CNM offers a state-accredited program based on NCATE standards for Alternative Teacher Licensure with certificates in, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education. For students currently in the Alternative Teacher Licensure Program or licensed teachers, CNM offers coursework that can be applied to endorsements in Gifted Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Bilingual Education. For more information, visit the program website.
Upon successful completion of these certificate programs and required state exams, candidates are eligible to apply for a Level I Provisional Teaching License.
Teaching remains a high demand field in New Mexico, especially in the areas of bilingual elementary, secondary (math or science), and special education. The starting salary for teachers in New Mexico public schools is $30,000. Within seven years of teaching, teachers can earn a base salary of $50,000.
Special Requirements
Students must complete an application process administered through the Coordinated Program Entry Office and be selected to enter this program.
To qualify to pursue alternative licensure programs, an individual must have:
A bachelor’s degree including 30 semester hours of credit in a particular field that applies to the licensure area sought; or
A master’s degree including 12 semester hours of graduate credit in a particular field that applies to the licensure area sought; or
A doctorate degree in a particular field that applies to the licensure area sought.
Exit competencies for this program are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.
For the graduation policy refer to the Graduating From CNM section.
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