a comprehensive, well-supported alternative licensure pathway that combines coursework with hands-on learning in APS classrooms.
“Cohort 8 is our largest group yet,” SETT Liaison Shaness Conley said. “The need for dedicated special education teachers is as great as ever, and this program is helping us meet that challenge.”
The program was created to address persistent vacancies in special education classrooms. APS is investing extensively in the program, providing first-year teacher pay and benefits for residents. Upon program completion, APS continues to support graduates with mentorship and resources during their first year. Retention has been strong, with 92% of participants from the first seven cohorts remaining with APS.
Residents spend four days each week in classrooms alongside cooperating teachers, applying what they learn in their CNM courses one day a week. For many, the combination of coursework and immediate, practical experience makes the program invaluable.
Building a Foundation
Resident Michael Yaqub said the program stood out immediately when he and his family relocated to New Mexico.
“I hadn't come across anything like that before, where, based on your previous experience, you could enter this program and be offered a salary in your first year and start jumping in right away,” he said. “For my family, that was super important.”
With this pathway, Yaqub said he is able to build a foundation for a long-lasting career. Hands-on learning has been an important part for him.
“The classroom time is valuable for sure, but to be able to enter into a classroom immediately with the coach, particularly a coach like mine who is super supportive, is great,” he explained. “The program placement process is really good. They did an excellent job determining who would be the best fit for me and I feel really happy with my co-teacher.”
Felicity-Rae Gurule said she learned of the program from her principal while working as an educational assistant. She said she ultimately chose the program because she could work with an experienced educator.
“I want to learn from the best,” she said. “It's really reassuring because I know the information and I have all the support systems that I need in order to do my job better. It's absolutely amazing. Ten out of 10.”
A Way to Give Back
For Frances Esenwa, the SETT program is both a career move and a calling.
“I have a child with a disability, so I was a full-time caregiver. The services she got when she was in school, that's why I want to help with individuals with special needs. I asked myself, ‘How do I advance myself and still impact individuals?’ I want to give back.”
Esenwa was introduced to the program by a friend who was in a previous cohort. She said the mix of classroom and hands-on learning is excellent.
“It's wonderful. I will advise anybody that wants to come to teaching to try to come through this door,” she added.
Grace Messec found SETT after receiving a flyer from a family member who works at APS. Previously working as an educational assistant, Messec said she found the program interesting and is glad she joined.
“I know people who have done the program, and they all seem really well prepared to teach their own classrooms,” she said. “Even though all first-year teachers get support, being connected to a lot of these resources is really important for continued teacher success.”
The residents currently in the program come from a range of backgrounds. Together, they share a common purpose: building a strong foundation for their future classrooms while serving APS students today.
“The SETT program is about support and sustainability,” Conley said. “We want our new teachers to feel prepared, connected and confident. When that happens, students benefit the most.”
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