New Mexico is certainly a state where there are many education opportunities for teachers of all teaching positions. The typical route to becoming a teacher in New Mexico is to attend university and obtain a bachelor's degree. Then you enroll in a teacher preparation program to gain the skills you need to develop and teach lessons that adhere to the curriculum outcomes. However, there are several other ways in which you can get a license to teach in New Mexico schools.
One way you can take advantage of the education opportunities in New Mexico is to take the portfolio route towards attaining a teaching certificate for this state. This applies to those who hold a Bachelor’s degree but do not have any teacher training. You can obtain an intern license if you have thirty semester hours in a course that is taught in the school curriculum. This can apply to courses that you are taking towards obtaining a Master’s degree. You do have to take the New Mexico Teacher Assessment test, which tests your competency in basic skills and knowledge of teaching, an exam to test your competency in the subject and enrollment in a teacher-training program.
There are many such education opportunities in New Mexico that will allow you to teach in the regular school system while you study for the teacher preparation course. You must apply for a teaching position in an school or school district where there is a high need for teachers in your category or skill area. You complete online courses to help you get the teacher training that you need. There is a fee associated for taking this alternative route. During the course of your studies you will work with a portfolio coach to help you strengthen your teaching practices and learn from your mistakes. Once you finish your courses, you can take the appropriate tests for the different certifications in the state and become a certified teacher in New Mexico.
If you are licensed as a teacher in another state, you can avail of the education opportunities in New Mexico through reciprocity. When you submit an application for a teaching certificate in New Mexico you will receive one if you also submit transcripts of your grades from your university degree, your teacher-training course, proof that you have passed the state certification exam in your previous state and evidence that you do have teaching experience. If you have taken part in the National Teacher Certification Program in another state and hold that certificate, then you won’t have any problems at all being certified in New Mexico.
There are also plenty of education opportunities working as a teacher with the Office of Indian Education Program. This program recruits and hires teachers for its 184 schools located on or near reservations throughout the state. New Mexico also actively recruits new teachers every year through its New Mexico Regional Application and Recruitment Program. You can also contact the various school boards throughout the state to see which job openings they have and to find out how you can submit an application.
