The Teacher Education Secondary Associate of Arts 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 a public school setting.
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).
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:
Early Childhood (PreK-3)
Elementary (K-8)
Secondary (7-12)
Special Education (K-12)
Students with a bachelor’s degree or higher 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
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 7 years, teachers can move to a salary of $60,000.
Ten Year Rule for CTE Courses
Career and technical education courses in this program will qualify for credit for a period of ten academic years. Due to changing technologies, trends, and professional demands, courses completed ten or more years in the past will satisfy program requirements only if they are approved by the instructional school in which they were offered. Cohorted programs may have additional restrictions.
Teacher Licensure requirements may vary for specific disciplines. Consult an advisor or the program director in selecting electives and meeting requirements.
Minimum Credit Hours Required to Complete Degree: 60
Secondary Education: Content Area Tracks
Secondary Education Content Area Tracks (12 credits)**
In New Mexico, teachers must complete one or more teaching fields (endorsements) to apply for a Secondary Teaching License (grades 7-12).
Students are advised to choose one teaching field from the tracks listed below as program approved electives to fulfill the teaching field requirements for the Teacher Education Secondary Concentration.
We encourage students to meet with an advisor to review the transfer requirements of the college where they intend to complete their degree to determine if there are additional general education course requirements that can be completed at CNM.
