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

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 Teacher Licensure with certificates in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education , Secondary Education , and Special Education . 

For students currently in the 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. 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: Any Term
• Primary course location: Main Campus

Special Requirements

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

• Teacher Licensure Program Application

Application requirements include: 

• Submission of official transcript to CNM Records Office confirming bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution 
• Ability to pass a Criminal Background Check 

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.

• Students in the program are eligible for Early Childhood ECECD Scholarships.

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 Teacher 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. 

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.