Veterans make great teachers
Great teachers are leaders. They take initiative, adapt to changes and have the discipline and tenacity to work through challenges.
Sound familiar? As a veteran, you already have the skills to thrive in the classroom, to continue a tradition of service, and to prepare New Mexico’s students for a changing world.
We need teachers who not only equip students to succeed, but also represent the breadth of backgrounds, experiences and cultures in our schools. Your presence could make a big impact.
Veterans bring greater diversity to teaching staff, helping to bridge the gap between teachers' and students' demographics. Nationwide, 65 percent of veterans who transition into teaching are male, and 32 percent are from diverse backgrounds. (1)
Why should veterans and military spouses teach in New Mexico?
As a military-connected person, you qualify for tons of support to pursue a degree.
The state of New Mexico is proud to offer support for military service members, veterans and their spouses, to help you pursue your education. That means you can stay in New Mexico, earn your teaching license and give back to your community.
As a military-connected person, you may qualify for an expedited process when you apply for your teaching license, no licensing fees for your first three years of teaching, and in-state tuition rates (even if you’ve lived in New Mexico less than a year). (2)
In addition to New Mexico’s state benefits, you can access tons of scholarships and resources designed with you in mind. In the next sections, explore teaching programs and find scholarships for veterans and family members.
Find a Teaching Program
The programs in this section are TEACH New Mexico partners who offer veterans resource centers. That means they provide extra support to help service members, veterans and family members apply for financial aid, find community and integrate into campus life.
Click the “Learn More” buttons to learn about these and other programs!
How can I pay for my teaching program?
Whether you’re an active duty service member, veteran or family member, there are plenty of opportunities to help you reach your goals. The list below highlights scholarships and other resources to help you get started.
Opportunities for Veterans and Service Members
GI Bill Benefits
Learn MoreLearn how your GI Bill benefits can help you reach your educational goals, and find degree programs approved for GI Bill Benefits. Pro Tip: Many of our partner teaching programs can help you apply for your benefits!
AFCEA War Veterans Scholarships
Learn MoreAFCEA offers scholarships for undergrads and for post-grad students pursuing their teaching certificate. You can use your scholarship for tuition and related expenses, such as fees, books and other necessary supplies.
Eastern New Mexico University Scholarships
Learn MoreEastern New Mexico University keeps an up-to-date list of scholarship opportunities for active-duty members, veterans and National Guard and Reserve members. Explore their scholarship page to find both ENMU awards and awards from outside organizations.
Golden Apple
Learn MoreGolden Apple’s Veterans Into Teaching initiative is here to make your teaching transition easier. Get paid professional development, guidance with licensure, job placement support, early career mentoring and more.
University of New Mexico Scholarships
Learn MoreThe University of New Mexico offers several scholarships for veterans and future teachers. Check out the university scholarship page, and look for their endowed teacher preparation scholarships, as well as the American GI Forum of Albuquerque Endowed Scholarship in Education.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Scholarships
Learn MoreThe VFW offers two scholarships a year for retired, active duty or honorably discharged veterans and service members. This scholarship offers up to $5,000 in funds to those who show financial need.
Veterans United Foundation Scholarship
Learn MoreThe Veterans United Foundation Scholarship has awarded over $1 million to veterans and family members to pursue their education. To qualify, veterans must demonstrate financial need and have a service-connected disability.
TEACH New Mexico Scholarship
Learn MoreGet help funding your licensing program. The $1000 TEACH New Mexico Classic Scholarship is for future teachers like you!
Opportunities for Military Family Members
Central New Mexico Community College
Learn MoreCentral New Mexico offers extra support for military spouses, including help with class registration and credit transfers, and help accessing resources such as scholarships, housing and food assistance. Plus, get help applying for the MyCAA scholarship, which awards up to $4,000 for military spouses!
Eastern New Mexico University Scholarships
Learn MoreEastern New Mexico University keeps an up-to-date list of scholarship opportunities for active-duty members, veterans and National Guard and Reserve members. Explore their scholarship page to find both ENMU awards and awards from outside organizations.
Marine Corps Scholarship
Learn MoreThe Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships for military children pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Veterans United Foundation Scholarship
Learn MoreThe Veterans United Foundation Scholarship has awarded over $1 million to veterans and family members to pursue their education. To qualify, veterans must demonstrate financial need and have a service-connected disability.
TEACH New Mexico Scholarship
Learn MoreGet help funding your licensing program. The $1000 TEACH New Mexico Classic Scholarship is for future teachers like you!
New Mexico schools need great teachers, especially those who specialize in bilingual education, special education, bilingual education and STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math).
Get Career Advice
A TEACH New Mexico career coach can help you decide if teaching is right for you, map out your pathway and find financial aid. Talk via phone, video chat or email. It’s all free.
What’s next
TEACH New Mexico Financial Aid Explorer
Apply for scholarships, grants and more to fund your teacher training.
Find AidNew Mexico Teacher Licensure
No matter where you’re starting, TEACH New Mexico can help you get licensed to teach. Find the right step-by-step guide to licensure for you.
Read MoreReferences
- Table 209.27: Number and percentage of teachers who are military veterans. National Center for Education Statistics. 2022. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_209.27.asp
- HBO427. New Mexico Legislature. https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/15%20Regular/final/HB0427.pdf
