Alternative Teacher Licensure (Post Degree Certificate of Completion), Secondary Education Concentration

School of Communication, Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS)

CNM offers a state-accredited teacher licensure program based on national InTASC standards for teacher preparation and the New Mexico state framework for teacher education.  CNM offers Alternative Teacher Licensure with certificates in, Early Childhood Education , Elementary Education , Secondary Education, and Special Education . Students are able to complete licensure pathways in multiple areas and all students are encouraged to complete dual licensure in 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. https://www.cnm.edu/programs-of-study/programs-a-z/alternative-teacher-licensure/endorsement-coursework

See Recommended Sequence of Courses

Special Requirements

• Alternative Teacher Licensure Program (ATLP) Application

• Submission of official transcript to CNM Records Office confirming bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• GPA of 3.0 on highest degree earned (or passing score on appropriate Praxis Subject Exam)
• Ability to pass a Criminal Background Check
• Passing score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) *
  • Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading
  • Core Academic Skills for Educators: Writing
  • Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics

Educational Information

Upon successful admission to the Alternative Licensure Program candidates are eligible to apply for an Alternative Level I Provisional Teaching License from the NM Public Education Department. 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 $41,000. Within seven years, teachers can earn a base salary of $60,000.

Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.