In a standard teaching program, you’ll earn your teaching license before you teach your own classroom. You’ll typically take classes, then complete an unpaid student teaching experience or internship toward the end of your program. 

A standard teaching program is a great option if you:
 

• Don’t have a bachelor’s degree. 
• Have less experience with students or your subject matter.
• Want more mentorship and practice before you lead your own classroom.

Alternative licensure lets you earn your teaching license while you lead your own classroom. You’ll get on-the-job experience, take classes outside of school hours and implement what you’ve learned in your classroom right away. 

Consider alternative licensure if you:  
 

• Have a bachelor’s degree but haven’t started a teaching program.
• Have career experience in the subject you plan to teach, like chemistry or math. 
• Have previous experience in education, like a paraprofessional role.

Not necessarily! Enrolling in an alternative licensure program is the most straightforward way to become a teacher—but you do have other alternative licensure options:

Have you taught post-secondary education for at least five years? You may qualify for a 1-year internship license. With this license, you’ll teach in your own classroom and complete one required Reading Methods course. You will not need to take any licensure exams. Learn more.

You can pursue the Online Portfolio for Alternative Licensure, or OPAL. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Teach in a school district for two years. 
• Participate in a district mentorship program and receive regular evaluations.
• Complete a required Reading Methods course for your subject area. 
• At the end of your two years, submit a portfolio to the Public Education Department. This portfolio will include “artifacts” such as lesson plans, student work and videos of your teaching.
• Pass any required exams in your subject area, such as the Praxis or a teaching portfolio.

Learn more about OPAL.

Alternative licensure isn’t easier than a standard licensing program—it’s just different! You’ll still need to complete the same requirements and take the same tests you would take in a standard teaching program.

For most people, alternative licensure takes one to two years. That said, it really depends on your teaching program and your licensing subject. 

Check with your program to find out what to expect.

Your tuition costs, along with application fees, will vary depending on your teaching program. That said, many people find alternative licensure more affordable than a standard program, since you’ll be earning a salary. 

You’ll also have some costs beyond tuition, such as the fee for your alternative teaching license or the cost of a background check.

Learn more about teaching program costs.

Your alternative teaching license is good for two years. If you need more time to complete your licensure requirements, you can apply for a one-time extension through the Public Education Department. (1)

While we can’t guarantee a job in a New Mexico school, demand for teachers is high, and it’s likely that you’ll find a position sooner than later.

If you get licensed in a state-designated shortage area, that will also give you more options.

Wondering how to pay for your program? We can help! Here are a few resources to check out:

• Apply for a TEACH New Mexico scholarship.
• Get reimbursed $100 for your program application costs. 
• Learn more about financial aid options with the Finances Guide.
• Find scholarships, grants and other opportunities with our Financial Aid Explorer.