Cooperative Educational Services (CES) in Albuquerque is a dynamic organization that enhances educational opportunities across New Mexico. By partnering with local school districts, CES provides comprehensive support that empowers educators, strengthens curriculum development and equips schools with essential resources for success.
Leading Educators through Alternative Pathways (LEAP) is an intensive and innovative approach for a year-long alternative licensure program tailored to prepare you to be successful in New Mexico's diverse classrooms. Designed to propel you toward career excellence and leadership within New Mexico's fast-evolving teacher landscape, LEAP allows individuals with career or life experience to transition effectively to the classroom.
LEAP offers you unparalleled access to:
A network of 200+ other new teachers
Mentorship from career educators
A network of forward-thinking professionals in 50+ districts statewide
This program equips you with the skills, knowledge and connections to become a trailblazing elementary, secondary or special education teacher.
CES+ LEAP (Leading Educators through Alternative Pathways)
Program Info
The CES LEAP (Leading Educators through Alternative Pathways) program is an exciting opportunity for individuals with assorted career or life experiences to transition into teaching in New Mexico. This year-long program lets you work as the teacher of record in your own classroom (and earn a salary) while earning your Level 1 New Mexico state teaching license.
There are five pathways to licensure through LEAP:
Students at Cooperative Educational Services (CES) have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with Cooperative Educational Services (CES) to see if you can, too!
Amount
Description
Varies
Grants, Stipends, Scholarships
Be sure to check with your school district, charter school or Workforce Solutions provider to see if they will offset or pay for your tuition.
Certifications
Elementary / Special Education K-8 Elementary K-8 General / Special Education 6-12 General 6-12 Special Education K-12
Program Overview
LEAP is an alternative licensure program for teachers throughout New Mexico.
The LEAP program is accredited.
LEAP is staffed by career educators who serve as instructional coaches for new teachers across the state during the cohort (LEAP) year.
Throughout the program, you will be the full-time teacher of record in a classroom.
You can enter the LEAP program by applying and interviewing.
Your program starts in July. After a pre-service (induction to teaching), you will participate in the following 11 months of professional development.
You will participate in a cohort model with a 200-member statewide network of new teachers who are trained monthly (in methods, virtually in the evening) and in professional development (on Saturdays, once monthly, all day, mostly in person, in three regions) during your LEAP year.
Upon completion of LEAP, you'll receive a transcript and Certificate of Completion, along with support for applying for your Level 1 teaching license in New Mexico.
Program Hallmarks
You will be the teacher of record in a New Mexico classroom throughout the program, as LEAP isn’t affiliated with any college or university.
Program Benefits:
One-on-one, monthly virtual coaching
Earn one year toward retirement
Receive a full salary and benefits (equivalent to other first-year teachers in New Mexico)
Options for dual-licensure
LEAP will pay for specific endorsements and certificates after you complete the program.
The LEAP framework focuses on high-quality instruction and community-building. It covers English Language Learning strategies, behavior theory, social-emotional learning, technology integration and more.
The LEAP program includes many opportunities for hands-on learning in your classroom, and:
One-on-one coaching is a key feature of LEAP in New Mexico.
Regional training occurs twice monthly in two to three locations statewide.
LEAP celebrates completion with a two-day conference in Albuquerque each June.
Ongoing professional development continues through collaboration.
LEAP impacts New Mexico schools through expert-led teacher preparation, in-person and virtual development and one-on-one coaching. As an alternative licensure program, LEAP collaborates with Cooperative Education Services and the New Mexico Public Education Department. It adapts each year to meet the evolving needs of the state's education system.
Get Started
Dig deeper. Visit Cooperative Educational Services (CES)'s website to learn more and apply.
