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San Juan College

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About

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.

  • College or University
  • Farmington, NM

Institution Links

  • Admissions
  • Financial Aid Office
  • Online Application

San Juan College Educator Academy Highlights: 

  • Innovative curriculum integrates reading, math and project-based learning for effective teaching strategies.
  • Culturally responsive courses reflect New Mexico’s unique language, history and traditions.
  • Practice-based preparation includes hands-on residencies and mentorship to prepare you for real classroom teaching.
  • Workforce-ready graduates are recognized for being more prepared and are highly recommended by principals.
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Programs

Certification-only

Alternative Licensure & Teacher Residency Program

  • From 24 to 36 months

    Program Duration

  • In-person, Online, Hybrid

    Program Format

  • Pre-Test Required

    No

Relevant Links

Program

Program Info

San Juan College’s Alternative Licensure & Teacher Residency Program provides a flexible, supportive, and culturally relevant pathway for future teachers seeking to become licensed educators in New Mexico. This program is designed for:

  • Career changers
  • Paraprofessionals
  • Aspiring teachers without a traditional education degree

You can choose from two distinct pathways:

  1. Alternative Licensure Pathway (Two-Year Model): A structured route that combines coursework with hands-on classroom teaching, enabling you to earn a Level 1 New Mexico teaching license while working in schools.
  2. Three-Year Teacher Residency Model: A comprehensive residency experience that integrates paid, mentored teaching with coursework, leading to New Mexico teacher licensure and an additional endorsement in gifted education or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. 

You will receive personalized mentorship, structured reading and math training and practical experience in rural and Indigenous-serving schools. You will emerge classroom-ready and well-prepared for long-term success in education.

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Deadlines

    Program Start

  • May 23, 2025

    Summer

  • Aug. 22, 2025

    Fall

  • Jan. 16, 2026

    Spring

Get Deadline Reminders

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

$35,000

Teacher Residency Program Stipend

Funded through New Mexico’s Teacher Residency Program, you will receive a $35,000 stipend while completing your mentored classroom experience and coursework.

Work Study, Working While Still Enrolled

Teacher Residency Program:

  • Full-time residency placement: As a resident, you will work alongside experienced mentor teachers in a partner school district while completing your licensure coursework.
  • Employment pathway: Upon completion, you will transition into a full-time teaching position,  often within your residency district.

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Certifications

Elementary K-8
General 7-12
Gifted Education Pre-K-12
Special Education Pre-K-12
TESOL Pre-K-12

Get Started

Own the application process. Meet with a career advisor today to make a plan for how you will apply.

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