Santa Fe Community College

About

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) is a public community college in Santa Fe, New Mexico, serving as an affordable, accessible institution offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs to meet the academic, career, and personal enrichment needs of its diverse community.

SFCC’s mission is to “Empower Students, Strengthen Community,” prioritizing equity, student success, and alignment with regional workforce needs. The college serves more than 13,000 students per year in its credit, noncredit and adult programs and is known for strong community partnerships and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

SFCC offers teacher preparation through both traditional associate degree programs in education and the Alternative Teacher Licensure Program for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to become licensed teachers.

College or University
Santa Fe

Institution Links

Over 320 Teacher Ed certificates awarded since 2020 through Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education and TESOL.
For more than 40 years, Santa Fe Community College has been the gateway to success for individuals and the community by providing affordable, high-quality educational programs that serve the social, cultural, technological and economic needs of a diverse community.
Empower Students, Strengthen Community. Empoderar a los estudiantes, fortalecer a la comunidad.

Certification-only

Alternative Teacher Licensure Program

From 22 to 22 months
Program Duration
In-person, Online
Program Format
Pre-Test Required
No

Relevant Links

Program

Program Info

The Alternative Teacher Licensure Program at SFCC is a state-accredited alternative teacher licensing program that leads to initial teacher licensure. This program is designed for those who have a college degree and want to earn their license and start teaching right away.

Upon acceptance into the program, you will be eligible for an Internship License, which will allow you to apply for a position to be a teacher of record for two years at a local school. During your time teaching, you will complete your coursework towards your initial teaching license.

Once you complete the program and fulfill the requirements outlined by the New Mexico Public Education Department, you will be able to apply for a level-one provisional teaching license to teach in the State of New Mexico.

Upcoming Deadlines

Deadlines
Program Start

Jul. 31, 2026
Fall
Jan. 05, 2027
Spring

Get Deadline Reminders

Ways to Lower Your Costs

No cost offsets reported by Santa Fe Community College at this time.Check outExplore Financial Aidto find other scholarships and other financial support in New Mexico.

Licensure Areas

Early Childhood (age 3-grade 3)
Elementary Education (grades K-8)
Special Eduaction (grades 7-12)
Special Education (grades PK-12)

Program Overview

You will take two courses per semester while you teach in a classroom under your Internship License. Classroom observation begins in the first semester, and supervised field experiences are in the final semester.