Teacher Education (AA), Secondary Concentration

School of Communication, Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS)

The Teacher Education associate degree program focuses on the knowledge, dispositions and skills required for working with children in the public school system (K-12). Students will gain practical experience in the classroom.

This program leads to an Associate of Arts degree in Teacher Education with a concentration in Secondary Education.  Students will choose a subject area track in Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies or Spanish.
In New Mexico, teachers must complete one or more teaching fields (endorsements) to apply for a Secondary Teaching License (grades 7-12).

See Recommended Sequence of Courses

Special Requirements

• Students must pass 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.

Approximate Costs of this Educational Option

• Cost of Attendance
• Tuition
• Books
• Program and Course Fees

Financial Aid Considerations

• This is a financial aid eligible program.
  • Direct Subsidized Loans: 150 percent rule
  • Some courses are not eligible for Financial Aid. Please check the list here when considering a course.

Educational Opportunities

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

• Elementary (K-8)
• Secondary (7-12)
• Special Education (K-12)

Students should refer to the Alternative Teacher Licensure website for more information about the program.

Students transferring to a New Mexico College of Education for teacher licensure are required to take the NES Essential Academic Skills exam as part of the program admission process.  It is recommended that students take the NES Essential Academic Skills test in their final semester of the program after the majority of their coursework has been completed. 

Career Opportunities

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 bachelor’s degrees in 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 starting salary for teachers in New Mexico public schools is $34,000. Within 7 years of teaching, teachers can move to a salary of $50,000.