Program Overview: Navigators: skilled education professionals—often former school or district leaders—selected to support identified schools in New Mexico as part of the school transformation and improvement process. They work in close partnership with school leaders and teams to drive instructional improvement, strategic planning, and system-level change.
Navigators will be prepared through a comprehensive professional learning sequence, which includes:
Deep understanding of the NM Vistas framework and designation criteria
Skillful use of data to drive strategic planning and monitor progress
Capacity building to support school leaders in executing high-leverage action steps
Consistent, outcomes-driven coaching and support
Development of systems for shared leadership, equity, and continuous improvement
In partnership with the Public Education Department (PED), Navigate leaders, building principals and school teams will work collaboratively through in-person professional learning and on-site implementation to strengthen school improvement efforts. Throughout the year, Navigators will:
Engage in all professional learning sessions and coaching check-ins with their assigned accountability partner
Participate in site visits and virtual check-ins with their designated school teams
Facilitate data-informed reflection and collaborative problem-solving at the school level
Support the development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of evidence-based school improvement plans
Uphold strong accountability through consistent documentation, timely follow-up, and alignment with NM Vistas milestones
Competencies for the Navigator role:
Instructional and Systems Leadership: Deep understanding of instructional best practices and the ability to analyze and strengthen school-level systems for teaching, learning, and leadership.
Accountability and Follow-Through: Holds self and others to high expectations for implementation and results and monitors action steps for fidelity and impact.
Data Fluency and Strategic Thinking: Proficient in analyzing and interpreting multiple sources of school and student data and using data to guide decision-making, identify root causes, and track progress.
Coaching and Capacity Building: Strong coaching and facilitation skills and the ability to support adult learners.
Relationship-Building and Influence: Is credible and has the ability to establish trust and credibility with school leaders and teams, navigating challenging conversations with professionalism and clarity.
Equity-Mindedness: Advocates for student groups disproportionately impacted by school performance gaps and supports the design of inclusive, culturally responsive systems and practices
Organizational Skills and Professionalism: The ability to manage multiple priorities effectively through clear documentation and timely communication.
By the conclusion of the program, Navigators will have played an essential role in helping school leaders make meaningful gains in student achievement, instructional quality, and school climate—ultimately propelling schools forward along the NM Vistas continuum.