Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in New Mexico
Early childhood education (ECE) refers to preschool and young school-age children, who are typically between 3 and 8 years old. It is their job to prepare these young children for future learning in elementary school classes and beyond.
A preschool teacher will have activities for the class to engage in that are educational and appropriately challenging for their age group, such as singing songs, putting puzzles together, reciting poems and nursery rhymes, painting, drawing, coloring, or playing educational games like identifying items, counting, and memory games.
As children progress through their early education, activities must progress with them, becoming more challenging, teaching new concepts and requiring more and more focus. The job of a preschool teacher takes a lot of patience, understanding, and tolerance. In addition, one must really enjoy working with young children, as that’s what the majority of your time will be spent on, around 8 hours a day - five days a week.
New Mexico Steps to Follow for Teachers
In the state of New Mexico, licensed ECE teachers can work with children from birth to third grade. This means that once you obtain your preschool teaching license in New Mexico, you will be qualified to teach children up to 8 years old.
New Mexico has a variety of options to become a state licensed preschool teacher.
Step 1. Earn Your Degree
In order to gain licensure in the state of New Mexico, you must complete a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, from a college or university that is regionally accredited. This will need to have 36 to 42 credit hours from an approved ECE program. Those hours should break down to 18-30 credit hours for students teaching any children aged birth-8 years old; 150 hours spent teaching or assisting within those age groups, and 6 credit hours spent teaching reading.
Your other options for licensure include multiple years of verifiable work experience within the ECE age group; obtaining an unrelated bachelor’s degree and engaging in training for the ECE age group; gaining a higher-level degree in ECE, like a master’s or doctorate including specific courses in ECE; obtaining a higher-level degree and completing the Online Portfolio for Alternative Licensure (OPAL) program; or gain a higher-level degree and have 5 years of verifiable teaching experience with a few courses to cover reading and student teaching requirements.
Step 2. Pass Your Exams
Besides earning a degree, you will also need to pass the New Mexico Teacher Assessment (NMTA) exam, to become a licensed preschool teacher in New Mexico. Unlike other states, who use the PRAXIS exam, New Mexico uses tests from the National Evaluation Series (NES). The required exam consists of two parts: Competency in Early Childhood and Basic Skills: Reading, Writing , and Mathematics.
Note: If you already received certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards you are exempt from taking these assessments.
The testing requirements vary slightly for each grade level as follows:
Early Childhood, Birth-3: Essential Academic Skills, Early Childhood Education (Birth-PreK), and Early Childhood Education (Age 3-8)
Elementary, K-8: Essential Academic Skills, Assessment of Professional Knowledge (Elementary), Elementary Education, and Essential Components of Elementary Reading Instruction
Special Education, PreK-12: Essential Academic Skills, Assessment of Professional Knowledge (Elementary or Secondary), and Special Education
Step 3. Apply for Your License
Once you’ve completed your educational and testing requirements, it’s time to apply for your license. You will apply by submitting the following to the New Mexico Public Education Department:
A completed application
A money order for $125 made out to The New Mexico Public Education Department
Official transcripts from every institution you attended
A completed background check packet along with a check or money order for $75 to cover the processing fee.
Copies of any other teaching licenses that you may hold
Step 4. Alternative Licensures
As mentioned before, there are other options for licensure in New Mexico. The Alternative Licensure Program, is an alternative designed by the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED), that allows you to obtain an internship license to teach, gain teaching experience, and prepare for and complete the exam requirements for full licensure.
Another route you can take to become an ECE preschool teacher is to gain verifiable experience of working for an accredited day-care center with at least 2 of the children’s age groups from above.
The Online Portfolio for Alternative Licensure (OPAL), is another way to go. To take this route you must complete the following:
Obtain a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate with an appropriate amount of ECE courses
Submit your letter of interest to the OPAL program
Register to take the New Mexico Teacher Assessment Exams
Enroll in a 6 credit-hour teaching reading course
Gain experience by teaching under an internship license for one year
Complete the online portfolio to demonstrate your competency through your teaching experience.
Popular Career Choices
Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Demand for ECE Teachers
Since the release of the Quality Counts Report, New Mexico has been working on improving its educational system with more funds and job openings for preschool teachers and more. This means that ECE preschool teachers will be in high demand in New Mexico and can expect more pay in the future. Therefore, it is a very wise decision to pursue a degree in ECE preschool teaching. Although it may seem like a hassle to obtain licensing, once you get through it you will be able to enjoy a successful, rewarding career as an ECE teacher.
Accredited New Mexico Programs
After obtaining your internship teaching license in New Mexico, your school district will instruct you on how to get your Level-1 teaching License, since your internship license is only valid for 3 years and is not renewable.
A Level-1 teaching License will be valid for 5 years and it is also not renewable. After those 5 years, you will be given an application along with instructions to upgrade to a Level-2 License for which you must meet the following requirements.
Teach full-time for at least 160 days a year or for three years
Submit a Professional Development Dossier (PDD), showing how much you have developed and progressed as a professional teacher while working for the past three years.
Your Level-2 teaching license will be valid for 9 years. To renew it you can either submit the New Mexico Application for Continuing Licensure or use the ‘Same Level Licensure’ system online.
Note: Your school superintendent must provide a statement of recommendation for you to continue your licensure.
If you have been teaching for at least 160 days a year or 3 years, you may have the option of upgrading your Level-2 teaching license to a Level-3, which is known as the Instructional Leader teaching license. To do this, you must become Nationally Board Certified, or earn your master’s degree and submit a PDD. Level-3 licensures are also valid for 9 years and can be renewed with the same requirements as Level-2.
Accredited Early Childhood Educator Teacher Preparation Programs
New Mexico, is home to over 50 higher education institutions that include colleges, universities, and vocational/trade schools; online, on campus, and hybrid.
New Mexico regional accreditation is offered by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that high standards are met, and high-quality educational training programs are provided to students, resulting in them earning a recognized professional degree. Other accreditation to look for is CAEP or NCATE.
Eastern New Mexico University
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; Master’s
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s & Post-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By:
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Higher Learning Commission
New Mexico Highlands University
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; Master’s & Post-grad Certificate
Curriculum and Instruction; Master’s
Educational Leadership & Administration; Master’s & Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; Associate & Bachelor’s
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Special Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s, Master’s, & Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By:
Higher Learning Commission
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
New Mexico State University – Las Cruces
Degrees Offered:
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; Associate’s
Education, General; Associate’s
Teachers Assistant/Aide; Associate’s
Accreditation By:
Higher Learning Commission
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
New Mexico State Department of Education’s Division of Vocational, Technical and Adult Education
Northern New Mexico College
Degrees Offered:
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; Associate’s
Elementary Education and Teaching; Associate’s, Bachelor’s, & Under-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; Under-grad Certificate
Accreditation By:
Higher Learning Commission
The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
To end up being a public establishment teacher in New Mexico prospects have to make a coach certification. The New Mexico teacher qualification process is cared for by the New Mexico Public Education Division and additionally is laid out listed below for those inquiring on precisely how to find to be a teacher in New Mexico. Like a great deal of states, New Mexico has a variety of needs that candidates should complete before running in the public college system.
Those that have a bachelor's degree yet have actually not completed an instructor prep work program might be qualified for alternative teacher credentials in New Mexico. New Mexico makes use of a tiered licensing framework for educators. Newly-licensed teachers begin as Level I Provisionary Educators. New teachers need to finish an Expert Development Plan (PDP) produced with the school principal.
Potential customers may pursue the best degree of licensure, Degree III, by completing a master's degree as well as 3 years of training with "Reliable" positions or far better at Degree II.5% Any type of individual pursuing a New Mexico teacher certificate need to complete an accepted teacher education and learning program at a licensed institution. You can find a listing of approved programs with the Board website.
Potential teachers assessing programs made use of out-of-state or on-line need to validate that programs are acknowledged by that state's neighborhood accreditation body. There are 6 regional qualification firms, which are managed by the US Department of Education And Discovering. In addition, several establishments search for accreditation from the Council for the Certification of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
One of the most direct methods to satisfy the education and learning demands for becoming a teacher in New Mexico is to make a bachelor's or master's level from a regionally certified college or college and likewise complete an accepted teacher education program. This is referred to as the conventional path to licensure. It is extremely encouraged that prospects pick an instructor prep work program approved by the state.
Thorough details worrying the tests required as well as likewise web links to the application internet site are offered via the New Mexico Public Education And Also Learning Department. New Mexico state legislation calls for anyone trying to find New Mexico instructor accreditation to send fingerprints for a state in addition to government background check. This process should be launched by requesting a fingerprinting card from the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. When the actions towards teacher qualification in New Mexico have in fact been completed, prospects need to request a permit.
Authorities record exposing proof of bachelor's level. Evidence of educator preparation work program verdict from an approved university. Passing ratings on called for understanding in addition to discipline analyses. Ended up application for training certification in New Mexico. Repayment of non-refundable credentials processing expense. New Mexico has actually moved to an online system, File and also OPAL, for applications and also renewals.
You must in addition contend the very least 24 credit history hrs in the subject you intend to reveal and additionally you must pass the New Mexico trainer tests for standard abilities, extra teacher efficiency, and also product knowledge.: Precisely just how can I be a replacement teacher in New Mexico?: New Mexico does not offer state accreditation for alternative instructors, neither do they developed very little needs for them.
They will definitely utilize the $17.75 billion in assets they hold to improve the student's outcome by paying trainers in addition to the team much more along with opening up more jobs for preschool instructors. Now is a fun time to become a certified preschool educator in New Mexico as the demand is currently high as well as pay needs to be on the rise for ECE teachers.
Ensure to investigate the child-care facilities in your town, as the majority of these facilities continue to be in constant need of really qualified instructors and also assistant teachers. There are numerous expert firms for instructors in the state of New Mexico sharing similar visions. The New Mexico Education Association( NEANM )has 8,000 public college teachers as well as additional teachers throughout the state.
If you are looking for information on how to become a new Early Childhood teacher in New Mexico then you will need to start by looking at the requirements and qualifications set forth by the state. The requirements and qualifications include passing the certification exam, meeting the minimum education and experience criteria, completing training and having at least six years experience as a preschool or primary school teacher in a facility that offers educational services.
You will also need to have a background that is in line with the state's commitment to child development and safety, along with an emphasis on teaching the early childhood education curriculum. This curriculum will focus on helping children develop early on in their academic, social and emotional development as well as encourage them to be involved in learning activities. You will also need to have an understanding of teaching in a school setting.
The focus of this curriculum is to help children learn how to get along with one another, how to interact with their peers, and how to work with their teachers. These are things that can help a teacher to provide a positive atmosphere for all of his students.
You will also need to understand the importance of the children's safety while in your classroom. This means that your classroom should be clean, you should keep all equipment in good condition, and that you should provide your students with safe practices while they are learning.
As you become familiar with the requirements of becoming a New Man in teaching, it will become evident that there are many different programs that are available. You will need to take the time to research all of the different options and which ones are right for you.
Once you are comfortable with the types of programs that are available and the type of curriculum that you are interested in, it will be easier for you to find an agency or program that can provide you with the education, training and placement assistance that you need to become a New Man in teaching. Make sure that you spend some time browsing around online and looking at some of the programs that are available and then talk with the agencies or programs that you find to see if they can provide you with any valuable information.
The last step is to decide how you want to make money while you are on the road to becoming a New Man in teaching. You may be able to make some additional income through work onsite. or you may prefer to work from home.
Whichever route you choose to take, just make sure that you have the proper training and the resources to teach you the skills and knowledge that you need to successfully complete your education and training. Once you have the proper training and skills you will soon be ready to enter this exciting and rewarding career path.
If you want to become an early childhood teacher in New Man, you will first need to meet the requirements for teaching in the State of New Mexico. You will need to pass the state licensing exam that will be administered by the Department of Education.
Each state has their own criteria for who will be licensed to teach in that State. The requirements will vary depending on the age of your child, whether your child will be pre-schoolers or middle school age, what type of education you will be providing, what subject matter that you will be teaching, and other factors.
Middle school age children tend to require a different curriculum than those that are enrolled in preschool. As you work towards becoming a teacher, you will learn more about each subject matter that is required for you to have the necessary experience and knowledge in order to effectively teach these children.
Once you have completed your education and have passed all of the necessary requirements for teaching in New Mexico, you will have the knowledge, skill, and experience needed to become an Early Childhood Education professional. This is an exciting career choice and one that will help you create lifelong friendships and wonderful memories for yourself and your students.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
Because of its scenic beauty, New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment, but in the public education system, it is second to last in overall rankings. Each year, a report is released by Education Week, revealing the scores and rankings of educational systems in 50 states and Washington D.C. This report, known as the Quality Counts Report, measures the education of each state in three areas:
Chance for success
Based on 13 indicators that help understand what role education will play in a person’s life span.
K-12 achievement
Based on 18 measures of achievement related to math and reading performance, advanced placement test results, and high school graduation rates
School finance
Analysis of financial equity and school spending.
Although New Mexico scored a bit above the middle in school finance, its k-12 score was near the bottom, and its chance for success rate was ranked last. Overall, New Mexico came out second to last in the country (the last being Nevada).
In response to this report, New Mexico’s Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, released a 21 page document entitled A New Direction for New Mexico Schools, which states that a new initiative will be instituted to provide the children of New Mexico with a high-quality education that will prepare them for success in life.
Grisham blames inadequate school funding as part of the problem. A study conducted by the American Institute of Research in 2008, did find that schools in New Mexico were underfunded by over $300 million.
Therefore, the governor plans on working with legislative leaders to pass a constitutional amendment in order to boost school funding. They will leverage the $17.75 billion in assets they hold to improve the student’s outcome by paying teachers and staff more and opening more jobs for preschool teachers. The governor believes they are understaffed, and preschool is essential to a child’s education in the long run.
Now is a great time to become a licensed preschool teacher in New Mexico as the demand is currently high and pay should be on the rise for ECE teachers. This career opportunity will allow you to work for many different institutions such as:
Public schools
Private childcare
Private schools
Head Start programs
Community-based programs
Faith-based programs
Military programs