Application Guide
How to Apply for New Mexico Manager of Policy and Programs
at Teach Plus
🏢 About Teach Plus
Teach Plus New Mexico is unique because it empowers teacher leaders to shape education policy directly, bridging the gap between classroom experience and legislative action. Working here means you'll amplify educator voices to drive systemic change, all while being part of a national network dedicated to equity and student success.
About This Role
As the New Mexico Manager of Policy and Programs, you'll lead the Policy Fellowship and other initiatives that turn teachers into advocates. Your work will directly influence state education policy by coaching teacher leaders, conducting research, and building coalitions—making a tangible impact on student outcomes and economic mobility in New Mexico.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with a Policy Fellow, coaching them on drafting testimony for a legislative committee. You could then spend the afternoon analyzing a new state education bill, preparing a policy brief, and meeting with coalition partners to align on advocacy strategies. Wrapping up, you might update project plans and review data on program impact.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Teach Plus Is Looking For
- A seasoned professional with 5+ years in education policy, advocacy, or coalition building, ideally with experience in New Mexico's education landscape.
- A skilled coach who can develop adult learners, providing individualized support to help teacher leaders craft policy recommendations, op-eds, and testimony.
- A strategic researcher who can synthesize policy data and translate findings into actionable, educator-informed solutions.
- A relationship-builder who thrives in coalitions, legislative meetings, and statewide events, representing Teach Plus with credibility and passion.
📝 Tips for Applying to Teach Plus
Tailor your resume to highlight specific New Mexico education policy experience or knowledge, even if it's from a related role or volunteer work.
In your cover letter, share a concrete example of how you've coached or developed adult learners, especially teachers or advocates, to amplify their voices.
Demonstrate your policy research skills by referencing a recent New Mexico education policy issue and how you'd approach analyzing it.
Use your application to show you understand the unique challenges of remote work in a statewide role, emphasizing your self-motivation and virtual collaboration skills.
Mention any connections to New Mexico's education community, such as past partnerships with school districts, nonprofits, or advocacy groups in the state.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Emphasize your commitment to educator-led policy change and how it aligns with Teach Plus's mission.", 'Highlight specific experiences coaching teachers or facilitating adult learning, with measurable outcomes.', 'Showcase your policy research and advocacy skills, especially in New Mexico or similar contexts.', 'Express your enthusiasm for building coalitions and elevating diverse educator voices in policy decisions.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Teach Plus New Mexico's recent policy reports and advocacy wins to understand their impact.
- → Familiarize yourself with the New Mexico Public Education Department's current initiatives and key education legislation.
- → Explore the background of Teach Plus's national network and how state affiliates collaborate.
- → Look into the specific structure of the Policy Fellowship and past teacher leader projects.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic application—failing to mention New Mexico or specific education policy experience will stand out negatively.
- Avoid being overly theoretical; this role requires practical coaching and advocacy skills, so provide concrete examples.
- Don't overlook the remote aspect—failing to address how you'll stay connected and productive without in-person oversight can be a red flag.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!