How to Become a Teacher in New Mexico

New Mexico is a state that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens, which includes ensuring that its students have access to a high-quality education. Although there are several ways that New Mexico promotes education, one of the state’s main focuses is hiring passionate, skilled teachers.

To guarantee that its teachers have the knowledge and skills necessary to serve the state’s students, New Mexico maintains a very strict certification process. Understanding the steps of this process and the state’s various certification requirements is one of the most important steps in becoming a teacher in Nevada.

New Mexico Teacher Certification Requirements

New Mexico Teacher Certification Types

New Mexico offers licenses with endorsement in specific areas. The licenses you can achieve include an internship license, a Level 1 provisional license, a Level 2 professional license and a Level 3A instructional leader license. You can become endorsed in every level of education, from early childhood all the way to secondary education.

New Mexico Teacher Education

Teachers in New Mexico must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university that provides a teacher preparation program. You may need additional education, such as a Master’s degree, depending on the license and endorsement that you are seeking.

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New Mexico Teacher Certification Exam

New Mexico teachers are required to pass three exams. The first is called the New Mexico Assessment of Teacher Basic Skills. The second is the New Mexico Assessment of Teacher Competency. Finally, to get an endorsement, you will need to pass the New Mexico Content Knowledge Assessment for whichever endorsement you are seeking.

Teacher Experience

Every New Jersey teacher is required to complete an educator preparation program. This program will contain both a practicum and a student teaching component. During these sections, you will gain real-world teaching experience while being observed by a fully licensed teacher.

Background Check

You must pass a criminal background check before receiving your initial teaching license. It is also required to submit a fingerprint card to the local law enforcement agency wherever you wish to teach.

New Mexico Teacher Certification

Alternative Certification and Other Requirements

  • New Mexico Alternative Teacher Certification: Alternative certification is available if you have at least a Bachelor’s degree and 30 credit hours in a teaching field. If you meet these requirements, you must complete an alternative teaching program to earn your certification.
  • Teacher Certification Renewal: Instead of renewing a Level 1 license, you must upgrade to a Level 2 license. This requires three years of experience and completion of a Professional Development Dossier (PDD). You can maintain your Level 2 license with a recommendation from your superintendent. You can upgrade to a Level 3 license by earning a Master’s and submitting a PDD or by becoming nationally certified.
  • New Mexico Substitute Teaching: Those over 18 who possess a High School diploma are eligible to substitute teach grades K-8 and those over 21 with a GED or High School diploma can teach grades 9-12.
  • Reciprocity: Like many states, New Mexico offers teaching licenses through reciprocity.
  • Discover teacher certification programs in New Mexico that are a match for you!

    What Does a Teacher Do in New Mexico?

    You can expect to complete many common teaching tasks when you’re hired as a teacher in New Mexico. These tasks include everyday instruction, long-term lesson planning, and curriculum development, taking instruction from school administrators, and updating parents about student progress.

    New Mexico Teacher Salary

    Reading the data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the easiest way to learn about salaries for New Mexico teachers. The BLS report released in May of 2015 indicated that Elementary School teachers earned an impressive median salary of $58,090. Salaries for Middle School and High School teachers were very similar. High School teachers made $53,920 and Middle School teachers earned $54,739.

    New Mexico Teacher Certification Links

    Teacher Certification Programs in New Mexico

    Teacher Certification Programs in New Mexico

    Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you.
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    Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Becoming a teacher is an important decision that requires commitment, dedication, and passion. Teacher certification requirements vary by state. However, there are a number qualifications that every state requires to teach at the public school level. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!