How To Get Your New Mexico Teacher Certification
Your New Mexico teaching license is the foundation for a rewarding career in a state dedicated to innovative and inclusive education. New Mexico’s educational system emphasizes equity, cultural relevance, and community engagement, offering a dynamic setting for educators.
This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to earn your teaching license in the Land of Enchantment — from choosing an Educator Preparation Program to meeting assessment criteria and submitting your licensure application.
New Mexico Public Education Department’s (NMPED) Professional Licensure Bureau (PLB)
The New Mexico Public Education Department’s (NMPED) Professional Licensure Bureau (PLB) oversees teacher licensure and provides essential resources for aspiring and current educators. The department offers comprehensive information about licensure requirements, pathways to certification, and employment opportunities within the state.
How to Become a Licensed Teacher in New Mexico
New Mexico has different paths to teacher licensure, depending on your educational background and experience:
New Mexico Pathways
Traditional Pathway
If you have graduated high school and know you want to become a teacher in New Mexico, the traditional route is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited institution. This is the most common route for individuals to complete coursework requirements and prepare for licensure exams.
Alternative Licensure Pathway
New Mexico offers 3 alternative programs for candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education: Alternative Educator Preparation Program, Post Secondary Teaching Experience, and Online Portfolio for Alternative Licensure (OPAL). Moreland supports aspiring teachers on their way to earning a New Mexico teaching license with a fully online teacher preparation certificate program.
Reciprocating an Out-of-State License
The New Mexico Public Education Department’s (NMPED) Professional Licensure Bureau (PLB) has a list of state-approved Educator Preparation Programs. Depending on the specific type of teaching license you wish to earn in New Mexico, Moreland can support current and aspiring educators through both direct apply and reciprocity pathways with our 100% online, 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program.
Example: Out-of-state credentialing with a Washington, D.C., teacher’s license
Step 1: Earn your bachelor’s degree. This degree does not necessarily have to be in education.
Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program. Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program is fully accredited and 100% online.
Step 3: Pass the required certification exams for D.C.
Step 4: Submit your fingerprints for a background check and apply for your D.C. teacher credential.
Step 5: Apply to transfer your D.C. credential to New Mexico.
Step 6: Complete any additional requirements, which may include passing the required MTEL tests and/or earning additional endorsements.
For detailed information, visit the NMPED PLB’s Licensure Requirements page.
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For comprehensive details on all licensure pathways and requirements, refer to the NMPED PLB’s Licensure Requirements page.
Benefits of Earning Your New Mexico Teaching License
Comprehensive Perks
New Mexico provides competitive benefits for teachers, including excellent health insurance options. Educators are also part of the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board (ERB), which provides retirement benefits, ensuring long-term financial security.
High Demand for Teachers
New Mexico is projecting 6% growth in jobs for K-12 school teachers by 2032. This growth reflects the state’s ongoing need for qualified teachers, particularly in Special Education, STEM subjects, and Elementary Education.
Diverse Student Body
New Mexico’s K–12 classrooms are shaped by a rich cultural diversity. This diversity allows educators to create inclusive learning experiences that celebrate the unique histories, traditions, and perspectives of their students.
Supportive Community
New Mexico’s education system prioritizes collaboration and student achievement. Teachers are empowered through mentorship, professional development, and a teaching culture that blends tradition with innovation.
Licensure Types in New Mexico
New Mexico has a 3-tiered teacher licensure system to accommodate varying qualifications and experiences:
Level 1: Provisional Teacher License
This entry-level license is intended for beginning teachers who have completed an EPP. Standard Level 1 licenses are valid for 5 years and can be renewed up to 3 times.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Passing scores on required New Mexico teacher assessments
- Completion of an educator preparation program
- Submission of state and federal fingerprinting and background checks
Level 2: Professional Teacher License
Level 2 licenses are for experienced teachers who have demonstrated effective teaching practices. Level 2 Licenses are valid for 9 years and can be renewed an unlimited number of times.
Requirements:
- Completion of at least 3 full school years with a Level 1 license with successful evaluations, including the approval of their school district/charter
- Participation in and completion of a formal mentorship program provided by the employing school district during the first year of teaching
- Successful completion of 1 of the following advancement options:
- National Board Certification, OR
- Micro-credentials for Advancement (APL I – II)
Level 3-A: Master Teacher License
Level 3-A licenses are for educators who have demonstrated advanced teaching competencies and leadership abilities. Level 3-A Licenses are valid for 9 years and can be renewed an unlimited number of times.
Requirements:
- Completion of at least 3 full school years with a Level 2 license with successful evaluations
- A master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Successful completion of 1 of the following advancement options:
- National Board Certification, OR
- Micro-credentials for Advancement (APL I – II)
- Superintendent Recommendation form
For comprehensive information on license types and requirements, refer to the New Mexico Public Education Department 2024 Licensure Guide or visit the NMPED PLB’s Licensure Requirements page.
New Mexico Teacher Education Requirements
General Requirements
New Mexico teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and meet the following requirements:
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), including a clinical learning (student teaching) experience
- Pass all required New Mexico Teacher Assessments relevant to the intended teaching field
- Clear state and federal fingerprinting and background checks
- Submit all necessary application materials to the New Mexico Public Education Department’s (NMPED) Professional Licensure Bureau (PLB)
Testing Requirements
Candidates seeking teacher licensure in New Mexico must complete specific assessments, which vary based on the desired grade level and subject area:
Praxis Content Knowledge Assessments
Evaluate subject-specific content knowledge for endorsements in areas such as Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education.
Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)
Assess pedagogical knowledge for various grade levels.
All elementary educators seeking licensure are required to pass the Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205) assessment. For comprehensive and the most up-to-date information on testing requirements, visit the NMPED Assessment Requirements for Educators page.
Education & Degree Requirements
New Mexico requires educators to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. If your degree is in a subject
other than education, you can earn your license through an Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
New Mexico Licensing Application Process
Once you’ve completed the requirements for teacher licensure in New Mexico, you can apply online through New Mexico’s eLicensing Portal. The application process requires submitting official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution, proof of passing scores on all required New Mexico assessments, and verification of EPP completion, if applicable. Detailed instructions and application forms are available on the NMPED PLB’s Licensure Requirements page.
New Mexico Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)
New Mexico Public Education Department’s (NMPED) Professional Licensure Bureau (PLB) provides a list of state-approved Educator Preparation Programs. If you complete an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you could earn your teaching certification in another state and use the direct apply or reciprocity process (depending on your license type) to get your New Mexico license.
TEACH-NOW:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
- 9 months total
- Clinical learning (student teaching) included
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in New Mexico provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in The Land of Enchantment.
FAQs
You have questions about becoming a licensed teacher in New Mexico. We have answers.
How do I become a New Mexico teacher?
New Mexico offers multiple pathways to teacher licensure, including the Traditional Pathway (through an approved Educator Preparation Program), Alternative Licensure Routes, and Out-of-State Reciprocity.
Moreland can support aspiring and current educators who want to teach in New Mexico through both direct apply and reciprocity pathways, depending on the kind of teaching license they wish to earn. For comprehensive details on all licensure pathways and requirements, refer to the NMPED PLB’s Licensure Requirements page.
How can out-of-state teachers earn a teaching license in New Mexico?
Educators holding a valid teaching license from another state may qualify for a New Mexico teaching license through reciprocity. New Mexico recognizes many out-of-state licenses and provides reciprocity options for out-of-state teachers.
In general, educators with valid teaching licenses from other states or countries can apply for a New Mexico teaching license, with the level of licensure determined by their years of experience and educational background:
- Level 1 License: For applicants with 1-3 years of teaching experience.
- Level 2 License: For applicants with 3-5 years of teaching experience and a master’s degree
- Level 3-A License: For applicants with 6 or more years of experience and a master’s degree
For detailed information on licensure pathways and requirements, refer to the NMPED PLB’s Licensure Requirements page.
Do I need a teaching license to teach in New Mexico?
Yes, in most cases, you need a valid New Mexico teaching license to teach in public schools. New Mexico has a 3-tiered teacher licensure system to accommodate varying qualifications and experiences: Level 1: Provisional Teacher License, Level 2: Professional Teacher License, and Level 3-A: Master Teacher License.
For comprehensive information on license types and requirements, refer to the New Mexico Public Education Department 2024 Licensure Guide or visit the NMPED PLB’s Licensure Requirements page.
What are the requirements for New Mexico teacher licensure?
The specific requirements for teacher licensure in New Mexico vary depending on the license type and the subject or grade level you wish to teach.
In general, New Mexico teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and meet the following requirements:
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), including a clinical learning (student teaching) experience
- Pass all required New Mexico Teacher Assessments relevant to the intended teaching field
- Clear state and federal fingerprinting and background checks
- Submit all necessary application materials to the New Mexico Public Education Department’s (NMPED) Professional Licensure Bureau (PLB)
For comprehensive information on license types and requirements, refer to the New Mexico Public Education Department 2024 Licensure Guide or visit the NMPED PLB’s Licensure Requirements page.
How do I maintain my New Mexico teaching license?
Specific renewal requirements in New Mexico vary depending on the license type.
- Level 1 Licenses are valid for 5 years and can be renewed up to 3 times. Educators must advance to a Level 2 license before the Level 1 License expires.
- Level 2 Licenses are valid for 9 years and renewable indefinitely, as long as renewal requirements are met.
- Level 3-A Licenses are valid for 9 years and renewable indefinitely, as long as renewal requirements are met.
For comprehensive information on license types and requirements, refer to the New Mexico Public Education Department 2024 Licensure Guide or visit the NMPED PLB’s Licensure Requirements page.
How long does it take to become a licensed teacher in New Mexico?
The timeline to become a licensed teacher in New Mexico can vary depending on your educational background, the specific pathway you choose, and the time it takes to complete the required exams and training programs.
The Traditional Pathway, for example, could take around 4 years as you work to earn a bachelor’s degree in education.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, your path to teaching could be much quicker. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months. TEACH-NOW is 100% online, with rolling admissions, monthly start dates, and clinical learning (student teaching) included.
Depending on the license you wish to earn, it’s important to note that you may earn your teaching credential in another state and then transfer the license to New Mexico through a process called reciprocity when completing Moreland’s teacher preparation program. For specific information about different kinds of educator licenses in New Mexico, refer to the NMPED PLB’s Licensure Requirements page.
How much do New Mexico teachers make?
New Mexico teacher salaries depend on multiple factors, including experience, education, subject area, grade level, and school district. According to the National Education Association (NEA):
- The average annual salary for a New Mexico teacher is $63,580.
- The average starting salary is $50,628, varying by district and experience.
Those with advanced degrees, such as a master’s in education (M.Ed.), may earn higher salaries.
How can I learn more about becoming a licensed teacher in New Mexico?
New Mexico Public Education Department’s (NMPED) Professional Licensure Bureau (PLB) is the best resource to learn more about teacher licensure, endorsements, and pathways to teaching.
You can also reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. We’d be happy to answer your questions about teacher certification or our 9-month, state-approved EPI.