Teaching Degrees in New Mexico

Those seeking to obtain a teaching degree in New Mexico should be informed about several factors, including:

• Why consider a master’s degree
• Available grants and scholarships
• New Mexico teacher certification requirement

Also included here is a list of additional resources and a comprehensive directory of fully accredited teaching degrees in New Mexico.

Teaching Degrees in New Mexico

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum degree required in order to obtain teaching certification in New Mexico. Individuals interested in becoming a teacher are also required to successfully complete an accredited teacher preparation program in order to be eligible for certification. There are 15 colleges and universities that offer teaching degrees in New Mexico.

Currently, 39.5 percent of New Mexico teachers hold a master’s degree or higher. This higher degree can result in a $4,500 per year increase in pay compared to New Mexico teachers who hold a Bachelor’s degree.

Teaching Scholarships and Grants in New Mexico

Among the varied options for financial aid, including grants and scholarships, for teaching programs in New Mexico are:

New Mexico Teacher Certification

New Mexico offers the following six types of teaching certificates/licenses:

• Approved Teacher Education Program – For teachers holding a bachelor’s degree or higher who have completed a teacher preparation program and passed all required testing.
• Approved Educational Administration Program – For teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum of 32 hours of vocational training, an associate’s degree and two years of work experience, or a high school diploma and five years of work experience.
• Reciprocity for Teaching and Administrative Licensure – For teachers who have a bachelor’s degree or higher and possess a valid certificate/license from either another state or another country.
• Alternative Teaching and Administrative Licensure – For those who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher and have teaching experience, but have not yet completed a teacher preparation program.
• National Board Certification – This certification recognizes accomplished teachers that strive to meet rigorous standards. This certification does not replace a current New Mexico teaching license, but instead compliments it.
• Certificate of Waiver – For individuals who do not possess the qualifications necessary to obtain a standard teaching license. This is often issued at the request of a district due to staffing emergency.
• Continuing Licensure – Renewal – For teachers currently holding a license that needs to be renewed.

New Mexico state teacher certification requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher
• Successful completion of an approved and accredited educator preparation program
• Student teaching
• Successful completion of the New Mexico Teacher Assessments – Basic Skills and Teacher Competency, Elementary or Secondary
• Successful completion of the Content Knowledge Assessment test
• Fingerprinting and background check

New Mexico requires teachers to participate in professional development in order to maintain and build additional knowledge and skills. The state requires a minimum of 12 professional development hours to be eligible for recertification.

Additional Resources about Teaching in New Mexico

The following resources provide additional information for those pursuing teaching degrees in New Mexico.