If you’re interested in becoming a teacher in New Mexico, it’s important to understand how Native students are served across the state—and what that means for your future career.
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New Mexico has about 263,615 Native Americans, accounting for 12.4 percent of the state's population, according to the 2020 census. The state is home to 23 tribes, including 19 Pueblos, three Apache Tribes and the Navajo Nation (1).
Each nation, pueblo and tribe is sovereign with its own government, traditions and unique relationship with federal and state governments. (2) In New Mexico, Native communities may share some similarities, but it’s important to acknowledge and respect each nation, pueblo and tribe’s unique culture, distinct sovereignty, and experiences. Many refer to themselves by their linguistic group, such as the Tewa or Tiwa. We’ve gathered general information about teaching in New Mexico nations, pueblos and tribes. For more specific information, you're encouraged to connect directly with each nation, pueblo and tribe.

The term "pueblo" (pronounced PWEB-loh) was given by Spanish explorers to Native American tribes in the Southwest. Today, it refers to both the people and their stone and adobe dwellings (villages) where they live. (3) A pueblo is all three of these things:
About 66,000 people live on pueblos in New Mexico today. The 19 Pueblos of New Mexico are grouped into four main language families, which serve as their primary cultural and linguistic identifiers.
The 19 pueblos in the state of New Mexico are: Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Walatowa, Laguna, Nambé, Picuris, Pojoaque, Sandia, Katishtya, San Ildefonso, Ohkay Owingeh, Tamaya, Khapo Owingeh, Kewa, Taos, Tesuque, Zia and Zuni.
Zuni Pueblo has the largest population with about 8,200 people. Pojoaque has the smallest population with about 150 people. (4)

The short answer is no. You’ll need a New Mexico teaching license to teach in any tribally-run or Bureau of Indian Education school. Similar to schools overseen by the state, you’ll also have to pass a background check and meet a few other requirements. To teach in any school in New Mexico, you’ll typically need to:
Important note: Unlike other subject areas, a bachelor’s degree is not required for the Native American Language and Culture certificate. Learn more.
Speak a Native language? Share it with students in New Mexico!

Start your teaching career with the Native American Language and Culture Certificate (Pre K-12).
Learn more: Visit the New Mexico Public Education Department
Pro tip: Your certificate can open doors to additional subjects and ages. Get free guidance from a TEACH New Mexico coach.

Teaching jobs in schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education
Check out the current vacancies on the Bureau of Indian Education website. Click on the post and learn everything you need to know about each open teaching position. The descriptions are detailed and include the application process steps and placement on the salary schedule. All schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education use the job finder so it’s a one-stop shop!
Teaching jobs in tribally-controlled schools
This part can be a little trickier. We suggest checking each school’s website (sometimes nations, pueblos and tribes will have their own Tribal Education Department site). Keep in mind that schools update their websites at different times. For the most up-to-date job openings, an old-fashioned phone call to the school can work best. You can also find a list of nations, pueblos and tribes with links to their leadership websites here.

Have questions about your specific situation—or if you just prefer a personal touch—sign up for 1-on-1 coaching! You can talk to an experienced educator via video chat, phone or email—all free!
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Learn how to support Native students while building your teaching career in tribal, Bureau of Indian Education and public schools.
