Alternative Teacher Licensure (Post Degree Certificate of Completion), Early Childhood PreK-Grade 3 Concentration

School of Education (ED)

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

Educational Option Information

• This educational option is an: Post Degree Certificate of Completion
• This educational option can be completed: Part-time
• This educational option is design for: Post baccalaureate degree students
• This educational option can be started: Anytime
• Primary course location: Main Campus

Special Requirements

Students must complete a separate application process for the Alternative Teacher Licensure Program. 

• Alternative Teacher Licensure Program (ATLP) Application

Application requirements include: 

• 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 

* Passing results from a comparable teacher assessment taken within the last 10 years will be accepted in lieu of the Praxis Core. 

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.

There are many scholarships available for teacher education.  Please go to the scholarship page for more information, and be sure to check out these opportunities:

• Grow Your Own Teachers Scholarship
• Teacher Preparation Affordability Scholarship

Educational Opportunities

This certificate is post-baccalaureate degree and leads to a teaching license from the state of New Mexico. Students are encouraged to pursue dual licensure with special education and early childhood to support all children in New Mexico.

Career Opportunities

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 of teaching, teachers can earn a base salary of $60,000.

Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.

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.