New Mexico Teacher License

If you want to begin your journey as a teacher in New Mexico, you will need accurate information about state-specific requirements for sure leading to your career in education. We will explore the state’s criteria for obtaining a teacher license, details and steps of the certification process, and more.

How do I get certified to teach in New Mexico?

To start your work as a public school teacher in New Mexico, you must meet the general requirements of the state. In order to work as a teacher, New Mexico requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree, complete the preparation program and pass the basic and subject assessment examinations. New Mexico Public Education Department issues 4 levels of licenses for prospective teachers and educators:

• Internship license: Granted only upon proof of completion of the teacher preparation program. This license is valid for 3 years
• Level I license: Standard (provisional) teaching license valid for 5 years
• Level II license: Professional teaching license valid for 9 years
• Level IIIA license: The highest level of the license provided to instructional leader teachers. The license is valid for 9 years

To obtain teacher certification, you must complete the state-approved teacher preparation program and pass the New Mexico Teacher Assessments (NMTA) exams. Additionally, you also need to submit fingerprints for a background check.

How long does it take to get a teaching credential in New Mexico?

Once you have demonstrated the steps to earn your teaching certification you are ready to apply for a teaching license. Find out the materials needed to complete your application form below:

• Official transcripts as evidence of bachelor’s degree
• Proof of completing teacher preparation program from accredited school or university
• Clearance of background check
• Completed application form for teaching certification
• Proof of assessments of required subject area and knowledge
• Payment of teaching certification fee

Can you teach in New Mexico without a credential?

There are alternate routes to your career as a teacher if your degree is in a different subject area. Alternative Teacher certification in Mexico is provided to teachers that pass the following steps and meet the criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited school or university
• 30 undergraduate credit hours in 1 teachable content area or 12 graduate credit hours in 1 teachable content area
• NMTA exams in some cases for the subjects and grade levels to be taught

There are 3 pathways for obtaining an alternative teaching license in New Mexico. Types of alternative teaching licensure programs  are listed below:

1. The Alternative NMTEACH licensure program: Candidates are required to complete the teacher preparation program and have an employment offer with the official letter asking candidates to enter this program
2. The Online Portfolio for Alternative Licensure (OPAL): Candidates must meet the requirements of the portfolio including 3 NMTA, 3 hours of reading courses, carrying out the internship program.
3. Alternative Post-Secondary Experience: Designed for teachers having a minimum of 5 years of post-secondary teaching experience. Additionally, candidates should have 1 school year K-12 internship under an internship license and complete 3-6 semester hours of teaching.

How much does it cost to get a teaching credential in New Mexico?

The cost of teaching certification and licensure varies due to schedules and dates, differential licensing types, subject and grade levels, alternative routes of obtaining a license. To find out more regarding the fees and renewals, visit here.