Teacher Education (AA), Elementary/Special Education Concentration

School of Communication, Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS)

The Teacher Education Elementary and Special Education associate degree program focuses on the knowledge, dispositions and skills required for working with children in the public school system (PreK-12). Students will gain practical experience through field experience in a PreK-12 public school setting. 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. 

The Teacher Education associate degree is also available in a cohorted fast track program. Contact Education Programs at [email protected] for more information.
The Teacher Education degree with a concentration in Elementary and Special Education is designed to transfer to Colleges of Education in Elementary, Special Education or dual Elementary/Special Education licensure pathways. 

See Recommended Sequence of Courses

Special Requirements

• Students must pass a criminal background check prior to beginning their field 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)
• Early Childhood (PreK-3)

Students should refer to the Alternative Teacher Licensure, Elementary  / Special Ed  for the recommended course sequence for each Alternative Teacher Licensure area.

Students transferring to a four-year college of education for a bachelor’s degree in education will need passing scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) upon program completion.  For more information on the Praxis Core, please go to: https://www.ets.org/praxis/nm

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 $41,000. Within seven years, teachers can earn a base salary of $60,000.