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Program Description

The Teacher Education associate degree program facilitates an introduction to learning the theory and skills required for working with children in the public school system (K-12). Students will also gain practical experience in the classroom. Students interested in teaching in the early grades (PreK-3rd grade) should also consider the Birth-3rd Grade Teacher concentration in the Early Childhood Multicultural Education  Degree.

This program leads to an Associate of Arts degree in one of five concentrations:

• Career and Technical Education: This concentration is designed for students who have already earned a certificate and/or AAS degree in selected vocational/technical areas. Examples of approved certificate/AAS include: automotive technology, culinary arts, electronics technology, manufacturing, and welding.
• Elementary Education
• Bilingual Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Special Education

Special Requirements

Students may be required to undergo a TB test and a criminal background check prior to beginning their field / practicum experience. All courses required for transfer must be taken for a traditional grade of A, B, C, etc. For courses offered only for credit / no credit, a grade of credit (CR) must be earned.

Teacher licensure regulations determine eligible vocational/technical areas for the Career and Technical concentration. Students seeking this degree and/or intending to transfer to ENMU’s online program in Professional Technical Education must be advised by the program director.

Native Spanish speakers or speakers of Native American languages should contact program director for options to SPAN requirements for the Bilingual Elementary Concentration.

Career and Educational Opportunities

Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.

The associate of arts degree enables graduates to serve as educational assistants or substitute teachers within New Mexico public schools. Graduates from the program may transfer to four-year institutions that grant bachelors degrees in education. The Career and Technical Education concentration is specifically articulated for transfer to Eastern New Mexico University’s online Bachelors degree in Professional Technical Education.

Teaching remains a high demand field in New Mexico, especially in the areas of Bilingual Elementary, Secondary (Math or Science), and Special Education. The national and state trend in Career and Technical education in high schools has also increased the demand for skilled Career and Technical educators. The starting salary for teachers in New Mexico public schools is $30,000. Within 7 years of teaching, teachers can move to a salary of $50,000.

The Education Department also offers courses for students who have already earned a Bachelors degree and want to transition to teaching through the Alternative Teacher Licensure in the following areas:

• Early Childhood (PreK-3rd Grade)
• Elementary (K-8)
• Secondary (7-12)
• Special Education (K-12)

Students should refer to the Alternative Teacher Licensure  for the recommended course sequence for each Alternative Teacher Licensure area.

Exit competencies (see Program Exit Competencies) for this program of study are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.

For the graduation policy refer to the Graduating From CNM  section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.

Certificate and Degree Options

• Teacher Education, Associate of Arts 

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