If you want to impact the lives of students, consider teaching in a critical-need subject or geographic area. Teaching in a hard-to-staff area allows you to empower communities while starting a career with job security and options.

The New Mexico Public Education Department has declared the following subjects as “shortage areas” though the exact list will depend on the needs of each school district. (2)

• Bilingual Education 
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Math
• Science
• Special Education

Learn more about teaching subjects in New Mexico by visiting our Licensure Areas page.

Benefits vary by district; first-year teacher pay starts at $50,000, going as high as $70,000–$79,722, depending on teaching level and education.

Along with financial stability, educators in New Mexico can look forward to comprehensive health benefits, including vision and dental, as well as retirement and life insurance options.

Of course, all New Mexico teachers enjoy significant time off, with around 190 working days per year, plus 1–3 weeks of paid vacation annually. (3)

Benefits for Hard-to-Staff Subjects

Many schools offer bonuses, stipends and other benefits for shortage area teachers. For example, school districts and charter schools use stipends to help attract bilingual and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) endorsed teachers. (4)
 

Paraprofessionals—also known as paraeducators, teacher’s aides, or teaching assistants—support both students and licensed teachers. In New Mexico, there is a high demand for paraprofessionals in shortage areas such as bilingual education, early childhood and special education.

As a paraprofessional, you will work closely with students 1-on-1 or in smaller groups under the guidance of a licensed teacher. Your role calls for supporting the needs of the students and creating a healthy environment for them to learn. (8)

Becoming a paraprofessional 

Check your local school district’s website to start looking for paraprofessional positions. Certain requirements vary by district. For example, you may need an associate's degree or to possibly take a brief exam.

When full-time teachers can’t be in the classroom, substitute teachers are there to ensure students still receive instruction. Substitute teaching allows you to work with different age groups and subjects and better understand what fulfills you.

If you’re interested in becoming a substitute teacher, check out your local school district’s website to start looking for positions.

If you’re enrolled in a teaching program or already have your teaching license, then you might be ready to apply for a classroom position. 

Since opportunities vary across New Mexico, we recommend searching your local region online. You can explore job boards with full-time classroom teacher jobs and other district positions. Check out individual district websites or the New Mexico REAP site to find educator openings across the state.

Already have a degree? New Mexico offers various alternative preparation programs to help you become a licensed teacher while pursuing a graduate or professional degree. Get in the classroom faster and start earning while you learn.

Learn more about alternative licensure and download the free guide.