San Juan College is a public community college in northwest New Mexico, committed to providing accessible, high-quality education. With affordable tuition, flexible learning options and strong partnerships with local school districts, San Juan College serves over 10,000 students annually and plays a vital role in developing future educators.
The San Juan College Educator Academy prepares aspiring teachers through alternative licensure, associate, and Bachelor of Science degrees in education, including pathways in the following:
Early Childhood Education
Elementary education
Secondary education
Special education
The San Juan College Teacher Residency Program provides hands-on classroom experience, mentorship and financial support to ensure you are well-prepared to serve your community. By fostering practice-based teacher preparation, San Juan College equips you to support New Mexico's’ students from all backgrounds and make a lasting impact.
The associate degrees in teacher education at San Juan College prepare future educators with a hands-on, student-centered approach designed to build strong foundations in literacy, math and project-based learning. This program is ideal if you're an aspiring teacher passionate about supporting learners from many different backgrounds, particularly those who want to serve Indigenous and Hispanic communities in New Mexico.
San Juan College offers three associate degrees in education, each of which can be completed in two years. With an associate degree, you can transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor's degree.
You can choose one of the following pathways:
Elementary & special education (grades K-8)
Early childhood education (birth- grade 3)
Secondary education (grades 6-12)
You can expect to get real-world classroom experience, expert mentorship and culturally responsive training tailored to meet the needs of today's students. With a flexible curriculum, strong partnerships with local school districts and a focus on community-driven education, you'll leave ready to continue your education or step into an impactful role in education.
Upcoming Deadlines
Deadlines
Program Start
May 23, 2025
Summer
Aug. 22, 2025
Fall
Jan. 16, 2026
Spring
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Ways to Lower Your Costs
Students at San Juan College have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with San Juan College to see if you can, too!
Amount
Description
$500
BWP Legacy Scholarship
A one-time award of $500 for teacher education students maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA. This scholarship is available for the fall semester and excludes licensed teachers.
TeachUp Scholarship Program
In partnership with Western New Mexico University, this program provides funding that covers tuition, fees and books for students aiming to become licensed teachers. Learn more.
Early Childhood Birth-3 Elementary / Special Education K-8 General 6-12
Program Costs Overview
Approximate tuition cost by AA program*
Program
Credit Hours
Total Cost (in-state)
Total Cost (out-of-state)
Early childhood (birth- grade 3)
64-67
$4,000
$13,000
Elementary & special education (grades K-8)
63-66
$4,000
$13,000
Secondary education (grades 7-12)
63
$3,900
$12,300
*Additional fees may apply. Check with your program for more details.
Program Overview
Year 1: Foundations in Teaching
You will begin with foundational courses in child development, educational psychology and cultural awareness. Your early classroom experiences introduce you to classroom observation and strategies for teaching reading and math.
Year 2: Hands-On Classroom Experience
You will explore lesson planning, teaching strategies and meeting the needs of all students. Your practicum experience will provide hands-on classroom engagement with experienced mentor teachers. The program culminates in a capstone course, preparing you for transfer to a bachelor’s program or employment in an educational setting.
Program Hallmarks
San Juan College ensures you will gain real-world classroom experience throughout your program.
Year 1: You will begin by observing experienced teachers in local schools to learn classroom management techniques and instructional strategies.
Year 2: You will participate in a practicum experience, including teaching lessons in reading and math in supervised classroom settings.
Residency & Fieldwork: Through partnerships with local school districts, you will engage in project-based learning, small-group instruction and culturally responsive teaching practices under the guidance of mentor teachers.
San Juan College will prepare you to meet the needs of all learners through:
Curriculum that highlights the unique perspectives of people in New Mexico.
Training for all learners including strategies for various learning needs and special education.
Practical experience in different educational settings provides hands-on practice.
Ongoing professional development including workshops and speakers ensuring you are ready to teach all students.
San Juan College provides mentoring and coaching throughout the teacher education pathways, including:
Mentor support from faculty and mentor teachers during coursework and field experiences.
Coaching through weekly check-ins and monthly sessions to help refine teaching strategies.
Post-graduation support through the San Juan College Educator Academy for networking, professional development and job placement.
San Juan College improves its programs through data-driven decisions and strong partnerships.
San Juan College collaborates with local schools to align teacher prep with classroom needs.
Research-based curriculum focuses on literacy, math and cultural responsiveness.
Feedback from students and educators helps shape the education program.
Get Started
Own the application process. Meet with a career advisor today to make a plan for how you will apply.
