Curious about becoming a teacher in New Mexico? Get an overview here, and download our free Licensing Guide!
Many teaching programs let you combine a bachelor’s degree and teaching license—so you can get licensed while you finish your undergraduate coursework.
You’ll need a degree to teach most subjects. That said, if you want to teach Native American Language and Culture OR a skilled trade, you may not need a degree if you have other experience. Check out the FAQs for more info!
Once you’ve found a few programs that interest you and work with your lifestyle, you can start applying!
Let TEACH New Mexico help you apply to teaching programs! Get our free guides and downloadable templates for personal essays, resumes and letters of recommendation. Get application help.
You don’t need to know what you want to teach when you start college! You’ll usually declare a major and choose your teaching subject partway through your program. It’s helpful if your major and future teaching subject match.
Getting licensed in a shortage area subject—such as special education, science or bilingual education—provides more job opportunities!
Before you get licensed, you may need to pass one or more Praxis exams in your subject. The Praxis is meant to show you know your stuff well enough to teach it. It covers content in your subject area, as well as specific teaching strategies.
You’ll usually take the Praxis around the time you finish your teaching program.
If you complete a teaching portfolio in your teaching program, you may not need to take the Praxis! Your program can give you more information.
To get your teaching license, you'll need to complete a fingerprint background check. The New Mexico Public Education Department will evaluate any criminal history on a case-by-case basis. (1)
Almost there! Your teaching program may need to confirm that you’re eligible to apply for your teaching license.
Once you get confirmation, you’ll create an account through the Public Education Department’s online portal. You’ll use this account for your license application.
The TEACH New Mexico Licensing Guide covers everything you need to start your journey. Get details about teaching pathways, subject areas and steps to a teaching license, all in one place!
It’s completely free.
Find undergrad, graduate and alternative licensure teaching programs in New Mexico.
Find ProgramsTalk to an experienced local educator about how to become a licensed teacher in New Mexico. Get free advice on how to choose what subject and grade to teach and apply to the right program.
Read MoreApplying to teaching programs or jobs? Get step-by-step advice and free templates to make your application stand out.
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(1) Licensure Background Information, New Mexico Public Education Department. https://webnew.ped.state.nm.us/bureaus/licensure/background-submission/
(2) Educator Pay Data. National Education Association. October 17, 2024. https://www.nea.org/resource-library/educator-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank/
